Hudson Valley Alumnus on College Football's Biggest Stage Thursday Night

November 10, 2006

CONTACT: Steve Mullen (518) 629-8063
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Friday, November 10, 2006

Hudson Valley Community College was represented very well in what was arguably college football's biggest game to date in 2006 as Darnell Stapleton '05 helped lead Rutgers University to a 28-25 win over the University of Louisville in front of a national television audience.

Louisville, the country's third-ranked team, and No. 15 Rutgers both entered the game undefeated. Rutgers trailed 25-7 midway through the second quarter but methodically clawed its way back into the game and kicked a field goal with 13 second remaining to seal the victory.

Stapleton has started every game at center in his two-year career at Rutgers. He is on several award watch lists, including the Rimington Trophy list, which is given annually to the nation's top collegiate center.

Stapleton graduated from Hudson Valley in 2005 with an associate's degree in Liberal Arts and Science: Humanities and Social Science with a grade-point average higher than 3.0.

Hudson Valley alum Darnell Stapleton (No. 53) celebrates with his teammates after a Rutgers touchdown. Hudson Valley alum Darnell Stapleton (No. 53) celebrates with his teammates after a Rutgers touchdown.
Hudson Valley alum Darnell Stapleton (No. 53) celebrates with his teammates after a Rutgers touchdown. Hudson Valley alum Darnell Stapleton (No. 53) celebrates with his teammates after a Rutgers touchdown.