University of Albany's Joe Greene & Ricardo Estremera Qualify for NCAAs at East Regional Track & Field Championship - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Greensboro, N.C. – University at Albany’s Joe Greene placed third in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles and Ricardo Estremera finished fifth in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the NCAA East Regional Track & Field Championship on Saturday, May 30. The two-day competition was held at North Carolina A&T State University’s Irwin Belk Track. Each athlete automatically qualified for the NCAA Division I Championship at the University of Arkansas on June 10-13.

Greene, a senior who qualified for NCAA nationals for the third time in the last four years, covered the track in 50.21 seconds. South Carolina’s Johnny Dutch set a facility record in hitting the tape first in 48.77, while Georgia’s Justin Gaymon was second in 49.22.

“My main goal was to make the top five,” said Greene, who did not compete last year due to a leg injury. “This matched my highest finish at the regionals, but I know I need to go back to practice and the drawing board to focus on what I need to work on.”

Estremera, whose right shoe was damaged in the opening meters of the steeplechase, ran a finishing time of 8:52.76. A two-time America East champion in the event, he remained in the top five of the fastest section the entire race and posted the second-fastest mark in school history.

“I was really nervous,” Estremera explained. “I was elbowed in the chest and my stomach, and somebody spiked me in my right foot and sliced open the shoe. I took the lead in the race to avoid the crowd. My foot was coming out of my spike at the water jump, but I knew this was my last chance to make it to NCAAs. I didn’t give up and held on. I was in pain throughout the race, but I stayed optimistic and positive until the end of the race to accomplish my goal.”

Greene’s anchor leg in the 4x400-meter relay helped the Great Danes finish fourth and shatter the school record. His 45-second split caught the Georgia squad in the last five meters, as UAlbany won its section in 3:06.89. The previous standard of 3:08.86 had been previously established twice and was last set in April at the Florida Relays. Jeffrey Barnes, Joe Belokopitsky and Alie Beauvais ran the opening three legs. UAlbany could still make the NCAA field when the at-large selections are announced on Tuesday.

In addition, Beauvais took seventh in 400-hurdles in 51.53. Beauvais’ best mark this season of 49.99 ranked sixth in the nation entering this weekend’s four regional meets, which puts him in a solid position to earn an at-large bid. Kamilah McShine earned All-East recognition in the women’s 400-hurdles by finishing eighth in 1:02.64 in will also be placed in the at-large pool.

Mike McCadney advanced to the finals of the triple jump and placed seventh with a leap of 51-feet, 3.25-inches to garner All-East honors. The performance eclipsed his own school record of 51-3 set at the IC4A championship two weeks ago. Luke Schoen, who tied for ninth in the pole vault by clearing 16-feet, 7.25-inches in his first competition since the Penn Relays, will be an at-large candidate in a bid for his second straight national championship berth. His top mark of 17-6.50 ranked tied for 12th in the nation heading into this weekend’s regional competition.

“This whole year has been very exciting, and we expect to be taking our largest group of athletes to the NCAA championship,” offered UAlbany coach Roberto Vives, whose program ended up 10th in the team standings and scored 21 points, both program bests in the regionals. “All of our student-athletes really stepped up to compete.”

**********

NCAA East Regional Track & Field Championship

Men’s Standings (51 scoring teams): 1. Florida 84, 2. South Carolina 62, 3. Georgia 59, 4. Florida State 51, 5. Georgia Tech 41, 6. Virginia 29, 7. Virginia Tech 26.50, 8. Cornell 26, 9. Clemson 23, 10. UAlbany 21.


UAlbany Men’s Results

400-Meter Intermediate Hurdles (Finals): 3. Joe Greene 50.21 (All-East), 7. Alie Beauvais 51.53 (All-East). 3,000-Meter Steeplechase: 5. Ricardo Estremera 8:52.76 (All-East). Triple Jump: 7. Mike McCadney 51-3.25. (All-East, School Record). Pole Vault: T-9. Luke Schoen 16-7.25. 4x400-Meter Relay: 4. UAlbany (Jeffery Barnes, Joe Belokopitsky, Alie Beauvais, Joe Greene), 3:06.89 (All-East, School Record).

UAlbany Women’s Results

400-Meter Intermediate Hurdles (Finals): 8. Kamilah McShine 1:02.64 (All-East). 3,000-Meter Steeplechase: 20. Laura Cummings 10:53.90. Triple Jump: 16. Jenn Gurrant 40-7.50.

University of Albany's Greene, Beauvais & McShine Advance in NCAA East Regional Track & Field Qualifying - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Greensboro, N.C. – University at Albany's Joe Greene, Alie Beauvais and Kamilah McShine each advanced in 400-meter intermediate hurdles qualifying on Friday, May 29 at the NCAA East Regional Track & Field Championships. The two-day competition is behing held at North Carolina A&T State University’s Irwin Belk Track.

The top five finishers in each event automatically qualify for the NCAA Division I Championship, hosted by the University of Arkansas on June 10-13. Other student-athletes who place in the top 12 will be considered for an at-large selection to the national competition.

Greene and Beauvais, who took the top two spots at the America East and IC4A championship meets, reached Saturday’s final of the 400-meter hurdles by placing sixth and seventh, respectively, in the preliminary round. Greene, a NCAA national qualifier in 2007, finished in 50.75 seconds while Beauvais clocked in at 50.81. McShine, who just picked up the event this year, finished seventh and broke her own school record by navigating the track in 58.89.

“We were very excited with the way the 400-meter hurdlers competed,” UAlbany coach Roberto Vives said. “I work with them throughout the year, so I knew they were ready. Joe and Alie look to be in good shape to make it to nationals. Kamilah is just a phenomenal athlete. For her to make it to the regional and advance to the final in just her first year of running the event is unbelievable.”

Valete Graham became the first Great Dane to advance to the final and earn All-East honors in the long jump. He finished seventh with a mark of 24-feet, 2.25-inches. He was just one centimeter shy of finishing in the top five which would have automatically qualified him for the national championship meet.

UAlbany sent a program-high 18 competiors to the regional championship. In addition to the three Great Danes who advanced to the final round of the 400m hurdles, UAlbany will have five athletes in competition on Saturday. Ricardo Estremera and Laura Cummings will run in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, while Jenn Gurrant and Mike McCadney are entered in the triple jump. Luke Schoen, who earned All-America honors as a pole vaulter at the 2009 NCAA indoor championship, and a men’s 4x400-meter relay squad are also in action.

***********

UAlbany Men’s Results

110-Meter High Hurdles (Prelims): 17. Jean Juste 14.27. 400-Meter Intermediate Hurdles (Prelims): 6. Joe Greene 50.75, 7. Alie Beauvais 50.81. 800-Meter Run (Prelims): 35. Tyler Fogarty 1:54.49. 1,500-Meter Run (Prelims): 41. John Moore 4:07.60. Long Jump: 7. Valete Graham 24-2.25, 18. Felipe Reyes 22-10.50.

UAlbany Women’s Results

100-Meter Dash (Prelims): 27. Fey Adaramola 11.93. 200-Meter Dash (Prelims): 25. Fey Adaramola 24.60. 100-Meter High Hurdles (Prelims): 21. Kamilah McShine 13.97. 400-Meter Intermediate Hurdles (Prelims): 7. Kamilah McShine 58.89 (School Record).

University of Albany's Kayla Best & Nikki Branchini Named to IWLCA/US Lacrosse All-Northeast Region Second Team - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Charlottesville, Va. – University at Albany’s Kayla Best and Nikki Branchini has been chosen to the IWLCA/US Lacrosse All-Northeast Region squad, as announced on Thursday, May 28 by the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association. Best and Branchini were second-team selections and are just the second and third Great Danes to earn all-region recognition at the Division I level in the UAlbany program’s history. In 2007, Kate Fontana was also voted to the region’s second team.

Best was named All-America East Conference for the third straight season and has been picked to the first team twice. She ranked fourth in goals (2.63 pg) and seventh in points (3.31 pg) among the conference leaders. Best tallied 42 goals and 11 assists for 53 points, tying the fifth-highest single-season total in school history. She netted four or more points against seven opponents, including a season-high seven (3 goals, 4 assists) in a victory over nationally-ranked New Hampshire.

A junior midfielder from Guilderland, N.Y., Best owns the nation’s second-longest goal scoring streak and has found the net in 46 consecutive games. She is currently fifth in goals (119) and tied for fifth in points (147) on the program’s career charts.

Branchini was chosen to the All-America East first team for the second year in a row. A sophomore defender from Guilderland, N.Y., she is seventh among the NCAA national leaders in draw controls at 3.82 per game. She was fourth in the conference in ground balls (2.47 pg), plus scored four goals and led the team in caused turnovers (18). Branchini, the 2009 America East Fans’ Choice player of the year, helped UAlbany register its first winning campaign since 2000.

University of Albany steeplechase runner Estremera Makes It To NCAA Regionals - UAlbany Sports 2009

ALBANY -- Three years ago, Ricardo Estremera volunteered for an event that can break many runners.

He approached his University at Albany coaches about attempting the 3,000-meter steeplechase. It's among the most grueling undertakings in track and field with seven painful laps that demand competitors to clear 28 hurdles and seven water pits.

"It's an event not that many people want to do," Estremera, a senior, explained this week. "It's extremely hard and it's very technical."

To that point of his sophomore year, Estremera was a cross country standout who focused on the 800 and 1,500 during track season.

Nevertheless, the Puerto Rican gave steeplechase a shot because the 2006 America East Conference meet was only weeks away. He wanted to help the Great Danes by earning a few extra points.

Estremera, who had never jumped over hurdles, won his first race in a meet at RPI. Then he placed third in the conference championship as UAlbany rolled to the league title.

He decided he liked steeplechase enough to do it regularly. That's led Estremera to the NCAA East Regional, where he'll compete Saturday night at North Carolina A&T. He's among a UAlbany record 18 athletes in this regional.

"It's more entertaining, even though it's way harder and way more exhausting than any other race I ever ran," he said. "I have a lot of fun doing it."

Estremera ranks fourth in the East after posting a school-record time of 8 minutes, 48.47 seconds at the IC4A meet at Princeton two weeks ago. A top-five finish this weekend will guarantee Estremera his first berth in the NCAA Championships at the University of Arkansas on June 10-13.

UAlbany assistant coach Craig McVey, a former Kansas State steeplechaser, said Estremera is helped by his cross country background because it requires the same blend of strength and endurance.

"The hill training you do for cross country really translates into being a good steeplechaser," McVey said. "Anybody that's run a steeplechase knows that when you finish, it feels similar to running a cross country race."

Which is usually a feeling of exhaustion that requires mental toughness to overcome. Estremera displayed that grit in his junior year when he fell into the final water pit but still recovered to win the 2007 America East title.

He had to redshirt last year when he suffered an injury to the Iliotibial band in his right thigh, which in turn caused knee pain.

Estremera was determined to come back for a fifth year. He worked over the summer as a cashier at Lowe's Home Improvement as he stayed with his girlfriend on Long Island.

He needed to save money to pay this year's rent because he's on a partial scholarship.

"I'm pretty serious when it comes to being successful and accomplishing my goals," he explained. "I'll work really hard for it."


By MARK SINGELAIS

University of Albany's Corey Small & Chris Schongar Picked in Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Hoboken, N.J. – University at Albany’s Corey Small was taken in the third round of the Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft by the Toronto Nationals on Wednesday evening. Small, the 22nd overall selection, becomes the fourth player in the UAlbany program’s history to be chosen in the MLL Draft. Frank Resetarits was picked in the third round in 2007, and Jordan Levine and Brett Queener went in the first and fifth rounds, respectively, last year.

A native of St. Catharines, Ontario, Small was voted to the All-America East Conference second team for the second consecutive season. Small, who made the league’s all-rookie team as a freshman, led the conference in goals at 3.1 per game and was second in points (3.6 pg), plus posted a .419 shooting percentage. He accounted for 31 goals and five assists despite playing in just 10 games due to mid-season leg surgery. His rehabilitation was assisted by a VAC (Vacuum Assisted Closure) device that helped to heal the surgical wound and eliminate infection.

Small scored three or more goals against 17 opponents as a collegian. He struck for a career-high eight goals against Delaware on March 9, tying the program’s Division I single-game record. The left-handed attackman also had five points (3 goals, 2 assists) in a road win at Drexel and finished his career with a four-goal effort vs. Stony Brook in the America East postseason tournament.

Small completed his college career ranked sixth on the school’s all-time list with 109 goals. He also totaled 137 points. Small scored at least one point in 27 consecutive games played, dating back to May 3, 2007. His scoring streak was 10th nationally among active Division I players at season’s end.

In addition, Chris Schongar was drafted in the fifth round (42nd overall and last pick of MLL Draft) by Toronto. Schongar, a long-stick midfielder and defender, earned second-team All-America East recognition the last two seasons. He led the team with 49 ground balls. The senior is second among the program’s all-time Division I leaders with 205 ground balls. The Clifton Park, N.Y. native scored seven career goals.

“It’s a proud day for our program with Corey and Chris both being selected,” UAlbany coach Scott Marr said. “They are both perfect for the MLL, just like Merrick (Thomson), Jordan, Frank and Brett continue to be. We are thankful that our doctors and athletic training staff were able to care for Corey’s injury and save his lacrosse career.”

University of Albany Field Hockey Participates in Community Service Project at Mohawk Humane Society - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. - The UAlbany field hockey team recently participated in a community service project with the Mohawk Humane Society in Menands, N.Y. Members of the Great Dane squad visited the Humane Society and spent over two hours organizing recycleables for the facility. The team also donated over $200 worth of supplies, including dog and cat food, litter, toys, beds and blankets.

University of Albany Sends Eighteen Athletes to NCAA East Regional Track & Field Championship - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany’s Joe Greene leads a group of 18 athletes, a program record, who will compete at the NCAA East Regional Track & Field Championship on May 29-30. The two-day regional meet will be held at North Carolina A&T State University’s Irwin Belk Track in Greensboro, N.C. Fourteen men and four women will travel to the regional.

The top five finishers in each event will automatically qualify for the NCAA Championship, hosted by the University of Arkansas on June 10-13. Student-athletes who place sixth or lower will be considered for an at-large selection to the national competition.

Joining Greene as qualifiers are Jeffery Barnes, Alie Beauvais, Joe Belokopitsky, Ricardo Estremera, Tyler Fogarty, Valete Graham, Jean Juste, Mike McCadney, John Moore, Andrew Overbaugh, Felipe Reyes, Peter Rowell, Luke Schoen, Fey Adaramola, Laura Cummings, Jenn Gurrant and Kamilah McShine.

Four members of the men’s squad are currently ranked in the region’s top five. Greene and Beauvais, who finished one-two in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles at the America East Conference and IC4A championship meets, are fourth and fifth on the region’s performance list, respectively. Greene was fourth in the 400m-hurdles at the 2007 NCAA national championship, but missed last year’s competition due to a leg injury. Schoen, an All-America pole vaulter who placed fifth at nationals in 2008, ranks third in the region, while Estremera, a two-time America East champion, is currently fourth in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Greene, Schoen and Estremera have all broken the school record in their respective events this season.

The Great Danes have a pair of triple jumpers in Gurrant and McCadney who will also have a chance to qualify for nationals. Gurrant won the ECAC women’s indoor and outdoor titles and also eclipsed the school record this year. McCadney, who was victorious in the men’s triple jump at last year’s IC4A meet and is a two-time America East champion, placed second at the IC4A championship two weeks ago with a school-record performance. Gurrant and McCadney rank seventh and ninth in the region, respectively.

Kamilah McShine will compete in both the 100- and 400-meter hurdles. McShine, who won both events at the America East championships, is attempting to become the first UAlbany woman to qualify for the NCAAs since 2004. She was also second in both hurdles races at the ECAC meet.

University of Albany's Ashley Ross Chosen One of Three Finalists For 2009 America East Woman of the Year - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. -- University at Albany’s Ashley Ross, a member of the school’s field hockey and lacrosse programs, has been named one of three finalists for the 2009 America East Woman of the Year Award, as announced on Wednesday, May 27 by Commissioner Patrick Nero. Boston University’s Christy Leath (softball) and University of Vermont’s Kristen Millar (lacrosse) were also chosen. The honor recognizes the conference’s senior female student-athlete who has best distinguished herself throughout her collegiate career in the area of academic achievement, athletics excellence, service and leadership.

The three finalists were selected from a pool of 11 America East institutional nominations. To be nominated, student-athletes must have earned a varsity letter in an NCAA-sponsored sport and competed during the 2008-09 academic year, completed intercollegiate athletic eligibility in her primary sport by the end of the 2009 spring season or received her undergraduate degree prior to the conclusion of the summer 2009 term and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.500 (4.000 scale). The America East Woman of the Year will be announced on Tuesday, June 9.

Ross received an ECAC Merit Medal as UAlbany’s top senior female student-athlete during the current academic year. A three-time All-America East performer in field hockey, Ross was named the conference championship’s most outstanding player when she led the program to both its first America East title and NCAA Tournament appearance. The goalkeeper is field hockey’s all-time leader in saves (318) and shutouts (15).

Ross, who has a 3.70 cumulative grade point average in communication, was selected to NFCHA national academic squad in each of her four years and was also honored on the America East All-Academic Team. A member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), she served on the SAAC Executive Committee. In addition, Ross received the school’s James E. Lowe ’82 Memorial Scholarship.

In conjunction with the changes in the nomination process for the NCAA Woman of the Year, the America East Woman of the Year award was established in the 2005-06 athletic season. Beginning in 2006, the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics (CWA) started receiving conference-designated nominees in lieu of the previous institution- and state-based nomination format.

The America East Woman of the Year will be forwarded to the NCAA Woman of the Year selection committee. The selection committee will select the top 10 winners in each NCAA division (I, II and III). From among those 30 honorees, the selection committee will determine the top three in each division. Finally, the members of the CWA will vote from among the top nine to determine the 2009 NCAA Woman of the Year.

UAlbany Men's Ice Hockey Fact Check - UAlbany Sports 2009

UAlbany Men's Ice Hockey Homepage


Metropolitan Collegiate Hockey Conference

MCHC - Metropolitan Collegiate Hockey Conference

1. Albany, University at
2. Briarcliffe University
3. County College of Morris
4. Columbia University
5. Fairfield University
6. Farmingdale State College
7. Fordham University
8. Hofstra University
9. New Paltz, State University of New York
10. New Jersey Institute of Technology
11. Southern Connecticut State University
12. St. Thomas Aquinas College
13. Union College
14. Yale University


MCHC Playoff Appearances: 12 Straight
MCHC Finals: 5 years straight, and 7 of the last 10
MCHC Championships: 2008-09, 2006-07, 2004-05

3 Championships.
4 Runner-Ups.
9 Final Fours.


ACHA

ACHA National Championship Appearances: 2008-09, 2007-08, 2006-07, 2005-06
ACHA National Runner-Up 2006-07

Ranked in top 5 in ACHA Atlantic Region since moving to Division III in 2005-06.
Finished in top 10 ACHA National Rankings in 3 of the last 4 years.


UAlbany Men's Ice Hockey Over past 5 years:
5 All-Americans
12 All-Atlantic Region Players
13 Academic All-Americans


Other Division III Conferences:

(BRHC) Blue Ridge Hockey Conference
1. Appalachian State University
2. Christopher Newport University
3. East Carolina University
4. George Mason University
5. George Washington University
6. Loyola College
7. Lynchburg College
8. North Carolina - Charlotte, University of
9. North Carolina - Wilmington, University of
10. North Carolina State University
11. Old Dominion University
12. Radford University
13. Richmond, University of
14. Salisbury University
15. The Citadel
16. Virginia Commonwealth University
17. Virginia Military Institute
18. Washington & Lee
19. William and Mary, College of

(CHE) College Hockey East
1. California University of PA
2. Indiana University of PA
3. Penn State - Altoona
4. Penn State - Behrend
5. Pittsburgh, University of
6. Pittsburgh - Johnstown, University of
7. Robert Morris University
8. Saint Vincent College
9. Fredonia State University

(DVCHC) Deleware Valley Collegiate Hockey Conference
1. East Stroudsburgh University
2. Lehigh University
3. Monmouth University
4. Penn State - Delco
5. Richard Stockton University
6. Rutgers - Camden University
7. Shippensburg University
8. Widener University
9. Neumann College

(MDCHA) Mason-Dixon Collegiate Hockey Association
1. Alvernia College
2. American University
3. Bucknell University
4. Catholic University of America
5. Dickinson College
6. Gettysburg College
7. Johns Hopkins University
8. Mt. Saint Mary's University

(MCHC) Michigan Collegiate Hockey Conference
1. Albion College
2. Calvin College
3. Davenport University
4. Grand Valley State University
5. Hope College
6. Jackson Community College
7. Kettering University
8. Lake Superior State University
9. Lansing Community College
10. Lawrence Tech University
11. Northwood University
12. Oakland University
13. Saginaw Valley State University

(MWCHC) Midwestern Collegiate Hockey Conference
1. Butler University
2. Delta College
3. Denison University
4. Eastern Kentucky
5. Holy Cross College
6. Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne
7. Northern Kentucky
8. University of Akron
9. University of Louisville
10. Xavier University

(NCCHA) North Central Collegiate Hockey Association
1. Air Force Academy
2. Colorado College
3. Colorado, University of
4. Colorado – Colorado Springs, University of
5. Creighton University
6. Dordt College
7. Iowa State University
8. Kansas, University of
9. Mesa State University
10. South Dakota, University of
11. South Dakota State University
12. Wyoming, University of

(PCHA) Pacific Collegiate Hockey Association
1. California - Davis, University of
2. California - Irvine, University of
3. California - San Diego, University of
4. California State University - Northridge
5. College of the Canyons
6. Fresno State University
7. Northern Arizona University
8. Sacremento State University
9. Santa Clara University

University of Albany Women's Basketball Receives Two Additional Student-Athlete Commitments For 2009-10

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany head women’s basketball coach Trina Patterson announced on Tuesday, May 26 that two student-athletes have signed a national letter of intent to play for the program in the 2009-10 academic year. Cassandra Callaway (Bayonne, N.J./Bayonne/Daytona State College) and Ebone Henry (San Diego, Calif./Mater Dei Catholic H.S.) each made their commitment.

Callaway, a 5-foot-8 point guard, led Daytona State College in Florida to a 20-9 record this past winter and will have three years of eligibility remaining. She was named to the All-Mid-Florida Conference first team after netting 12.2 points per game. As a senior at Bayonne High School, she was named the Hudson County Player of the Year by the Star-Ledger as well as the all-county first team after helping her squad post a 19-7 record. As the team’s floor general, Callaway averaged 20.9 points, 2.1 assists, 2.5 steals and 3.1 rebounds. She also shot 42 percent from the field, 43 percent from beyond the arc and 89.7 percent at the charity stripe.

“We are expecting Cassandra to make an immediate impact,” Patterson said. “She is a high-energy player who has a high basketball IQ, plays with poise, and can finish well at the rim with her right and left.”

Henry, a 5-foot-10 guard, led Mater Dei Catholic High School to a 30-3 record and the 2009 CIF Division IV state championship, canning the game-winning free throws in the title game. She has averaged a double-double in each of the past two seasons, earning all-conference first-team honors while leading the Crusaders to the league title each time. As a junior, she was named the South Bay League Player of the Year after averaging 14.9 points and 10.0 rebounds. She recorded 14.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 4.0 steals and 3.4 assists as a senior.

“Ebone is a proven winner,” Patterson offered. “She will bring fundamental skills, physical ability and a competitive spirit to our program."

Jasmine Blakemore, a 6-foot-2 forward from Houston, Texas (Bush H.S.), Terika Lunsford, a 5-foot-11 guard from Lakeland, Fla. (Suffolk H.S.) and Keyana Williams, a 6-foot-1 forward from Kingston, N.Y. (Kingston H.S.) previously signed during the November period. Highlighted by Williams, tabbed the No. 260 recruit in the country, the five-member class was ranked first in the America East Conference and 116th nationally by All-Star Girls Report. Williams was also first in the country among America East recruits.

-agate-

University at Albany Women’s Basketball Signings

Name, Pos., Cl., Ht., Hometown (High School/Previous School)

Jasmine Blakemore, F, 6-2, Houston, Texas (Bush)

Cassandra Callaway, G, 5-8, Bayonne, N.J. (Bayonne/Daytona State)

Ebone Henry, G, 5-10, San Diego, Calif. (Mater Dei Catholic)

Terika Lunsford, G, 5-11, Lakeland, Fla. (Suffolk)

Keyana Williams, F, 6-1, Kingston, N.Y. (Kingston)

University of Albany's Meagan Butsch & Nicole Kothe Garner America East Softball All-Academic Team Laurels - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – University at Albany’s Meagan Butsch and Nicole Kothe were named to the America East Conference All-Academic Softball Team, as announced on Tuesday, May 26 by the league office. Both student-athletes helped the Great Danes set a school single-season record with 38 victories and advance to the championship round of the America East Tournament for the fifth straight season.

Butsch, a senior biology major with a 3.35 cumulative grade point average, is being honored for the second straight season as a member of the league’s all-academic squad. Earlier this year, she was named a National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Academic Scholar-Athlete and earned a place on the ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District I second team by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). On the field, Butsch made the NFCA All-Northeast Region first team after being named the league’s co-player of the year as well as garnering spots on the all-conference first team and all-championship squad. The senior broke school records for home runs in a career (31) and a single season (16). She led the league in home runs, runs scored (50), on-base percentage (.492), slugging percentage (.806) and tied for first in RBI (44).

Kothe, a junior psychology major with a 3.68 GPA, is a two-time NFCA Academic Scholar-Athlete who also made the 2009 ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District I second team. A two-time member of the America East Commissioner’s Honor Roll, Kothe batted .268 with a .393 on-base percentage, nine RBI and five stolen bases. She finished the season with a .958 fielding percentage, committing just two errors.

To be nominated for the distinction, student-athletes must be a starter or important reserve for their team and participate in at least 50 percent of their team’s games or competitions. In the classroom, student-athletes must have a 3.30 GPA and have completed at least one calendar year at their institution.

UAlbany Upended By Foe In America East Baseball Championship Marathon

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Endicott, N.Y. – Left-hander Jeff Dennis threw seven strong innings and struck out nine in leading Binghamton to a 16-6 victory UAlbany in the championship round of America East Conference Baseball Tournament at Pete Sylvester Field. The Bearcats, who won all three games in tournament play, captured their first conference title and earned an automatic NCAA berth.

The America East championship final started at 9:45 p.m. on Saturday evening, went through two delays, and finished up at 3:06 a.m. eastern on Sunday morning. From first to last pitch, the marathon lasted five hours and 21 minutes.

Binghamton (29-20) leaped to a 3-0 lead in the second inning after the game was delayed for nearly two hours due to weather. With two outs and runners on first and second, Jeff Abrams beat out a single into the hole. But UAlbany shortstop Sean Donovan’s throw was wide of first, allowing Corey Taylor to score. Donovan misplayed a ground ball up the middle for the second run. Jim Calderon picked up an RBI when he singled off the glove of pitcher Ryan White and the ball ricocheted into left field.

The Bearcats, who won the conference regular-season crown to earn the top seed, sent 10 batters to the plate in the fourth. C.J. Lukaszewski and Kyle Klee drove in runs with infield singles to ignite a six-run inning. Corey Taylor, a first-team all-conference outfielder, put an exclamation point on the at-bat when he slugged a three-run homer over the left-field fence, his 15th of the season.

In the sixth, Binghamton extended its margin to 12-0. Jeff Skelhorne-Gross led off with a double and scored on Calderon’s sacrifice fly to left. Calderon, who also doubled, totaled three hits and two RBIs. Henry Dunn followed with a two-run triple that sliced into the alley in right-center field.

The Great Danes, who reached the championship for the second time in the program’s history with a 10-9 win over Vermont in the loser’s bracket final, broke through in the fifth when Gary Pitcheralle lofted a sacrifice fly to left. Pinch-hitter Jim Banks singled and scored in a two-run seventh. Dave West and Pete Eichner each singled in the eighth and later came around to cross the plate. West had three hits, including a double, and made a spectacular diving catch in the ninth.

Dennis, who improved to 5-5 on the mound, allowed just four hits and one earned run in earning all-championship recognition. Calderon, who accounted for eight base hits in tourney play, was voted the most outstanding player.

UAlbany (26-31-1) placed three players on the America East all-championship team. Catcher Ryan Gugel, who had a career-high four hits against Vermont, pitcher Dave Kubiak, a winner in a first-round victory over Stony Brook, and West.

University of Albany Advances to America East Baseball Championship Round With 10-9 Victory - UAlbany sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Endicott, N.Y. – Mike Tirri drove in the go-ahead run in the eighth and Alexander Beaulieu earned his third save of the season in leading UAlbany to a 10-9 victory over Vermont in the loser’s bracket final of the America East Conference Baseball Tournament on Saturday at Pete Sylvester Field. The Great Danes advanced to the championship round against top-seed Binghamton. The tournament final was scheduled to start at 9:40 p.m.

UAlbany (26-30-1) used a three-run eighth inning to regain the lead. Ryan Gugel, who totaled a career-high four hits and two RBIs, doubled to center field to help load the bases with one out. Jim Banks dumped a run-scoring single down the left field line and Gugel tallied the tying run on a fielders’ choice play. Tirri, a freshman first baseman, put his team ahead, 10-9, with a line-drive single to right field.

Beaulieu had to work extra hard for his first two-inning save since March 23, 2007. The game was delayed 58 minutes in the top of the ninth due to lightning. Vermont’s Justin Milo lined a single up the box off Beaulieu’s thigh with one out. But the senior struck out first baseman Ethan Paquette looking and got Tom Kelly to fly out to the warning track in right field to end the elimination contest.

For the second consecutive tournament game, the Great Danes took a 7-1 lead into the middle innings. Brendan Rowland drilled a 1-1 pitch over the center-field fence, just left of the 410-foot sign, for his fourth home run of the season in the first. Pete Eichner doubled into the right-field corner in the second and later scored for a 3-0 advantage.

Gugel, a senior catcher, was involved in adding single runs in the third and fourth. Gugel singled, stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. He came across when Kyle Crean hit a bounding ball through the right side past a drawn in infield. Gugel lined a base hit to left field in the next inning to drive in another run.

UAlbany’s Sean Donovan singled with one out in the sixth to start a mild rally that produced a pair of runs. After Rowland singled, UVM left fielder Tom Kelly misfired with a throw to third base in an effort to get the lead runner. Donovan scored on that play and Gugel followed with an RBI single to right.

The Catamounts, who defeated Stony Brook, 13-11, in Friday’s elimination game, came back with a four-run uprising in the bottom the sixth. Vermont loaded the bases with no outs in chasing starter Josh Willimott from the mound. Matt Duffy and Kelly each had RBI singles, before Jeff Nolet’s sacrifice fly closed the gap to 7-5.

Vermont (23-33) went ahead, 9-7, in the seventh with another four-run frame. Paquette belted a two-run homer, his eighth of the season, to put his team in front for the first time in the contest. Dave Soltis, who collected four hits and three runs, led-off with an infield single and scored on Duffy’s sacrifice fly to center. Justin Milo ripped a run-scoring double into the left-field gap to draw his team even.

#2 UAlbany Defeats #3 Stony Brook, 8-1, in First Game of America East Baseball Tournament - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Endicott, N.Y.. – Sophomore Dave Kubiak tossed 8.0 innings, striking out a career-high eight opposing batters to lead No. 2 UAlbany to an 8-1 win over No. 3 Stony Brook on the first day of play at the America East Conference Baseball Tournament on Thursday afternoon at Pete Sylvester Field. With the win, the Great Danes advance to face the winner of the day’s second game between Binghamton and Vermont.

Stony Brook broke up the shutout in the top of the third inning, as Brian Witkowski recorded a double into right center to get on base, and came around to score on a UAlbany throwing error. Chad Marshall knocked the ball to short, but Sean Donovan misjudged the throw to first, allowing the run to score and Marshall to advance to third.

UAlbany took a 4-1 lead in the bottom half of the sixth frame, led off by a Donovan triple into deep right field. The senior shortstop crossed home on a sacrifice fly by Gary Pitcheralle. Brendan Rowland followed with a double that hugged the left field line all the way to the wall, and scored on an RBI single by Ryan Gugel. Centerfielder Dave West dropped a single into left to advance Gugel, who made it home on a double by Pete Eichner that dropped into the outfield just over Michael Tansey’s head. Marc Brown took over for Mike Errigo on the mound for Stony Brook, and induced a ground out and fly out to end the inning. West scored on Kyle Crean’s ground out to give the Great Danes a three-run advantage.

Starter Dave Kubiak made quick work of the Seawolves in the top of the seventh, inducing a fly out and striking out the next two batters. Freshman designated hitter Jim Banks led off the bottom of the frame with a double into left and came home on a fielding error by Stony Brook first baseman Rob Dyer to give the Great Danes a 5-1 lead.

UAlbany added three runs in the bottom of the eighth, as West and Tirri drew walks off Brown. Banks recorded his second RBI of the day, knocking a single through the right side to score West. Donovan, who finished with three hits, followed with double into centerfield to send both baserunners home, to increase the Great Danes’ lead to seven runs.

Closer Sean Gregory came into the game in the top of the ninth for UAlbany, and got Jeremy Nowak to hit into a double play. After loading the bases with a single and two walks, Gregory sat Witkowski down with a called strike to get the Great Danes out of the jam and seal the win.

“If we continue to play like this, we have a great chance,” said UAlbany head coach Jon Mueller, who has led the Great Danes to the postseason tournament for the third time in four seasons. “This was one of the better games we’ve played all season. If we get a good pitching performance like we did today, and erase some of the mental mistakes we made, we will be in good shape.”

UAlbany (25-29-1) will wait to find out its next opponent for Friday. The Great Danes will either face No. 1 Binghamton or No. 4 Vermont at 8 p.m. at Pete Sylvester Field.

Stony Brook (29-22) 001 000 000 - 1 7 1
UAlbany (25-29-1) 000 004 13x - 8 11 1

UAlbany: Dave Kubiak, Sean Gregory (9) and Ryan Gugel.
Stony Brook: Mike Errigo, Marc Brown (6), Jordan Purrington (8) and Pat Cantwell.

University of Albany Attackman Brian Caufield Selected to 2009 USILA All-America Lacrosse Team - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Baltimore, Md. – University at Albany’s Brian Caufield has been chosen to the 2009 USILA All-America Team as announced on Thursday, May 21 by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association. Caufield, who was selected in the honorable mention category, becomes the sixth Great Dane to earn All-America status at the NCAA Division I level.

Caufield, a sophomore attackman from Bay Shore, N.Y., ranked seventh among the national leaders in scoring at 3.64 points per game and sixth in assists (1.93 pg). He totaled 45-plus points for the second year in a row with 24 goals and 27 assists. Caufield is one point short of the 100-career mark after two collegiate seasons.

In 2009, Caufield was named first-team All-America East Conference for the second consecutive season. He accounted for four or more points against seven opponents, including a season-high seven (3 goals, 4 assists) in a victory over nationally-ranked Massachusetts. He handed out a season-best five assists versus top-ranked Syracuse and against Stony Brook in the America East semifinals.

**********

UAlbany’s USILA Division I Lacrosse All-Americans

Brian Caufield (2009, honorable mention)

Luke Daquino (2005, honorable mention)

Jordan Levine (2008, honorable mention; 2007, second team)

Brett Queener (2007, honorable mention)

Frank Resetarits (2007, first team)

Merrick Thomson (2007, third team)

University of Albany's Nikki Branchini on Women's At-Large District I Academic All-America Second Team - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Providence, R.I. – University at Albany’s Nikki Branchini has been named to the ESPN The Magazine All-District I Women’s At-Large Academic All-America Team, as announced on Thursday, May 21 by CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America). Branchini, a defender on the women’s lacrosse team, earned second-team recognition.

Branchini, a sophomore from Guilderland, N.Y., has a 3.83 cumulative grade point average in history with a minor in education. She was voted to the All-America East Conference first team for the second straight year. Branchini, the 2009 America East Fans’ Choice player of the year, is seventh among the NCAA Division I leaders in draw controls at 3.82 per game. She led the Great Danes in ground balls (42) and caused turnovers (18), plus has scored four goals. In addition, Branchini was picked to the America East All-Academic squad.

University of Albany Pitching Staff Highlights UAlbany's All-America East Conference Baseball Honorees - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – University at Albany’s Sean Gregory is among four Great Danes who earned All-America East Conference Baseball accolades, as announced by the league office on Wednesday afternoon. Gregory, a senior relief pitcher, and senior catcher Ryan Gugel were named to the all-conference first team, while sophomore Dave Kubiak and freshman Zach Kraham earned all-conference second-team honors. Kraham also earned a spot on the all-rookie squad.

Gregory was chosen as the conference’s top reliever, earning the second all-conference award of his career. The right hander, who will finish his four-year tenure with the Great Danes as the program’s all-time leader in appearances, has posted a 5-2 record this season, with six saves and 47 strikeouts in 59 innings pitched. He was an all-conference second team and rookie team member as a freshman.

Gugel earned his second all-conference award, moving up to the first team after a second-team appearance last season. In his second year with the Great Danes, Gugel is batting .290 with a team-high 44 RBI and nine home runs. He has gone 15-for-15 on stolen base attempts and has recorded a .950 fielding percentage behind the plate, while also seeing action at designated hitter.

Right hander Kubiak earns his first all-conference award with a spot on the second team. Kubiak earned all three of his wins in America East play this season, and has thrown a staff-best two complete games. He is tied with Gregory for the team-lead with 47 strikeouts and has completed a team-high 63.2 innings of work on the mound.

Kraham posted a 5-2 record in his first season with the Great Danes, starting nine games. He becomes UAlbany’s second pitcher in as many seasons to earn all-rookie accolades, following Kubiak last year. Kraham has fanned 37 opposing batters this season in 46 innings, holding opponents to a staff-low .263 average.

The Great Danes, who most recently won the America East championship in 2007, clinched their highest seed entering the tournament since joining the league. UAlbany, as the No. 2 seed, begins with a first-round game against the Stony Brook at 4 p.m. Thursday. The Great Danes are making their third postseason appearance in the last four years. The two teams split their regular season four-game series in Stony Brook on April 25-26.

2009 America East Baseball All-Conference Teams

First Team: Murphy Smith, P, Binghamton; Mike Errigo, P, Stony Brook; Keith Rakus, P, Vermont; Justin Albert, P, Vermont; Sean Gregory, P, UAlbany; Ryan Gugel, C, UAlbany; Rob Dyer, 1B, Stony Brook; Brad Brainer, 2B, UMBC; Matt Duffy, SS, Vermont; Kyle Klee, 3B, Binghamton; Corey Taylor, OF, Binghamton; Kevin McAvoy, OF, Maine; Brian Witkowski, OF, Stony Brook; Nick Thode, DH, Stony Brook.

Second Team: Dave Kubiak, P, UAlbany; Zach Kraham, P, UAlbany; Kevin Scanlan, P, Maine; Tyler Johnson , P, Stony Brook; Greg Lane, P, Binghamton; Myckie Lugbauer, C, Maine; David Ciocchi, 1B, Binghamton; Chad Marshall, 2B, Stony Brook; Tony Patane, SS, Maine; Jarrett Lukas, 3B, Maine; Bill Cather, OF, Maine; Michael Tansey, OF, Stony Brook; Mark Mikcowski, OF, Vermont; Justin Milo, DH, Vermont.

All-Rookie: Zach Kraham, P, UAlbany; David Ciocchi, 1B, Binghamton; Mike Augliera, P, Binghamton; Ian Leisenheimer, DH/OF, Maine; AJ Bazdanes, P, Maine; Pat Cantwell; C, Stony Brook; Tyler Johnson, P, Stony Brook, Nick Topeano, P, Stony Brook; Mike McCarthy, C, Vermont.

Rookie of the Year: David Chiocci, Binghamton
Pitcher of the Year: Murphy Smith, Binghamton
Player of the Year: Matt Duffy, Vermont
Coach of the Year: Tim Sinicki, Binghamton

University of Albany Men's Basketball Signs Power Forward For 2009-10 - UAlbany Sports 2009

A pair of Texas-based Web sites reported 6-8 power forward Fran Urli has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at the University at Albany for the 2009-10 season.

A junior-college transfer, Urli suited up for Panola College for the past two seasons.

It was believed the Great Danes had filled all of their scholarships for next season, but the reports of Urli’s signing suggest otherwise.

From Shelby County (TX) Today and also reported by the Longview (TX) News-Journal…

Fran Urli, a sophomore at Panola College , has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at the University of Albany . Urli, a 6-8 power forward from Zagreb , Croatia averaged 10.2ppg, 7.1rpg and 1.3apg this season at Panola while shooting 103-213 (48.4%) from the field, 6-14 (42.9%) from 3 and 94-135 (69.6%) from the FT line. Fran Urli was a Region XIV All-Conference Honorable Mention selection, as well as earning Academic All-Conference recognition. He was also the recipient of the Buddy Lowery Award, as the top male student-athlete at Panola College.

As a freshman in 2008-09, he averaged 6.0ppg and 3.3rpg, while shooting 56-94 (59.6%) from the field, 2-5 (40.0%) from 3 and 43-60 (71.7%) from the FT line.

Below is the list of players who were expected to be back (or arriving) for the 2009-10 season. The NCAA allows 13 scholarships for Division I basketball programs.

G Billy Allen
G Tim Ambrose
G/F Logan Aronhalt
G Louis Barraza
G Mike Black
C Brett Gifford
F Gavin Glanton
F Will Harris
G Mike Johnson
F Jake Lindfors
F Scotty McRae
F Blake Metcalf
G Derrek Tartt
F Fran Urli
G/F Ralph Watts

Freshman F/C John Puk is expected to redshirt for 2009-10 without receiving a scholarship, while Scotty McRae agreed to pay his own way. That leaves the Danes with 14 others, meaning another player must be without a scholarship.

Courtesy: Jon Campbell

National Kidney Foundation - Albany Walk

Date: June 7, 2009
Location: University at Albany (new location this year!)
Registration Begins: 9:00 am (Please turn in your donations at this time. If you only did online fundraising, please still check in)
Walk Starts at: 11 a.m.

Grab your sneakers, your family, your friends and your co workers for a day of fun featuring a kids zone with a carnival area complete with prizes, Kizmet the Kidney Clown and her clown friends, food and refreshments, and a surprise celebrity dunking booth!!!

Fighting Kidney Disease has never been such a Splash!!! Help us meet our goal of having a record breaking attendance of 1500 or more. It's easier than we might think to get to this number! Recruit one person a day to join in your efforts at the kidney walk and we will easily exceed this goal!

Does your team have spirit? Show us your kidney spirit with your own team t shirts, noisemakers and more, and yout team might go home with the brand new Melissa Daniels Team Spirit Award. Melissa loved the kidney walk - let's keep that spirit going and get walking in the fight against kidney disease!

Just announced.. Any Albany Walk Team raising $1,000 or more by May 17th will be listed on the 2009 Walk t-shirt as a "WALK TEAM TOP FUNDRAI$ER".

Do you have a facebook? Join the National Kidney Foundation of Northeast New York's Kidney Walk Cause page by clicking here!

Do you own a business? Do you know someone who does? Click here to find out how you can market you business at the kidney walk and gain immediate access to 1500+ people!

Volunteers are needed!

Contact: Alicia Jacobs
Email: alicia@nkfneny.org

http://walk.kidney.org/site/TR/Walk/NortheastNewYorkInc?pg=entry&fr_id=1762

University of Albany's Greene Overcomes Injuries To Win 400 Hurdles Championship

University at Albany track star Joe Greene felt self-conscious when he started taking a dance course this spring.

Greene was one of the few male students in the class held in a studio on the third floor of the Physical Education Building, across from the football offices.

"You'd see some athletes walk across and I'm like, 'Oh my God, I'm doing this and they'll see me,' " recalled Greene, who wore sweats, not spandex. "It was kind of embarrassing, but as the year went on, I didn't care any more."

Not only did Greene have fun with the course, he also found it helped him rebound from an injury-plagued junior year to once again join the nation's best in the 400-meter hurdles.

"Free-movement dancing helps me with flexibility and it brings you one with your body," he said. "I felt weird when I first started taking the class, but as the semester went on, I got to be a little more flexible. This is the most flexible I've been in my life, so I'm pretty thankful."

Greene, a senior, smashed his own school record with a time of 49.72 seconds in windy conditions to win the 400 hurdles at the IC4A outdoor championships last weekend at Princeton University. It ranks as the fifth-fastest time in Division I this spring.

Greene led the UAlbany men to the team title as the Great Danes pulled off an indoor-outdoor sweep of the IC4As.

"He's all the way back and then some," UAlbany coach Roberto Vives said. "He's ready to do some great things. I think he could potentially be a national champion."

Greene will take the first step on May 29 and 30, when he competes in the 400 hurdles at the NCAA East Regional held at North Carolina A&T. A top-five finish there will earn Greene a trip to the national championship meet at the University of Arkansas June 10-13.

Greene finished fourth at nationals in 2007 to earn All-America status. But then a hamstring injury last season kept him from qualifying for the NCAAs.

"Last year was kind of a waste of a year, but it just motivated me more to stay healthy, train harder and get back to where I should be," he said. "It feels good to be back."

Although track is his true calling, Greene branched out this spring by taking elective courses in dancing and acting.
"If the opportunity strikes, definitely, I'd have to say I'd go into acting," he said. "Morgan Freeman, somebody like that."

Greene is one summer class from his bachelor's degree in sociology.

Although he wants to become an athletic director, Greene said he'll first try to pursue a professional track career in Europe with an eye on the 2012 Olympics.

"I'm just like the little engine that could," Greene said. "I'm just going to try to keep going."

Courtesy: Mark Singelais

League-High Six University of Albany Track and Field Student-Athletes Garner America East All-Academic Honors - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – University at Albany’s Laura Cummings and Valete Graham headline a list of a league-best six Great Danes who were named to the America East Conference Outdoor Track and Field All-Academic Team, as announced on Tuesday, May 19 by the conference office. Cummings and Graham, who are being honored for the second straight season, were joined by Mike Dempsey, Zuliana Fontanez, Melissa Lee and Andrew Overbaugh.

The six honored helped the Great Danes to a sweep of the America East outdoor men’s and women’s championships for the third time in four years. In addition, each student-athlete was a member of the league’s 2009 indoor track and field all-academic squad.

Cummings, a senior who was also named to the league’s all-academic squad in cross country, has a 3.41 cumulative grade point average as an English major with a minor in education. She was named all-conference for the second straight season in the 3,000-meter steeplechase for finishing third in 10:59.63 at the America East meet. Cummings also finished fifth in the 800-meter run (2:15.35), 1,500-meter run (4:38.54) and ran a leg on the fifth-place 4x800-meter relay team (9:17.57). The school’s record holder in the event recently placed 10th at the ECAC championship with a mark of 10:42.22 and will compete at the NCAA East Regional Championship in Greensboro, N.C. on May 29-30.

Graham has a 3.74 GPA as a psychology major with a minor business administration. He most notably won the long jump at the America East championship for the second straight year by leaping 24-feet, 9.50-inches, a school record and regional qualifying mark. Graham scored more points for also placing fourth in the triple jump (48-0.75) to at the meet. The junior was most recently seventh in the long jump (23-10.25) and 10th in the triple jump at the IC4A championship, helping the Great Danes capture the team title for the first time in program history. He is slated to compete in the long jump at NCAA regionals.

Dempsey recorded a 3.41 GPA as a computer science major. He was an all-conference selection for the second straight season in the pole vault, clearing 15-3 to tie for second at the America East championship. The sophomore also competed at the IC4A meet last weekend and ranks second on the program’s all-time outdoor list behind All-American Luke Schoen.

Fontanez, a team captain and member of the Student-Athletic Advisory Committee, earned all-conference laurels for placing second in the 800-meter run (2:11.65) at the America East championship. An accounting major with a minor in business administration who carries a 3.48 GPA, Fontanez also anchored the fifth-place 4x800-meter relay which clocked in at 9:17.57 at the league meet. In addition, the junior ran on the 4x800-meter relay which turned in an ECAC qualifying time of 8:59.74 at Penn Relays.

Lee, a senior human biology major with a 3.58 GPA, placed eighth in the 400-meter dash at the America East championship. One of the team’s top long sprinters, the senior’s best performances came at the Carolina Classic in Puerto Rico when she ran a season-best time of 57.66 in the 400 and led off the 4x400-meter relay which recorded an ECAC qualifying mark of 3:50.57.

Overbaugh, a senior who has a 3.35 GPA as a sociology major with a minor in criminal justice, will graduate as a member of eight America East championship teams and one squad which won the IC4A outdoor title. He ran the opening leg for the first-place 4x400-meter relay team (3:13.20) and placed fifth in the 400-hurdles in 54.12 seconds at the America East competition. Overbaugh led off the 4x400 relay which placed second in 3:09.65 at the IC4A championship.

To be nominated for the distinction, student-athletes must be a starter or important reserve for their team and participate in at least 50 percent of their team’s games or competitions. In the classroom, student-athletes must have a 3.30 GPA and have completed at least one calendar year at their institution.

Renowned Cancer Expert, University of Albany Professor JoEllen Welsh Discusses Impact of Nutrition on Cancer Development

Renowned breast cancer expert and University at Albany Empire Innovations Professor JoEllen Welsh will discuss the biological connections between diet, nutrition and cancer at the first Hogarty Family Foundation Lecture at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21 at the UAlbany Cancer Research Center's Massry Conference Center. With the lecture, the Cancer Research Center (CRC) will launch the inaugural series, which will be open to the public and cover cancer, genomics, research and treatment.

The lecture series is supported by an endowed fund established through the generosity of Daniel J. Hogarty and the Hogarty Family Foundation. The Hogarty family's philanthropic efforts have previously included contributions to CRC's Fund for Memory and Hope, which helps equip the Center with advanced technology and supports cutting-edge research.

"UAlbany's Cancer Research Center has brought nationally recognized cancer researchers to Albany, raising awareness about research and treatments among residents in the Capital Region," said Hogarty. "It is our hope that this lecture series will arm people with the best information to help fight this disease."

"We all know someone who has been affected by cancer," said Interim President George M. Philip. "We are grateful for the continuous support of Dan Hogarty, whose generosity is extremely important in research efforts to discover the genetic origins of cancer with the goal of finding a cure.”

"One of our goals at the Cancer Research Center is to develop nutritional strategies to prevent cancer development," said Welsh. "I am privileged to participate in this series and share some of the research we've conducted to help fight the disease.”

Research suggests that about one-third of all cancer deaths appear to be related to what we eat. Scientists are beginning to understand how diet and nutritional status impact on cancer development, and how the right choices can reduce risk of many types of cancer. During the inaugural lecture, Welsh will review the current dietary recommendations for reducing cancer risk.

Welsh, an expert in steroid hormones, nuclear receptors and breast cancer, is internationally recognized as the prominent researcher in the role of Vitamin D in breast cancer prevention and treatment. She has been funded for her research on Vitamin D through the National Institutes of Health since 1985, and currently holds two NIH grants. Her research has been published in Endocrinology, the Journal of Biological Chemistry, and the Journal of Nutrition.

UAlbany scientists have been at the forefront of cancer research, studying the genetic origins, prevention and treatment methods of cancer and cancer-related diseases with the hope of finding a cure. Researcher Doug Conklin previously received nearly a half million dollars and won an Idea Award from the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program (DOD BCRP) for his novel concept in breast cancer research, "Functional Genomic Analysis of Breast Cancer Cell Tumorigenicity Using a Novel Gene Silencing Resource." Researcher Tom Begley was previously awarded $2.2 million by the National Institutes for research on molecular pathways activated by cancer-causing agents such as cigarette smoke and pesticides.

The Cancer Research Center is located on the University at Albany's East Campus, the biotech hub of the University's life sciences research endeavor and a mixed-purpose facility with a dynamic environment for synthesizing the University's educational, scientific, and economic development capabilities with industry and other research institutions. The 87-acre complex is anchored by the University's School of Public Health, and offers more than 350,000 square feet of lab space and associated support and office space.

Courtesy: UAlbany News

UAlbany Counseling Center Garners National Recognition for Best Practices in Health

The University at Albany Counseling Center recently garnered the 2009 Best Practices in College Health Award by the American College Health Association (ACHA) for its STEPS Screening and Brief Intervention Program, an initiative to identify first-year students, student-athletes, and students seeking primary health and counseling care on campus for risky alcohol use.

"This 'best practices' award is a well deserved recognition to the staff in the Counseling Center who work diligently on prevention education and intervention programs for our students," said Christine Bouchard, Vice President for Student Success. "The STEPS Program has proven success and the fact that we will be able to expand this program to reach larger populations of students is very exciting.”

Each year, the ACHA recognizes exemplary, innovative, and inspirational practices in one of four major areas of college health: clinical services, counseling services, administrative and consumer services, and health education and promotion services. The award encourages the creation of programs and student patient services that are designed to advance the health of college students.

The Counseling Center will be presented with the award on Thursday, May 28th at the ACHA Annual Conference in San Francisco, CA. The Center will also be producing a Web page describing the project and discussing the program at the ACHA Annual Meeting in 2010.

As part of the STEPS program, those students who may be at risk for dangerous alcohol use are invited to participate in a brief one-session intervention, which has been shown to lead to reductions in drinking and associated negative consequences.
The program garnered national recognition earlier this year, when the Center received a "Grand Gold Medal" for program excellence from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), the largest professional student affairs organization in the United States.

During the next two years, the Counseling Center plans to expand its STEPS program, broadening the scope of the positive changes which have already been realized. For instance, since the beginning of the STEPS Program, the Counseling Center has seen a 32 percent increase in the number of students who abstain from engaging in high-risk drinking.

Joe Greene's 400-Hurdles Win Leads University of Albany to 133rd IC4A Outdoor Track & Field Championship - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Princeton, N.J. – University at Albany’s Joe Greene won the 400-meter intermediate hurdles for the third time in four years in leading the men’s track & field team to its first-ever IC4A outdoor championship on Sunday, May 17 at Princeton University’s Weaver Stadium. The Great Danes placed first among 52 scoring teams with 68 points to become the first school to sweep the IC4A indoor and outdoor team titles in the same year since Rutgers University in 2005.

Greene broke his own school record in the 400-meter hurdles by navigating the track in 49.72 seconds, while teammate Alie Beauvais was second in 49.99. Greene also anchored the 4x400-meter relay to a second-place finish.

“The wind hit us on the second curve,” Greene said. “Alie (Beauvais) and I were tied on the stagger and I caught him at the end of the last turn. I just wanted to maintain my form over the last two hurdles. It is a good feeling to go out on top as a senior, winning both the (IC4A) indoor and outdoor titles. I just want to finish it off with a trip to nationals.”

The Great Danes, who had never finished higher than fourth in this meet, beat out Liberty, the two-time defending IC4A champion. With two relays left, UAlbany was in fourth and trailing first-place Liberty by six points. The Great Danes’ 4x800-meter relay team consisting of Nick Santos, John Moore, Tyler Fogarty and Joe Belokopitsky clinched the title by posting a school-record time of 7:24.97 in hitting the tape first. Andrew Overbaugh, Jeffery Barnes, Beauvais and Greene closed out the competition with a second-place performance of 3:09.65 in the 4x400 relay.

Triple jumper Mike McCadney also helped the men win its first IC4A outdoor crown. McCadney broke his own school standard with a mark of 51-feet, 3-inches in finishing second. Jean Juste, a defensive back on the school’s football team, was third in the 110-meter high hurdles in 14.18 seconds, while Moore ended up sixth in the 1,500-meter run (3:52.88).

“Winning (America East) Conference championships has become routine, so I made winning the IC4As our next goal and the kids bought into it,” said UAlbany coach Roberto Vives, whose squad will compete at the NCAA East Regional in two weeks. “Six years ago we were good and won the conference championship, but the guys would shut down after that. Now, they know that there’s more that they can do. For us to do this and the way we did it by coming from behind was unbelievable. They want to be in the top five at the regional.”

-agate-

Men’s Final Team Standings

1) University at Albany 68
2) Liberty University 56
3) Rutgers University 55
4) Manhattan College 51
5) Cornell University 36
6) Georgetown University 35
7) Hampton University 31
8) Syracuse University 30
8) College of William & Mary 30
10) Duke University 27
11) North Carolina - Wilmingto 26
11) Long Island University 26
13) University of Connecticut 24
14) Seton Hall University 22
15) Delaware State University 20
16) University of Virginia 19
17) Monmouth University 17
17) Princeton University 17
19) Brown University 16
19) Morgan State University 16
21) Lehigh University 14
21) Iona College 14
23) Harvard University 12
23) Coppin State University 12
23) Northeastern University 12
23) Dartmouth College 12

110-Meter High Hurdles: 3. Jean Juste 14.18 (NCAA Regional). 400-Meter Intermediate Hurdles: 1. Joe Greene 49.72 (NCAA Regional, School Record), 2. Alie Beauvais 49.99 (NCAA Regional). 1,500-Meter Run: 6. John Moore 3:52.28. Triple Jump: 2. Mike McCadney 51-3 (NCAA Regional, School Record), 10. Valete Graham 48-3.50, 12. Nasim Siddeeq 47-11. 4x100-Meter Relay: 4. Jean Juste, Joe Greene, Alie Beauvais, Jeffery Barnes 41.12. 4x400-Meter Relay: 2. Andrew Overbaugh, Jeffery Barnes, Alie Beauvais, Joe Greene. 4x800-Meter Relay: 1. Nick Santos, John Moore, Tyler Fogarty, Joe Belokopitsky 7:24.97 (School Record).

Jenn Gurrant's Triple Jump Win Helps University of Albany to Best-Ever Finish At ECAC Track Meet - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Princeton, N.J. – University at Albany’s Jenn Gurrant won the triple jump and Kamilah McShine posted a pair of second-place performances in leading the women’s track & field team at the ECAC championship on Sunday, May 17 at Princeton University’s Weaver Stadium. The Great Danes placed fifth among 58 scoring teams with 39 points to register the program’s best-ever finish.

Gurrant, who also won the triple jump at the ECAC indoor meet, became the school's first ECAC outdoor champion in an individual event by leaping 41-feet, 9.25-inches on her last attempt. The mark was almost a foot better than the second-place finisher.

“It was cold and windy, but I knew I could do it,” Gurrant explained. “I felt no pressure (on my last attempt) and just wanted to end on a good note. It’s crazy (to finish fifth as a team). I have never looked at ECACs as a team competition, but that’s because we have never been up there. This is surprising and the team is happy.”

UAlbany had never placed in the top 20 at the ECAC women’s championship, but McShine helped her team break through with a pair of second-place showings. McShine shattered the program standard in the 400-hurdles, her first year running the event, with a time of 59.13 seconds. The previous record of 59.57 was set by Xiomara Davila Diaz in 1997. McShine also finished second in the 100-meter hurdles, clocking in a personal-best time of 13.67.

Fey Adaramola posted a pair of top-four finishes in the sprinting events. She was second in the 100-meter dash with a mark of 12.00 seconds, and followed that up with a fourth-place performance in the 200m-dash by crossing the line in 24.06.

“This is a meet where quality counts, and we really have some quality student-athletes on our women’s team,” said UAlbany coach Roberto Vives, whose squad will compete at the NCAA East Regional in two weeks. “Seeing Jenn (Gurrant) win the triple jump both indoors and outdoors was huge, and Kamilah (McShine) is just a big-time athlete. It was really emotional to see her run a personal best in the 100 hurdles and break the school record in the 400 hurdles. I am glad that Fey (Adaramola) is going to be coming back. Next year, she could be the top sprinter.”

-agate-

Women’s Final Team Standings

TEAM SCORES-FINAL

1) University of Connecticut 88
2) University of Virginia 58
3) West Virginia University 47.25
4) Duke University 41.25
5) University at Albany 39
6) Seton Hall University 36
7) University of Maryland CP 34
8) Villanova University 30
8) College of William & Mary 30
10) University of Pittsburgh 28
10) Cornell University 28
12) University of Rhode Islan 27
13) Harvard University 24
14) Syracuse University 21
15) Princeton University 20
16) Brown University 19
17) George Mason University 18
18) Georgetown University 17
18) Dartmouth College 17
18) Rutgers University 17
21) Liberty University 16
22) Boston College 15
23) Morgan State University 13
24) Yale University 12
24) University of New Hampshir 12

Women’s Results

100-Meter Dash: 2. Fey Adaramola 12.00. 200-Meter Dash: 4. Fey Adaramola 24.06. 100-Meter High Hurdles: 2. Kamilah McShine 13.67 (NCAA Regional). 400-Meter Intermediate Hurdles: 2. Kamilah McShine 59.13 (NCAA Regional, School Record). Triple Jump: 1. Jenn Gurrant 41-9.25 (NCAA Regional), 19. Sandy Antenor 38-3.50. Javelin Throw: 26. Ashley Lewis 115-9. Shot Put: 18. Ritshell Verdier 41-0.50.

University of Albany Baseball Clinches America East Postseason Berth With Doubleheader Sweep of Hartford - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

West Hartford, Conn. – Senior centerfielder Dave West hit two home runs in the fourth inning, including a grand slam, to lead UAlbany to a 15-3 win over Hartford in the first half of an America East Conference baseball doubleheader on Saturday, May 16 at the University of Hartford Baseball Field. The Great Danes also recorded a 10-4 win over the Hawks in the nightcap. UAlbany clinched a berth in the conference’s postseason tournament, scheduled for May 21-23, hosted by top-seeded Binghamton at Union-Endicott High School.

UAlbany got the scoring started early in game one, as catcher Ryan Gugel scored Gary Pitcheralle, who reached on a throwing error and advanced on a single by Brendan Rowland. First baseman Mike Tirri added a second run for the Great Danes in the second inning with a solo home run out to right centerfield.

Hartford was able to cut the lead to one with a single run in the bottom of the third. Brady Stouffer recorded a single and stole second to move into scoring position. The short stop made it home on a double by Ben Sobocinski that landed in left center.

UAlbany followed with 10 runs in the fourth as senior centerfielder Dave West drove a solo shot out to left field to lead off the frame. The Great Danes then loaded the bases, as Pete Eichner reached on an error while Kyle Crean was hit by a pitch and Tirri sneaked a base hit through the right side. Designated hitter Jim Banks drove in two baserunners with a single into right field. Sean Donovan knocked an RBI single through the left side, while Pitcheralle dropped a bunt single to third to add another run in the frame. Rowland drove in Banks before Mike Thatcher walked Gugel to bring Donovan across home. Matt Govoni took over on the mound for Hartford, and with no outs, West recorded his second home run of the inning, clearing the bases with a grand slam to left center. Govani induced two groundouts and got Banks to line out to first to get Hartford out of the inning.

The Great Danes added three additional runs in the top of the fifth to build up a 15-1 advantage. After Donovan recorded a lead off single, Rowland and West drew walks to load the bases. Eichner doubled into right center to send all three baserunners home. Hartford scored one run in the bottom of the frame, as catcher Alex Bulger led off with a single and was driven home on a base hit by Mike Amendola. The Hawks added one final run in the bottom of the seventh, as Andrew Siano reached on a single down the left field line and crossed home on a ground out by Rodger Wilmot.

Freshman left-hander Ryan White went six strong innings to pick up his second win of the spring. He scattered seven hits while striking out three and walking two.

UAlbany’s offense stayed hot to start the second game, as the Great Danes scored four runs in the top of the first before Hartford recorded an out. UAlbany recorded four straight base hits to start the game, with Gugel’s bases-loaded shot sending home two baserunners. After West drew a walk, Eichner sent a base hit through the right side to score two more runs, leading Hartford to head to the bullpen early, bringing in Andrew Smith to take over for starter Zach Tarner. Smith issued a bases-loaded walk and hit Donovan with a pitch to bring in the final two runs in the frame.

Andy Drexel broke up the shutout in the bottom of the second with a solo homer out to centerfield to lead off the frame for Hartford. Gugel added another run for UAlbany in the top of the fifth, sending a homer of his own to right center. Rowland gave UAlbany an 8-1 advantage in the top of the seventh with a solo shot to deep left field.

Hartford (15-32, AE 7-15) attempted a rally in the bottom of the eighth. Gorski and Suchy hit back-to-back singles before Freethy loaded the bases with a fielder’s choice play. Stouffer and Sobocinski recorded consecutive RBI singles to send two runs home, while Freethy crossed home when UAlbany turned a double play. Closer Alexander Beaulieu got Siano swinging to end the inning for the Great Danes.

UAlbany (24-29-1, AE 15-9) increased the lead to 10-4 in the top of the ninth with runs scored by Ralph Keppler and Pitcheralle. Keppler reached on a base hit and was driven in on an RBI single by Pitcheralle, who scored on a Rowland double. Hartford added two additional runs in the bottom of the ninth to pull within 10-6 on a two-RBI single by Sobocinski that scored Freethy and Sgro.

UAlbany starter Zach Kraham tossed six innings of three-hit ball, striking out two. Beaulieu fanned two in 1.1 innings of work to seal the win for the Great Danes.

UAlbany, which will make a trip to the postseason for the third time in the last four seasons, earned the No. 2 seed for the next week's conference tournament. The Great Danes will meet Stony Brook in first-round play on Thursday at 8:00 p.m.

*********

(Game 1)

UAlbany 110 (10)30 0 - 15 17 1
Hartford 001 010 1 - 3 7 2

UAlbany: Ryan White, Austin Chase (7) and Ryan Gugel.

Hartford: Cory Beahm, Mike Thatcher (4), Matt Govoni (4), Myles Kelly (6) and Alex Bulger.




(Game 2)

UAlbany (24-29-1, AE 15-9) 600 010 102 - 10 11 0
Hartford (15-32, AE 7-15) 010 000 032 - 6 9 0

UAlbany: Zach Kraham, Cory Warrings (7), Sean Gregory (8), Alexander Beaulieu (8) and Ralph Keppler.

Hartford: Zach Tarner, Andrew Smith (1), Bob Rogers (2), Brendan Floyd (7) and Ben Sobocinski, Mike Amandola (2).

University of Albany's Joe Greene Leads Men's Outdoor Track and Field on Second Day of IC4A Championship - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Princeton, N.J. – University at Albany’s Joe Greene ran the fastest time in qualifying for the 400-meter intermediate hurdles finals and anchored the 4x400-meter relay which posted the second-best mark in the preliminaries to lead the men’s outdoor track and field team at the 133rd Annual IC4A Championship on Saturday, May 16 at Princeton University’s Weaver Stadium. The three-day competition concludes on Sunday.

The Great Danes got their first points of the meet in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Ricardo Estremera broke his own school record in the event by turning in a fourth-place time of 8:48.47, which was almost six seconds faster than his previous standard.

UAlbany accumulated five more points in the men’s long jump. Felipe Reyes finished sixth with a season-best leap of 24-feet, 3.25-inches to meet the NCAA regional qualifying standard. Valete Graham had a seventh-place mark of 23-10.25.

Greene and Alie Beauvais recorded the two fastest times in the trials of the 400m hurdles. Greene clocked in at 50.19 seconds, while Beauvais finished in 51.33. John Moore broke the school record in the 1,500-meter run for the second straight week, clocking in a second-place performance in the preliminaries. His time of 3:45.88 was almost a two-second improvement from the mark he set at the New York City Qualifying Challenge. In addition, Tyler Fogarty met the NCAA regional standard for the first time this season in the 800-meter run. He finished 11th overall in 1:50.39.



The Great Danes also had all three of their relay teams qualify for Sunday’s finals. Most notably, the 4x400-meter relay consisting of Andrew Overbaugh, Beauvais, Jeffery Barnes and Greene won its heat in 3:11.55, which was the second-fastest time of the day.
-agate-

Men’s Team Standings (Through 9 Events)

1. Liberty 44; 2. Manhattan 23; T-3. Rutgers 19; T-3. Virginia 19; 5. William & Mary 18; 6. Syracuse 16; T-7. Connecticut 15; T-7. Brown 15; T-9. Cornell 14; T-9. Lehigh 14; T-11. Princeton 12; T-11. Duke 12; T-11. Harvard 12; 14. Duquesne 11; T-15. UAlbany 10; T-15. Iona 10; T-15. Dartmouth 10; 18. Boston College 8; 19. UNC-Wilmington 7; T-20. Yale 6; T-20. Fordham 6; T-22. Penn 5; T-22. Holy Cross 5; T-22. Binghamton 5; T-22. Saint Francis, Pa. 5; T-26. Georgetown 4; T-26. Northeastern 4; T-26. Rhode Island 4; T-29. Temple 3; T-29. New Hampshire 3; T-29. Lafayette 3; T-29. Navy 3; T-33. Boston University 2; T-33. VMI 2; T-35. Stony Brook 1; T-35. Monmouth 1.



UAlbany Men’s Results

200-Meter Dash (Trials): 2. Jeffery Barnes 21.74. 110-Meter High Hurdles (Trials): 7. Jean Juste 14.27 (NCAA Regional). 400-Meter Intermediate Hurdles (Trials): 1. Joe Greene 50.19 (NCAA Regional), 2. Alie Beauvais 51.33 (NCAA Regional). 800-Meter Run (Trials): 11. Tyler Fogarty 1:50.39 (NCAA Regional). 1,500-Meter Relay (Trials): 2. John Moore 3:45.88 (NCAA Regional, School Record), DNF. Aaron Lozier. 3,000-Meter Steeplechase: 4. Ricardo Estremera 8:48.87 (NCAA Regional, School Record). Long Jump: 6. Felipe Reyes 24-3.75 (NCAA Regional), 7. Valete Graham 23-10.25, 9. Mike McCadney 23-2, 11. Fred Casimo 23-1.25. 15. Kyle Nadler 22-11.25, FOUL. Nasim Siddeeq. Pole Vault: NH. Mike Dempsey. Discus Throw: 16. Mike Lynch 154-4. 4x100-Meter Relay (Trials): 8. Jean Juste, Mike McCadney, Alie Beauvais, Jeffery Barnes 41.49. 4x400-Meter Relay (Trials): 2. Andrew Overbaugh, Alie Beauvais, Jeffery Barnes, Joe Greene 3:11.55. 4x800-Meter Relay (Trials): 6. Nick Santos, Tyler Fogarty, Bryan Lasky, Joe Belokopitsky 7:31.95.