KONIECZNY, O'CONNELL NAMED 1998 BATES FOOTBALL CAPTAINS
 

LEWISTON, Maine -- Bates College juniors Jeff Konieczny of St. Johnsbury, Vt., and Dan O'Connell of Bangor, Maine, have been named football co captains for the 1998 season.

Konieczny, is a three-year letter-winner who spent this season at linebacker after two years playing on the defensive line. He was a key reserve for the Bobcats in 1997. He played on special teams, both as a blocker on returns and as a member of the punt and kickoff coverage teams, making several tackles. As a linebacker, Konieczny made 10 total tackles this season. In the final game of the season at Hamilton, he had four tackles, a half a sack and his first career interception. For his career, Konieczny has 54 tackles and 4.5 sacks.

O'Connell stepped into a starting role at center this year. He was part of an offensive line that helped the Bobcats produce the top rusher in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) in P.J. McGrail '97. O'Connell is the third offensive lineman in four years to be named a captain at Bates.

"I am very enthusiastic about the selection of these two young men to lead our team next season," head coach Rick Pardy said. "Jeff and Dan have shown a wealth of personal character over the course of their careers, and they have increased their level of play as each season has gone by."

Konieczny is a 1995 graduate of St. Johnsbury Academy. He is the son of Steven and Linda Konieczny, St. Johnsbury.

O'Connell is a 1995 graduate of Bangor Senior High School. He is the son of Richard and Barbara O'Connell, Bangor.