Minneapolis, MN --- Senior Cliff Oratokhai (Worcester, MA/South) has received a nod to the D3football.com All-East region team in a vote by the regions Sports Information Directors and website staff. Oratokhai, who was recognized as a Third-Team cornerback, was one of five from the New England Football Conference on the prestigious squad.
Oratokhai, an All-NEFC Bogan Division First-Team defensive back, finished his season with 45 tackles (36 solo) with 3.5 tackles for a loss as he shared the conference lead with six interceptions for 36 yards. Oratokhai is one of five players from New England with at least six picks as he finished his Worcester State career tied for 11th with nine.
As of this past week, Oratokhai is ranked 13th in the NCAA Divion III in interceptions per game (0.60).
Oratokhai was sensational in the clutch this season as he snatched a pass in the end-zone to set-up WSU's game-winning drive against WPI in their 21-14 triumph for their first against the Engineers since 2003.
He also had a pair of interceptions in a 31-30 victory over Coast Guard while he also had a key pass deflection that prevented the go-ahead score and another pick in a 27-14 win over Bogan Division Champion Framingham State.
Other representatives from the NEFC include senior Walter Butler (Bourne, MA – LB) of Mass Maritime along with sophomore teammates Melikke Van Alstyne (Salem, MA – RB) and James Muirhead (Middleboro, MA – DL) of Framingham State and Dylan Rushe (Palos Verdes, CA – K) of Endicott.
Locally, WPI senior classmates Ernie Mello (Wilmington, MA – Special Teams) and John Perron (Worcester, MA/Auburn) were garnered with accolades. A total of 78 student athletes were chosen from a pool of 251 candidates.
Last season standout linebacker Tyler Russell earned D3football.com Third-Team All-East honors.
Under the direction of 29th year head coach Brien Cullen, the Lancers finished the season at 8-3, their first winning season since 2004.