Dec. 6, 2001

LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - Sophomore linebacker Dan Smacchia (Thornwood, N.Y./Westlake) was named to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference First Team defense as chosen by the league's head coaches. Seniors Justin Mootz (Hurleyville, N.Y./Tri-Valley) and Mike Mangino (Smithtown, N.Y./Smithtown) were selected to the Conference's Second Team.

Smacchia enjoyed a sensational season for the Saints (1-9/1-6 MAAC), leading the MAAC with 12.8 tackles per game. The two-time MAAC Defensive Player of the Week selection was the conference's only player who averaged 10 or more tackles per game. The 6-0, 225-pound talent led Siena in nearly every defensive category, including tackles-for-loss (14), fumbles forced (2) and fumbles recovered (2).

Senior captain Justin Mootz was honored as a Second Team selection. Mootz bounced back and forth between the defensive line and his natural linebacker spot this season, finishing fifth on the team with 45 tackles. Mootz was second on the team with 10.5 tackles-for-loss and fifth with 2.5 sacks.

Rounding out the honorees was offensive lineman Mike Mangino. Mangino was a four-year starter for the Saints, and, this season, paved the way for the Siena ground game, which averaged nearly 90 yards per contest.