Colgate

HAMILTON, N.Y. (11/10/09) – Colgate men's basketball head coach Emmett Davis has announced that seniors Kyle Roemer (Martinez, Calif.) and Ben Jonson (Dallas, Texas) along with junior Mike Venezia (Westfield, N.J.) have been selected as team captains for the 2009-10 season.

The captain's selection was the result of a team vote. All three players selected have averaged double figures for a season in their careers.

“I am very excited about coaching this team in large part because of the strong leadership, maturity, and commitment that Kyle, Ben and Mike have exhibited throughout the off season and in our early practices,” stated coach Davis.

Roemer a three-year letter-winner and two-time team captain with the Raiders is already a 1,000-point scorer. During the 2007-08 season Roemer led the Raiders in scoring averaging 16.2 points per game. That season Roemer was named second team all-Patriot League and to the Patriot League All-Tournament team after scoring 74 points in three games - two short of the tournament record.

“Two seasons ago Kyle Roemer led our program to the Patriot League title game and a school record season tying win total,” said Davis. “He did this through leading by example on and off the court and displaying incredible perseverance, mental toughness and a unique competitive spirit.”

Both Roemer and Venezia were named to the Patriot League All-Rookie Team as freshman.

“During Kyle’s absence last year and in the off season Ben Jonson and Mike Venezia have emerged as leaders on this team and have earned the respect of their teammates and the right to join Kyle as team tri-captains for the 2009-10 season,” said Davis.

Last season Venezia led the team in scoring averaging 10.8 points per game and was given a share of the team’s most valuable player award with sophomore Yaw Gyawu (Lilburn, Ga.). Jonson the most improved player for Colgate last season was second in scoring and rebounding averaging, 10.4 and 5.3, respectively.

The Raiders open the season this Thursday, Nov. 12 with an exhibition game against Medaille College at 7 p.m. The Raiders start regular season play on Monday, Nov. 16 at the 2009 Dicks Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off against Connecticut, the game will be televised on ESPNU at 9 p.m.