Jan. 29, 2008

Erie, Pa. - One day after the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) officially released the 2008 conference football schedule, Mercyhurst College has announced the addition of a non-conference football game as well. The Lakers will open the season on the road by travelling to former conference opponent Wayne State Saturday, Aug. 30.

Mercyhurst and Wayne State have built a solid rivalry in recent years, playing in a number of games that were decided late as members of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). The Lakers defeated Wayne State 58-50 in triple overtime at Tullio Field in 2007 and Wayne State edged the Lakers 35-31 two years ago in Detroit, Mich.

The PSAC released the schedule of Mercyhurst's other 10 contests, including seven games against PSAC West schools and three "crossover" games. The Lakers will play two of those games against PSAC East schools in successive weeks Sept. 6 and Sept. 13 as the Lakers travel to Cheyney and Bloomsburg. Mercyhurst will then play its seven contests against PSAC East schools, playing the first three at home against Clarion, Slippery Rock and Lock Haven. The game against Slippery Rock Sept. 27 will be Homecoming.

Mercyhurst will then play at crosstown rival Gannon for the second consecutive year and will follow that with a trip to Indiana (Pa.). The Lakers will then play a third consecutive road game, renewing a series with county rival Edinboro. The two teams last played during the 2000 season. Mercyhurst will complete PSAC West play by hosting California (Pa.) Nov. 1.

The final PSAC game will take place Nov. 8 as Mercyhurst is scheduled to host West Chester. However, if either Mercyhurst or West Chester wins their division of PSAC, they would compete in the PSAC Championship Game. Mercyhurst will host a PSAC East opponent on that date regardless.

Mercyhurst will be playing its first season in the PSAC beginning in the 2008 school year. The athletic department had been a member of the GLIAC since 1995 but has announced that it will move conferences beginning next season.

Mercyhurst Football 2008 Schedule

Aug. 30 at Wayne State (Mich.)
Sept. 6 at Cheyney
Sept. 13 at Bloomsburg
Sept. 20 vs. CLARION, 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 vs. SLIPPERY ROCK, 1 p.m. (HOMECOMING)
Oct. 4 vs. LOCK HAVEN, 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Gannon
Oct. 18 at Indiana (Pa.)
Oct. 25 at Edinboro
Nov. 1 vs. CALIFORNIA (PA.), 1 p.m.
Nov. 8 vs. WEST CHESTER, 1 p.m.*

* - Opponent could change if Mercyhurst or West Chester wins their division