The Morrisville State College football program announced its captains for the upcoming season Thursday, selecting seniors Tyler Cowley (Brooklyn), Joseph Faniel (Clyde), Greg Elliott (Hubbardsville) and Kendall Clarke (Brooklyn) to serve in the leadership role in 2017.
“I am very proud of our football team for voting four well-deserving Mustangs to represent Team 2017 as our Captains,” said head coach Curt Fitzpatrick.
“Kendall, Joe, Tyler, and Greg are outstanding young men who can be looked up to by our young players. These guys set the tone for our team in the way that they prepare both on and off the field, as well as in the campus community.”
Cowley appeared in nine games for the Mustangs on the offensive line just a year ago, starting all nine.
Faniel joins Cowley as a captain on the offensive side of the ball. The senior started in all ten games for the Mustangs last season at wide receiver and on special teams, snagging 507 yards through the air on 53 receptions, while adding another 470 yards in 27 kick returns.
Clarke and Elliott will captain the defensive side of the ball, Clarke from his linebacker position and Elliott on the line.
Clarke posted a total 70 tackles last season, 39 solo stops, as he started all 10 games. Eight of his tackles were for a loss of 36 yards, while adding two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and blocked kick.
Elliott appeared and started in five games for the Mustangs on the line in 2016, collecting six total stops.
“Being selected by your peers as a captain is an honor unlike any other,” Fitzpatrick said. “It shows that your teammates know how much you love our football program. Our team definitely got it right.”
Setting the tone for the 2017 season, the four captains will lead Morrisville State into its season opener, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 2, on the Mustangs campus. Kick-off is at noon on Drake Field.