Towson State University
Tiger Tracks
Published exclusively for Tiger Club members
by the News and Publications Services
November 14, 1978
TIGER GRIDDERS END '78 CAMPAIGN
The Tigers closed out their 1978 football season on a disappointing note when fifth-
ranked Ithaca College handed us a 35-22 loss this past Saturday afternoon.
The defeat left us with an impressive 7-3 record, but dashed our hopes of gaining a
second berth in the NCAA Division III post-season tournament. Tne victory upped the
Bombers to 9-1 on the year and helped them win a place in the eight team field.
Ithaca utilized a brutal running attack which netted 377 yards on tne ground. Tne
Bombers almost completely ignored the passing game, choosing instead to advance via tne
rush. They ran the ball a whopping 79 times and passed only three times. The Tigers
chose to stay to the air routes, with sophomore quarterback Ron Meehan completing 17 of 39
passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore All American candidate Ken Snoots
grabbed seven aerials, including two for touchdowns that carried 78 and 75 yards,
не
ran
his season's totals to 61 receptions for 1,009 yards and nine touchdowns.
The Tigers took a 9-7 lead at halftime, but Ithaca came thundering Dack in tne tniro
quarter to score 21 points and go ahead 28-9.
"I was proud of our guys for not quitting," said Tiger head coach Phil AlDert.
"They took that substantial lead, but we hung in there and did not give up."
In addition to Ken's two bombs, Ron sneaked in for a touchdown and junior Kandy
Biel ski booted a season long 42 yard field goal to account for our points. Ithaca's bod
Ferrigno was the chief culprit for the Bombers. Ferrigno rushed for 169 yards and scored
three touchdowns.
"Naturally we're disappointed about not making the playoffs," Phil said, "but all in
all I'm pleased, considering we lost four starters during the season with knee injuries
(all required surgery) and fielded such a young team."
We started two freshmen, 11 sophomores, three juniors and six seniors against the
veteran Bombers.
Phil will lose a tackle, guard, tight end and fullback on offense, plus an inside
linebacker and safety on defense to graduation from his first string forces.
"We'll be concentrating our recruiting on interior linemen, extra help at wide
receiver and more depth at running back," Phil said. "For the most part we'll have a
veteran unit returning next year, but we'll have to continuously build if we hope to
remain competitive."
The Tigers will become Division II members of the NCAA next year in football.
Frostburg and Ithaca disappear from the schedule and will be replaced by Division II
powers Wayne State of Detroit and C.w. Post of New York. The Tigers are also working on
increasing their schedule from 10 to 11 games with Morgan State University and Kings Point
possible opponents.
"Our schedule will become more demanding and physical," Phil said. "Every weex will
be a big week for us. We're looking forward to it."
Phil will have plenty to build upon. On offense the Tigers return Ron Meehan, who
finished an outstanding season. He completed 150 of 277 attempts for 1,881 yards ana 14
touchdowns. Ken will be his primary target once again, along with flanker Maurice
Harrison. Tight end Terry Beck graduates. Back up Mark Weis returns, but tne Tigers will
be looking for support. Tailbacks Tom Jones and Albo Butler will be back, but both full¬
backs, Rick Biel ski and Bryan Bassford, graduate. Kevin Fidati, John Youngberg and Mike
Preston will return at center, right guard and right tackle, respectively.
-over-