BUFFALO, NY - University at Buffalo head football coach Jim Hofher has announced his 2002 captains after getting the input of the Bulls who will return this fall.

After conducting exit interviews with all of his players, Hofher announced that tight end Chad Bartoszek (Salamanca, NY/Salamanca), tailback Marquis Dwarte (Baltimore, MD/Perry Hall) and linebacker Lamar Wilcher (Ossining, NY/Ossining) have been tabbed as 2002 captains.

Chad Bartoszek

"After speaking with all of their teammates, these players emerged unanimously as the leaders of our football team," said Hofher, who enters his second season as head coach at Buffalo this fall. "The ultimate compliment a player can receive in a team game like football is for your teammates to recognize you as a leader and a captain. We are confident that the three of them understand the significance of that and are ready to do their part to help us continue to become a better football team."

Bartoszek, a 6-6, 255-pound senior, was the team's leading receiver in 2001 and earned Honorable Mention honors from the Mid-American Conference following the season. A John Mackey Award (best tight end in the nation) candidate for 2002, Bartoszek had 42 receptions for 441 yards and four touchdowns last season. He is the third most productive tight end returning in Division I-A football this fall. He is a three-year letterwinner for the Bulls.

Marquis Dwarte

Dwarte, a 5-6, 170-pound junior, has been the leading ground gainer for Buffalo over his first two seasons. Last year, Dwarte accumulated 546 yards and six touchdowns on the ground while also adding 16 receptions for 84 yards and a score. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards in his first two seasons.

Lamar Wilcher

Wilcher, a 6-2, 230-pound junior, is the second-leading returning tackler from his linebacker position. Last season, despite missing parts of three games with injuries, Wilcher accumulated 70 total tackles (36 solos), including 10 tackles for loss. He also recovered two fumbles and broke up a pass.

Buffalo opens the 2002 season on Thursday, August 29th when it hosts Lehigh at UB Stadium.