Veteran secondary fortifies defense By Andrew Kristy
Senior Spence White tackles SUNY-Cortland sophomore wide receiver John Babin at the Cortaca Jug. Rachel Orlow/The Ithacan
When an opposing quarterback dropped back to pass against the team’s secondary, he did so against a unit of seasoned veterans. Starting three seniors and one junior, the South Hill squad’s defense was loaded with proven talent in the secondary. The Bombers’ two senior cornerbacks Mike Conti and Spence White were standout players for three seasons. Senior strong safety Kevin Cline and returning junior starter Josh Liemer lead the Bombers at the safety position. White said though their main job on the field is pass coverage, the secondary still has a heated desire to make key stops. “When it comes to the tackling phase, we take pride in being the smallest guys on defense,” he said. “We walk around with a chip on our shoulder trying to be big dogs back there — just trying to make as many tackles as possible.”
Senior wideout record among Bombers’ best By Andrew Kristy
SPORTS
Thomas Vossler ’11, used to hold the Bombers’ record for catches with 144, but that all changed this season. Graduate wide receiver Dan Ruffrage totaled 151 receptions in his career, which ranks first in the program’s all-time list. Vossler has been coaching Ruffrage this season as the team’s assistant coach and wide receivers coach. Ruffrage said though he has not talked to Vossler about the record, their relationship is positive and supportive after playing with each other for three years. “He’s pretty much like a brother to me,” Ruffrage said. “We had a blast playing together, and now he’s coaching me and we’re just working together.” Vossler said if anyone were to break his record, he would want it to be Ruffrage. Though Vossler is on the sidelines during games instead of lining up next to Ruffrage, he said his relationship with Ruffrage has stayed genuine. “Now and then you gotta get after him a little bit, but he’s a guy you don’t really need to coach a lot — he’s got a lot of natural ability,” Vossler said. Senior cornerback Mike Conti said Ruffrage was the team’s most dynamic player. “Without a doubt he’s our biggest playmaker,” Conti said. “When we need a big play, everybody looks to Ruff to come up big for us, whether it be on offense or on special teams.”
Senior Dan Ruffrage weaves around St. John Fisher University senior halfback Artie Bigsby. Ruffrage finished first in punt return yardage, with an average of 26. Alexis Bonin/The Ithacan
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