The Colgate University football team won its final three games of the 2010 season to record its 14th winning season under the reigns of head coach
Dick Biddle. During the final three games the Raiders defense stood strong only giving up 11.0 points per game while forcing five turnovers. Leading the Colgate defense all season was senior linebacker
Chris DiMassa who looks forward to returning for his fifth-year and capturing his second Patriot League championship.
The Coatesville, Pa, native proved to be the workhorse for the Raiders as a senior, leading the team with 92 tackles on the season, which ranked fourth in the league. DiMassa also recorded nine tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions, while being named to the all-Patriot League first team.
In an exclusive interview with GoColgateRaiders.com, DiMassa took time from his summer workouts to discuss everything from returning for a fifth-year to his leadership role for this upcoming season.
On returning for a fifth-year ... “I'm very excited to have the opportunity to play one more season at Colgate. The decision really wasn't difficult. We have a lot of starters returning on defense, our whole offensive line and an All-American RB in
Nate Eachus also returning. Also, not many teams in the Patriot League have two returning first-team all league fifth-year seniors coming back with
Jamie Germano and myself. I look at my ankle injury during my sophomore year as a blessing in disguise, as it has given me the chance to grow both as a football player and a person for one more semester at Colgate.”
On balancing Division I football at Colgate ... “I believe that balancing a Division I sport with academics is a challenge for any athlete at any university. That being said, Colgate is a top notch school in which professors, administrators and students take academics very seriously. It's hard to really give any advice to incoming freshman or underclassmen on how to balance football and school, it really is something that will come naturally if you eat right, sleep right and stay on top of both athletics and academics. The only advice I can give to underclassmen is GO TO CLASS! Easy to say now, but getting used to early wake-ups for football and long nights of schoolwork kept me out of more classes than I would like to admit as a freshman.”
“What I didn't realize until senior year and what I try to stress to underclassmen is that there is a lot to learn from the game besides banging heads and scoring touchdowns. It is the life lessons that we as players need to take from the game; things like discipline, work ethic and most importantly accountability. I realize that I am not only representing myself, but I am representing my family, coaches, teammates and my university as a student-athlete at Colgate. I can't stress the importance of that enough and I hope kids on the team can realize it even before I did.”
On being the veteran leader for the Raiders defense ... “I love the opportunity that both the coaches and my teammates have given me to be the defensive leader for this team. Being the middle linebacker and getting the defense aligned before every snap is something that I take a lot of pride in. Being a leader on this defense wont be overly difficult because I believe we have great chemistry with one another and we all have the same goals in mind. There are no selfish players on the defense, and that means a lot when trying to win a Patriot League championship.”
On meeting expectations for the 2011 season ... “I don't think it is a secret that there is a lot of anticipation for the upcoming season from players, coaches and even alumni. The good thing is that we all realize we have a great team this year and that we can really do some special things if we stay on track. That said, I try to make it clear to the guys that expectations really don't mean anything, its about the true performance once the season starts and the games count. Preseason rankings don't mean much to me. This team has a lot of potential, possibly the most since my time at Colgate. I expect nothing less than to bring the Patriot League championship back to the 'gate.”
On facing Nate Eachus during practice ... “I wish I could really comment on this but it's hard because Nate gets limited reps during practice. It makes perfect sense because our coaches don't want to risk a freak injury. I have been on the field with him a few times, and when he is in the backfield I know I need to bring a little bit extra or he's either running past me or trying to run through me if I come in soft. He is an all-American, but if you saw him at practice you would think he is trying to earn a spot on the roster, he has a great motor. Nate is a special player and I'm excited I get to play one more season with him.”
On playing for head coach Dick Biddle ... “There is added pressure when you come to Colgate to play linebacker because that was Coach Biddle's former position when he played at Duke. I've never seen footage, but I've read and heard from many people that he was an extraordinary football player. It is well known on the team that he is a little bit tougher on LB's than any other position, but I like it that way because it keeps me on my toes. His coaching style is unique but he always managed to get his point across.”
The Raiders will start their 2011 campaign at home on Saturday, September 3 when they host Albany at 6:00 p.m. To renew or purchase season tickets for the 2011 Colgate season, please contact the Raiders Ticket Office at (315) 228-7600 or order online
here.
