Jones Photo by David Silverman
After the 38-14 drubbing of West Virginia at the New Era Pinstripe Bowl, the Orange can now sit back and enjoy a successful season and get ready for ’13.¬† The football team is not the only ones who had a successful 2012.¬† A couple of former Syracuse alums have had great years and one even became a world champion of poker.
Jones Wins Rookie of the Month Award 
While RGIII has been getting a lot of rookie recognition on the offensive side of the football, former Syracuse Defensive End Chandler Jones was recognized for his impact with the New England Patriots.
Jones won the Rookie of the Month award in the NFL for September and appears to be the pass rusher that franchise has been needing for years.  His play helped to anchor the otherwise shaky defense early in the season.  Jones recorded 17 tackles, three sacks, and forced two fumbled during his first four games with the team.
Jones finished the season with 45 tackled, six sacks, and three forced fumbles as the Patriots finished the season 12-4 and secured a first round bye in playoffs.
Lu Wins WSOP Gold
While Chandler Jones has been representing in the NFL, another Syracuse Alum has been dominating in the alternative sport of poker. Syracuse alumnus Henry Lu won his first WSOP bracelet this past summer at the 2012 World Series of Poker.
Lu attended Syracuse from 2007 to 2011 and played the game of online poker as a way to supplement his college education.  He had intended to become an online professional, but the legal standing of the online game changed in the US, forcing Lu to become a live professional.
This past WSOP was Lu’s second and he took part in the $1,500 NL Hold’em Event that drew a massive field of 2,770 players.¬† At one point during the tournament, Lu was down to just one big blind but the savvy pro went on a hot streak and battled his way back to not just become the chip leader at the final table, but win the event.¬† Lu took home over $654,000 for his first place victory.
