SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Seniors Justin Bailey (Northborough, MA), Dylan Chandler (Durham, ME), and Dan Crane (Waterbury, CT) will serve as tri-captains of the 2010 Western New England College football team.
One of the top linebackers in the region, Bailey was selected the team’s Most Valuable Player in 2009 after leading the Golden Bears with 91 tackles (32 solo), which ranked sixth in the New England Football Conference. He compiled his first two college interceptions against Norwich in the season opener and Nichols in the final contest. Bailey recorded a career best 15 tackles against both Maine Maritime and Endicott. A three-year starter, he has 192 career tackles (75 unassisted) in 29 games. Bailey is a Criminal Justice major.
Chandler begins his fourth season as a starter and third year as a captain of the Golden Bears’ squad. He continues the tradition of top linebackers at the College. Last year Chandler was second on the team (and 10th in the NEFC) with 88 tackles. He posted 10 or more tackles four times with a season high of 12 against Westfield State in the President’s Trophy contest. Chandler also had two sacks against the Owls and one against Salve Regina. He has 263 career tackles (109 unassisted), including 19 for losses, and 19 tackles against MIT his freshman season. An Industrial Engineering major, Chandler was named to the 2009 NEFC Academic Team. He was the team’s Defensive Player-of-the-Year as a sophomore.
Crane begins his fourth season ready to continue his fine play from a year ago. He ranked among the league’s most improved players with 16 receptions for 147 yards and two touchdowns. After missing the first three contests with an injury, Crane hauled in seven passes for 60 yards against Curry. He had a pair of touchdowns with a five-yard catch against MIT and nine-yard score vs. Nichols in the season finale. Crane also had a career best 27-yard reception against Salve Regina. For his career, he has 25 catches for 248 yards and three TDs in 22 games. Crane is a Management major who was also selected to the 2009 NEFC Academic Team.
“Dan, Dylan, and Justin are seasoned veterans and the unquestioned leaders of this team," said Golden Bears' coach Keith Emery. "Dan is the most vocal of the group while Justin has tremendous football knowledge. Dylan has been our captain since the 2008 season. Our players have the utmost respect for him and though he’s not the most out-spoken, the guys react instantly when he makes his point. I have not seen a more dedicated group of captains in my career.”
Western New England College, which posted a 6-4 record last year, opens its 30th varsity season at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, September 4, at Norwich. The Golden Bears make their home debut against Massachusetts Maritime beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 11.