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Haugabrook, Bleiler named UD football co-captains
Haugabrook is a three-year starting cornerback whose signature play during the 2003 NCAA Division I-AA national championship season was an 80-yard punt return to spark a comeback victory over the University of Maine. Bleiler is a versatile special teams standout who will long be remembered for his 24-yard first down run on a fake punt against the U.S. Naval Academy that kept alive a UD drive and helped the Fightin’ Blue Hens to an important and exciting 21-17 victory. “We've talked often about how important team chemistry was in our run to winning the national championship last year,” Keeler said. “Even though Sid and Sean were not captains or seniors last year, they played a huge leadership role for us and were very important in building that chemistry. They gained the respect of their teammates, and the coaching staff not only on the field but also in the locker room. This year they have the chance to step their leadership role up a level, and we have no doubt they will take advantage of the opportunity.” Keeler added, “Our captains are selected by a vote of the players and it was a tough choice because we have so many great leaders on this team. They will get a lot of help. I think Sid and Sean will feed off each other and balance each other out. Neither is very vocal, but they are proven players who will complement each other well. It's a great honor to be named a Delaware football captain.” Haugabrook, a 5-foot 10-inch, 180-pound cornerback from Atlanta, has already established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in UD history as a three-year starter. He has started 38 straight games and has earned All-Atlantic 10 Football Conference honors each of his three seasons. Haugabrook was the first defensive player to earn Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year honors, doing so in 2001, when he also was named Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Rookie of the Year. Haugabrook was named second team All-Atlantic 10 as a cornerback in both 2002 and 2003 and last season also earned second team honors as a kick returner. In 2003, Haugabrook ranked third on the team with 84 total tackles, including a team-leading 58 solo tackles, and intercepted two passes, returning one 39 yards for a touchdown against West Chester University. He is among UD’s all-time leaders with 236 tackles and 10 interceptions for his career. On special teams, Haugabrook was one of the Atlantic 10's most feared punt returners in 2003, averaging 12.1 yards on 35 returns.
“I think the role of the captain is to do what your team needs you to do at any given time,” Haugabrook, who is majoring in sociology, said. “I understand that and I think I'll know when to speak up and say what needs to be said. I had a good teacher the last four years in Mike Adams and I'll have a good supporting cast this year.” Adams, a defensive back, and Jason Nerys, an offensive lineman, were the 2003 co-captains. Bleiler, a 6-foot, 210-pound senior from Orefield, Pa., is one of UD’s toughest and most versatile players. On special teams, he made 17 tackles and three fumble recoveries in 2003. In addition, he played tight end and blocking back in the Hens’ spread offense and caught 14 passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Bleiler is believed to be the first nonstarter to be selected captain in UD history. “Sean has had an interesting career,” Keeler said. “He's played everywhere we've needed him to and done well every time. He is so well respected for his play on special teams and I think that enhances that position. When people see Sean on special teams, they realize how important that is to the game of football.” “What will make the job of captain easier for Sid and me is that we have such a large group of seniors (17) coming back this fall,” Bleiler, a business major, said. “We have leaders all over the place on this team. But, this is such a great honor to be named a captain by your teammates and earn their respect.” Bleiler’s older brother, Ryan, was a punter for the Hens in 1998-2002. Haugabrook and Bleiler will lead the Hens onto the field to open the defense of their national championship when the 2004 season begins with an Atlantic 10 game against the University of New Hampshire on Thursday evening, Sept. 2, at Delaware Stadium. To learn how to subscribe to UDaily, click here. |
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