UB's Edward Ellis selected in draft by AFC Champion New England Patriots

University at Buffalo senior offensive tackle Edward Ellis-a native of Hamden, Conn. -is going back to New England to launch his professional football career. The 6-7, 335-pound tackle was selected in the fourth round by the New England Patriots on Sunday in the National Football League draft at Madison Square Garden. He was the 125th player taken overall in the draft and is the first UB football player ever selected in the NFL draft.

Gerry Philbin, a standout defensive end for the New York Jets, was the last UB player drafted by a current NFL member, but he was taken in the American Football League (AFL) draft in 1963. Ellis was a four-year starter at UB and helped the Bulls make the transition to Division I football. One of the first full scholarship players signed to UB during its football upgrade, he helped the Bulls go from a 1-10 season in his freshman year to 8-3 as a senior.

Ellis' play at tackle helped the Bulls average 372.5 yards of total offense per game and 24.6 points per game. His blocking helped tailback Anthony Swan become only the third UB player in school history to go over 1,000 yards. At UB he played both left and right tackle and showed excellent mobility.

"I hope this puts our school on the map," said an excited Ellis shortly after receiving word of his selection. "This is probably the sweetest thing in my life, particularly coming out of New England, where it's tough to get noticed." Ellis was a projected late-round selection whose stock continued to grow through his workouts with over 20 NFL clubs. He said it was difficult waiting for the phone to ring. "It was nerve-wracking waiting to get the word," he said. "Then New England called and I couldn't believe I was going to be staying at home. I thank Coach (Jim) Ward for giving me the opportunity to get an education and bringing me to Buffalo. I also have to thank Coach Cirbus and his staff for really turning the program around and helping me achieve this." Including his 11 years at Penn State, Ellis became the 11th offensive lineman that Cirbus has coached who has been drafted by an NFL team.

Royals take fifth at Mid-Con Women's Tennis Championships

UB, seeded fifth in the nine-team field, dropped its first-round contest to fourth-seeded Valparaiso 4-0 on Friday. Matches were called when the winning team reached four victories out of a possible seven.

The loss sent coach Kathy Twist's squad to a second-round meeting with ninth-seeded Northeastern Illinois as the Royals thumped the Golden Eagles 4-1. Sophomore Danielle Rakowsky at number five singles breezed past Erin Stanton 6-0, 6-0 to lead the Royals. April Kiser took the number six match by default, as Rakowsky and Kiser were awarded the number three doubles match by default. Amy Borden was victorious for the Royals at number three singles, defeating Melissa Lentz 6-1, 6-1.

UB completed the weekend tournament by winning the fifth-place match over host Missouri-Kansas City 4-3. The Royals took the number two through five singles matches to defeat the Roos. Rakowsky, at number five, rallied from a set down to defeat Shalini Bhat 0-6, 6-3, 6-0. Annulett Dillon and Amy Snyder also took "double-bagel" victories with 6-0, 6-0 wins at number two and four, respectively. The Royals closed out the contest as Borden took a grueling number three match from UMKC's Rebecca Klontz 7-5, 7-5.

Bulls Tennis heads for Chicago and Mid-Cons

Track and field team hosts UB Invitational

Division I teams expected to compete include Canisius, Dayton, Duquesne, Youngstown State, Colgate and St. Francis of Pennsylvania.

-Ted Wasko, Sports Information Office

Upcoming Home Athletic Events

Sunday, April 27

Blue-White Football Game,
UB Stadium, 2 p.m.

Friday-Saturday, May 2-3
UB Open Track & Field Meet, UB Stadium,
4 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday

Friday-Sunday, May 9-11
Mid-Continent Conference Track & Field Championships,
UB Stadium, 9:30 a.m. Friday-Saturday,
9 a.m. Sunday
Awards presentations
2:30 p.m. Sunday