UAlbany Finishes 89th Among 289 Schools in U.S. Sports Academy Directors' Cup Standings

Cleveland, Ohio – With eight America East Conference championships and five teams making NCAA Tournament appearances, UAlbany finished 89th among 289 Division I institutions in the U.S. Sports Academy Directors' Cup standings. The Great Danes recorded their highest-ever ranking since upgrading to Division I in 1999. The Directors’ Cup is presented annually by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), United States Sports Academy and USA Today to the best overall collegiate athletics program. Stanford captured its 13th consecutive trophy in 2006-07.

UAlbany celebrated its most successful Division I campaign by winning conference titles in men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, men’s indoor track, baseball, softball, men’s lacrosse, men’s outdoor track, and women’s outdoor track. Women’s indoor track and women’s lacrosse recorded runner-up finishes.

Baseball, softball, women’s volleyball, men’s lacrosse and men’s basketball competed in NCAA tournament play. The men’s lacrosse team, ranked second nationally for six consecutive weeks during the regular season, posted the school’s first-ever NCAA Division I victory and advanced to the quarterfinal round. Softball registered a pair of NCAA wins in reaching the Hempstead Regional final. The basketball squad made its second consecutive trip to the national tournament by defeating Vermont, 60-59, in the America East championship. Volleyball garnered an NCAA berth for the second time in three years, while baseball made its first NCAA appearance.

“We have a dedicated and committed group of student-athletes, coaches, and staff,” said UAlbany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy. “The enhanced quality, talent, and skills of these groups coupled with tremendous support from campus administration are both directly related to our success and the consistency of performance both on and off the field of play.”

Individual athletes were nationally recognized for their performances. Joe Greene and Marc Pallozzi earned track and field All-America recognition for the second consecutive year after scoring points at the NCAA Championships in June. Jamar Wilson, the basketball program’s all-time scorer, was voted to the Associated Press All-America Team in the honorable mention category for the second year in a row. Colin Disch, a linebacker of the football team, became the third UAlbany player to be named to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division I-AA All-America Team.

In its Division I history, UAlbany has won 25 conference championships and produced 12 NCAA Tournament teams.

Courtesy: UAlbany Athletics

Jamar Wilson still looking for NBA opportunity

As you probably know by now, UAlbany guard Jamar Wilson wasn’t selected in the NBA draft Thursday night, which didn’t come as a shocker.

His agent, Michael Whitaker, said this afternoon he was still trying to get Wilson a tryout for an NBA summer-league team. Whitaker said he had been turned down by 24 NBA teams and was still awaiting word from the other six.

Whitaker also represents UMass forward Rashaun Freeman of Schenectady, who was undrafted. Freeman will head to Memphis on Monday for a three-day mini-camp tryout for the Grizzlies’ entry in the Las Vegas Summer League. The Grizzlies are bringing in 17 hopefuls who are vying for a dozen spots.

Source: Mark Singelais

Steve Wyland Signs With CanAm League's Brockton Rox

Albany, N.Y. - UAlbany third baseman Steve Wyland signed a free-agent contract with the Brockton Rox of the independent CanAm League on June 24.

Wyland, a four-year member of the UAlbany baseball team, was a senior captain for the Great Danes and helped lead the team to the program's first America East Conference Championship and NCAA Tournament berth. Wyland was an all-conference first team selection at third base after leading the team in batting average. Wyland, who went 4-for-6 with two runs scored and one RBI in two games at the Fayetteville Regional in Fayetteville, Ark., finished his senior season with a .388 average, which was tops in the conference.

Wyland, who led the team with 76 hits, 45 RBI and 45 runs scored this season, concluded his career ranked on several of UAlbany's all-time charts. He stands second in games played (174), third in hits (211), fourth in runs scored (142) and at bats (607) and fifth in RBI (108) and career batting average (.347).

Wyland was a three-time all-America East honoree and was named to the ABCA Northeast Region Second Team.

Courtesy: UAlbany Athletics

Track & Field Champion Alyssa Lotmore Awarded NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship

Indianapolis, Ind. – University at Albany’s Alyssa Lotmore has been awarded an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship for the 2007 spring sports season as announced by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Lotmore, a women’s track and field standout, will pursue a master’s degree in social welfare as part of UAlbany’s accelerated program. She graduated in May with a B.S. in the same discipline.

Each of the 29 male and 29 female student-athletes will receive one-time scholarships of $7,500. These athletes competed in softball, golf, outdoor track and field, rowing, tennis, baseball and lacrosse. The NCAA awards a total of 174 postgraduate scholarships annually – 87 for men and 87 for women. The goal of the scholarship program, which recognizes the athletics and academic achievements, campus involvement and community service, volunteer activities and demonstrated leadership, is to promote and encourage postgraduate study by rewarding student-athletes through their participation in intercollegiate athletics.

Lotmore, who received the Presidential Scholar-Athlete Award as the Department of Athletics’ top student in 2006-07, posted a 3.86 cumulative grade point average. She won two events at this year’s America East Conference Indoor Track & Field Championships by finishing first in the 3,000- and 5,000-meter runs. She recorded a season-best time of 9:51.40 in the 3,000 and was first across the line in the 5,000 by nearly 24 seconds. Lotmore was named to the America East indoor track all-academic squad.

A native of Albany, N.Y., Lotmore has won UAlbany team MVP awards in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track. She held four school records at one time during her career and still owns the outdoor 5,000 standard of 16:48.68. In 2004, she earned USA Junior All-America status in the 1,500-meter run.

In 2007, Lotmore received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. She was awarded the University President’s Award for Leadership, Spellman Award for Distinguished Leadership and Class of 1972 Alumni Scholarship. Lotmore served on the Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Board (IAAB) and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). She has worked in the Albany City Hall Personnel Department with the Deputy Mayor’s Office since 2000.

Courtesy: UAlbany Athletics

UAlbany's John Moore Finishes Second in 800-Meter Run at USA Junior Outdoor Championships

Indianapolis, Ind. – University at Albany’s John Moore placed second in the 800-meter run final at the 2007 Finish Line USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships on Friday, June 22 at Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium on the campus of IUPUI.

Moore, a 19-year-old who just completed his freshman year, came from off the pace to finish behind champion Cory Primm, a senior from Westlake High School in California. Primm, who won last week’s Nike Outdoor national prep title and will attend UCLA this fall, posted a time of 1:49.76, while Moore hit the tape in 1:50.50. Iowa’s Adam Hairston was third in 1:50.98. The junior national competition, with athletes ranging from 14 to 19 years-old, is the qualifying meet for the 2007 Pan American Junior Athletics Championships. Moore will serve as a first alternate for the United States at the Pan American Games, scheduled for July 6-8 in San Paulo, Brazil.

“The pace slowed down in the second 200 meters and I got caught in traffic,” said Moore, who ran the fastest time in qualifying on Thursday with a season-best 1:50.21. “I knew I had a strong kick in me, so I just moved out on the backstretch and set my eyes on the lead guy. I am happy with second place, but not satisfied. I gained confidence through my practice sessions, now I have to keep building upon that.”

Moore, the Section II record holder at 800 meters, captured the 2006 New York State Division II Boys’ state title. He was second in the 800m at both the 2007 America East Conference indoor and outdoor championships.

UAlbany’s Luke Schoen, a freshman from Bohemia, N.Y., tied for ninth in the USA Junior men’s pole vault with a mark of 15-feet, 11-inches. Kansas’ Jordan Scott, the Big 12 Conference indoor and outdoor champion, won the competition by clearing the bar at 18-1.25.

Moore’s performance matched the best finish by a UAlbany athlete at USA Junior Nationals. Joe Greene was second in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles one year ago. UAlbany has produced six junior All-Americans, including Moore, Greene, Alyssa Lotmore, Ryan Gaedje, Jessica Ortman, and Jenna Ortman, since 2004.

University at Albany Announces 2007 New York Giants Training Camp Schedule

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Thursday, June 21 the New York Giants' summer training camp schedule. The Giants, who have trained on the UAlbany campus since 1996, begin workouts on Saturday, July 28. The four-week camp concludes on August 23.

For the second consecutive year, Giants training camp will feature eight evening practices. The first night practice is slated for Tuesday, July 31, at 6:10 p.m. All eight sessions are preceded by a morning workout at 8:40 a.m. The other day-night workouts are scheduled for August 2, 4, 6, 8, 14, 16 and 22. Training camp opens with morning and afternoon practices on July 28 and 29.

As has been the routine in previous camps, the Giants will not practice on the days following preseason games. On the day before a preseason game, the team will hold a one-hour jog-thru session. The Giants will practice 21 days on campus, including 10 double sessions.

Giants training camp all-session parking passes will be available at UAlbany's Athletic Merchandise Store, located in the SEFCU Arena Lobby, beginning Monday, July 9. An all-session parking pass in $15.00. The daily parking fee is $5.00. Dutch Quad Lot is the primary public parking facility. The Merchandise Store is open Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. For more information, call 518-442-4522. The training camp schedule can be accessed through www.giants.com or www.ualbanysports.com.

UAlbany and the Giants have partnered on a two-year agreement that will keep the National Football League organization's training camp in the Capital Region through the summer of 2008. The arrangement also includes the option for a third year.

The Giants have traveled to UAlbany for the second-longest period in the team's training camp history. The Giants previously spent thirteen summers at Pace University in Pleasantville, N.Y. from 1975-87. The Giants, who have also trained in the states of Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Oregon, previously worked out at Fairleigh Dickinson University (1988-95) in Madison, New Jersey prior to their arrival on the UAlbany campus.

In the 11 years that the Giants have trained at UAlbany, the preseason camp has averaged 30,890 fans per summer. More than 40,000 attended last year, while the all-time mark of 45,040 was established in 2004.

2007 New York Giants Training Camp Schedule

July 28 (Sat.)

Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.

Practice #2: 3:20-5:20 p.m.

July 29 (Sun.)

Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.

Practice #2: 3:20-5:20 p.m.


July 30 (Mon.)

No Practice

July 31 (Tues.)

Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.

Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.

August 1 (Wed.)

Practice: 2:40-4:40 p.m.

August 2 (Thurs.)

Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.

Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.

August 3 (Fri.)

Practice: 2:40-4:40 p.m.

August 4 (Sat.)

Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.

Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.


August 5 (Sun.)

No Practice

August 6 (Mon.)

Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.

Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.

August 7 (Tues.)

Practice: 2:40-4:40 p.m.

August 8 (Wed.)

Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.

Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.

August 9 (Thurs.)

Practice: 2:40-4:40 p.m.

August 10 (Fri.)

Practice: 10:30-11:30 a.m. (Jog-Thru)

August 11 (Sat.)

NFL Preseason Game vs. Carolina, 8:00 p.m.

August 12 (Sun.)

No Practice

August 13 (Mon.)

Practice: 2:40-4:40 p.m.

August 14 (Tues.)

Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.

Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.

August 15 (Wed.)

Practice: 2:40-4:40 p.m.

August 16 (Thurs.)

Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.

Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.

August 17 (Fri.)

Practice: 2:40-4:40 p.m.

August 18 (Sat.)

Practice: 10:30-11:30 a.m. (Jog-Thru)

August 19 (Sun.)

NFL Preseason Game @ Baltimore, 8:00 p.m.

August 20 (Mon.)

No Practice

August 21 (Tues.)

Practice: 2:40-4:40 p.m.

August 22 (Wed.)

Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.

Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.

August 23 (Thurs.)

Practice: 10:55 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Camp Ends

Courtesy: UAlbany Athletics

UAlbany Entry Plaza Construction Under Way

On June 14th, construction began on the new entry plaza at the University at Albany. In April, the University at Albany announced a $4 million plan for its Entry Plaza, the main gateway of the University for visitors and the campus community. Plans for the three-acre space call for a park-like setting with more green space, ornamental trees and gardens, fountains and bench seating.

Work is expected to begin in June 2007 with completion slated for this fall. The project is part of a larger $25 million provision in the 2006-2007 New York State budget -- secured through the help of New York State Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari.

"The University takes great pride in its campus and this new entry way will provide a positive first impression to visitors and prospective students as well create a source of pride for alumni, students, faculty and staff," said Provost and Officer in Charge Susan Herbst.

"We have re-imagined this important campus entrance space as one teeming with academic and social life. Supported by new green quads, it will help redefine the University's image and host a variety of student and faculty functions within a new modernist setting respectful of its architectural heritage," said landscape architect Thomas Balsley of Thomas Balsley Associates in New York City.

"The University at Albany is one of the gems of public higher education, not just here in New York but throughout the entire country," said Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari. "This funding will address many critical needs of the campus including safety and infrastructural repairs and, at the same time, makes the University a more synergistic partner in our community."

The existing plaza, which sits at the gateway of the University, will be redesigned with green space and pedestrian-grade pavers providing a smoother surface, as well as enhancing its visual appeal. The amount of green space will be increased some 85 percent -- from roughly 19,000 square feet to 35,000 square feet. With a greater focus on green space and level surfaces, the plaza can be used for major campus outdoor events, including spring commencement.

Also, the main stairs leading to the Podium, located between the Fine Arts and Arts & Sciences buildings, will be replaced and upgraded.

The space will be highlighted by a fountain, which will be designed similar to those found in major public parks around the country, as well as bench seating to encourage interaction and use by the campus community.

The $25 million provision will enable the University at Albany to address this and other crucial revitalization needs in the future, such as improving and upgrading campus-wide lighting; addressing downtown building envelope repairs; improving traffic, grounds and pedestrian safety; upgrading signage; and refurbishing the Podium canopy, entries and window wells.

UAlbany athletic director says new stadium would help recruiting

University at Albany's annual sports budget could more than double to $25 million over the next five years if a $50 million stadium is built to attract more top notch recruits and competition, the college's athletic director said Monday.

"Facilities are critical in our business," athletics director Lee McElroy told a crowd of some 200 business leaders who attended The Business Review's annual Book of Lists Breakfast at the Desmond in Colonie.


Construction of a new 15,000 seat multi-sport complex could begin sometime in 2008, luring more competition from schools like Syracuse University and the University of Delaware, McElroy said. The school is in the midst of a fund raising campaign for the project.

"Delaware is not going to come to Albany and play in what we have now," he said.

McElroy, who came to Albany in 2000, said he also hopes the school will be able to offer more scholarships in the future.

The school, which offered $700,000 in scholarships when he stepped in, now offers about $3.5 million in scholarships per year, he said.

Scholarships and facilities will go a long way toward helping the college compete, recruit and retain talented athletes and coaches, McElroy said.

That success can be seen by looking at schools such as the University of Texas which has a $90 million annual sports budget, he said.

McElroy said University of Albany also points to the restaurants, schools, the arts and Saratoga Springs as recruiting tools.

The Business Review (Albany) - 9:59 AM EDT Monday, June 18, 2007

UAlbany Releases 2007-08 Women's Basketball Non-Conference Schedule

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Wednesday, June 20 the school’s women’s basketball non-conference schedule for the 2007-08 season. The list of opponents include NIT participant Indiana and an appearance at the Long Island University Tournament with Patriot League Champion Holy Cross.

UAlbany opens its schedule with two road games against Indiana, who fell in the quarterfinals of the Big 10 Conference tournament to eventual champion Ohio State, and St. Bonaventure, a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference.

The Great Danes will return home to host Patriot League opponent Colgate on Nov. 15 before visiting La Salle (Nov. 19). UAlbany will compete with Holy Cross, which made its 11th all-time appearance in the NCAA Tournament last season, and Horizon League member Cleveland State at the LIU Tournament on Nov. 23-24. The host Blackbirds reached the NIT last year.

The Great Danes will host Buffalo (Dec. 5), Marist (Dec. 22), and St. Francis, N.Y. (Dec. 28) at the SEFCU Arena. UAlbany will make visits to Sacred Heart (Nov. 28), Detroit-Mercy (Dec. 8) and Richmond (Dec. 19) while also squaring off against Siena in the annual crosstown meeting on Dec. 1 at the Times Union Center. This year’s game returns to a doubleheader format with the men’s game taking place following the women’s contest.

In 2006-07, UAlbany finished 9-22 overall, wrapping up the season with a loss to Hartford in the America East Conference quarterfinals. The Great Danes return All-Defensive Team honoree Gia Sanders along with last season’s second-leading scorer Kristin Higy, who averaged 10.4 points and a team-high 6.2 rebounds per game.

2007-08 University at Albany Women's Basketball Non-Conference Schedule

Nov. 9 @ Indiana

Nov. 13 @ Bonaventure

Nov. 15 Colgate

Nov. 19 @ La Salle

Nov. 23-24 Long Island Tournament Brooklyn, N.Y.
(w/Cleveland State and Holy Cross)

Nov. 28 @ Sacred Heart

Dec. 1 Siena

Dec. 5 Buffalo

Dec. 8 @ Detroit-Mercy

Dec. 19 @ Richmond

Dec. 22 Marist

Dec. 28 St. Francis (N.Y.)

Leah McIntosh Earns Spot on Canadian Junior National Softball Team

Ottawa, Ontario – University at Albany’s Leah McIntosh was recently named to the Canadian Junior National Softball team and will represent Canada at the 8th ISF Junior Women’s World Championships in Enschede, Netherlands from June 20th to the 30th.

McIntosh, a native of Whitby, Ontario, recently completed her freshman season with the UAlbany softball team, helping lead the Great Danes to their third straight America East Conference Championship and NCAA Tournament berth. McIntosh tossed a complete game, fanning six in a 1-0 win over Harvard in the second round of regional play. UAlbany (35-17) advanced to the regional championship game against Baylor.

The right-hander posted an 11-6 overall record with eight complete games, four shutouts and a 3.02 earned run average.

Five UAlbany Athletes to Compete at USA National Track and Field Meets

Albany, N.Y. – All-America hurdler Joe Greene leads a group of five athletes who will represent the University at Albany at the 2007 ATandT USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships and 2007 Finish Line USA Junior Outdoor Track and Field Championships. The national competitions are being held in conjunction from June 20-24 at the Michael A. Carroll Track and Soccer Stadium on the campus of IUPUI in downtown Indianapolis.

The junior national competition, with athletes entered ranging from 14 to 19 years-old, is the qualifying meet for the 2007 Pan American Junior Athletics Championships.

Greene, who will run in the 400-meter hurdles preliminaries on Thursday at 5:25 p.m., and Gered Burns are competing in the AT&T outdoor meet. Greene recently finished fourth at the NCAA Division I track and field championships in a school-record 49.92 seconds. He represented the United States at the World Juniors in China last August. Greene, a two-time IC4A champion, was the America East Conference championship’s most outstanding performer. Burns, who also qualified for the NCAA championships in Sacramento, competes in the 800-meter run on Thursday at 5:05 p.m. He posted a time of 1:48.20 to set the UAlbany standard in May.

Luke Schoen, the school record holder in the pole vault who advanced to the NCAA East Regional, John Moore and Valete Graham will compete at USA Junior Nationals. Schoen placed second at the America East championships when he cleared the bar at 16-feet, 8.75-inches and was third at the IC4A meet. Moore finished second in the America East 800-meter run with a time of 1:52.56. Graham, who was third in the long jump at the conference championships, had a season-best leap of 23-feet, 11-inches at the UAlbany Spring Classic.

In previous USA national competitions, the Great Danes have produced five junior All-Americans, including Greene, Jessica Ortman, Jenna Ortman, Alyssa Lotmore and Ryan Gaedje.

Track Notes: UAlbany head coach Roberto Vives announced the track program’s most valuable player awards for the 2007 outdoor season ... Joe Greene and Marc Pallozzi, who finished eighth in the javelin at the NCAA championships, earned the men’s awards ... Adanna Andrews, the America East 800-meter champion and Sarah Charles shared women’s MVP honors ... Charles set the triple jump record with a mark of 41-feet, 2.5-inches and was fourth at the ECAC meet ...

UAlbany Names Katie White Assistant Field Hockey Coach

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany head field hockey coach Phil Sykes announced the hiring of Katie White as an assistant coach on Thursday, June 14.

White comes to Albany after spending a year as an assistant at Colgate University. White helped develop the Patriot League’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Rookie of the Year while with the Raiders. White acted as the recruitment coordinator for the field hockey program, while also organizing and directing three tournaments.

A four-year letterwinner at New Hampshire, White was a two-time All-America East Conference First Team and Regional All-America honoree, and was named the conference’s rookie of the year in 2003. She finished her career with the Wildcats ranked third in goals and fourth in points. White earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from New Hampshire in 2006.
White has also served as the director and head coach in the USFHA Futures Program in New York, and was an assistant coach for the Futures Program in New Hampshire. She has coached field hockey camps at Boston College and Northeastern University, and also gained experience as a coach at Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning in North Andover, Mass.

UAlbany, which finished 12-7 overall a year ago, earned a share of the America East regular season title with Boston U. before falling to Maine in the conference tournament. The Great Danes kick off the 2007 season on August 25 at Appalachian State.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

UAlbany's Tom Hill Chosen in MLB's First-Year Player Draft

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany’s Tom Hill became the fifth player in school history to be selected in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. Hill was drafted in the 34th round as the 1023rd overall pick by the Kansas City Royals.

Hill, who split time at catcher and designated hitter for UAlbany, joins former Great Danes Terry Kenny (ninth round, 1974), Steve Checksfield (10th round, 2001), Mike Grasso (11th round, 2002) and Adam Kroft (30th round, 2004).

“We are very proud of Tommy,” said UAlbany head coach John Mueller, who has coached four of UAlbany’s five draft picks. “This is a very exciting time for him and his family.

Hill, a two-time All-America East Conference First Team honoree at catcher, played three seasons for UAlbany after transferring from Elon following his freshman season. Hill finished his career third in UAlbany history with 39 doubles and is also third all-time with 19 home runs. He set UAlbany’s single-season record with 22 doubles as a senior.

Hill was an integral member of the 2007 Great Dane squad that won the school’s first America East baseball championship. The team, which finished 29-29 overall, was the first in program history to advance to the NCAA Division I Regional Tournament.

Pallozzi and Greene Earn All-American Status at NCAA Track & Field Championships

Sacramento, Calif. – University at Albany’s Marc Pallozzi finished eighth in the finals of the javelin throw to earn his second-straight All-American status at the NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships on Friday evening at California State University, Sacramento’s A.G. Spanos Sports Complex. Sophomore Joe Greene finished fourth in the men’s 400-meter intermediate hurdles finals on Saturday afternoon to also earn All-American status. With their finishes, the pair became the first Great Dane track and field athletes in UAlbany history to score points at an NCAA meet.

Greene’s time of 49.92 set a new school record and made him the top UAlbany finisher at an NCAA event. Pallozzi, who finished 10th in the NCAA Championships last year, recorded a throw of 224-feet, 5-inches to finish eighth.

“Joe had a great performance,” said UAlbany head coach Roberto Vives. “He used running in lane 8, which is usually a disadvantage, to his advantage because he wasn’t watching the other runners. He made a step up from last season and defeated guys he hadn’t beaten before.”

Greene, a two-time IC4A champion and the 2007 America East Conference Championship’s most outstanding performer, finished third at NCAA East Regionals to qualify for the national meet. He sprinted a school-record 50.18 to register the best finish by a UAlbany athlete in regional competition.

“To have two All-Americans is great for our program,” offered Vives. “Our goal is to become a top-20 track and field program, and we are on our way.”

NCAA Track & Field Championships

Men’s Javelin

1. Justin Ryncavage (North Carolina), 241-5; 2. Adam Montague (North Carolina), 236-1; 3. Aris Borjas (Cal Poly), 234-4; 4. Cody Fillinich (Northwestern State), 230-5; 5. Chris Hill (McNeese State), 229-4; 6. Chad Rdgowski (LSU), 225-11; 7. Ryan Brandel (Oregon), 225-11; 8. Marc Pallozzi (UAlbany), 224-5; 9. Michael Maloney (Tennessee), 220-11; 10. Preston Chatham (LSU), 212-3; 11. Tanner Evak (Penn State), 207-4; 12. Alex vanderMerwe (Texas-El Paso), 199-6.

400-Meter Hurdles –Finals

1. Isa Phillips (LSU), 48.51; 2. Brandon Johnson (UCLA), 49.02; 3. Justin Gaymon (Georgia), 49.43; 4. Joe Greene (UAlbany), 49.92; 5. Thomas Hilliard (South Carolina), 49.93; 6. Andrew Peresta (Hampton), 50.85; 7. Bryan Scott (Texas Tech), 51.01; 8. Hamza Deyaf (Texas), 51.24.

UAlbany's Joe Greene Reaches 400-Meter Hurdle Finals at NCAA Championships

Sacramento, Calif. – University at Albany’s Joe Greene advanced to the men’s 400-meter intermediate hurdles finals for the second straight year at the NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships on Friday evening at California State University, Sacramento’s A.G. Spanos Sports Complex. Greene finished third in his heat in a time of 50.20. The top three in each of the two heats, along with the next best two times, automatically advanced the next round.

Louisiana State’s Isa Phillips posted the day’s best time in the second heat, crossing the line in 49.31. Brandon Johnson of UCLA finished in 49.41, while Justin Gaymon of Georgia posted a time of 49.85. Along with Greene, Thomas Hillard of South Carolina (50.01), Bryan Scott of Texas Tech (50.13), Andrew Peresta of Hampton (50.21) and Hamza Deyaf of Texas (50.60) advanced to the finals, which will take place on Saturday at 1:05 p.m. ET.

“I am really proud of him,” said UAlbany head coach Roberto Vives. “It was technically one of his worst races of the year, but he caught all of those guys to finish third. He is a true competitor.”

Greene, a two-time IC4A champion and the 2007 America East Conference Championship’s most outstanding performer, finished third at NCAA East Regionals to qualify for the national meet. He sprinted a school-record 50.18 to register the best finish by a UAlbany athlete in regional competition.

Marc Pallozzi, the UAlbany record holder in the men’s javelin, will compete in the finals on Friday at 10:15 p.m. ET. He placed 10th in last year’s NCAA championship.

NCAA Track & Field Championships

400-Meter Hurdles – Semifinals (Advance to Finals)

1. Isa Phillips (LSU), 49.31, 2. Brandon Johnson (UCLA), 49.41, 3. Justin Gaymon (Georgia), 49.85, 4. Thomas Hilliard (South Carolina), 50.01, 5. Bryan Scott (Texas Tech), 50.13, 6. Joe Greene (UAlbany), 50.20, 7. Andrew Peresta (Hampton), 50.21, 8. Hamza Deyaf (Texas), 50.60

Nike/Inside Lacrosse Men's Division I Media Poll - final poll of 2007

Nike/Inside Lacrosse Men's Division I Media Poll - final poll of 2007

1 Johns Hopkins 13-4 .. National Champion
(UAlbany beat John Hopkins during regular season)

2 Duke 17-3

3 Cornell 15-1

4 Albany 15-3

5 Delaware 13-6

6 Georgetown 12-3

7 Virginia 12-4

8 North Carolina 10-6

9 Notre Dame 11-4

10 Maryland 10-6

11 UMBC 11-6

12 Princeton 10-4

13 Navy 11-4

14 Loyola 7-6

15 Towson 9-7

16 Colgate 11-5

17 Drexel 11-5

18 Bucknell 11-4

19 Rutgers 7-6

20 UMass 7-7


Some notes about this year's final media poll

Delaware and Albany have finished as high as either team ever has in this year's poll

This is the first time since the inception of the media poll that Syracuse has not been ranked at the end of the season

During the season, Cornell was the only team in the country to hold the top spot for more than one week. Cornell became No. 1 on March 12 and held the top spot throughout the regular season polls (which ended May 7), a stretch during which they were undefeated

Johns Hopkins was No. 1 for just one week, the week of February 19. Hopkins, however, earned the ranking with a 0-0 record and moved from its preseason ranking of No. 2 up to No. 1 after then-top-ranked Virginia lost to Drexel in the first week of lacrosse action

The Nike/Inside Lacrosse Men's Division I Media Poll comes out each Monday during the spring and is voted on by members of various media outlets throughout the country.

Joe Greene Reaches 400-Hurdles Semifinals at NCAA Track & Field Championships

Sacramento, Calif. – University at Albany’s Joe Greene advanced to the men’s 400-meter intermediate hurdles semifinals for the second straight year at the NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships on Thursday, June 7 at California State University, Sacramento’s A.G. Spanos Sports Complex. Greene won his heat in 50.64 seconds, the fourth-fastest time of the day. The top two in each of the five heats automatically advanced the next round.

Texas Tech’s Bryan Scott, who was eighth in this event last year, won his heat in 50.31 seconds. Auburn’s Rueben McCoy had one of the top times in the preliminary round when he hit the tape in the second heat in 50.90. McCoy placed fourth in the 400-hurdles final one year ago. Sixteen competitors will run in Friday’s semifinals at 8:55 p.m. ET. The top three finishers in each race, along with the next best two times, advance to the championship.

"I am satisfied with my result,” said Greene, who represented the United States at the World Junior Championships in China last August. “This is my second time here, so I knew what to expect and the atmosphere. The wind was kind of heavy in the backstretch, but I kept my arms tight and hit the hurdles smooth and even. I am staying focused I what I have to do, so I didn’t even see the other heats."

Greene, a two-time IC4A champion and the 2007 America East Conference Championship’s most outstanding performer, finished third at NCAA East Regionals to qualify for the national meet. He sprinted a school-record 50.18 to register the best finish by a UAlbany athlete in regional competition.

Marc Pallozzi, the UAlbany record holder in the men’s javelin, will compete in the finals on Friday at 10:15 p.m. ET. He placed 10th in last year’s NCAA championship.

UAlbany has been ranked by the prestigious Small Times magazine as the world's number one college for nanotechnology and microtechnology

UAlbany NanoCollege Ranked Number One for Micro and Nanotechnology for Second Straight Year

Small Times magazine's annual ranking expands to include universities worldwide

Albany, NY - The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering ("CNSE") of the University at Albany ("UAlbany") - the first college in the world dedicated to nanotechnology education, research and economic outreach - has been ranked by the prestigious Small Times magazine as the world's number one college for nanotechnology and microtechnology, according to the publication's annual University Rankings.

This year's survey is included in the May/June issue of Small Times, the world's leading publication covering micro and nanotechnology, and for the first time included colleges and universities from across the globe, rather than just in the United States. It also comes one year after the UAlbany NanoCollege was ranked by Small Times as the nation's top college for nanotechnology and microtechnology.

CNSE was ranked first overall among all colleges and universities in the world, as well as number one in the areas of education and facilities, receiving the highest five-star rankings in each category from Small Times. CNSE ranked second in commercialization and sixth in research, up from eighth last year.

CNSE's ranking as number one in the world placed it ahead of Cornell University (2), the University of Michigan (3), the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (4), Penn State University (5), Arizona State University (6), the University of Washington (7), North Carolina State University (8), the University of Maryland (9), Rice University (10), Rutgers University (11) and Stanford University (12), among others. CNSE also received top-10 rankings from its peers in three areas: nano commercialization, micro commercialization and micro research.

University at Albany Provost and Officer in Charge Susan Herbst said, "The ranking of UAlbany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering as the world's best college for micro and nanotechnology is a source of great pride and satisfaction. It positions the University, through the talented faculty and researchers at the NanoCollege, as a critical resource in providing the educational opportunities that are essential to growing a high-tech workforce in New York. At the same time, it gives UAlbany a competitive edge as it seeks to attract the best and brightest faculty and students."

CNSE Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros said, "The UAlbany CNSE is delighted by its recognition as the world's top university for micro and nanotechnology by the prestigious Small Times magazine, an honor that truly reflects the vision and investments of Governor Spitzer and Assembly Speaker Silver, who are providing pioneering leadership in advancing the knowledge base that is critical to New York's economic prosperity in the global economy of the 21st century. We are also proud of our SUNY intellectual property development and deployment model that allows CNSE to leverage its intellectual assets and state-of-the-art infrastructure through effective entrepreneurship and commercialization, which has enabled 105 patents and 188 patent applications in micro and nanotechnology in 2006 alone by the CNSE research teams, the CNSE partners' research teams resident at CNSE and cross-licensed to CNSE, or by joint CNSE and partners' research teams resident at CNSE and cross-licensed among the partners."


Small Times sent surveys to research institutions across the world, asking about funding, facilities, micro- and nano-specific courses and degree programs, research programs and more.

"Launched three years ago, CNSE is widely recognized as a global resource for research, development, workforce education, and economic outreach in nanotechnology and its applications," Small Times wrote in its analysis. "UAlbany offers more micro- and nano-specific degrees than any other university: six in total, with small-tech minor/emphasis allowed in additional M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. And, UAlbany was awarded more nanotechnology patents (98) than any other respondent in the Small Times' survey."

These 98 nanotechnology patents were produced on site at the CNSE Albany NanoTech facilities either by CNSE research teams, by the CNSE partners' research teams resident at Albany NanoTech and cross-licensed to CNSE, or by joint CNSE and partners' research teams resident at Albany NanoTech and cross-licensed among the partners.

In addition, 7 microtechnology patents were awarded and 68 microtechnology patent applications and 188 nanotechnology patent applications were filed in 2006 by CNSE research teams, by the CNSE partners' research teams resident at Albany NanoTech and cross-licensed to CNSE, or by joint CNSE and partners' research teams resident at Albany NanoTech and cross-licensed among the partners.

In the education category, CNSE ranked first, followed by the University of Michigan, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Penn State University and the University of Maryland. In the facilities category, CNSE also ranked first, higher than the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Arizona State University, the University of Michigan and Rutgers University.

UAlbany Hollings Scholar is Nation's Top Student Forecaster

The brilliance of sophomore David Cook has let the sun shine on UAlbany's Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (DEAS) once more. For the third straight year, the department boasts a winner of the prestigious Hollings Scholarship, from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Sophomore Cook, a UAlbany Presidential Scholar, follows Robert Tracey '06 and Will Komaromi '08 in receiving the award, designed to increase undergraduate training and research and to prepare students for professional careers in oceanic and atmospheric science.

Cook added significant thunder to the Hollings honor in early April when he finished first among all student weather forecasters in the WxChallenge, a six-month nationwide weather-forecasting competition.

As part of the UAlbany Forecasting team of students, faculty and staff, his challenge was to judge the maximum and minimum temperature and maximum sustained wind speed and rainfall amounts during 24-hour periods for ten different cities over two-week intervals.

The UAlbany team finished fourth among more than 50 universities, with Cook actually placing sixth in the entire competition, out of more than 1,600 entrants, many of them professional forecasters. Amazing, considering he had only two weeks of forecasting experience coming into September.

UAlbany Weather Center Director and team captain Michael Landin nonetheless signed Cook up for the junior/senior level competition. "It turned out that I called it right in David's case," said Landin. "I am extremely proud of him. Not only that, as one of the top 64 forecasters in the Challenge, he went on to the special WxChallenge Tournament after that — and knocked me out of the competition!"

Cook credits much of his success to the DEAS faculty. "The best thing about the program is that professors like Mike Landin and Lance Bosart are helpful and approachable — in addition to being very knowledgeable. Mike helped me to very quickly acquire an understanding of basic analysis and forecasting techniques."

The Shaker High School graduate from Latham recalls that he had a scholarship offer in geology from RPI, but chose Albany instead. "I'd heard excellent reviews about the department and I decided I liked meteorology more," said Cook, testimony once again to his forecasting excellence.

Cook aims to get his degree in atmospheric sciences with a probable second major in physics. "The physics will give me the science behind why weather events such as rain or the formation of fog occur," he said. "My goal is a career in research of severe weather, such as tornadoes or tropical storm systems."

The Hollings Scholarship should help there too, as Cook will choose from the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., or the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., for his internship.

Marc Pallozzi Advances to Men's Javelin Final at NCAA Track & Field Championships

Sacramento, Calif. -- University at Albany’s Marc Pallozzi advanced to the men’s javelin final at the NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships on Wednesday, June 6 at California State University, Sacramento’s A.G. Spanos Sports Complex. Pallozzi reached the final round for the second straight year with a throw of 216-feet, 2-inches.

Pallozzi finished seventh in his flight and 11th overall against 26 throwers in the preliminary round. He earned a spot in the 12-competitor final on Friday at 10:15 p.m. ET. Defending NCAA champion Justin Ryncavage, of North Carolina, took ninth in the preliminaries (217-10), while McNeese State’s Chris Hill had the best mark of the day (238-10).

“It was a nerve-racking experience,” said Pallozzi, the America East Conference champion whose best throw came on his first attempt. “There is certainly a sense of relief that I made the final. Funny things happen at nationals and there were several top-10 throwers who didn’t make it today. It’s going to take a school record in the 71-meter range to finished in the top three in Friday’s final.”

Pallozzi, the UAlbany record holder in this event, reached the NCAA meet with a fifth-place finish at East Regionals on May 26. He placed 10th at last year’s NCAA championships. Gered Burns (Guilderland) competes later today at 6:40 p.m. ET in the 800-meter run.

NCAA Track & Field Championships

Men’s Javelin – Preliminary Round

1. Chris Hill (McNeese State), 238-10, 2. Chad Rodgowski (LSU), 230-07, 3. Aris Borjas (Cal Poly-SLO), 229-04, 4. Alex vanderMerwe (Texas-El Paso), 227-0, 5. Ryan Brandel (Oregon), 226-05, 6. Cody Fillinich (Northwestern State), 224-07, 7. Tanner Evak (Penn State), 224-02, 8. Adam Montague (North Carolina), 217-11, 9. Justin Ryncavage (North Carolina), 217-10, 10. Matthew Maloney (Tennessee), 216-06, 11. Marc Pallozzi (UAlbany), 216-02, 12. Preston Chatham (LSU), 214-02.

Men's Basketball Announces Non-Conference Schedule for 2007-08 Season

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Monday, June 4 the school’s men’s basketball non-conference schedule for the 2007-08 season. The list of opponents include three-time national champion Duke and a home date with Boise State in a rematch of last year’s ESPNU BracketBusters game.

The Great Danes meet Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. on Monday, Dec. 17. The contest is scheduled to air nationally on ESPN2. Head coach Mike Krzyzewski, who has 775 career wins, has led the program to three national titles (1991, 1992, 2001) and 10 Final Fours. Cameron Indoor Stadium, a facility that holds 9,314 fans, has recorded 258 consecutive sellouts since 1990.

UAlbany opens its schedule with two road games against a pair of 22-win clubs in Bucknell (Nov. 10) and Central Connecticut State (Nov. 14). The Bison, who went 22-9 to finish with 20-plus victories for the third consecutive season, shared the Patriot League regular-season title and reached the league tournament championship game. CCSU (22-12) made the school’s third NCAA appearance by winning the Northeast Conference championship. The Blue Devils captured the NEC’s regular-season and tournament crowns.

Boise State is among five non-league opponents that will play at SEFCU Arena. The Broncos, who compete in the Western Athletic Conference, travel to the Capital Region on Dec. 22. Boise State (17-14) edged UAlbany, 83-82, in a last-second BracketBusters’ decision last February in Idaho. The Great Danes will also host Columbia (Nov. 17), Lehigh (Nov. 20), Sacred Heart (Nov. 25) and St. Francis, N.Y. (Dec. 15). Sacred Heart (18-14) advanced to the NEC championship for the first time, while Columbia (16-12) registered its highest win total since 1992-93.

UAlbany faces Iowa State on Dec. 30 in the program’s first-ever meeting with a Big 12 Conference school. The Cyclones, who posted 12 of their 15 wins at home last season, ranked 25th nationally in attendance, averaging 12,489 at Hilton Coliseum. The Great Danes also square off with Siena in the crosstown-rivalry’s 47th meeting on Dec. 1 at the Times Union Center. The last two games in the series were both decided in overtime.

In 2006-07, UAlbany reached the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season as the America East Conference champion. Brent Wilson, a third-team all-conference forward, leads a group of seven letterwinners who are back from last year’s 23-10 squad. Brian Lillis, the league’s defensive player of the year, and Jon Iati, one of the program’s all-time leading three-point shooters, also return.



2007-08 University at Albany Men's Basketball Non-Conference Schedule

Date
Opponent

Nov. 10 at Bucknell

Nov. 14 at Central Connecticut State

Nov. 17 Columbia

Nov. 20 Lehigh

Nov. 25 Sacred Heart

Dec. 1 at Siena

Dec. 5 at Delaware

Dec. 8 at St. Bonaventure

Dec. 15 St. Francis

Dec. 17 at Duke

Dec. 22 Boise State

Dec. 30 at Iowa State

Creighton Eliminates UAlbany in NCAA Baseball Fayetteville Regional Second-Round Slugfest

Fayetteville, Ark. -- Steve Winkleman belted his fifth home run of the season and had a career-high six RBI to lead Creighton to a 21-11 victory over UAlbany in the second round of the NCAA Baseball Championship’s Fayetteville Regional before 2,681 fans on Saturday afternoon at Baum Stadium. The Blue Jays, ranked 20th nationally as the Missouri Valley Conference champion, advanced in the loser’s bracket.

The two teams combined for 32 runs, 34 hits and 19 walks and used 13 pitchers in the four-hour-and-18-minute offensive marathon. The Great Danes, who won the America East Conference championship to earn their first-ever NCAA berth, finished with a 29-29 record. UAlbany fell to No. 11 Arkansas, 9-0, in this double-elimination regional’s first round.

“This is an experience that this team will never forget and a huge step in the development of our program,” UAlbany coach Jon Mueller said. “We didn’t pitch or play good defense today. You have to give yourself a chance, especially when you are playing teams at this level. But I am not going to let what happened the last two days ruin what these guys have accomplished.”

Creighton (45-15) led 3-2 after five innings, but then broke the game open with a six-run sixth. With one out, catcher Chris Gradoville tripled off the wall in the right-field corner before Darin Ruf was hit by a pitch. Winkelman then hammered a hanging curveball over the left-field fence, a three-run blast. The Blue Jays, who sent 10 batters to the plate in the frame, added a pair of homers off reliever Sean Gregory. Andrew Small hit a solo shot, his fifth of the year. Brett Mieras followed with an inside-the-park home run, when he drove a breaking pitch off the left-field padding near the 375-sign.

UAlbany took a 1-0 lead in its first at-bat. Al Barbato, who scored three runs and doubled, walked on four pitches, before Leo Corvino sacrificed him to second. Steve Wyland’s infield single moved Barbato to third. Tom Hill then lined a ball off the pitcher’s heel that drove the run across.

The Blue Jays, who lost to Oklahoma State, 6-4, in the opening round on Friday, tied the contest in the second when Mieras doubled with two outs. After UAlbany starter Cory Warrings issued a pair of walks to load the bases, Mieras scored on a fielders’ choice play. In the third, Warrings allowed two more walks and Mieras, a junior designated hitter who had four hits with two runs and four RBI, singled up the middle past Barbato to drive across tye go-ahead run.

Creighton extended its lead to 3-1 in the fourth. Lead-off hitter Robbie Knight tied an NCAA record when he was hit by a pitch for the 33rd time this season. He later scored on Winkelman’s sacrifice fly to deep center. The Great Danes sliced that deficit in half with three consecutive singles in the fifth. Sean Donovan drove in the run by going the opposite way through the left side.

UAlbany trailed 17-3 heading to the bottom of the eighth, but batted around in scoring six times. Sean Doyle delivered a RBI single before Donovan walked with the bases loaded. Mike Konstanty added a two-run double into the left-field gap. Wyland, who walked and scored in the uprising, finished with three singles and two runs. The senior third baseman finished his career ranked third on the school’s all-time hit list with 211.

Frank Resetarits Chosen in Third Round of the Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft

Stony Brook, N.Y. – University at Albany’s Frank Resetarits became the first Great Dane to be chosen in the Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft when he was selected with the second pick in the third round by the Washington Bayhawks on Thursday, May 31. Resetarits, the 22nd player taken overall, was then traded following the draft to the Long Island Lizards for Ryan Moran and a 2008 second-round draft choice.

Resetarits, a senior attackman from Hamburg, N.Y., was named to the USILA Division I All-America first team last weekend. He finished second in goals (3.17 per game) and third in scoring (4.44 points/game) among the national leaders. Resetarits, the 2007 America East Conference Player of the Year, accounted for 57 goals and 23 assists for 80 points, the third-highest single-season total in the program’s history. He led UAlbany to the NCAA quarterfinal round for the first time and a school-record 15-3 mark.

The MLL’s Long Island Lizards play their home games at Mitchel Athletic Complex, a 9,969-seat facility near Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y. Don Casadonte, the Lizards’ owner, played at UAlbany from 1981-84 where he ranks as one of the school’s top-10 career scorers.