Aug. 6, 2001

EDISON, N.J. -- Looking to become the first school in the MAAC Football league to win three consecutive titles, the Duquesne Dukes have been selected by the MAAC's head coaches to complete the task at hand in 2001.

Topping the 2000 MAAC Pre-Season Coaches' poll, the Dukes accumulated 62 total points and seven of eight possible first place votes. Fairfield University, finishing second in the poll, had 57 points, including the other first place vote. Marist College (49 points) and St. Peter's College (33 points) were also viewed, by the coaches, to make a run for the MAAC crown in 2001. La Salle University accumulated 32 points to place fifth while Iona College (30 points), Siena College (16 points) and Canisius College (nine points) round out the poll.

Duquesne earned its fourth MAAC Football League title in six seasons last year with an overall record of 10-1 and a perfect 7-0 mark in league play. The Dukes, who went undefeated in MAAC action for the third time under head coach Greg Gattuso, return six starters from an offense that averaged 38.5 points and 439.7 yards per game a year ago. On the defensive side of the ball, the Dukes lose just three starters. Returning to the gridiron for Duquesne this season is two-time First Team All-MAAC running back Donte Small. Small, who enters his senior campaign second on DU's all-time rushing list with 3,275 yards, has topped 100 yards in a game 16 times in his career. Joining the elusive Small in the backfield is Second Team All-MAAC fullback Josh Rue, who rushed for 585 yards and six touchdowns last season. Middle linebacker James Antinopoulos, who led the MAAC with 114 tackles (10.4/g.) last season, returns to lead the DU defense that finished 20th nationally in points allowed (17.2 ppg.) and third in turnover margin.