Alfred University president Edward G. Coll announced "harsh measures" against students believed to have been involved in alleged hazing of freshman football players at a party Saturday evening in an off-campus residence. As part of the disciplinary actions, Coll announced that Alfred has canceled, and will attempt to forfeit, its scheduled home game against Susquehanna University Saturday night -- an unprecedented action in Alfred's history.

Alfred coach Dave Murray has also suspended six players from the team for the remainder of the season for reported violations of team policies. They are co-captains Nick Mancini and Justin Moore, as well as Jason Davoli, Casey Gaughran, Stephen Rossi and Eric Schwartz. One student, who was already on disciplinary probation for earlier infractions, has been expelled by the university, pending the results of a disciplinary hearing.

Coll said he ordered the game forfeited "as an expression of the seriousness of this incident."

"I wanted our football team to know that we will not tolerate this kind of behavior," said Coll.

He called Susquehanna president Joel Cunningham on Tuesday morning to apologize for Alfred's last-minute decision not to play Saturday. He was also in contact with the National Collegiate Athletic Association to advise it of the University's actions relating to this incident.

Despite Alfred's desire to forfeit the game, NCAA rules indicate that no forfeit can occur unless the game has been played and statistics were kept. If a game has been canceled before it was to have been played, it is simply regarded as "no contest." The game was to have been the season opener for both schools, which are both celebrating their 100th football seasons.

The announcement leaves Susquehanna officials disappointed, but supportive of Alfred's decision.

"We regret this development, but we wish Alfred University all the best as it sorts through this difficult situation," said Cunningham.

"We are all extremely disappointed to hear of the developments. I am confident that the Alfred people are doing what they feel is best to address a serious situation," said Susquehanna athletic director Don Harnum. "We all ought to pay attention."

The Susquehanna football team is taking a string of 12 seasons of .500 or better into 1998. Ninth-year head football coach Steve Briggs and his team will now have to wait until next Saturday afternoon's game at Middle Atlantic Conference rival King's College for a chance to open the new campaign.

"We're extremely disappointed. It was supposed to be the first game of the year, which is one of the decisive games because of the amount of time you spend preparing for it in camp. We seem to be the innocent victims, but we hope we can put this behind us and look forward to playing King's next week," said Briggs. "I hope our young men learn from the mistakes Alfred's players have made."

The cancellation of this Saturday's game will also postpone the bid by All-American senior fullback Matt Wichlinski to become Susquehanna's career rushing leader. Nicknamed "The Claymont Cannonball," the 5-6, 200-pounder is presently fourth all-time with 2,080 yards and needs just 97 more for the record (Record: 2,176, Hank Belcolle, 1980-83).

In related news, Susquehanna's "Quarterback Club" weekly football luncheon meetings will still begin this Friday, Sept. 4, at 12 p.m., in the private dining rooms of the Degenstein Campus Center. The preseason edition of The Coach's Corner football show is also still tentatively scheduled to air at 6:30 p.m. on WQSU-FM (88.9 on the dial).

The Crusader football team will open the home portion of its schedule on Saturday, Sept. 26, with a 1:30 p.m. game vs. Allegheny. The game will be a highlight of the university's annual Homecoming festivities and feature a tribute to long-time Crusader football coach and former lineman Bob Pittello.