2011-12 Football News

April 21, 2012
Fourth Quarter TDs Give Green Team Spring Game Victory
For three quarters, the running games dominated but an early fourth quarter TD pass was the difference as the Green team won 21-7, in the annual Lake Erie College football Spring Game.

April 19, 2012
News-Herald College Football Blog: Lake Erie is Excited for New GLIAC Setup
The News-Herald's Kevin Kleps has several Storm notes heading into this weekend's Green-White Spring Game.

April 19, 2012
News-Herald: Gallagher is Early Leader in Storm's QB Search
The News-Herald's Kevin Kleps talks with Head Coach Mark McNellie about this weekend's spring game and the Storm's quest to find Sean Bedevelsky's replacement.

April 19, 2012
SPRING GAME LIVE BLOG: Follow The Green-White Football Game via Cover It Live
Follow all the action and get insight from the stadium as Lake Erie plays its annual Green-White Spring football game Saturday (April 21). Coverage begins just before kickoff at 1 p.m.

April 9, 2012
Follow the Storm and Join the Herd at the Spring Game Tailgate at Harry Buffalo
After catching all the excitement of the annual Green-White Spring Game from Jack Britt Memorial Stadium on April 21, fans are invited to Harry Buffalo Painesville for the Official Spring Game Postgame Tailgate.

March 5, 2012
Football Team Announces Staff Additions
Lake Erie Head Coach Mark McNellie announced the volunteer Brian White has joined the Storm in a full-time capacity and that former Mentor and Baldwin-Wallace standout Ryan Dugan has joined the program as a graduate assistant.

March 2, 2012
Five Selected to Ohio Army National Guard Senior Bowl Team
Lake Erie will have five former players representing the North Team at the third annual OhioCollegeFootball.com all-star game. Sean Bedevelsky, Chaz Brown, Kevin Chapman, Mike Gritz and Brandon James will all be featured in the game April 14 at Crew Stadium.

March 1, 2012
James Honored by Cleveland Touchdown Club
Senior receiver Brandon James was named the Storm's most valuable player by the Cleveland Touchdown Club Charities and will be recognized at the organization's 64th annual awards banquet on Saturday, March 3rd.

February 1, 2012
Football Announces 2012 National Signing Day Class (With Video Interview)
Head Coach Mark McNellie announced the signing of 16 student-athletes to letters of intent on Wednesday, Feb. 1. The class represents one of the best hauls in the Storm's brief history.

January 30, 2012
Storm Football Announces Annual Award Winners, Team Captains
Head Coach Mark McNellie and staff announced the 2011 Lake Erie players of the year, scholar-athlete award winner and the team captains for the previous season at the team's annual season-ending banquet on Sunday, Jan. 29.

January 17, 2012
Three Storm Players Named ECAC Division II All-Stars
Mike Gritz earned his second straight ECAC Football All-Star honor and was joined on the team by Sean Bedevelsky and Brandon James.

December 20, 2011
Lake Erie Announces 2012 Football Schedule
The Storm will open the 2012 season like it has each of the previous four years, with a nonconference game against Gannon in the battle for the Captain's Wheel trophy. That game, along with five home dates and three games against the newest GLIAC members, highlights the Storm's schedule for next season.

December 14, 2011
Storm Players Lend a Hand at WDOK Rainbow Radiothon (With Video)
Several Lake Erie College football players got up extra early Friday morning (Dec. 9) to volunteer by working the phone bank at the annual WDOK Rainbow Radiothon at UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. Click go see and hear the players share their experience.

December 9, 2011
Storm Places Four on OCF All-Ohio Team
Lake Erie had four players named to the 2011 OhioCollegeFootball.com All-Ohio NCAA FCS/II Team, including three first-team selections.

December 8, 2011
Storm Football to Volunteer for WDOK Rainbow Radiothon
Lake Erie will be representated on the call-in phone bank at the annual WDOK Rainbow Radiothon at UH Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital Friday morning, Dec. 9, by seven Storm football players. The players will be helping the group raising money for Family & Child Life programs at the hospital.

November 17, 2011
James Named All-GLIAC Second Team, Five Others Earn Honorable Mention
Senior receiver Brandon James was named to the All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic-Conference Second Team by the conference coaches after finishing third in the league in receiving during the 2011 season. Teammates Sean Bedevelsky, Kevin Chapman, Mike Gritz, Mike McElligot and David Romeo were all named to the All-GLIAC team as honorable mention picks.

November 15, 2011
Storm Seniors Walk Off Winners vs. Ashland (Video Highlights)
Watch highlights of Lake Erie's 45-42 football victory over Ashland University on Senior Day.

November 12, 2011
Revenge is Sweet as Storm Clips Eagles, 45-42, in Season Finale
Beaten substantially on the road in last year's final game, Lake Erie avenged its embarrassing loss by knocking off visiting Ashland on Seniors Day Saturday (Nov. 12). Senior QB Sean Bedevelsky ran for a record three touchdowns and threw for two more as the Storm closed out the year with two straight wins.

November 11, 2011
GAMEDAY CENTRAL: Storm Closes out Season by Hosting Ashland on Senior Day/Veterans Appreciation Day
The 2011 season comes to a close on Saturday afternoon when Lake Erie hosts GLIAC foe Ashland at 1 p.m. The game marks the final contest for 27 Storm seniors who will be recognized before the game. Saturday will also mark Veterans Appreciation Day. All veterans and active military will be admitted free with proof of service and participate in a special halftime program.

November 5, 2011
Storm Runs Past Tiffin in Record Fashion for First GLIAC Win, 52-42
Freshman Rod Smith ran for a career-high 172 yards and a school record three touchdowns as the Storm held off Tiffin 52-42 for its first conference win of the year. The 52 points were the most in a game for Lake Erie, which rolled up 270 yards on the ground.

November 4, 2011
GAMEDAY CENTRAL: Lake Erie Travels to Tiffin in GLIAC Contest Saturday Afternoon
The penultimate game of the 2011 season finds the Storm on the road for the final time this year on Saturday, Nov. 5. Lake Erie will look for its first GLIAC victory of the season when it faces host Tiffin University. Kickoff is at 1:30 p.m. with the pregame show at 1:15 on ESPN 970 and LakeErieStorm.com.

October 29, 2011
Turnovers Prove Costly for Storm at ODU Despite Comeback Attempt
Lake Erie committed four turnovers, including three in a crucial four-minute stretch in the middle of the game, and fell behind by as many as 24 before mounting a comeback bid that fell just short at Ohio Dominican, 38-30. Sean Bedevelsky totaled four touchdowns in the loss.

October 28, 2011
GAMEDAY CENTRAL: Storm Travels to Columbus to Face ODU Panthers
After two straight weeks at home, the Lake Erie football team travels south down I-71 to Columbus for a matchup with GLIAC rival Ohio Dominican on Saturday afternoon. The teams have split the previous two meetings, both in Painesville, including a 30-15 Storm win last year. Craig Deas and Mark Richards will have the radio call on ESPN 970 WFUN and LakeErieStorm.com, starting at 11:45 a.m.

October 22, 2011
Another Thriller for Storm and Oilers, But This Time Findlay Prevails
For the second straight year, Lake Erie and Findlay went down to the wire, but this time the Oilers escaped with a 35-31 win despite a record-tying day from Brandon James and a controversial final minute.

October 21, 2011
GAMEDAY CENTRAL: Storm Hosts Findlay On Youth Day Saturday Afternoon
Lake Erie and Findlay meet in a rematch of 2010's 48-45 shootout (won by the Storm) on Saturday afternoon at Britt Stadium. Saturday is Youth Day/Take a Kid to the Game Day in Painesville.

October 18, 2011
Storm Football to Host Youth Day/Take a Kid to the Game Saturday vs. Findlay
Lake Erie will welcome area youngsters Saturday, Oct. 22, for the 1 p.m. kickoff with the Oilers for the third annual Youth Day. The program is part of the NCAA's Take a Kid to the Game campaign and will offer FREE admission to area youth players 14-and-under) in their team jerseys and for all kids 14-and-under with the purchase of an adult ticket.

October 15, 2011
Big Fourth Quarter by Lakers Stuns Storm
Lake Erie went toe-to-toe with defending league champion Grand Valley for three quarters, but the visiting Lakers scored four times in the fourth quarter to pull away for a 61-31 win.

October 14, 2011
GAMEDAY CENTRAL: Lake Erie Returns Home to Host Grand Valley Under the Lights
After a two-game road trip, the Storm comes back home on Saturday night to host perennial national power Grand Valley State at Britt Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. as part of "Taking Breast Cancer by Storm."

October 8, 2011
Big Plays Push #6 Wayne State Past Storm in Detroit
Lake Erie took the opening kickoff of the second half and closed within a touchdown, but touchdown passes of 39 and 80 yards by Wayne State allowed the Warriors to pull away with a 45-24 win on Saturday afternoon, despite two TD passes and another scoring run by Sean Bedevelsky.

October 7, 2011
GAMEDAY CENTRAL: Storm Travels to #6 Wayne State on Saturday
For the fifth straight week, Lake Erie will face an opponent with either one or no losses, this time unbeaten and sixth-ranked Wayne State on Saturday, Oct. 8, in Detroit. Kickoff is set for noon with the live broadcast on ESPN 970 WFUN and LakeErieStorm.com.

October 3, 2011
Fan Bus for Saturday's Game at Wayne State
The Department of Athletics will once again provide Lake Erie fans the opportunity to travel to the Storm's game this week at #6 Wayne State on the Storm Fan Bus. Click for more information on how to reserve your seat.

October 1, 2011
Bulldogs' Balanced Attack Sends Storm to Defeat
David Romeo caught a school-record 88-yard touchdown pass, but the Storm had fallen behind 24-0 at the point and couldn't comeback in a 38-14 setback on the road at Ferris State Saturday night.

September 30, 2011
GAMEDAY CENTRAL: STORM HEADS TO FERRIS STATE FOR MATCHUP WITH BULLDOGS
After coming close to upsetting nationally-ranked Hillsdale last week, Lake Erie travels to Big Rapids Saturday night for a matchup with the Ferris State Bulldogs (3-1, 2-1 GLIAC) under the lights at Top Taggert Field, looking to pick up its first conference win.

September 27, 2011
Highlights From Saturday's Showdown Against Hillsdale
Watch TD runs of seniors Dave Romeo and Sean Bedevelsky from Saturday's 35-26 loss to #21 Hillsdale.

September 26, 2011
Fan Bus to Saturday's Football Game at Ferris State
The Lake Erie Department of Athletics is providing a fan bus to-and-from the Storm's game Saturday night (Oct. 1) at Ferris State. Click here for more information on how to reserve your seat.

September 24, 2011
Upset Bid of #21 Hillsdale Comes Up Short for Storm
Kameron Alexander rushed for 102 yards and a TD, and Lake Erie had a 26-21 lead in the fourth quarter, but Joe Glendening scored two touchdowns in the final nine minutes to allow the nationally-ranked Chargers to escape with a 35-26 win over the Storm on Homecoming Saturday.

September 23, 2011
GAMEDAY CENTRAL: Lake Erie Hosts Hillsdale on Homecoming Saturday
The Storm football team concludes a two-game homestand Saturday, Sept. 24, with its annual Homecoming Game. LEC will host nationally-ranked Hillsdale in a rematch of last season's 42-37 thriller won by the Chargers.

September 22, 2011
Storm and Chargers Coaches to Take Part in Coach to Cure MD This Weekend
Lake Erie head coach Mark McNellie and his staff, along with the coaching staff from Hillsdale, will wear patches in promotion of the AFCA's Coach to Cure MD program to help raise awareness and funds to fight Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

September 17, 2011
Cardinals Hold Off Storm in Shootout on Fireworks Night, 35-20
Steve Bensinger set a school record with a pair of interceptions and Brandon James had his fifth career 100-yard game on Saturday night as the Storm closed within a touchdown after being down 28-7, but the visiting Cardinals scored a late TD to pull away for the win.

September 17, 2011
GAMEDAY CENTRAL: Storm Hosts SVSU for Football and Fireworks Saturday Night
Lake Erie returns home under the lights at The Britt looking to knock off Saginaw Valley and pick up its first conference win of the young season. The Storm and Cardinals will kick off 7 p.m. with fireworks after the game.

September 13, 2011
Second Annual Football & Fireworks Extravaganza Set for Saturday Night
The Storm football team returns home Saturday, Sept. 17, to host Saginaw Valley State at 7 p.m. Following the game fans will be treated to a spectacular fireworks display from American Fireworks, Inc.

September 10, 2011
Storm Stumbles in GLIAC Opener on The Road
Kameron Alexander surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for his career, but that was one of only a handful of highlights for the Storm Saturday in a 41-10 loss at Michigan Tech.

September 9, 2011
GAMEDAY CENTRAL: Storm Opens GLIAC Play at Michigan Tech
After stiffling rival Gannon last week, Lake Erie travels to Houghton, Mich. to kickoff conference play Saturday (Sept. 10) at Michigan Tech. After one week, the Storm and Huskies are two of the three top-ranked defenses in the league heading.

September 7, 2011
Chapman Tabbed as D2Football.com National Defensive Player of the Week
The honors continue to roll in for Storm senior OLB Kevin Chapman. One day after being named the GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week, Chapman was selected as the national Defensive Player of the Week by d2football.com.

September 7, 2011
LIVE BLOG: Follow Storm Football Saturday As It Opens GLIAC Play At Michigan Tech
Join us Saturday at 1:00 p.m. for a CoverItLive blog with insights live from Houghlin, Mich. as the Lake Erie College football takes on Michigan Tech University.

September 6, 2011
Kevin Chapman Named GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week
Storm senior OLB Kevin Chapman received the conference's first weekly award of the 2011 season after his performance Thursday night in Lake Erie's season-opening win over Gannon.

September 2, 2011
Relive Thursday Night's Win Over Gannon (Video Highlights)
Watch highlights of Thursday night's football matchup between Lake Erie and Gannon. Lake Erie prevailed 13-10, to win the first battle for the Captain's Wheel.

September 1, 2011
Storm Strikes Late to Claim Captains Wheel with 13-10 Win Over Gannon
Lake Erie didn't take the lead until 6:24 left to play, but Brendan Gallagher's pass to Cole Gordon put the Storm ahead and Gus Armbruster sealed the opening night victory with an interception and give the Storm it's first win over the Golden Knights.

September 1, 2011
LIVE BLOG: Follow Storm Football Against Gannon Via Cover It Live
Follow all the action and get on site insight from the field as Lake Erie College opens its 2011 season against Gannon University.

August 31, 2011
GAMEDAY CENTRAL: Storm Opens 2011 Season Thursday Night Against Gannon
Lake Erie and Gannon renew their annual rivalry on Sept. 1 to open the 2011 college football season under the lights at Jack Britt Memorial Stadium. Head Coach Mark McNellie returns 48 veterans as the Storm looks to stop its three-game losing streak against the Golden Knights.

August 31, 2011
Lake Erie and ESPN 970 Announce Football Broadcast Package
All 11 Storm football games will be carried live on ESPN 970 WFUN during the 2011 season, the third straight year Lake Erie has been carried on the station. In addition, the Storm Athletic Department will also host a live weekly online coaches show at the Harry Buffalo Painesville starting Sept. 6.

August 19, 2011
Storm Football 2011 Season Preview
The Lake Erie College football team returns a host of players from last year's GLIAC debut squad as the Storm looks to make a move up the conference standings in its second year.

August 18, 2011
Football Coaches Poll Revealed, GLIAC Media Day Site Launched
Lake Erie was picked to finish tied for fifth in the GLIAC South Division in the annual coaches preseason poll released Thursday (Aug. 18) in conjunction with the launch of the GLIAC's football media day site at www.GLIAC.org.

August 12, 2011
Coach McNellie Gives Thoughts On Day One of Football Practice (Video)
Watch Lake Erie Head Coach Mark McNellie give brief thoughts on the opening day of the 2011 football practice season.

June 15, 2011
Anthony Joins Storm Staff as Defensive Backs Coach
Former Miami University and Youngstown State assistant Tom Anthony is the newest member of Head Coach Mark McNellie's staff. Anthony, who was an All-American player at Augustana, will coach the defensive backs in 2011.