Pace Paw Print

Issue date: 12/5/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Jonathan Quartuccio

With the recent tragedy that occurred just over a week ago with the passing of Sean Taylor of the Washington Redskins, it will be interesting to see how the squad will be able to adjust to playing without one of their star players.

When the Chicago Bulls lost legendary basketball great Michael Jordan to retirement, the team really felt the loss. They clearly have not been the same team without him, and have only twice finished above .500 in the nine years since Jordan left the Bulls.

And we all know what happened to the Boston Red Sox for over 80 years after the Babe left town.

When a team loses a player with the kind of impact that can change the whole outcome of a single game, it may be extremely difficult to overcome. Whether it is to injury, retirement, or loss of eligibility, teams must find ways to bounce back from losing such individuals.

The Setters football team might possibly be in the same shoes as some of the above-mentioned teams, in terms of losing key players from the previous year. Already losing standout members on the team from the senior class, the Setters are hoping they can keep one man: Lee Robinson.

Robinson starred in three sports growing up in New Milford, CT. He excelled in football as a tight end/defensive end, in lacrosse, and in wrestling where he was ranked third in the state in the 215 pound weight class.

After playing Division I football for Stony Brook for a year and one half, Robinson and his good buddy quarterback Adam Headley decided to transfer to Pace University.

Robinson decided to make the move to Pleasantville partly because he would see more time at Pace, partly because Pace does rolling admissions, partly because he felt he could help the team who struggled to an 0-10 record the year prior, and partly because Robinson was kicked off campus for driving a golf cart while intoxicated.

This past year, Robinson had the finest season of his career, leading the North East-10 Conference in sacks with 9, and tackles for loss with 18. He was third in the Conference in forced fumbles with three ranked 15th nationally in sacks as well. He is up for the Gene Upshaw Defensive Lineman of the year award and made First Team All Conference for Defense.

However, with some key injuries among other things, the Setters managed to only go 1-10 for the year. When Robinson asked if he was happy with his career year, Robinson stated, "You can't ever be satisfied when you are not winning on the field. It is as simple as that."

With that kind of response, and with one year of eligibility left, many are starting to wonder whether or not Robinson may return for a final year. The Setters may not have to lose a key member of their defense after all. But it may not be that easy.

"Sure I would love to have one more year left to be back with the blue and gold," said Robinson. "There are a lot of factors that go into this decision, though. Right now I am negotiating with the coaches and am looking at all my options."

Ultimately, Robinson aspires to make it to that next level. Whether that next level is at the Canadian Football League, the Arena Football League, or the National Football League, Robinson has made it clear that is his number one goal.

"It would help my chances tremendously if I got back on the field next season," said Robinson. "I also feel I have unfinished business here. I still want to play for Pace. I like the guys I am playing with, and I would like to see the Setters win. I want to be back."

Robinson is not alone with his feelings.

Junior linebacker Brian Schuster said, "It would be a huge advantage for our defense to have him (Robinson) back, since we are losing a lot of players on our front line. His leadership skills are second to none."

"He is an impact player on defense," added junior cornerback Mark Castiglione. "We need to have him back on the field. He is a leader, and a lot of younger guys look up to him."

Robinson says, he will make his decision sometime at the end of the school year. When he does, this much is sure: The Setters and those rooting for them will be waiting on the edge of their seats.

Lee Robinson's Favorite Things

Wine -Whatever is on the floor of townhouse 18

To do - Being the X-Factor at townhouse 18

Place to be - Wherever you are candy pants

Person you'd want to be in a fox hole with - Adam Headley

Sport to play (other than football) - 21 Cup

Sport to watch (other than football) - Baseball

Friend - Joe Streany and family

Obscure hat to wear - The LukOil hat that Brian Schuster wears every day, retailed at $3.50.

Exotic fruit - Apples have to be exotic somewhere

Exercise - Pilates

Time of day - Pale moon

Quote - "Danny Reilly: Here is your shout out, now stop complaining."

NFL team - New York "football" Giants

Old school gym game - Tag: Pick your own form

Clothing store - TJ Maxx

Television show - Family Feud with Louie Anderson

Movie - Blast from the Past because of Brendan Frasier

Way to celebrate - Drinking sparkling water while listening to a Sisqo cd

To tattoo on your body - I already have a tattoo of the phrase "Come on baby light my fire" on my lower back.

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