Heading into his second year at the reigns of the Mount Ida College football program, Head Coach Michael Landers and his staff have announced their recruiting class for the 2009 season.  With a solid first year under his belt, coach Landers will continue to build his already stellar football family at Mount Ida this coming year.  With 55 incoming freshman arriving on campus this Friday, the Mustangs are confident on a promising second year with coach Landers.  Below is a list of the players that have committed for the 2009 season.

Matt Beale (5'11", 175, Defensive Back/Kicker) (Meriden, Connecticut/Platt)

At Platt:  Matt Beale was two-year starter at kicker and defensive back for Platt.  He holds the school record for most extra points in a single game, and is among the leading scorers all time in Platt High School history.  He was named to the All-Conference team twice. Matt is the son of Rob and Carie Beale.  He has a sister, Lauren.  Matt is a Liberal Studies major.

Jordan Bean (6'1", 215, Defensive End) (Boothbay Harbor, Maine/Bridgton Academy)

At Bridgton: Jordan Bean was a two year starter at defensive end for Bridgton.  He led his team in forced fumbles and was named the All-Conference defensive end.  Jordan is the son of David and Kathey Bean.  Jordan is a Funeral Home Management major. 

Matt Bonomolo (5'11", 235, Offensive Line) (Pearl River, New York/Nanuet)

At Nanuet: Matt Bonomolo was a captain and three year starter at center for Nanuet.  He was a two-time All-League, All-Rockland County, and All-New York State selection.  He led his team to the league championship in 2007.  He was selected a starter in the Section 1 All-Star game in 2008.  Matt is the son of J.P. and Charlotte Bonomolo.  He has a younger brother, Bret, who currently plays fullback and linebacker for Nanuet.  Matt is a Sport Management major. 

Randy Brown (6'2", 350, Offensive Line) (Boston, Massachusetts/J.E. Burke)

At Burke:  Randy Brown was a three year starter and three year captain on the offensive line for Burke.  He was a three time All-City, and a three time All-Scholastic selection.  Randy is the son of Bovel and Lourine Brown.  He has four brothers and two sisters.  He is undecided on his major.

Dan Budynas (5'9", 180, Defensive Back) (Honeoye Falls, New York/Honeoye Falls-Lima)

At Honeoye Falls-Lima:  Dan Budynas was a two year starter at defensive back and running back for Honeoye Falls-Lima.  He recorded three interceptions in four games his junior year before a season ending injury.  Despite this, he was named the Livingston County Top Newcomer that year.  Prior to his senior year, he was on the player to watch list and named Top Skill Player by his section.  He rushed for 112 yards and 2 TDs in only one quarter of his first game senior year, before suffering another season ending injury.  Dan is the son of Chris and Lori Budynas, both outstanding athletes at RPI; his father a track All-American, and his mother a four year soccer starter.  He has a younger sister, Courtney.  Dan is a Business Administration major.

Erick Camacho (5'10", 205, Fullback) (Greenwich, Connecticut/Greenwich)

At Greenwich:  Erick Camacho was a one year starter at running back for Greenwich.  He led Greenwich to an 8-3 record in 2008.  He rushed for over 700 yards on 105 carries, good for 12 total touchdowns.  He was named to the All-FCIAC team in 2008 as the first team running back.

Frankie Carlson (5'11", 200, Fullback) (Rocky Hill, Connecticut/Rocky Hill)

At Rocky Hill:  Frankie Carlson was a captain and a three year starter at fullback for Rocky Hill.  In 2008, he had 100 carries for 636 yards and seven touchdowns.  He also caught seven balls for 96 yards.  He led Rocky Hill to the state tournament, and helped capture their first conference championship in school history.  He was named All-Conference and the Old Spice Red Zone Player of the Year. Frankie is the son of Carol Anne Carlson.  He has a younger brother, Levi.  Frankie is an English major.

Azim Carter (5'8", 165, Defensive Back) (East Hartford, Connecticut/East Hartford)

At East Hartford:  Azim Carter was a two year starter at cornerback for East Hartford.  He tallied five interceptions and was named to the All-Conference team twice.  His senior year, he was selected to the All-State team.  Azim is the son of of Alvin and Chereese Carter.  He has three brothers and a sister.  Azim is a Business Administration major.

Roberto Clemente (5'8", 160, Defensive Back) (Northbridge, Massachusetts/Northbridge)

At Northbridge:  Roberto Clemente was a four year starter at defensive back for Northbridge.  He led his team to a 2007 Super Bowl win in Division 2A, as well as the central Massachusetts Super Bowl championship.  He was named the Most Outstanding Defensive Back.  Roberto is the son of Roberto Clemente and Maria Quiles.  He has one brother and two sisters. Roberto is a Criminal Justice major.

Clark Coe (6'0", 190, Defensive Back) (Carteret, New Jersey/Carteret)

At Carteret:  Clark Coe was a two year starter at receiver and free safety for Carteret.  He helped the 2007 squad capture the state championship.  He led his team in receptions, receiving touchdowns, and tackles, as well as leading New Jersey in tackles as a safety.  He was named All-Conference, All-GMC, and played in the Snapple Bowl; the northern New Jersey all-star game.  He was also one of the top 100 meter runners in the state in track.   Clark is the son of Perry and Angela Smith.  He has a sister, Raven.  Clark is a Sport Management major.

Rocco Colandro (5'10", 270, Defensive Line) (Darien, Connecticut/Darien)

At Darien:  Rocco Colandro was a two year starter at defensive tackle for Darien.  He had 65 total tackles his senior year.  He is a two time ALL-FCIAC selection and a first team All-State pick.  Rocco is the son of John and Jo Colandro.  He has two brothers, John and Michael.  He is a Sport Management major.

Tyrone Coney (6'0", 260, Defensive Line) (Williamstown, New Jersey/Williamstown)

 At Williamstown:  Tyrone Coney was a captain and three year starter on the defensive line for Williamstown.  His senior year, he had 76 tackles, nine sacks, eight forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.  For his career, he made 191 tackles, 19 sacks, forced 12 fumbles and recovered 6.  He led Williamstown to two consecutive state championships in 2007 and 2008.  He made All-Conference and was named the Tri-County Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year.  Tyrone is the son of Tyrone and Amy Coney.  He has two brothers and two sisters.  He is a Business Administration major.

Cam Costa (6'3", 250, Offensive Line)  (East Providence, Rhode Island/East Providence)

At East Providence:  Cam Costa was a two year starter on the offensive line for E. Providence.  He as named Captain his senior year.  He was named to the All-Academic, All-Division, and All-State (Hon. Mention) teams his senior year.  He was selected to play in the Connecticut-Rhode Island Governor's Cup All-Star team this year.  Cam is the son of Timmy and Kelly Costa.  He has two brothers, Brenton and Collin.  He is a Criminal Justice major. 

Mark Craig (6'1", 285, Offensive Line) (Bridgeport, Connecticut/Bassick)

At Bassick:  Mark Craig was a two year starter on the offensive line for Bassick.  He was named to the All-FCIAC team this year, as a center.  Mark is the son of Mark Craig and Sharon Fields.  He has a brother, Rashaad.  Mark is a Sport Management major.

Scott Drosendahl (6'1", 190, Quarterback) (East Aurora, New York/East Aurora)

At East Aurora:  Scott Drosendahl was a captain, and two year starter at quarterback.  He threw for nearly 3200 yards, and totaled 40 touchdowns in his career, a school record.  He led his team to its first division title in 38 years.  He was All-Western NY, MVP of the Class B title game, league MVP, and Don Majkowski Award winner for top QB in Western NY.  He was a Connolly Cup finalist, for outstanding player in Western NY.  He is the number two ranked QB in New York State, and the 19^th ranked player in the state overall, according to ESPN.  He is also a four year starter for the East Aurora varsity baseball team, and captain of the basketball team.  Scott is the son of Dave and Lisa Drosendahl.  He has one older brother.  Scott is a Liberal Studies major.

Kevin Dukes-Mayfield (5'10", 165, Wide Receiver) (Bronx, New York/Cardinal Hayes)

At Cardinal Hayes: Kevin Dukes-Mayfield was a three year starter at wide receiver, quarterback and defensive back for Cardinal Hayes.  He totaled 1374 yards and 28 TD's.  Dukes-Mayfield led Cardinal Hayes to the 2005 CHSFL A Division championship.  He was the Cardinal Hayes player of the year in 2006.  He was a three time All-League selection.  He was ranked among the top 20 players in New York State his senior year by Scout.com. Kevin is the son of Edith Mayfield.  He is an Individualized Studies major.

Nick English (6'0", 265, Defensive Tackle) (Orlando, Florida/Freedom)

At Freedom:  Nick English was a two-time captain at defensive tackle.  He was a three year varsity starter for Freedom.  He was named to the Senior All Star Bowl in 2008.  He is rated one of the top defensive linemen in Florida by Floridafb.com, and is nationally ranked by ESPN at his position.  Nick is the son of Mark English and Nettie Smith.  He has one brother, Miles.  Nick is a Sport Management major.

Mike Everett (6'3", 295, Offensive Line) (Sanford, Florida/Seminole)

At Seminole:  Mike Everett was a two year starter on the offensive line for Seminole.  He was an integral part in leading Seminole to a victory in the 6A Florida state championship game.  Mike is the son of Mike Everett and Kaye Futrell.  Mike is a Criminal Justice major.

Ross Florexil (6'0", 187, Defensive Back) (Lake Worth, Florida/Lake Worth)

At Lake Worth:  Ross Florexil was a three-year letterman at defensive back and running back for Lake Worth.  He was named Captain his senior year.  He totaled 70 tackles and three interceptions.  He also rushed for over 200 yards and four touchdowns on offense.  He was named Defensive MVP.  He was selected to the All-Conference team in 2008. Ross is the son of Rose Florexil.  Ross is the youngest of 5 children.  He is a Business Administration major.

Chris Gonzalez (6'1", 250, Offensive Line) (Coram, New York/Longwood)

At Longwood:  Chris Gonzalez was a three year starter on the offensive line for Longwood.  He led his team to the playoffs every year he started.  He was named the Bulldog Award winner, one of the most prestigious awards at Longwood High School. He was named All-Division in 2007 and All-Suffolk County in 2008.  Chris is the son of Carlos and Jeannina Gonzalez.  He has two younger siblings, David and Kristina.  Chris is a Criminal Justice major.

Tony Grandison (6'0", 175, Wide Receiver) (Ococee, Florida/Olympia)

At Olympia:  Tony Grandison was a three year starter, and two time captain at wide receiver for Olympia.  He was named offensive most valuable player, most outstanding player, was named to the East West All-Star game, which he was the MVP of.  He was a teammate of fellow Mustang recruit, LaDavius Manuel at Olympia.  Tony has a brother, Johntae Hayes, and a sister, Chandia Mason.  Tony is a Sport Management major.

Jibreel Henderson (5'8", 155, Wide Receiver) (Boston, Massachusetts/Arlington Catholic)

At Arlington Catholic:  Jibreel Henderson was a two year starter at wide receiver and defensive back for Arlington Catholic.  He had over 65 catches his senior year, and was second in Massachusetts for touchdown receptions in 2008.  He led his team to a 10-3 record in 2008.  He was named league All-Star, All-Division, and All-State in 2008 and competed in the Agganis Bowl all-star game.  Jibreel is the son of Deloris Henderson, and has a brother and two sisters.  He is a Graphic Design major.

Chris Hines (5'6", 160, Running Back) (Norwalk, Connecticut/Norwalk)

At Norwalk:  Chris Hines was a captain and two year starter for Norwalk.   He was selected to the county all star game this past year.  He was also selected for the All-FCIAC team twice, as the first team running back, and was selected first team All State this year. Chris is the son of Creton and Erica Hines.  He has a twin brother, Andrew.  Chris is a Sport Management major.

Robert Hull (6'3", 310, Offensive Line) (Bronx, New York/Cardinal Hayes)

At Cardinal Hayes:  Robert Hull was a two year starter on the offensive line for Cardinal Hayes.  Outstanding feet for a big man, Hull was one of the premier offensive linemen in the Catholic High School Football League (C.H.S.F.L) in New York City.  He was a teammate of fellow Mustang recruit, Kevin Dukes-Mayfield.  Robert is the son of Robert and Barbara Hull.  He has one sister, Tiffany.  Robert is a Biology major.

Korey Keane (5'9", 175, Wide Receiver) (Woburn, Massachusetts/Northeast Regional)

At Northeast:  Korey Keane was a captain and three year starter at running back, wide receiver and defensive back for Northeast.  He was team MVP, Conference All Star, selected for the senior bowl, and the Agganis Bowl All-Star game in the Boston area. Korey is the son of Kevin and Karen Keane.  He has two brothers, Kris and Kevin.  Korey is a Sport Management major.

A.J. Knibbs (6'2", 205, Defensive Back) (Spotswood, New Jersey/Spotswood)

At Spotswood:  A.J. Knibbs was a three year starter at wide receiver and safety for Spotswood.  At safety his senior year, he made 98 total tackles, had two interceptions, two forced fumbles, one sack and a blocked field goal.  He also saw duty at punt and kick return where he was considered the top returner in his conference. He was named All-Division, selected to attend Rutgers University Five-Star Recruiting camp, and is ranked among the top-5 safeties in New Jersey according to ESPN.  A.J. is the son of Susanne Knibbs.  He has a younger brother, Kyle.  A.J. is a Sport Management major.

Jordan Laboy (6'0", 235, Linebacker) (Bayonne, New Jersey/Bayonne)

At Bayonne:  Jordan Laboy was a three year starter at fullback and linebacker, and captain his senior year for Bayonne.  He recorded 97 tackles his senior year, and was named to the All-Group and All-County first teams.  Jordan is the son of Jose and Vivian.  He has two siblings, JoAnna and Jarred.  Jordan is undecided in his major.

LaDavius Manuel (5'9", 170, Defensive Back) (Orlando, Florida/Olympia)

At Olympia:  LaDavius Manuel was a captain and two year starter at cornerback for Olympia.  He led his team to a Gergley Bowl championship over rival Freedom High School, and finished the season 8-3.  He was selected for the Orange County All-Star game.  A versatile athlete, LaDavius was the district 100 meter champion in track.  LaDavius is the son of David Manuel and Latroxy Sweeting.  LaDavius is an American Studies major.

Damian McLaughlin (5'11", 190, Wide Receiver) (Hammonton, New Jersey/Hammonton)

At Hammonton:  Damian McLaughlin was a two year starter at running back, wide receiver, linebacker and defensive back for Hammonton.  He is third in school history in receptions and he led his team with 11 touchdowns offensively, and three interceptions.  An extremely versatile player for Hammonton who excelled at running back, and receiver in the Wing-T, and linebacker, corner and safety on defense, and returned kicks and punts.  He was named to the All-Cape Atlantic team. Damian is the grandson of Robert and Paula McLauglin.  He has a sister, Courtney.  Damian is a Psychology major.

Ben Moore (6'2", 235, Defensive End) (West Hartford, Connecticut/Hall)

At Hall:  Ben Moore was a three year varsity starter at defensive end, and a captain in 2008 for Hall.  He was named to the All-Conference, and All-State teams his senior year.  He was also a three year varsity lacrosse starter and captain for Hall as well. Ben is the son of Franklyn Moore and Linda Allard.  He is a Sport Management major.

Kenny Peterman (5'10", 165, Wide Receiver) (Redwood City, California/Los Altos)

At Los Altos:  Kenny Peterman was a three year varsity starter at wide receiver and punt returner for Los Altos.  One of the fastest Mount Ida recruits, Kenny was named Most Outstanding Receiver for Los Altos.  Kenny is the son of Mike and Yurika Peterman.  He has a sister, Mika.  Kenny is a Sport Management major.

Eddie Pinero (6'0", 185, Wide Receiver) (Inwood, New York/Lawrence)

 At Lawrence:  Eddie Pinero started at wide receiver, running back, defensive back and linebacker for Lawrence, as well as handling all punt and kickoff returns.  Lawrence's lethal weapon, he has scored in every facet of the game; receiving and rushing on offense, defensively (fumble return) and kickoff and punt returns.  During his career, Lawrence went to the Long Island Championship, and won the Nassau County championship.  Eddie is the son of Eddie and Miriam Pinero.  He has a brother Edwin, and a sister, Fay.  Eddie is a Sport Management major.

Eric Revelli (6'4", 285, Offensive Line) (North Cape May, New Jersey/Lower Cape May)

At Lower Cape May:  Revelli was a three year varsity player and two year starter at offensive tackle and was a captain for Lower Cape May.  Also a three year letterman in wrestling and one in track for shot-put.  An outstanding student, Revelli won the DeKalb Agricultural Accomplishment Award for academics and leadership.  Eric is the son of Jen Howey and stepfather Rob Howey.  He has 4 younger brothers.  Eric is a Biology major.

Joel Sanchez (6'0", 190, Defensive Back) (Orlando, Florida/Freedom)

At Freedom:  Joel Sanchez was a three year starter at safety and linebacker for Freedom.  He finished his career with 158 tackles, three interceptions, seven sacks, six forced fumbles and was the defensive player of the year at Freedom.  Joel is the son of Maribel Anidon.  Joel is a Business Administration major.

Robert Shaw (5'10", 155, Wide Receiver) (White River Junction, Vermont/Hartford)

At Hartford:  Shaw started at wide receiver for Hartford.  He caught six touchdowns in five games, and was named to the All-State team.  He was a teammate of fellow Mustang recruit, Terrell Martin.  Robert is the son of Scott and Regan Shaw.  He has two sisters, Brianna and Cayden.  Robert is a Business Administration major.

Elijah Shuler (6'3", 235, Defensive Line) (Northford, Connecticut/North Branford)

At North Branford:  Elijah Shuler was a two year starter for North Branford at running back, linebacker, and defensive end.  He led his team to a 10-1 record and a playoff appearance.  He was named to the All-Conference and All-State teams in both football and track (shot put and javelin).  He received the Purple Heart Award, one of the most prestigious awards North Branford High School gives out.  Eli is the son of Isiah and Brenda Shuler.  Eli is Undecided in his major at this time.

Herb Storey (5'11", 185, Quarterback) (Hammonton, New Jersey/Hammonton)

At Hammonton:  Herb Storey was a two year starter at quarterback for Hammonton.  He threw for 2082 yards, completing 68% of his passes, and accounted for 24 total touchdowns.  He was a two time All-Conference pick, an All-Press, and All-South Jersey selection in 2007.  He led Hammonton to the state playoffs twice, winning the conference championship in 2006.  Herb is the son of Herb and Charlotte Storey.  He has a younger sister Hillary, and a younger brother, Houston.  Herb is undeclared, but is interesting in pursuing a career in Dental Hygiene.

Matt Valentini (5'9", 170, Wide Receiver) (Lake Hopatcong, NJ/Jefferson Township/East Stroudsburg Transfer)

Transfer from D-2 East Stroudsburg University in East Stroudsburg, PA

At Jefferson Twp.:  Matt Valentini was a four-year varsity letterman for Jefferson.  He had 101 catches for 1800 yards and totaled 16 touchdowns.  He holds the league record for kickoff return (91 yards), and most catches in a game (14).  He was two time All-Area selection, and received All-State (Hon. Mention) honors his senior year. Matt is the son of Nicholas Valentini.  He has two younger brothers, Evan and Jason.  Matt is a Sport Management major.

Ed Wess (6'1", 180, Quarterback) (Coram, New York/Longwood)

At Longwood:  Ed Wess was a three year starter at quarterback for Longwood.  He led his team to the playoffs all three years.  He holds Longwood records for passing yards in a season, career, and most passing touchdowns in school history.  He was named to the All-Division team, and threw for 1,920 yards, and 16 touchdowns.  An outstanding runner, he was one of the top dual threat quarterback's in Suffolk County.  Ed is the son of Donna Wess.  He has a younger brother, Eric.  Ed is undecided in his major.

Andrew Whalen (5'9", 190, Linebacker) (Inwood, New York/Lawrence)

At Lawrence:  Andrew Whalen was a captain and started at tight end, linebacker and defensive end.  He was three-year varsity player at Lawrence, capturing the Long Island Championship in 2006, and the Rutgers Cup for outstanding team.  He was part of the 2006 and 2007 Nassau County Championship teams.  He was named All-Conference, and selected to the Nassau-Suffolk All Star Game.  Andrew is the son of Robert and Audrey Whalen, and has one younger brother, Michael.  Andrew is a Sport Management major.

Travis White (6'1", 190, Running Back) (Dorchester, Massachusetts/Charlestown)

At Charlestown:   Travis White was a four year starter and senior captain at running back and linebacker for Charlestown.  His junior year he led his conference with 10 touchdowns.  His senior year, he rushed for over 1000 yards and made over 100 stops on defense.  Travis is the son of Travis and Delores White.  He has 2 brothers and 2 sisters.  He is a Business Administration major.

Jon Zullo (6'2", 270, Offensive Line) (Milford, Connecticut/Jonathan Law)

At Law:  Jon Zullo was a one year starter at offensive and defensive line for Law.  He was one of the top interior linemen in the Southern Connecticut Conference.  A versatile player, he also handled the place kicking duties for Law.  He was named to the All-Conference team. Jon is the son of Joseph and Deborah Zullo.  He has a brother, Matthew.  Jon is a Bereavement Studies major.

Additional Recruits Committed to Mount Ida for Fall 2009

Jadaris Banks (6'0", 310, Defensive Line) (Lehigh Acres, Florida/South Fort Myers)

Mark Bove (5'10", 190, Fullback) (Wolcott, Connecticut/Wolcott)

Kano Brown (6'3", 225, Defenisve End) (Fort Pierce, Florida/Westwood)

Marquis Brown (5'10", 220, Linebacker) (New Haven, Connecticut/James Hillhouse)

Mike Dwinell (6'2", 185, Wide Receiver) (Amherst, New Hampshire/Souhegan) 

Antoine Fabien (5'9", 190, Fullback) (Winter Haven, Florida/Lake Region)

Mike Lebow (5'11", 190, Linebacker) (Mendon, Massachusetts/Nipmuc)

Kyle Loatman (6'2", 200, Defensive Line) (Boston, Massachusetts/Charlestown)

Durrell Lymon (6'0", 210) (Boston, Massachusetts/Charlestown)

Terrell Martin (6'1", 250, Defensive Line) (North Hartland, Vermont/Hartford)

John Morales (6'2", 235, Defensive Line) (Casselberry, Florida/Lake Howell)

T.J. Schoener (6'3", 225, Defensive Line) (Uxbridge, Massachusetts/Uxbridge)

Eric Winsor (6'0", 250, Offensive Line) (Sanford, Florida/Seminole)