Alfred State to Battle U of R

The Alfred State football team will travel to the University of Rochester on Saturday to battle the Yellowjackets.  U of R was slated to take on the United States Merchant Marine Academy but the partial shutdown by the federal government has forced the postponement of the game.

Alfred State originally had the weekend off after improving to 2-3 on the year with a 48-0 victory over Williamson Trade on Saturday.  The Pioneers and Yellowjackets were slated to start a home and home series vs. each other in 2014.

"This is a great opportunity for our players, especially our Rochester area kids, to play versus a well established program", said Mick Caba, head football coach.

Alfred State's roster features numerous Rochester area graduates including Ismail El-Amin (Wilson), David Howell (Greece Athena), Dileel Bartley (Edison), Khris Greggs (Aquinas), Bryan Sampson (Edison), Brett Harrington (Edison), Jake Chapman (Rush Henrietta), and Desmond Radcliffe (Freddie Thomas).  Former Pioneer Jacob Lees is on the coaching staff for the University of Rochester as well.

The Alfred State - U of Rochester football game is part of Meliora Weekend at Rochester, the traditional gathering of alumni, family, and friends. University officials anticipate between eight and nine thousand visitors.

"I am pleased that Alfred State will be here this weekend," said George VanderZwaag, the University's Director of Athletics and Recreation. "I am especially grateful to athletics director Jennifer Enke and head football coach Mick Caba at Alfred State for understanding our situation."

As one of five federal academies, the U.S.M.M.A. was affected by the shutdown. Civilian employees at the Academy were furloughed. This included coaches and administrators in the athletic department among other portions of the school. The Academy's game at RPI this past Saturday was postponed. Merchant Marine is a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

* portions of release taken from the University of Rochester.