Date: December 30, 2002
Contact: Brian Laubscher (540) 458-8676
Release: Upon Receipt

RAPOZA EARNS D3FOOTBALL.COM ALL-AMERICA HONORS
Senior Lineman Recognized For Third Straight Year

Senior Offensive Lineman Mat Rapoza

SALEM, Va. -- Washington and Lee senior offensive lineman Mat Rapoza (Kill Devil Hills, N.C./Manteo) earned Third Team All-America honors from D3Football.com.

The honor was the third such for Rapoza from the website. He earned Second Team All-America honors as a sophomore and First Team All-America honors last season.

A preseason First Team All-American, Rapoza finished his career by anchoring the W&L offensive line from his tackle position. He earned First Team All-ODAC, VaSID First Team All-State, Roanoke Times Second Team All-State and Football Gazette Second Team All-South Region honors in 2002 after the Generals' line allowed just 12 sacks in 292 pass attempts.

During his two years at W&L after transferring from Swarthmore, Rapoza helped pave the way for senior running back Chris Sullivan (San Antonio, Texas/Alamo Heights) to rush for 2,312 yards and 18 touchdowns while surrendering just 22 sacks in 568 pass attempts.

Washington and Lee completed the 2002 campaign with a 5-5 overall record, 3-3 in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference.

-- GENERALS --