FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PATUTO EARNS FOOTBALL ALL-NESCAC HONORS

LEWISTON, Maine -- Bates College junior offensive lineman Chris Patuto of Acton, Mass., has earned All-conference honors from the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC).

Patuto, a six-foot, five-inch, 295-pound right tackle, started all eight games for the Bobcats. He helped junior running back Ryan Jarvis finish third in the NESCAC in rushing with 83.2 yards per game, while the Bobcats averaged 121 yards rushing as a team. Bates also allowed just 20 sacks this season, their lowest total since 1995. Patuto is the second Bobcat offensive lineman honored by the NESCAC in as many years, joining Peter Marino '98.

"Chris improved consistently from game to game all season," head football coach Mark Harriman said. "Chris deserves this honor very much. We are looking for big things from him next year."

Patuto is a 1996 graduate of Acton-Boxborough High School. He is the son of Carmen and Susan Patuto, Acton, Mass.