UAlbany Men's Soccer Defeats Robert Morris, Sweeps Invitational

Men's Soccer Captures Robert Morris Invitational Behind Tournament MVP Claudio Dantas
Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Moon Township, Pa. – Junior Claudio Dantas’ goal in the fifth minute gave the University at Albany men’s soccer team a 1-0 victory over Robert Morris on Sunday, Aug. 31, claiming the Robert Morris Invitational championship. Dantas, who also scored both UAlbany goals in Friday’s 2-1 win over Pittsburgh, was named the Tournament MVP.

“Ít was tremendous for the guys to win their first tournament and start the season off on a real positive note,” said head coach Johan Aarnio. “We are looking to build from here. These two wins give us positive momentum moving forward.”

UAlbany (2-0) scored its goal on a set play off a corner kick. Gaby Seguin-Gauthier took the kick from the right side and crossed the ball to freshman Konner McNamara, who headed it hard towards the goal. Dantas redirected the ball from left to right past Robert Morris goalkeeper Matt Felice to give the Great Danes the early lead. It was Dantas’ third goal of the tournament and his second tally off a header.

The teams continued to battle back and forth into the final minutes of the second half. Robert Morris (0-2) was awarded a penalty kick and an opportunity to tie the game and force overtime in the 87th minute. However, freshman goalkeeper Adrian Foncette saved David Torrance’s shot, which went low and to his left, to preserve the UAlbany lead until the final whistle sounded.

. UAlbany’s Foncette, who was making his collegiate debut, saved all four shots he faced on goal to earn his first victory and shutout. Robert Morris’ Felice turned away five of the six shots he faced.

A total of four Great Danes made the Robert Morris Invitational All-Tournament Team. Dantas, the Tournament MVP, was joined by McNamara, senior co-captain Erik DiLorenzo and junior Mike Peters on the squad.

“There are still some things we need to work on, but our opportunities and scoring chances are showing up,” said Aarnio. “We are starting to find some good rhythm as a team.”

The Great Danes return to action next weekend when they travel to California for the Courtyard by Marriott Central San Diego Tournament. UAlbany will meet the University of San Diego at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Friday and San Diego State on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.



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UAlbany (2-0) 1 0 - 1

Robert Morris (0-2) 0 0 - 0



UAlbany: Scoring – Claudio Dantas (1-0), Konner McNamara (0-1) Gaby Seguin-Gauthier (0-1). Goalkeeping – Adrian Foncette (90:00, 0 GA, 4 saves).

Robert Morris: Scoring – None. Goalkeeping – Matt Felice (90:00, 1 GA, 5 saves).



Robert Morris Invitational Tournament Finish

Champions – UAlbany (2-0)

Second – Pittsburgh (1-1)

Third – Rider (1-1)

Fourth – Robert Morris (0-2)



Robert Morris Invitational All-Tournament Team

MVP – Claudio Dantas – UAlbany

Erik DiLorenzo – UAlbany

Konner McNamara – UAlbany

Mike Peters – UAlbany

Ryan Brode – Pittsburgh

Sam Luffy – Pittsburgh

Connor Malone – Pittsburgh

Nico Tramontana – Rider

Randy Zapolski – Rider

Eric Bittner – Robert Morris

John Morihlatko – Robert Morris

Last-Minute Goal Leads Lehigh Past Women's Soccer, 1-0

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Bethlehem, Pa. – Junior Natalie Hojnacki’s goal in the 89th minute led the Lehigh Mountain Hawks to a 1-0 victory over the University at Albany women’s soccer team on Sunday, Aug. 31, at the Ulrich Sports Complex. The Great Danes had a breakaway opportunity in the 87th minute, but Lehigh goalkeeper Laura Mains came through with a save which allowed the Mountain Hawks to respond with the game winner shortly afterwards.

After a scoreless first half in which UAlbany (1-2) held a 4-2 advantage in shots on goal, the teams continued to battle deep into the second stanza without either offense finding the back of the net. Senior co-captain Diana Barrera broke through the Mountain Hawk defense in the waning minutes with a chance to put the Great Danes on the scoreboard first, but Mains made a point blank stop to keep the match scoreless.

With time winding down and the teams just minutes away from overtime, Lehigh (1-1) scored the only goal it needed to seal its first win of the season. Freshman Corrine Parkinson brought the ball down the right corner of the 18-yard box and centered a pass to Hojnacki. The junior then redirected the ball home with her left foot from just outside the six-yard line to put the Mountain Hawks ahead with just 1:18 left on the clock.

UAlbany freshman goalkeeper Cate Crenson made eight saves on nine opportunities in the losing effort. Lehigh’s Mains turned away all five shots she faced to earn her first win and shutout of the season.

The Great Danes return to action on Friday afternoon when they host Youngstown State in their home opener at Varsity Field at 4:00 p.m.

No. 19 Field Hockey Falls to 15th-Ranked American, 2-0

No. 19 UAlbany Field Hockey Falls to 15th-Ranked American, 2-0
Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Washington, D.C. – Junior forward Emily Stovicek directed a pass from sophomore forward Christine Fingerhuth past UAlbany goalkeeper Ashley Ross to give 15th-ranked American a 2-0 win over UAlbany on Sunday afternoon.

After a scoreless first half, American sophomore Kirstin Gebhart scored the first goal for the Eagles with an unassisted shot at 47:05. Stovicek recorded her second goal of the season for American at the 54:59 mark.

American (2-0) held a 12-11 shot advantage over UAlbany, while the Great Danes had six penalty corners to the Eagles’ four. Ross finished with six saves in the cage for UAlbany, with senior Alyssa Poorman recording seven saves between the pipes for American.

UAlbany (1-1) returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 6, hosting Cornell in the home opener at Alumni Turf Field, starting at 1 p.m.

#19 UAlbany Field Hockey Defeats Radford In 2008 Season Opener

#19 UAlbany Field Hockey Defeats Radford In Season Opener. Senior Michelle Simpson scored two goals to lead UAlbany to a 3-0 win over Radford in the Great Danes’ season-opener held at American University on Saturday afternoon.

Simpson scored the first goal of the game 13:16 into the contest off her own rebound. Simpson notched her second unassisted tally of the game at the 26:18 mark, giving the Great Danes a 2-0 lead at the halftime break. Junior Nicole Savage scored UAlbany’s third goal at 42:21, slipping an unassisted shot past Radford goalkeeper Megan Stucke.

The Great Danes outshot the Highlanders 16-5 and held a 9-4 advantage in penalty corners. Stucke finished with seven saves in the cage for Radford (0-1), while Ashley Ross played all 70:00 between the pipes for UAlbany, stopping four shots.

UAlbany (1-0), ranked 19th in the NFHCA Preseason Coaches’ Poll, will face 15th-ranked American on Sunday at 3 p.m.

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#19 UAlbany (1-0) 2 1 - 3

Radford (0-1) 0 0 - 0

UAlbany: Scoring – Michelle Simpson (2-0), Nicole Savage (1-0). Goalkeeper - Ashley Ross (70:00, 0 GA, 4 saves).

#5 Massachusetts Overcomes UAlbany Football, 28-16, in Season Opener

Senior quarterback Liam Coen threw three touchdown passes and Tony Nelson rushed 171 yards and one score, as Massachusetts overcame an early deficit to defeat UAlbany, 28-16, on Saturday, Aug. 30 before15,112 fans at McGuirk Alumni Stadium. The Minutemen, who are ranked fifth nationally in both polls, extended their home winning streak to 15 straight.

The Great Danes surprised the defending Colonial Athletic Association champions in the first quarter by scoring on their first possession. UAlbany converted two third-down plays to reach midfield. David McCarty then hauled in quarterback Vinny Esposito’s screen pass in the left flat and then cut back to his right on a 52-yard touchdown. Wide receiver Tim Bush threw the key block on UMass’ 10-yard line to get the junior tailback into the end zone.

UAlbany (0-1) moved out to a 9-0 lead when Sean Smalls mishandled a punt return and the football was kicked beyond the end line by a UMass player for a safety. Following the free kick, the Great Danes drove into scoring territory, but Herb Glass missed a 37-yard field goal with 3:42 left in the opening period.

The Minutemen rebounded in the second period with a pair of touchdowns. Coen, a Walter Payton Award candidate, finished off a 14-play march when he flipped a 2-yard scoring pass to tight end Ian Jorgensen. Tony Nelson did the bulk of the work during the offensive sequence. UMass’ defense set up the go-ahead touchdown when defensive back Jeromy Miles picked off Esposito’s tipped pass. Coen, using play-action in a fourth-and-goal situation, would connect with Nelson on another 2-yard TD for a 14-9 advantage.

UAlbany had an opportunity to regain the lead with a 13-play drive just before halftime. But an illegal procedure call on first down at the UMass’ one-yard line threw the offense off schedule. McCarty was stopped short of the goal line on a fourth-down carry.

“It was mind-boggling at the start,” said McCarty, whose team was playing a program ranked in the top 10 for the fourth time in its Division I FCS history. “We just wanted to stay focused. Everyone knew on the sideline what the talk was coming into the game.”

UMass (1-0) pushed out to a 21-9 lead on the first series of the second half. Nelson, a junior tailback, darted through the middle, breaking tackles, on a 64-yard jaunt to paydirt, the longest by a UM runner in nearly six years. The Great Danes closed the gap with an eight-play drive in the closing stages of the third quarter. McCarty, who toppled the 100-yard mark for the seven game in a row, bounced around right end on a 24-yard touchdown. He finished with 125 yards on 24 carries.

The Minutemen, who reached the NCAA quarterfinals last year and played for the national title in 2006, slammed the door on their next offensive set. Coen, who completed 10 of 20 attempts for 92 yards, hit Julian Talley with a 20-yard pass to the UAlbany 32. The CAA Preseason Player of the Year, later beat a blitzing linebacker with a 17-yard scoring pass to Jeremy Horne for a 28-16 cushion.

“I thought this was extremely positive,” said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose team opens with four consecutive CAA opponents. “I was extremely proud of their effort. You improve the most between the first and second week. It will be an interesting film session. We did too many things that hurt ourselves.”

Esposito connected on 16 of 30 passes for 172 yards, but was intercepted twice. The Great Danes, who are favored to win the Northeast Conference title, accounted for 353 total yards, including 181 net on the ground.

UAlbany Football Begins 2008 Schedule Against Fifth-Ranked Massachusetts on Saturday

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information


UAlbany vs. No. 5 Massachusetts

Saturday, August 30, 2008

McGuirk Alumni Stadium (17,000/FieldTurf)

Amherst, Mass., 6:00 p.m. Eastern

Radio: WOFX-980 AM (www.foxsports980.com)



Amherst, Mass. – UAlbany begins its 2008 football schedule against Massachusetts, ranked No. 5 nationally in both the Sports Network and FCS Coaches’ preseason polls, on Saturday, Aug. 30. Kickoff is 6:00 p.m. The Minutemen, who play in the Colonial Athletic Association, have won back-to-back conference championships and own a 14-game home winning streak at McGuirk Alumni Stadium.

UMass reached the NCAA quarterfinals last year and returns Walter Payton Award candidate Liam Coen. The senior quarterback passed for 3,091 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2007. The Minutemen feature a suffocating defense led All-American and NFL prospect Sean Smalls. A first-team All-CAA cornerback, Smalls had 49 tackles and defended 12 passes one year ago.

“I think the end product of this is you develop tougher kids because they’re playing tougher people,” said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose team faces its most challenging schedule since upgrading to the NCAA Division I FCS level in 1999. The Great Danes will also face non-league opponents Hofstra, New Hampshire and Delaware.

The defending Northeast Conference champions are playing a season opener in the month August for the first time. David McCarty, a junior tailback, is among eleven returning starters. He finished 10th among the FCS rushing leaders last year at 125.3 yards per game. Tom Pandolf, a first-team All-NEC defensive tackle, and safety Dave West (60 tackles) lead the defensive unit. West is one of six players on the current UAlbany roster who played against UMass in 2005.

University of Albany's Claudio Dantas Scores Twice in Men's Soccer’s Opening Win Over Pittsburgh

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information
Release: 08/29/2008

Moon Township, Pa. – Junior Claudio Dantas found the back of the net twice in his Great Dane debut to lead the University at Albany men’s soccer team to a 2-1 victory over the University of Pittsburgh in the first round of the Robert Morris Invitational on Friday afternoon. Sophomore Milos Jankovic as well as seniors Don Johnson and Gaby Seguin-Gauthier were credited with assists in the victory.

“It was a great effort from all of our players in the first game,” said head coach Johan Aarnio. “We came close to having a shutout."

UAlbany (1-0) got on the scoreboard first in the 39th minute of action. Jankovic took the ball down the left side and found Dantas along the wing. With senior goalkeeper Eric Barnes charging from the net, Dantas quickly played a shot over Barnes and down into the far corner of the goal to give the Great Danes a one-goal advantage which they would take into the break. Jankovic’s helper was also his first career point.

The Great Danes doubled their lead in the opening minutes of the second stanza off a corner kick taken by sophomore Shaun Kane. The ball went to Seguin-Gauthier who passed it over to Johnson. The senior then fired a shot on goal which was saved by Barnes, but Dantas jumped on the rebound and headed the ball in from point-blank range in the 49th minute.

“Claudio is like a hawk,” added Aarnio. “He has a great eye for the goal and is very experienced in the box. Today, he came up big for us twice.”

Pittsburgh (0-1) cut the lead in half in the 83rd minute off a failed clear attempt by the UAlbany defense. The ball came directly to the foot of redshirt freshman Sam Luffy, who took a shot from about 25 yards out that deflected off a UAlbany defender and landed in the right corner of the net.

Each team had its chances to score again before the final whistle. UAlbany’s L.J. Papaleo took a shot which got past Pittsburgh senior goalkeeper Jordan Marks in the 84th minute of play, but the Panther defense recorded a team save to keep it a one-possession match. A few minutes later, Pittsburgh had a corner kick with a chance to tie it up. However, the UAlbany defense which only surrendered four shots on goal in the match was able to successfully clear the ball to help seal the victory.

UAlbany senior co-captain Steward Ceus made three saves as the Panthers took 12 shots. Barnes got the start in goal for Pittsburgh and stopped two of the three shots he faced on net. Marks relieved Barnes in the second half and recorded three saves.

The Great Danes conclude play at the Robert Morris Invitational on Sunday afternoon when they face the host Colonials. The match is slated to begin at 2:00 p.m.



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Pittsburgh (0-1) 0 1 - 1

UAlbany (1-0) 1 1 - 2



UAlbany: Scoring – Claudio Dantas (2-0), Milos Jankovic (0-1), Don Johnson (0-1), Gaby Seguin-Gauthier (0-1). Goalkeeping – Steward Ceus (90:00, 1 GA, 3 saves).

Pittsburgh: Scoring – Sam Luffy (1-0). Goalkeeping – Eric Barnes (45:00, 1 GA, 2 saves), Jordan Marks (45:00, 1 GA, 3 saves).



UAlbany 2, Pittsburgh 1

Former University of Virginia Basketball Forward Will Harris Transfers to UAlbany Program

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany head men’s basketball coach Will Brown announced on Thursday, Aug. 28 that Will Harris has transferred to the University at Albany program. Harris, a 6-foot-6, 245-pound forward who played the last two years at the University of Virginia, has signed a scholarship agreement and will be eligible for competition in the 2009-10 academic year.

“We are very excited to add Will Harris to our program,” said Brown, whose teams have combined for 59 victories and two conference championships over the last three seasons. “Will brings ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) experience to our program and he is a former top 100 player nationally coming out of high school. We expect him to be a major impact player in our conference, as he will be a matchup problem with his ability to play multiple positions. More importantly, Will is an outstanding individual who has enjoyed success in the classroom and on the court.”

A native of Corona, N.Y., Harris appeared in 47 games over the last two seasons as a member of the UVa program. He averaged 2.7 points and 2.5 rebounds as a sophomore to earn his second varsity letter, but did not play in the last 14 games due to an injury. Harris played in all 32 games as a freshman for the Cavaliers. He accounted for 3.6 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.

In 2005-06, Harris attended Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, where he earned first-team all-conference recognition after averaging 21.0 points and 11.0 rebounds. He received the Ronald “Buzzy” Dore Memorial Award as the graduate who exemplified outstanding leadership in the areas of academics, athletics and other activities. Harris scored at a 26.0 clip the previous year at Maine Central Institute

UAlbany Track and Field & Cross Country Program Announces 48 Commitments

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany’s Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Roberto Vives announced on Wednesday, August 27 that a record 48 student-athletes will be joining the UAlbany men’s and women’s programs for the 2008-09 academic year. The class includes 11 student-athletes from Capital Region high schools and nine transfers.

Leading the men’s signees is transfer Alie Beauvais (Hempstead, N.Y./Hempstead), who joins the Great Danes from Lincoln University in Missouri. Beauvais was a three-time New York State Champion. Nasim Siddeeq (New Hampton, N.Y./Goshen Central) comes to the UAlbany program after two seasons at Robert Morris University. Siddeeq broke the Northeast Conference championship record in the triple jump last season with a leap of 51-feet, 0.75-inches. Siddeeq, who was a two-time All-East selection in the triple jump, will also compete in the long jump. Deshaun Sutton (Westbury, N.Y./Westbury), who comes to UAlbany from SUNY Old Westbury, will add depth to the field events, after posting personal bests of 47-feet, 1-inch in the triple jump and 6-feet, 3-inches in the high jump.

Feyisara Adaramola (Bronx, N.Y./Trevor Day) joins the women’s squad after two seasons at the University of Central Florida, while Celine Cauderlier (Entzheim, France/Lycee Louis Pasteur) comes to UAlbany from University Louis Pasteur in Strasbourg, France. Adaramola will join the Great Dane sprinting corps after earning All-USA Conference honors. Cauderlier is a former national high school pole vault champion in France, posting a personal best of 12-feet, 7.75-inches.

Tierra Chavis (Brooklyn, N.Y./Bishop Loughlin), a transfer from St. Francis (N.Y.) College, brings additional strength to the sprints. Chavis was a two-time national high school champion in the 4x400-meter and sprint medley relays. Roxanne Wegman (Delmar, N.Y./Bethlehem Central) spent the last two seasons at Army. Wegman was a high school All-American as a member of mile relay and is former Empire State Games champion in the 10,000-meter run.

Leading an outstanding crop of freshmen for the UAlbany men is Nicholas Santos (Albany, N.Y/Colonie Central) and Jonathan Juleus (Succasunna, N.J./Pope John XXIII Regional). Santos is a two-time high school All-American and a four-time All-State Federation honoree who will compete in the 800-meter run. Juleus was a two-time New Jersey State champion in the 1,600-meter run. Ethan Clary (Schuylerville, N.Y./Schuylerville) will compete for the Great Danes’ distance squad. Clary placed fourth in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the 2008 New York State Federation Championships.

The mid-distance and distance running corps increases its strength with Ryan Florkiewics and Greg Miniger, a pair of high school All-Americans from Warwick Valley High School. Florkiewics will compete in the 800-meter, 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter events, while Miniger was a four-time All-American as a member of the distance relay squads. R.J. Sniffen, Chris Manico and Devon Sedgwick of Shaker High School were members of the 4x800-meter and distance medley relay teams for the Blue Bison.

Jared Nilsson (East Moriches, N.Y./Westhampton Beach) will add to an already strong hurdle group, while Kadeem Howell (Great Neck, N.Y./Manhasset) joins the jump squad. Howell was a high school All-American with a personal best of 47-feet, 6.5-inches in the triple jump. Stephen Hassard (Setauket, N.Y./Ward Melville) and Cory Thomas (Painted Post, N.Y./Corning-Painted Post) join a solid throws group. Hassard is an all-state discus thrower with a personal best of 156-feet, 8-inches, while Thomas will compete in the discus and shot put events.

On the women’s side, New York State standouts Emily Fung (Greenwich, N.Y./Greenwich Central) and Ada Lauterbach (East Berne, N.Y./Berne-Knox-Westerlo) will add to the distance program. Fung is in a select group as one of the few women runners from New York who have earned all-state honors in cross country for six consecutive years. Fung also claimed the 3,000-meter state title and was part of the National High School record-setting 4x1,500-meter relay team. Lauterbach was an all-state performer in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.

Alexandria Carlson (Suffern, N.Y./Suffern) and Laura Varble (Henrietta, N.Y./Rush Henrietta) join the UAlbany mid-distance squad. Carlson earned All-America recognition as a member of Suffern High School’s distance medley relay team, and also earned all-state honors as a member of the 4x800-meter relay. Varble brings an 800-meter time of 2:18 and was chosen all-state as the 600-meter leg of the intersectional relay.

The Great Danes add five standouts to the sprinting corps. Tenica Roberts and Rashida Charles are both high school All-Americans from Bay Shore (N.Y.) High School. Roberts, who earned All-America honors as a member of the distance medley relay, will compete in the 400-meter as well as the triple jump, while Charles will join the 100-meter and 200-meter competitors. Both were All-America members of Bay Shore’s sprint medley relay.

Nyree Richardson (Elmont, N.Y./Elmont Memorial) was an all-state selection in the 4x100-meter relay. Elia Francis is a two-time all-state honoree out of Ursuline High School in Mount Vernon, N.Y., while Jennifer Adams (Batavia, N.Y./Batavia) will add depth to the sprinting and jumping squads after earning all-state honors in the long jump.

Catie Coxon (Delanson, N.Y./Duanesburg) leads a group of five student-athletes that will be competing in the field events. Coxon is a two-time all-state discus thrower. Tiffany Bennett (Marlboro, N.Y./Marlboro) is an all-state high jumper, while Ashleigh Whitfield (Freeport, N.Y./Kellenberg Memorial) will also compete in the high jump. Rebecca Power (Bellrose Village, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy) will compete in both the pole vault and the javelin, while Emily Mino (Oradell, N.J./River Dell) is a two-time New Jersey state champion in the pole vault.

“This is definitely the best recruiting class we have had here at UAlbany, we have added strength as well as depth,” said Vives, who guided the program to 12 men’s and women’s America East Conference championships. “We are looking forward to seeing this recruiting class in action. This class is definitely going to contribute to our fine tradition of winning conference championships and our move toward becoming a national level program.

UAlbany's Women's Basketball Announces Non-Conference Schedule for 2008-09 Season

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation Lee McElroy announced on Tuesday afternoon the school's women's basketball non-conference schedule for the 2008-09 season. The list of opponents include three teams that reached the NCAA Tournament last season, two teams that finished the season nationally ranked and another squad that advanced to the Women’s National Invitational Tournament.

UAlbany opens up its schedule on the road against a trio of teams that advanced to the 2008 NCAA Tournament. The Great Danes will face the California Golden Bears on Nov. 14, the Marist Red Foxes on Nov. 16 and the Cornell Big Red on Nov. 18.

California has advanced to a school-record three straight NCAA Tournaments, including the Sweet 16 one year ago. The Golden Bears finished the season ranked 18th in the final ESPN/USA Today Women’s College Basketball Poll. Cal-Berkeley posted a school-record 27 wins last season and return all five starters, including All-Americans Ashley Walker and Devanei Hampton. SportsIllustrated.com and ESPN.com ranked the program sixth and seventh in the nation, respectively, for the upcoming season.

Marist has also made a record three consecutive NCAA appearances, and reached the second round last season and the Sweet 16 in 2007. The Red Foxes finished the winter ranked 23rd in the ESPN/USA Today poll. Marist won a school-record 32 games and returns forward Rachele Fitz, who was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Year. ESPN.com ranked the Red Foxes 20th in the preseason.

Cornell made its first-ever appearance in NCAA Tournament this past winter. The Big Red set a school standard with 20 wins. Jeomi Maduka, the 2008 Ivy League Player of the Year, was named to the Associated Press honorable mention All-America team.

Virginia Commonwealth University of the Colonial Athletic Association is one of four non-league opponents that will play at SEFCU Arena. The Rams, who won a school-record 26 games last season and advanced to the second round of the Women’s National Invitational Tournament, visit the Capital District on Nov. 29. The Great Danes will also host Richmond (Nov. 22), Detroit (Dec. 1) and the New Jersey Institute of Technology (Dec. 9).

In addition, the Great Danes will compete in a four-team tournament at Texas-Pan American on Dec. 28-29. Montana State and Troy will also travel to Edinburg for the two-day event. UAlbany also meets Colgate, Army, St. Francis, N.Y. and Rhode Island in non-conference play.

In 2007-08, the Great Danes tied for fourth in the America East Conference regular-season standings after winning a school-record 10 league games. UAlbany defeated Binghamton in the quarterfinal round before dropping its semifinal matchup to eventual-champion Hartford, which advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Britney McGee, Charity Iromuanya and Janea Aiken, who became the program’s first-ever player to garner America East all-rookie team honors last winter, are among eight returning letterwinners.

2008-09 UAlbany Women’s Basketball Non-Conference Schedule

Nov. 14 (Fri.) at California 4:00
Nov. 16 (Sun.) at Marist 4:00
Nov. 19 (Thu.) at Cornell 7:00
Nov. 22 (Sat.) Richmond 2:00
Nov. 26 (Wed.) at Colgate 5:00
Nov. 29 (Sat.) Virginia Commonwealth 2:00
Dec. 1 (Mon.) Detroit 5:00
Dec. 3 (Wed.) at Army 7:00
Dec. 9 (Tue.) New Jersey Tech 7:00
Dec. 19 (Fri.) at St. Francis, N.Y. 7:00
Dec. 28 (Sun.) at Texas-Pan American+ TBA
Dec. 29 (Mon.) Montana State or Troy+ TBA
Jan. 3 (Sat.) at Rhode Island 2:00

+UTPA Battle at the Border Tournament (Edinburg, Texas)

All Times Eastern

Fountains Mark New Entry To The University of Albany

Local officials came together Tuesday for the dedication of a new $4 million Grand Entry Plaza into the University of Albany's uptown campus off Washington Avenue.

The walk-through fountain, which was built using state funding, is located along Collins Circle and will join the campus' other fountains which are used during the school's annual Fountain Day tradition, officials said.

"The new plaza provides a welcoming first impression to prospective students, our campus community, alumni, and other university visitors," said Interim President George Philip. "It will become a unifying presence and gathering place for the entire campus."

Tuesday's event opened with a short concert by the school's a cappella group called the Earth Tones which sang the University at Albany's fight song. Local officials attending the event included Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari, Assemblymen Jack McEneny and Tim Gordon.

The state representatives announced a $5 million provision included in the state budget which is earmarked for future improvement projects at UAlbany. This funding will be added to the money the university already received for such revitalization projects in 2006 which totaled $25 million.

"The beauty of this new entry way is very fitting as it will serve as the gateway to this fantastic university," said Canestrari. "It's very exciting to see all of the wonderful improvements that continue to be made across this campus that serves as the academic home to thousands of New Yorkers."

The plaza, including two identical groupings of fountains and a stone walkway, is part of a new three-acre plaza. It has expanded green space, ornamental trees and bench seating with wireless Internet.

The park was designed by internationally-renowned landscape architectural firm Thomas Balsley Associates of New York City which has created similar structures in Dallas, Detroit, and Baltimore. They have built about 100 parks and plazas in New York City alone.

"The celebratory space was conceived as a design bridge between the modernist Podium and Collins Circle, while enhancing 21st century campus life with elements that foster daily activity," said Thomas Balsley, one of the project's primary architects. "We are delighted to have contributed to this first great leap forward in campus place making. We wanted to humanize this into an entrance plaza to make it a vital social center."

Balsley said he hopes to create more green space on the campus where parking lots and roads currently are located.

McEneny said, "I look forward to coming back and seeing more done. This is an outstanding facility at the heart of the university's undergraduate school which serves 11,000 students.

The event, which attracted students and faculty onlookers, was also a way to welcome the students to campus for the new academic year.

Gordon said, "Any money spent on education is money well spent. There are scores of legislators who went through the SUNY system, including myself. I'm just happy to help give back."

The officials said the $5 million earmarked for the school was not part of the recent cuts.

Tom Killips — The Record.
Danielle Sanzone may be reached at 270-1292 or by email at dsanzone@troyrecord.com

UAlbany #19 In NCAA Field Hockey Preseason Poll

Preseason Rankings

The University at Albany field hockey team is ranked 19th in the STX/NFHCA Division I Preseason Poll, as announced on Wednesday afternoon.

The Great Danes, who were also ranked 19th in the final NFHCA poll of last season, begin play on Saturday, as they take on Radford before facing 15th-ranked American on Sunday. Six of the teams UAlbany will face this season are ranked in the national top 20, with another five teams receiving votes in the poll. Connecticut, a team that the Great Danes will face on Oct. 12, start the season as the highest-ranked team on the schedule, earning the fourth-place spot on the preseason poll. America East Conference rival Boston U. finished 14th in the preseason voting.

UAlbany, which earned the top ranking in the America East preseason coaches’ poll, returns senior midfielder Michelle Simpson, a two-time all-conference player who earned second-team All-America honors last season after recording 34 total points. Also returning is senior goalkeeper Ashley Ross, who led the America East and was fourth in the nation with a 1.14 goals against average.

-agate-

2008 STX/NFHCA Division I Preseason Poll

1. North Carolina, 2. Maryland, 3. Wake Forest, 4. Connecticut, 5. Iowa, 6. Penn State, 7. James Madison, 8. Old Dominion, 9. Michigan, 10. Michigan State, 11. Virginia, 12. Duke, 13. Boston College, 14. Boston University, 15. American, 16. Princeton, 17. Louisville, 18. Syracuse, 19. UAlbany, 20. Ohio.

BRETT QUEENER: A MLL STAR

Rochester goalkeeper Brett Queener gave a whole new meaning to the concept of using stingy defense to fuel an offense in yesterday’s Major League Lacrosse championship game at Harvard Stadium.

The fearless rookie stopped 10-of-11 shots and recorded an assist after entering a 6-5 game at halftime, sparking an outburst that earned the Rattlers their first MLL title with a 16-6 win over Denver.

“That was amazing to watch,” Rochester attackman John Grant said. “(Queener) didn’t let a goal in until the very last minute, and he was even (plus-minus). You can’t ask for anything better than that. He had some exciting plays out of the goal.”

Queener made his first save early in the third quarter and took off up field for the first of several forays into the offensive zone. His first trip over midfield was met with a bone-crushing blow by Outlaw Jeff Sonke, but the University of Albany product was not discouraged.

“It actually woke me up and made me want to get out there again so that I didn’t get knocked down,” Queener said of the hit. “After that, all the facets of our team started clicking, and I just had to make a couple of saves, and everything rolled from there.”

The Rattlers outscored Denver, 6-0, in the third quarter to put the game out of reach. Championship Weekend MVP Joe Walters (6 goals, 5 assists in the postseason) opened the floodgates 3:28 into the third.

Queener’s zig-zagging jaunts over midfield continued to steal the spotlight, however, even after Jeff Zywicki (6 goals) and two-time reigning MLL MVP Grant (4 goals, assist) tallied to extend the lead to 11-5.

With 1:14 remaining in the third, Queener made his fifth save and sprinted from the safety of his crease. After a quick give-and-go with Jordan Hall at the top of the arch, Queener earned an assist with a pass to set up Zywicki’s fifth tally on the left goal line.

As much as Queener plays like a daredevil that could give a coach a heart attack, Rochester coach B.J. O’Hara wouldn’t change a thing about his young sparkplug, who began the season as a reserve.

“When we gave him some chances to get out there, he just seemed to light up the team and light up the crowd,” O’Hara said. “We started to feed him more and more (playing time) - and the more he got, the better he did. It just kind of grew like a snowball.”

It was the second championship game loss for the Outlaws in the last three seasons, and their six-goal output was a new low for an MLL title tilt.

“We just couldn’t put a couple plays together,” said Denver coach Brian Reese, whose team was held scoreless for the first 27:45 of the second half.

“We’d make a great play on offense, and they’d make a great save. We just couldn’t get it all together. I thought we had some momentum coming into halftime, but they took it away pretty quickly.”

By Joe Vieira
The Boston Herald

Dr. Lee McElroy and the University of Albany's Quest: The Multipurpose Stadium

Since Lee McElroy became director of athletics in 2000, the University of Albany hase won 30 conference championships and made 13 NCAA tournament appearances. How can one forget the men's basketball team's near-upset of the University of Connecticut in 2006, and UAlbany Men's Lacrosse overtime loss in the Elite Eight NCAA Championship game in 2007.

McElroy knows that top athletic programs act as economic development engines, but not without top-notch facilities. This is why he continues pushing a $60 million plan to build a multipurpose athletic stadium.

"Successful people want to be around successful teams and successful programs," McElroy said. This is why it is important for all local business to step up and help the University's cause. There are many ways to support UAlbany and its football program, and one way is to donate to the stadium fund. The local communities of the Gators and the National Champion Tigers both give unbelievable support to their State universities. Now is the time for New York to step up. Let's get support for the University of Albany, New York's State University.

The UAlbany football team has done extremely well in a very short period of time, including its third NEC Championship in 6 years, posting a 8-3 record last Fall, going undefeated in NEC play. Not bad for 9 years in FCS Football.

The victories and success have come despite a football stadium that seats only 5,000 people, one resembling a Division III football field. With the decades and decades of success by Bob Ford’s football program, including Football Championship Series success, it is finally time to upgrade and even reward the University and football team with the proper facilities. After all, the university needs facilities equal to that of its peers.

UAlbany football has risen to the point where they play UMass, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, etc.. all among the best in Football Championship Series.

"We already have a tremendous program, but for it to get better we must have better facilities," McElroy said.

He says a new UAlbany stadium would generate millions of dollars in spending for the community and the university each year. That would come not only from football games, but also from possibly being host for opening rounds of the NCAA lacrosse tournament and hosting high school playoff games, in addition to other events.

The money would come not only from increased ticket sales and ticket prices, but also lodging and retail sales.

"We currently have an economic impact, and we don't get cited enough for it," McElroy said. The University of Albany already has a multi –BILLION dollar impact on the capital district (Albany). Without the University, the Albany area would suffer greatly. It's time to reward the University that has given so much to the capital of New York State.

The university is seeking both state and private financing for the stadium. All UAlbany supporters, Alumni, capital district residents and businesses should consider donating to the University.

The athletic department stadium plan needs to be placed as the #1 on the University's priority list in the up and coming budget request. University administrators need to hear this from alumni and supporters alike.

NYS officials need to hear that you support the stadium effort, and why the University and athletic department deserves this stadium and how much positive impact it will have over some many things.

Contact the following government officials and voice your support for the Multi Purpose Stadium. Now is the time to begin letting these officials know that you want state funding included in this year's budget. Call, email, and go in person to the following officials now.

Please contact these officials with the utmost respect and with a high level of intellect... please put significant thought into your presentation before contacting them.

Governor Paterson:

Assemblyman Ron Canestrari:
canestr@assembly.state.ny.us

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver:
speaker@assembly.state.ny.us

Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco:
tediscj@ assembly.state.ny.us

Assemblyman John McEneny
mcenenj@assembly.state.ny.us

NYS Senator Hugh Farley
farley@senate.state.ny.us

NYS Senator Neil Breslin
breslin@senate.state.ny.us

NYS Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno:
bruno@senate.state.ny.us

NYS Senate Minority Leader Malcom Smith:
masmith@senate.state.ny.us

City of Albany: Mayor Jennings
mayor@ci.albany.ny.us

UAlbany Interim President George M. Philip
presmail@uamail.albany.edu

UAlbany Interim Provost Susan D. Phillips
sdphil@uamail.albany.edu









Heery International Inc. Selected to Study Proposed UAlbany Multi-Purpose Complex
Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information
Release: 04/04/2008

Courtesy: UAlbany Athletics

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Friday, April 4 that Heery International Inc. has been selected to study a proposed on-campus multi-purpose stadium complex.

Heery's study, which will take four to six months to complete, will include a site analysis, developing a stadium concept, establishing a project budget and formulating fund-raising materials.

"Heery International's work is the beginning of an exciting project that will benefit the entire Capital Region," McElroy said. "As our Division I athletic program continues to grow, so does the facility needs of our 19 sports. The vision for this athletic complex is something that not only services our athletic programs, but campus, high school and community events. The results of this study will allow us to determine, with respect to funding, what our options will be in the future."

Heery International, an Atlanta-based company founded in 1952, is a full-service design, engineering and construction management firm with 1,100 employees located in 30 offices throughout the United States and Europe.

Heery's list of more than 250 collegiate sports projects and 50-plus collegiate stadiums include a recent renovation and expansion of the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas; eight renovations and expansions of the University of Georgia's Sanford Stadium; and a design for the renovation of the University of Texas' Memorial Stadium.

UAlbany Football's Dave McCarty: Passion on the Gridiron

UAlbany junior David McCarty remains inconspicuous sitting at the back of the classroom wearing a plain hooded sweatshirt and jeans. All of this changes once the 20-year-old tailback steps onto the football field. While donning his No. 3 jersey, McCarty can't help but stand out.

Last season, McCarty ranked 10th among the nation's rushing leaders with more than 125 yards per game. He posted the third-highest single season rushing total in school history with 1,503 yards and 13 touchdowns. Not to mention, he was named to the Sports Network Division I FCS All-America Team and first-team Sports Network Mid-Major All-America Squad.

"He has a great work ethic, outstanding strength. He's physically tough and he takes great pride in what he does," said UAlbany football head coach Bob Ford. "He's just a delightful young man."

It was UAlbany's Department of History, in part, that attracted McCarty to the University. McCarty's love of history, particularly American History, may not be something that is evident to his teammates or others -- that is, unless they visit his off-campus residence.

"There are only two channels that are always on at my house -- the Military Channel and the History Channel," said McCarty, who is majoring in history and minoring in education.

"We've gone from playing in Division III ... and now we're playing in bowl games, it's phenomenal."

Junior tailback David McCartyMcCarty, who carried a 3.6 GPA last semester, plans to join the Marine Corps after graduation.
Despite a mounting list of football accolades and accomplishments, all of the attention is something McCarty never imagined for himself, growing up in Gansevoort, N.Y. That's where his passion for football became rooted in neighborhood pickup games with friends.

"I'd come home with scrapes and bruises. It was awesome," said McCarty, who eventually become a high school standout at LaSalle Institute, where he holds records for single-game and single-season rushing and was named three-time wrestling All-American.

McCarty isn't sure what drives him -- perhaps it's a story N.Y. Giants head coach Tom Coughlin told the team before last season. Coughlin had received a letter from the Army's Lieutenant General, who talked about how much his men loved the Giants and what they do.

"He was saying how you can never get down on yourself when you're on the field, whether you're tired or hurt," recalled McCarty. "His men are on the battlefield in 125 degree heat with 100 pounds of gear, fighting for their country and their lives. When I replay that, I never get down on myself. I just keep going."

UAlbany Women's Soccer Beats Colgate 2-1 In Overtime

HAMILTON, N.Y. (8/24/08) - Hamilton, N.Y. – Freshman Rebecca Lee scored her first career goal and set up junior Ashley Tirabassi’s game winner in the 101st minute to lead the University at Albany women’s soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Colgate University in double overtime at Van Doren Field on Sunday, Aug. 24. Tirabassi’s goal came 31 seconds into the second overtime frame.

“I could not be more proud of the team today to fight back and get a win on the road the way that they did this afternoon,” said head coach Mary-Frances Monroe.

After a scoreless first half, Colgate (0-1) got on the scoreboard first in the 54th minute when junior Jess Bitsack collected a rebound initially saved by UAlbany freshman goalkeeper Cate Crenson. The Raiders only took three more shots on goal the rest of the way.

UAlbany (1-1) answered right back in the 61st minute of action. After Colgate goalkeeper Rachel Michlin punched away the ball, Lee took the rebound and shot it down the middle to tie the match up at 1-1.

At the beginning of the second overtime, Lee intercepted the ball just outside the 18-yard line on a failed clear attempt by the Raider defense. She tapped it to Tirabassi, who fired a shot to the top center of the net for the game winner.

“I give Colgate a lot of credit,” said Monroe. “They dominated the first half. We bounced back in the second half and through the overtime periods. It was a total team effort. No one gave up and we kept running at them.”

UAlbany’s Crenson made seven saves on eight chances to earn her first collegiate victory. Colgate’s Michlin faced two shots on goal in the match.

The Great Danes return to action next Sunday when they visit the Lehigh Mountain Hawks in Bethlehem, Pa. The match is slated to begin at 1 p.m.

Game Photos:
http://www.gocolgateraiders.com/sports/gallery/WSOCvsAlbany/

UAlbany Alum Queener Shines In Win At Major League Lacrosse Championship Game

Brett Queener with 2 beautiful rushes downfield collecting an assist. He added some very nice stops in goal as well. Rochester wins 16-6 and is the Major League Lacrosse Champion. More to come...

Player AND Hot Shot of the Day - Brett Queener, Rochester

You have to add it all together. It was his break dance to Rhianna during warmups. It was his full field clears, including a stylish juke move in the fourth quarter, capped off with a shrug of the shoulders. It was his sweet assist to teammate Jeff Zywicki with a minute and a half left in the third for the team’s 12 goal of the day.

Queener had spark. He had style. He did it all for Rochester in the second half, including locking down on defense with 10 saves. The older guys on defense fed off the effort, sparking the Rattlers to their second half dominance. On a veteran team, it was the rookie who helped them get over the hump.

“I just came out there and tried to get that first stop. I took my first run and actually got knocked on my butt. That kind of woke me up a bit. After that all facets of our team started clicking, I just had to make a couple saves and everything went from there,” Queener said post-game.

Courtesy: Inside Lacrosse

UAlbany FCS Football Deserves Regional Support

The Capital Region loves Division I basketball and hockey. As for football, not so much.

University at Albany sports information director/assistant athletic director Brian DePasquale correctly pointed out at today's football media day that area media types, and perhaps fans in general, don't spend much time thinking about what used to be called Division I-AA football.

The Great Danes have produced seven or more victories six times as a Football Championship Series (formerly Division I-AA) program, and they have won the Northeast Conference championship three times, including last season when they were 6-0 in conference play.

Yet football at this level doesn't get its share of publicity.

The closest big-time college football program to the Capital Region is Syracuse University. That's nearly two hours away. Plus, the Orange have struggled in recent years.

True college football fans should jump on the UAlbany bandwagon. The Danes play an incredible schedule, including national runner-up Delaware and NCAA quarterfinalist Massachusetts, this season. They have an exciting tailback in LaSalle Institute graduate Dave McCarty, who ran for more than 1,500 yards, and they have about 25 Capital Region products on their roster.

Perhaps the lack of a true football stadium is one of the reasons this program doesn't catch on, but I've seen enough games to vouch for the quality of play at this level.

It took a while for the UAlbany basketball program to catch on. Now, it's time for its football team to follow suit. The difference is that the basketball team rarely won much in its early Division I years. The football team, under legendary head coach Bob Ford, has been better than a .500 team in four of the last six years.

How about a little love?

By Bob Weiner

UAlbany Alum Brett Queener Helps Rochester Advance To The MLL Finals

RATTLERS DEFEAT BARRAGE IN OT, 16-15

The Rattlers won a playoff game for the first time in team history.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - There's a first time for everything and Saturday's semi-final between the Philadelphia Barrage and the Rochester Rattlers was a prime example of that.

Rochester Rattlers attackman Casey Powell scored the game-winning goal just 45 seconds into overtime to give the Rattlers their first-ever play-off victory, a 16-15 win over the two-time defending MLL champion Philadelphia Barrage.

It also marked the first-ever postseason loss for the Barrage, who had won six straight playoff games prior to this year.

Attackman Joe Walters led the Rattlers with four goals and three assists while midfielder Colin Doyle added two goals and two assists. Goalkeeper Brett Queener made four saves in the second half.

Midfielder Roy Colsey led Philadelphia in a losing effort, scoring three goals with three assists. Attackman Ryan Boyle added two goals and three assists while goalkeeper Brian Dougherty made 16 saves.

Rochester outshot the Barrage by a 45-31 margin and held a commanding 38-16 advantage in ground balls.

The Rattlers will advance to the NB Zip Championship Game on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. and will face either Denver or Los Angeles.

Courtesy: MLL

UAlbany Football Finishes Preseason Camp with Friday Scrimmage at University Field

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Justin Gannon has never gone through a preseason at the collegiate level without an injury. But when the University at Albany football team wrapped up its summer camp with an intrasquad scrimmage on Friday, Aug. 22 at University Field, the junior tailback showed he could shake off his recent ailments with a strong effort.

Gannon, who plays behind standout tailback David McCarty, rushed 11 times for 62 yards and broke off a nifty 34-yard scamper as UAlbany ran nearly 100 plays in preparation for next weekend’s opener.

Gannon and classmate Colin Simmons, who also picked up 62 yards on the ground in the preseason tune-up, know they are key figures in UAlbany’s attack. Both juniors are small in stature, but fierce on their feet.

“Anything can happen,” explained Gannon, a 5-foot-6, 175-pounder who missed last Saturday’s scrimmage with a thigh contusion. “I think we have three good running backs and are comfortable with each other. Dave’s bigger and is more of a downhill runner, someone who can run over people. I have to rely on speed and be quick getting through the hole.”

The Great Danes will need more than one offensive weapon this season with the toughest schedule in the program’s history just ahead. Gannon, who was third on the team in rushing (273 yards) and all-purpose yards (551) last year, is expected to be one of the contributors.

“I just have to give 100 percent in practice and compete every day,” he stated. “I can never let up.”

The Great Danes, who won last year’s Northeast Conference championship, are off on Saturday, but return to the practice field the following day as they ready themselves for nationally-ranked Massachusetts.



Football Notes: UAlbany’s Emerson Kinsey looked in good form from his outside linebacker position with one sack and one pass break-up during Friday’s scrimmage ... quarterback Frank Blasinsky threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to fullback Chris Kenneally ... the Great Danes will play Massachusetts, ranked No. 5 nationally in both the FCS Coaches’ and Sports Network polls, in the season opener on Saturday, Aug. 30 ... Fox Sports Radio 980 AM will air the game in the Capital Region ... game time is 6:00 p.m. ... UAlbany has three players in NFL training camps, with cornerback Rashad Barksdale (Kansas City), outside linebacker Kurt Campbell (Tennessee) and defensive end Andre Coleman (San Diego) ... Barksdale’s Chiefs travel to the Miami Dolphins for their third preseason game on Saturday evening ... the Dolphins are led by first-year head coach Tony Sparano, whose sons, Tony (defensive end) and Andy (center) are members of the UAlbany football team ...

Women's Soccer Drops Season Opener To Syracuse, 3-1

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Junior Ashley Tirabassi found the back of the net for the eighth time of her career, but the University at Albany women’s soccer team took a 3-1 loss to Syracuse University at the SU Soccer Stadium on Friday night. Freshman Katie Norwood assisted on the Great Dane goal.

Syracuse (1-0) scored twice in the opening five minutes of the season opener for both teams to take an early 2-0 lead. Sophomore Megan Bellingham netted the first goal in the second minute, and freshman Casey Ramirez followed up with the second tally in the fourth minute of play.

Tirabassi scored the first goal of the season for UAlbany (0-1) in the sixth minute of action to cut the Orange lead in half. Norwood, who was one of seven true freshman starters for the Great Danes in the contest, was credited with her first career assist on the play.

Freshman goalkeeper Cate Crenson turned away the next three shots she faced to keep it a one-possession match over the next 30 minutes, but Syracuse’s Amanda Morris doubled her club’s lead by scoring a goal in the 35th minute.

The Great Danes, who trailed by two at the break, came out with a vengeance to start the second half by taking the first three shots on goal in the stanza. Spearheaded by freshman Katie Grant, sophomore Jenna Burke and Norwood, UAlbany’s defense did not allow the Orange to take anything on Crenson until the 75th minute. UAlbany outshot Syracuse by a count of 4-1 in the second frame, but the team could not get the ball past Syracuse junior goalkeeper Eliza Bennett-Hattan.

UAlbany’s Crenson made seven saves on 10 opportunities in her Great Dane debut and was credited with the loss. Syracuse’s Bennett-Hattan turned away four of the five shots she faced.

The Great Danes return to action on Sunday afternoon when they visit the Colgate Raiders in Hamilton, N.Y. Game time is set for 3 p.m.

UAlbany Athletic Director Lee McElroy Assists With Freshmen Move-In on State Quad

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy joined the class of 2012 to assist with the freshman class’ move-in onto State Quad resident hall on Friday, Aug. 22.

Approximately 84 freshmen student-athletes will be residing on State Quad during the academic year. Because several of UAlbany’s athletic teams require staying on campus over school breaks, they are placed in dorms that allow recess housing, which includes State Quad. Upperclassmen are able to reside in Freedom and Empire housing.

McElroy, who assists with freshmen move-in each year, is in his ninth year at the helm of the UAlbany athletic department. He believes that getting involved with move-in is a good way to get an early word out about UAlbany athletics. Classes begin on Monday, Aug. 25.

“We are a part of the greater UAlbany community,” McElroy said. “We receive a lot of support from faculty, staff and students, and we want to be able to give back and support the rest of campus as a part of the UAlbany team.”

UAlbany Is America East's 2008 Preseason Favorite In Field Hockey Coaches' Poll

Courtesy: America East Communications

If the head coaches’ predictions hold true, a new champion will be crowned at the 2008 America East Field Hockey Championship this November. University at Albany topped the 2008 preseason coaches’ poll, voted on by all six field hockey head coaches across the conference, which would end Boston University’s three-year reign as tournament champions. The Great Danes received four first-place votes out of a maximum of five and 24 total points to edge out the Terriers who received two first-place votes and 22 points.

Albany (15-5 overall record in 2007, 4-1 America East record) fell to Boston University (18-6, 5-0) in last year’s final by a 4-1 score.

This year’s field hockey championship will take place November 7 and 9 and will be hosted by the highest seed with an artificial turf surface. The top four teams from the regular season will participate in the tournament, with the winner of the championship receiving an automatic berth to the NCAA Championship.

University of Vermont (16 points) and University of New Hampshire (14 points) were picked to finish the season third and fourth, respectively, while University of Maine (nine points) and Fairfield University (five points) rounded out the six-team poll.

The Great Danes finished runners-up to the Terriers last year in both the regular season and the tournament, and are searching for their first America East crown. Albany turned in the second-most productive offense in the league last year largely due to senior midfielder Michelle Simpson (Midlesbrough, England/University of Teesside), a second-team All-American recording 34 points, who returns with one more year of eligibility. Head coach Phil Sykes’ team also has America East first-team goalkeeper senior Ashley Ross (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley), who led America East with a 1.14 goals against average in 2007. Juniors Nicole Savage (Wilkes-Barr, Pa./James M. Coughlin) and Jess Lindsey (Norristown, Pa./Methacton) will also look to produce results after putting up 31 and 19 points, respectively, last year.

The Terriers lost a senior class that led the team to four straight regular season titles and three consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament, but head coach Sally Starr’s squad hopes to replace that experience with nine freshmen and two transfers in addition to the returning athletes. Boston U. boasts the 2007 America East Rookie of the Year in sophomore goalkeeper Kim Kastuk (Putnam Valley, N.Y./Putnam Valley) as well as senior backs Lizzie Perreault (Teaticket, Mass./Falmouth) and Holly Wiles (Harare, Zimbabwe/Arundel School), who all should make for a very strong defensive unit. Junior Gabby Hajjar (Ottawa Hills, Ohio/Ottawa Hills) is the highest-scoring returner up front with 2007 totals of nine goals, one assist and 19 points.

Vermont (12-7, 3-2) is coming off one of its most successful seasons, tying the program’s record for total wins, and will try to continue that momentum into 2008. Leading the team should be two returning first-team all-conference picks, seniors Kim Striegler (Whitney Point, N.Y./Whitney Point) and Maegan Luce (Hartford, Vt./Hartford). Luce, a forward, notched seven goals and eight assists last season, while Striegler posted 12 points on four goals and four assists from the midfield a year ago.

New Hampshire (9-12, 2-3) will feature a pair of second-team all-conference selections in junior forward Megan Shea (Melrose, Mass./Melrose) and junior back Kiera Williams (Dover, N.H./St. Thomas Aquinas), while senior Sarah Craigue (Concord, N.H./Concord) will also provide a veteran presence up front. Despite missing three games due to injury, Craigue still finished second on the team in both points (13) and assists (five) last year. The hardest decision for 18th-year head coach Robin Balducci may be at goalkeeper, where two rookies and a sophomore will be vying for the job.

Josette Babineau’s Black Bears (5-11, 1-4) also have a void at the goalkeeper position which they hope to fill with either rookie Brittany Fleck (Vancouver, British Columbia/Crofton House School) or classmate Elizabeth Anderson (Morrill, Maine/Kent’s Hill). Maine has a young squad in 2008, but has a talented sophomore class which placed back Maire Dineen (Toronto, Ontario/Michael Power-St. Joseph) and midfielders Brittney Cummings (Belfast, Maine/Belfast) and Courtney Veinotte (Canaan, Maine/Skowhegan) on the 2007 All-Rookie team.

Fairfield (3-17, 0-5) begins its second season in America East on a quest to reach its first conference championship. Senior forwards Emily Janis (East Hampton, N.Y./East Hampton) and Molly Byrnes (Greenwich, Conn./Greenwich) were consistent performers for the Stags last year, each posting a team-high eight points and playing in the starting lineup. Janis and Byrnes will be leaders on a team which welcomes nine freshmen.

Top Salaries Among Nation's Public Colleges and Universities

University Name - Starting Salary - Salary With Experience

1.University of California, Berkeley $59,900.00 $112,000.00
2.University of Virginia (UVA) $52,700.00 $103,000.00
3.Cal Poly San Luis Obispo $57,200.00 $101,000.00
4.University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) $52,600.00 $101,000.00
5.University of California, San Diego (UCSD) $51,100.00 $101,000.00
6.University of California, Davis $52,300.00 $99,600.00
7.University of Colorado - Boulder (UCB) $47,100.00 $97,600.00
8.University of California, Irvine (UCI) $48,300.00 $96,700.00
9.University of Illinois at Urbana $52,900.00 $96,100.00
10.Texas A&M University $49,700.00 $96,100.00
11.Bing U $53,600.00 $95,900.00
12.University of Missouri - Rolla (UMR) $57,100.00 $95,800.00
13.San Jose State University (SJSU) $53,500.00 $95,600.00
14.University of Maryland, College Park $52,000.00 $95,000.00
15.University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) $50,500.00 $95,000.00
16.U of Texas (UT) - Austin $49,700.00 $93,900.00
17.University of Michigan $52,700.00 $93,000.00
18.SBU $49,500.00 $93,000.00

19.University of Albany $44,500.00 $92,200.00

20.Rutgers University $50,300.00 $91,800.00
21.Purdue University $51,400.00 $90,500.00
22.University of Connecticut (UConn) $48,000.00 $88,800.00
23.University of Massachusetts (UMass) - Amherst $46,600.00 $88,200.00
24.California State University (CSU), Chico $47,400.00 $88,100.00
25.University of Florida (UF) $47,100.00 $87,900.00
26.University of Wisconsin (UW) - Madison $48,900.00 $87,800.00
27.Louisiana State University (LSU) $46,900.00 $87,800.00
28.California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) $45,700.00 $87,000.00
29.George Mason University $47,800.00 $86,900.00
30.University of Massachusetts (UMass) - Lowell $45,400.00 $86,600.00


Source: Payscale.com

University of Albany Art Museum Presents Work of Edmier and DiBenedetto

In the long-running Broadway show and TV hit "The Odd Couple," Felix and Oscar live together due to an odd set of circumstances. While the arrangement is wrought with difficulties, the relationship makes for great entertainment.

The same is true for New York City artists Keith Edmier and Steve DiBenedetto. Paired in separate exhibits at the University at Albany Art Museum, the artists' works produce interesting conflicts and intriguing results. It's great theater of the absurd.

The exhibits, one on each floor, feature the curious and time-warped installations of Edmier and DiBenedetto's wild and intense paintings and drawings. While their mediums and methodologies differ greatly in "& Episode 1," and "Edge Dwelling" the artists share enough similarities through pop culture and color to stay together — for a while at least.

Although billed as two shows, their proximity invites us to compare and contrast. On view until Sept. 21, the two exhibits came together in an unexpected way, said Janet Riker, the museum's director. Several years ago, DiBenedetto was in discussions with the museum about a solo show when his neighbor, Edmier, jumped in and got involved. They both work from the same Manhattan building and are friends.

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By TIM KANE

Merrick Thomson Earns 1st Team All MLL and Warrior Most Improved Player

Major League Lacrosse, the premier professional lacrosse league, announced Thursday that New Jersey Pride attackman Merrick Thomson has been honored as the 2008 Warrior Most Improved Player of the Year, according to Commissioner David Gross. The award was based on votes submitted by the general managers and head coaches of the ten MLL teams.

After scoring just nine goals last year, Thomson ranked second in the MLL with 42 goals and 52 points in 12 games this season. He scored three or more goals nine times this season, including a team record-tying seven goals in a 26-20 victory over the Long Island Lizards on July 3. He also added two assists in the victory to equal the New Jersey single-game record with nine points, earning MLL Offensive Player of the Week honors.

On July 26, the former University at Albany attackman led the Pride to a 25-20 victory over the Washington Bayhawks, scoring five goals with two assists as New Jersey won the first of three straight games to end the season. He scored seven goals and added an assist in the final two games, helping New Jersey finish with a .500 record for the first time since the 2003 season.

Thomson also added a five-goal effort against Boston on June 6 and scored four goals with two assists in a victory over the Eastern Conference champion Rochester Rattlers on June 14.

Thomson received 10 of a possible 20 first-place votes and tallied 56 points while Chicago Machine goalkeeper Mike Gabel finished second by earning 13 points, including a pair of first-place votes. Rochester Rattlers midfielders Colin Doyle and Joe Walters and New Jersey Pride attackman Matt Rewkowski were tied for third place with 10 points. Both Doyle and Rewkowski each recorded a pair of first-place votes.



Major League Lacrosse announces All-MLL teams



Major League Lacrosse, the premier professional lacrosse league, announced Friday the players who have been named to the 2008 All-Major League Lacrosse team, recognizing the best players at each position. Named to the All-MLL team were:

Attack: John Grant, Jr. (Rochester), Kevin Leveille (Chicago), Merrick Thomson (New Jersey)
Midfield: Brian Langtry (Denver), Matt Striebel (Philadelphia), Joe Walters (Rochester)
Defense: Eric Martin (San Francisco), Brodie Merrill (Rochester), Kyle Sweeney (Philadelphia)
Goalkeeper: Mickey Jarboe (Los Angeles), Rob Scherr (New Jersey)
Face-off Specialist: Alex Smith (Rochester)

UAlbany Women's Basketball Set to Take International Trip to Costa Rica

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

The University at Albany women’s basketball team will embark on a four-day international trip to Costa Rica, beginning August 29, as announced today by Director of Athletics and Vice President Lee McElroy. Costa Rica is a republic in South America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, with the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, with a population of over 4.1 million.

“It is an incredible asset to get experience and practice this early in the year,” said UAlbany head coach Trina Patterson. “The trip gives us a chance to mesh our eight returning players with our five newcomers as quickly as possible. We will be able to do some team bonding activities and also evaluate players in a competitive aspect, which will help prepare us for the season.”

The Great Danes will depart from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, arriving at La Condesa Monte de la Cruz Hotel in Heredia, Costa Rica that afternoon. UAlbany will play the first of two exhibition games against Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica on the evening of Aug. 29. The Great Danes then face the Costa Rican National Team on Saturday before spending a day on the Pacific Coast in Jaco, Costa Rica the following day.

“This trip will give us more time to learn about each other and gel together as a team,” said UAlbany junior guard Charity Iromuanya. “We have a chance to play together and see what we have to work on to prepare us for the season.”

UAlbany is coming off a season in which the Great Danes posted the most wins in America East Conference play with a 10-6 record and produced the program's second appearance in the conference postseason tournament's semifinal round. Patterson was voted the 2008 America East Coach of the Year.

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UAlbany Women’s Basketball – Costa Rica Tour Schedule

Friday, Aug. 29 Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 30 Costa Rican National Team 10:30 p.m.

UAlbany Volleyball Picked First in America East Conference Preseason Poll

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – The University at Albany volleyball team was picked to finish first in the America East Conference preseason poll, as voted by the league’s head coaches and announced on Tuesday afternoon. The Great Danes, who have won three of the last four America East championships, received four first-place votes for 33 total points.

UAlbany edged out New Hampshire in the voting, as the Wildcats garnered two first-place votes and 31 points. UMBC earned the final first-place vote to finish third in the poll, followed by Binghamton, Stony Brook, Hartford and Maine.

UAlbany became the first America East program to win a match in the NCAA Tournament, defeating Cleveland State, 3-0, last season. The Great Danes return 2007 conference rookie of the year Amanda Cowdrey and the postseason championship’s most outstanding player Brooke Stanley. UAlbany will retain much of its youth from last season, with just two seniors gracing a 13-player roster. The list includes all-conference first-team middle blocker Kamisha Kellam, who was among the league leaders last season in hitting percentage (.327), kills (3.24 kpg) and blocks (1.06 bpg).

The 2008 America East volleyball championship will take place November 21-23 at the top seed’s home court. The top four teams from the regular season will participate in the championship and the tournament winner will earn an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.

UAlbany starts the 2008 season on August 29 at San Diego State’s Aztec Invitational.

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2008 America East Conference Volleyball Preseason Poll

1. UAlbany (4) 33, 2. New Hampshire (2) 31, 3. UMBC (1) 29, 4. Binghamton 21, 5. Stony Brook 16, 6. Hartford 9, 7. Maine 8.

first-place votes in parenthesis ( )

Senior Safety Dave West & UAlbany Football Team Meet Media at Annual Preseason Luncheon

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Gone are the days when a collegiate athlete competes in two or three sports year-round on a regular basis. Most athletes have become specialized in one sport, and focus all of their time and energy with a single purpose.

The NCAA doesn’t officially keep track of the number of dual-sport athletes, but outside the realm of track and field and cross country, the dual-sport student-athlete at the college level is a rare breed. Most talented student-athletes make a choice in high school to continue with one sport at the collegiate level. Then there are athletes like UAlbany’s Dave West, who simply could not, and would not, make a choice.

West, a senior safety on the Great Danes’ football team, is also the starting center fielder for the school’s baseball squad. West has earned All-Northeast Conference recognition during his time on the football field, helping UAlbany win the 2007 league championship. He also was an All-America East Conference selection on the diamond, bringing baseball to its first-ever conference title and NCAA tournament appearance in 2006. West wanted that challenge from the beginning.

“I couldn’t make up my mind,” West stated at Tuesday’s football media luncheon in the SEFCU Athletic Hall of Fame Room. “I knew that I had to play both.”

While most schools that were interested in him wanted him to focus on one or the other, UAlbany offered West the solution he was looking for – an opportunity to continue both his football and baseball career wearing purple and gold.

“I have always had the philosophy that if you want to play another sport – play it,” said UAlbany’s Bob Ford, who is in his 40th season as a college head football coach. “It takes a unique athlete to be able to excel in college athletics in two sports.”

Ford, along with head baseball coach Jon Mueller, saw the potential for West to succeed in both areas at UAlbany. Despite having to miss fall baseball to play football, and not being able to participate in spring football practice in order to play baseball, West has convinced both coaches that being a dual-sport athlete is worth the sacrifice.

“We are lucky because Dave is such a cerebral guy on the field,” said defensive backs coach Drew Christ, who works with West on his positional play. “We changed things schematically in the spring, so when he came back in the fall, he was a little lost. But he understands the game, and is such a natural athlete that the transition was smooth.”


West believes his biggest challenge is changing how he approaches his game with the different coaches.


“Coach Ford is old school, and wants us to focus on execution,” West explained. “He talks to us about how it isn’t about what scheme you’re running, but about what players you have. Coach Mueller is more hard-nosed and just wants us to get after it.”

Not to say that West’s respect for either coach waivers.


“I have a great deal of respect for both of them,” West stated. “Coach Ford has been around for so long, and with his reputation and accomplishments, you want to show your best all the time. With Coach Mueller, I can talk to him on a different level. I agree with the way he does things and how he coaches.”


West focuses on each sport individually, but carries over aspects from each into the opposite season. With a short three-week rest between the end of football season and the start of baseball preseason, West doesn’t get much down time. He has discovered that although the baseball training focuses more on running and maintenance of fitness, he benefits more from continuing his football routine in the weight room.


This work ethic has helped him succeed on both the football field and the baseball diamond, something both coaches appreciate.


“Dave is a great kid to coach, he is tough both physically and mentally,” said Ford, whose team has been picked to repeat as conference champion in the NEC’s preseason poll. “By playing baseball in the spring, it is giving him another competitive opportunity. It is not a negative experience to have him compete in baseball. He is a great addition to both teams and has been on the same upward track since he arrived.”


A natural athlete who has been playing organized sports since he was five years old, West takes the challenge of playing two sports at the Division I level in stride.


“I didn’t realize it was such an accomplishment,” West said. “There were so many people who played more than one sport in high school, I didn’t think it was a big deal.”


For the Great Danes, having a highly successful two-sport athlete is a big deal. And for his coaches, they couldn’t ask for anything more.


“He is very gifted athletically,” Mueller explained. “He is focused and determined and I am very proud of him. He is a very tough kid.”

(By Brianna LaBrecque, UAlbany Athletic Media Relations)

University of Virginia's Harris Transfers To UAlbany

Will Harris is returning to his home state.

Harris, who's from Queens, N.Y., confirmed yesterday that he's transferring from the University of Virginia to the University of Albany. The 6-6, 245-pound forward will have two seasons of eligibility for the Great Danes after sitting out 2008-09.

Albany's assistant coaches include Jeremy Friel, whose brother Keith played basketball at U.Va. before Harris enrolled there.

Harris was looking for a program where he could have a bigger impact, and "I feel like it's a situation where I can go in and do some good things," he said.

As a freshman, coincidentally, Harris played against Albany. He went scoreless in nine minutes in the Cavaliers' 84-57 romp over the Great Danes in the NCAA tournament's first round.

Harris, who turns 22 next week, played in 47 games for U.Va., with three starters, and averaged 3.3 points and 3.0 rebounds. In his most memorable game, Harris totaled 14 points and six rebounds in a December 2006 victory over N.C. State.

Back problems limited Harris to 15 games in 2007-08, but he said he's healthy again and feels great.

Harris, who also considered Marist and Valparaiso, said he's bittersweet about leaving U.Va. He's excited about the opportunity that awaits him at Albany but will miss Virginia's players and coaches.

"I loved it out here," he said. "My experience here was great." -- Jeff White