Eleven Student-Athletes Commit to University of Albany Men's Lacrosse Program for 2010 Campaign - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany men's lacrosse coach Scott Marr announced on Thursday, July 30 that 11 student-athletes have made commitments to play for the Great Danes in the 2009-10 academic year.

"Athleticism, speed and toughness describe the qualities of this group," offers Marr, a former USILA national coach of the year who has an 80-58 career record in nine seasons with the UAlbany program. "We did well in Long Island and brought in two Canadians who are mature with a certain level of playing experience. In addition, we were able to expand our recruiting to the states of Florida and Oregon which is an example of the growth of the game."

The Great Danes picked up their first student-athletes from the states of Oregon and Florida. Portland native Andy Fish was twice named to the Oregon High School Lacrosse Association (OHSLA) all-state first team. A two-time All-6A Columbia League selection, Fish led his team to the 2009 state championship final and a 19-5 record. Ben Young was selected to the Miami Herald All-Broward County first team and South Florida Sun-Sentinel Coaches' All-District 11 squad. The midfielder was chosen second-team all-county as a junior.

Long Island is well represented in the incoming class. Jack Nickla, a 6-foot-2 midfielder from Bellport High, earned All-Nassau County and All-Section XI honors after totaling 45 goals and 19 assists as a senior. He was named to the Class AA all-state football team as a quarterback and kicker. Kevin Glueckert, a two-time all-county midfielder at Bethpage High, had 40 goals and 15 assists last year. As a football standout, he was chosen to the Class A all-state third team and All-Long Island first team as a linebacker and running back. The two-sport star set the single-season rushing record and made 123 tackles. Glueckert's high school teammate, James Haugen, earned all-county recognition while scoring 22 goals and 19 assists from his midfield position.

UAlbany received three more commitments from All-Nassau County standouts. Will Fuller, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound midfielder, led Garden City High to a 17-4 record as the state's fifth-ranked Class B team. Fuller scored 38 goals and 24 assists for the Trojans, who reached the Long Island championship game. Defenseman Anthony Ostrander led Farmingdale High to a top-20 ranking in the state's Class A poll and a 13-5 overall mark. Ostrander, who had six goals and two assists, helped the Dalers capture the county championship as a junior. Brian Winterfeldt, a defenseman from Calhoun H.S., joined Ostrander as a member of the gold-medal winning Long Island scholastic squad at the 2008 Empire State Games. Winterfeldt also played fullback, linebacker and safety for the Colts' football program.

Mike Woods, a 6-foot-2 midfielder who played at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire last year, received first-team All-Northern New England Lacrosse League (NNELL) last year. A native of Newmarket, Ontario, Woods accounted for 24 goals and 21 assists for a program that posted a 14-1 record and was ranked No. 24 nationally. Matt Mackenzie, a left-handed midfielder from Edmonton, Alberta, was coached by Major League Lacrosse all-star Brodie Merrill at The Hill Academy in Ontario. He also played for the Edmonton Miners Junior A in the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League. Colin Beavers-Anderson played both lacrosse (midfielder) and football (wide receiver) for Lawrence High in Central New Jersey. He accounted for a season-best eight points (5 goals, 3 assists) versus New Egypt and had seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) against Robbinsville.

UAlbany returns 23 letterwinners, including seven starters, from last year's squad. The Great Danes have won four America East Conference tournament championships made four NCAA appearances as a Division I program.

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2010 University at Albany Men's Lacrosse Commitments

Name, Pos., Hometown (High School)

Colin Beavers-Anderson, Mid., Lawrenceville, N.J. (Lawrence)
Andy Fish, Def., Portland, Ore. (Lincoln Senior)
Will Fuller, Mid., Garden City, N.Y. (Garden City)
Kevin Glueckert, Mid., Bethpage, N.Y. (Bethpage)
James Haugen, Mid., Bethpage, N.Y. (Bethpage)
Matt Mackenzie, Mid., Spruce Grove, Alberta (The Hill Academy)
Jack Nickla, Mid., Brookhaven, N.Y. (Bellport)
Anthony Ostrander, Def., North Massapequa, N.Y. (Farmingdale)
Brian Winterfeldt, Mid., Merrick, N.Y. (Calhoun)
Mike Woods, Mid., Newmarket, Ontario (Brewster Academy)
Ben Young, Mid., Coral Springs, Fla. (St. Thomas Aquinas)

University of Albany Alum And Lacrosse Star Brett Queener Gaining Popularity In Natl League Lacrosse And Major League Lacrosse

Inside Lacrosse
Volume 13 - Issue 8
August 2009

An ever-increasing number of kids grow up each year dreaming of being able to truly live the 'lax' life, and Brett Queener is leading the way, starring in the NLL and MLL in his own inimitable fashion. IL's Terry Foy catches up with the wild-eyed goalie/transition star and examines just how he's made it work, despite the hurdles along the way. Another feature takes a look at perhaps Queener's predecessor - Syracuse legend Ric Beardsley - who inspired love and hate alike with his in-your-face style with the Orange before hanging 'em up.

Our summer special also takes a gander at the top high school teams of the decade, along with the usual sprinkling of instruction and lifestyle that you crave every month, so pick up your copy today!

Inside Lacrosse

http://survey.insidelacrosse.com/magazine/index.php?v=1&i=148

University of Albany Women's Lacrosse Receives Commitments from Three High School Standouts - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany women's lacrosse coach Lindsey Hart announced today that three student-athletes have made commitments for the 2009-10 academic year. Jessica Antelmi, a midfielder from Bridgeport, N.Y. (Chittenango H.S.), Rachel Burek, a midfielder from Rensselaer, N.Y. (Columbia H.S.) and Kim Sandtorv, a goalkeeper from Centereach, N.Y. (Middle Country H.S.) will enroll as freshmen in the fall semester.

“We are very excited about welcoming this group of talented student-athletes," said Hart, who has guided the program to three consecutive America East Conference postseason tournament appearances. "They are a competitive group with a strong work ethic and are committed to being successful at the Division I level. Jess is an all-around natural athlete who has great speed and presence in the midfield. Kim is a solid goalkeeper who brings positive energy and communication to the defensive unit. Rachael has an innate ability to see the field and to anticipate both offensively and defensively.”

Antelmi, a three-sport high school athlete, earned first-team All-Onondaga League Freedom Division recognition. She had 36 goals and nine assists as a senior and netted a season-best five goals against both LaFayette and Fulton. Antelmi, a Section III Scholar-Athlete, was chosen to the U.S. Lacrosse High School Academic All-America Team in 2008 and 2009. She also received honorable mention All-OHSL honors in basketball and had a celebrated tennis career.

Burek, a defensive midfielder on the scholastic level, was named to the Albany Times Union All-Area first team and Troy Record All-Area second team. She had 28 goals and nine assists, plus scored a season-high five goals against Bethlehem Central. Burek, who played for the Adirondack squad at the 2008 Empire State Games, was selected to this year's U.S. Lacrosse Academic All-America Team. Burek also played basketball for Columbia High and was a first-team All-Suburban Council field hockey standout.

Sandtorv comes from a lacrosse family as her brother is currently an Air Force defenseman and her older sister was a Stony Brook goalkeeper. Sandtorv, a confident player who is quick to the ball, totaled 109 saves as a senior in leading her team to a 10-7 record. She made seven saves in a 7-6 overtime win over Miller Place. Sandtorv, a three-year regular, stopped 13 shots as a junior against Copiague.

In 2009, UAlbany recorded its first winning campaign in nine years and posted the program's first victory over a national top-20 school.

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2010 University at Albany Women's Lacrosse Commitments

Name, Pos., Hometown (High School)

Jessica Antelmi, Mid., Bridgeport, N.Y. (Chittenango)

Rachel Burek, Mid., Rensselaer, N.Y. (Columbia)

Kim Santorv, Glk., Centereach, N.Y. (Middle Country)

SUNY University Center Innovation and Economic Growth Act Introduced by Sen. Stavisky S.5836

SUNY University Center Innovation and Economic Growth Act
Introduced by Sen. Stavisky S.5836

Bill Text: http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=S05836&sh=t
Bill Summary: http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=S05836

It looks to have biparisan support by seeing who has co-sponsored the bill.

The Sponsors Memo which explains the bill in "normal english" is not listed on the Assembly Site, but is listed on the Legislative Retrieval System (LRS) site..though I can't give a direct link to the bill since that site is a search engine type site. So below is the text of the Sponsor's Memo of this bill.

I have heard that President Philip has said this bill is supported by SUNY Central and that UB2020 wasn't.

-----------------------

BILL NUMBER: S5836

SPONSOR: STAVISKY

TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, the public authorities law and the general municipal law, in relation to authorizing tuition increases for four University Centers of the State University of New York at Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, and Stony Brook, SUNY Upstate Medical University, and SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Part A); to amend the education law, in relation to the use of four University Centers of the State University of New York at Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, and Stony Brook, SUNY Upstate Medical University, and SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Part B ) to amend the education law, the state finance law and the tax law, in relation to the ability of the state university trustees to purchase items and enter into contracts and agreements (Part C); to amend the education law and the state finance law, in relation to the distribution of money received from various sources related to the four University Centers of the State University of New York at Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, and Stony Brook, SUNY Upstate Medical University, and SUNY Downstate Medical Center (Part D); and to amend the education law, in relation to providing that certain leases of the four University Centers of the State University of New York at Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, and Stony Brook, SUNY Upstate Medical University, and SUNY Downstate Medical Center need not be submitted to the attorney general for his or her approval (Part E)

PURPOSE OF THE BILL:
To allow the four University Centers of the State University of New York at Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, and Stony Brook, SUNY Upstate Medical University and SUNY Downstate Medical Center greater flexibility and autonomy in regard to leasing, contracting, tuition increases and overall daily operations at the Universities.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
This act shall be known as the "SUNY University Center Innovation and Economic Growth Act."

The legislation amends various sections of the Education Law, the Public Authorities Law, the General Municipal Law, the State Finance Law, and the Tax law.

This legislation shall sunset five years from enactment.

JUSTIFICATION:
The Final Report of Findings and Recommendations of the Commission on Higher Education recommended in 2008, that New York must unshackle SUNY, end micromanagement, and free the system to focus on achieving excellence in a global knowledge economy. This legislation, "The SUNY University Center Innovation and Economic Growth Act," codifies many of the recommendations of the Commission on Higher Education and seeks to implement meaningful regulatory reform.

Specifically, this legislation will allow the four University Centers of the State University of New York at Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, and Stony Brook, SUNY Upstate Medical University, and SUNY Downstate Medical Center the ability to implement a more rational tuition policy with regular increases and an acknowledgment that it costs more to educate students at research universities; the ability to retain the revenue generated by tuition; spending and contracting flexibility to better serve students, faculty/researchers and staff in a timely manner; access to capital to enable campuses to build the infrastructure necessary to support the State's economic development mission; and the ability to lease or purchase land and facilities.

The SUNY University Center Innovation and Economic Growth Act will strengthen the academic and economic capabilities of the four University Centers - the only institutions within the 64-campus SUNY system which simultaneously provide undergraduate teaching, research, and advanced graduate and professional studies; as well as the medical schools at Upstate (Syracuse) and Downstate (Brooklyn), the only stand-alone medical colleges in the SUNY system.

The four University Centers of SUNY and the medical schools, with a cumulative economic impact of more than $10 billion, are inextricably linked with the fiscal and economic well-being of New York State. The medical schools and University Centers clearly return substantially more than they receive in investment from the State. The SUNY University Center Innovation and Economic Growth Act will transform the State University Centers and medical colleges into model twenty-first century
public universities - enabling New York State's most important public higher education institution to build the next generation industries that will provide stable, knowledge-based economic catalysts.

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
None.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately

Courtesy: MsGDG

New $50 Million Dollar Microchip Package Facility, and 200 Jobs, To Be Added At University of Albany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering

Gov. David Paterson just announced that a $50 million computer chip packaging center is going to be built at the University at Albanys College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering.

The project, called the Computer Chip Hybrid Integration Partnership, or CHIP, will also include $27.5 million for a new computer chip commercialization center to be located at the SUNY Institute of Technology outside Utica that will support that UAlbany center.

The CHIP is expected to create 675 jobs, including 200 in Albany. Another 475 would be created near SUNY IT through supplier and contractor jobs.


By LARRY RULISON

University of Albany Announces 2009 New York Giants Training Camp Schedule - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Thursday, June 25 the New York Giants' summer training camp schedule. The Giants, who have trained on the UAlbany campus since 1996, begin workouts on Monday, August 3. The camp concludes on Tuesday, August 25.

The 2008 NFC East Division champion New York Giants will practice 17 days on the UAlbany campus, including eight double sessions. As has been the routine in previous camps, the Giants will not practice on the days following preseason games. On the day before a preseason game, the team will hold a jog-thru session.

For the fourth consecutive year, Giants training camp features evening practices. The first night practice is slated for Thursday, August 6, at 6:05 p.m. All six sessions are preceded by a morning workout. The other day-night workouts are scheduled for August 8, 10, 12, 14 and 20. Training camp opens with morning and afternoon practices on August 3 and 4.

Giants training camp all-session parking passes will be available at UAlbany's Athletic Merchandise Store, located in the SEFCU Arena Lobby, beginning Monday, July 13. An all-session parking pass is $15.00. The daily parking fee is $5.00. Dutch Quad Lot is the primary public parking facility. The Merchandise Store is open Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. For more information, call 518-442-4522. The training camp schedule can be accessed through www.giants.com or www.ualbanysports.com.

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

UAlbany and the Giants are in the third and final year of an existing agreement to hold training camp. "We're going to have discussions this summer with people in Albany," Giants President & Chief Executive Officer John Mara said. "We still need to talk as an organization ... we haven't done that yet, as to what we want to do. The University and its staff have been efficient, thorough and professional during our 13 years on campus. We couldn’t ask for a better summer home, and we are always as prepared as we can possibly be for the start of the season when we leave UAlbany."

In the 13 years that the Giants have trained at UAlbany, the preseason camp has averaged 32,068 fans per summer. Last year's camp drew 44,505 to the Capital Region campus, while the all-time mark of 45,040 was established in 2004.

Giants Camp Notes: New York Giants training camp will begin in the month of August for the first time in the National Football League organization's history ... the Giants will practice 25 times in a 17-day period ... In 2008, the camp ran for 19 days and 29 practices ... last year's camp attendance (44,505) was the second-largest since the NFL team moved to the Capital Region ... more than 40,000 fans also attended training camp in 2004 (45,040) and 2006 (40,655).

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2009 New York Giants Training Camp Schedule

August 3 (Mon.)
Practice #1: 8:35-10:35 a.m.
Practice #2: 3:15-5:15 p.m.

August 4 (Tues.)
Practice #1: 8:35-10:35 a.m.
Practice #2: 3:15-5:15 p.m.

August 5 (Wed.)
No Practice

August 6 (Thurs.)
Practice #1: 8:35-10:35 a.m.
Practice #2: 6:05-8:05 p.m.

August 7 (Fri.)
Practice: 2:35-4:35 p.m.

August 8 (Sat.)
Practice #1: 8:35-10:35 a.m.
Practice #2: 6:05-8:05 p.m.

August 9 (Sun.)
Practice: 2:35-4:35 p.m.

August 10 (Mon.)
Practice #1: 8:35-10:35 a.m.
Practice #2: 6:05-8:05 p.m.

August 11 (Tues.)
No Practice

August 12 (Wed.)
Practice #1: 8:35-10:35 a.m.
Practice #2: 6:05-8:05 p.m.

August 13 (Thurs.)
Practice: 2:35-4:35 p.m.

August 14 (Fri.)
Practice #1: 8:35-10:35 a.m.
Practice #2: 6:05-8:05 p.m.

August 15 (Sat.)
Practice: 2:35-4:35 p.m.

August 16 (Sun.)
Practice: 10:00-11:30 a.m. (Jog-Thru)

August 17 (Mon.)
NFL Preseason Game vs. Carolina, 8:15 p.m.

August 18 (Tues.)
No Practice

August 19 (Wed.)
Practice: 2:35-4:35 p.m.

August 20 (Thurs.)
Practice #1: 9:10-10:10 a.m. (Jog-Thru)
Practice #2: 6:05-8:05 p.m.

August 21 (Fri.)
Practice: 10:25-11:25 a.m. (Jog-Thru)

August 22 (Sat.)
NFL Preseason Game @ Chicago, 8:00 p.m.

August 23 (Sun.)
No Practice

August 24 (Mon.)
Practice: 2:35-4:35 p.m.



August 25 (Tues.)

Practice: 8:35-10:35 a.m.

Camp Ends

New Dormitory To Be Built At University of Albany Uptown Campus

The University at Albany could begin construction on a new $60 million 500-bed dorm on the uptown campus as soon as next year.

The state Dormitory Authority, which facilitates the financing and construction of large public building projects, will start interviewing architects for the two five-story apartment buildings later this month.

The new residence hall for upperclassmen, located in the southeast corner of the campus near the Boor Sculpture Studio, would increase the university's housing capacity, which currently stands at 7,200, said UAlbany spokesman Karl Luntta.

The buildings would be located outside the campus ring road south of the sculpture studio on 13.5 acres of wooded land that backs up to the city's Tudor Road.

Seven sites were initially considered -- including one in a median between Interstate 90 and Washington Avenue -- but the list was pared to three: one in a parking lot west of Dutch Quad, another in a parking lot east of State Quad and the first choice on the southeast corner of campus.

One of the factors that made the wooded acreage most appealing, according to a feasibility study, is that it could create 250 new parking spaces on campus without eliminating any existing ones.

The Dormitory Authority will begin interviewing architects July 20, and, if all goes well, plans could be completed by next spring, with construction starting later in the year, said agency spokesman Paul Burgdorf.

Luntta said a public meeting on the proposed dorm, as well as other projects, was held in March and that more will be scheduled once an architect has been picked.
Common Councilman Daniel Herring, who represents the area in the 13th Ward, said he shares the residents' concerns and would like to see UAlbany examine other options, including a location downtown or on the adjacent Harriman Office Campus.

"I have to be convinced more that this is really the only place that they can do this kind of development," Herring said.

By JORDAN CARLEO-EVANGELIST, Staff writer

University of Albany Track & Field and Cross Country Programs Receive Commitments from 17 Student-Athletes - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany’s Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Roberto Vives announced on Tuesday, July 21 that 17 student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to join the school’s men’s and women’s programs for the 2009-10 academic year. The class consisting of 11 women and six men includes five All-Americans, eight student-athletes from area high schools and four Albany Times Union All-Star honorees.

The men’s class is highlighted by middle distance runner Sean Halpin (Mount Vernon, N.Y./Iona Prep.), a four-time indoor All-American in the 800-meter run and three relays as well as a two-time all-state selection. His winning time and personal-best mark of 1:51.55 in the 800m at the Eastern State Outdoor Championships was the second-fastest in the state and ninth-fastest in the country. He also won the 800m at eastern indoors. The 2007 Empire States Games and Reebok Grand Prix champion in the 800-meters has also competed at major meets such as the Nike Outdoor National Championship, Penn Relays, Millrose Games and New Balance Collegiate Invitational. Halpin, who will also run on the Great Danes’ cross country team, earned All-Westchester County recognition every year in all three sports.

Leading the list of women’s signees is Ashley Mahlmeister (Unadilla, N.Y./Sidney). In addition to winning the Division 2 100-meter high hurdles in 14.50 seconds and Division 2 long jump with a mark of 18-feet, 7.50-inches at the New York State championships, Mahlmeister also placed second in the long jump with a mark of 19-6 and second in the triple jump after leaping 39-3.50, both personal bests, in the Federation finals. Her personal record in the long jump currently mirrors the UAlbany program’s standard. Mahlmeister recently capped her high school career with several stellar performances at the Nike Outdoor National Championship. She finished 17th in the 100-hurdles, 20th in the triple jump and 22nd in the long jump.

Kendra Adams (Charlton, N.Y./Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) and Aliaksandr Leuchanka (Clifton Park, N.Y./Shenendehowa) are the most decorated signees from Section II schools. Adams, a sprinter and hurdler, was a five-time All-American, earning the honor all four years in the distance medley relay and once in the 4x800-meter relay. The three-year captain’s personal bests include 1:03.86 in the 400-hurdles She was named an first-team All-Area by the Albany Times Union after winning the 400-hurdles title at the state qualifying meet, and sprinting 26.49 in the 200-meter dash. Leuchanka, another Albany Times Union All-Area selection who will look to bolster the men’s distance group, earned All-America laurels in the 4xMile and 4x800 and was the New York Cross Country Federation champion in leading Shenendehowa High to the team title in the fall of 2008. Leuchanka, whose best cross country mark on a 5,000-meter course was 15:04, was also a two-year captain.

Billy Phillipy (Camp Hill, Pa./Trinity) should make a strong contribution primarily as a javelin thrower. He owns the school mark of 199-3 and was the Keystone State Games gold medalist and Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association district champion. Phillipy, who may also compete in the horizontal jumping events, signed to play for the UAlbany football team as a fullback in February. He was a Class AA honorable mention all-state selection.

Patricia McNish (Great Neck, N.Y./Manhasset) is another signee who should immediately challenge for spots in the UAlbany record books along with Mahlmeister in the women’s horizontal jumping events. After winning the Nassau County Class A individual title in the long jump, she placed third in the event behind Mahlmeister with a personal-best mark of 19-4.75 in the New York State Federation championships. McNish, who has a triple jump mark of 37-5.50, also won the Nassau County individual title in the 100-meter high hurdles after crossing the tape in a personal-best time of 15.70.

Tristan Akong (Springfield Gardens, N.Y./St. Francis Prep.) and Shane Wagner (Gansevoort, N.Y./Schuylerville Central) will look to continue UAlbany’s recent prominence in the men’s sprinting and hurdles events. With times of 10.74 in the 100-meter dash and 21.84 in the 200, Akong is the fastest sprinter to ever sign with the men’s program out of high school. Wagner, an Albany Times Union second-team All-Area choice, posted top-three finishes in both hurdles events in the Federation finals at the New York State championships and competed at Nike Outdoor Nationals. He ran the 110-meter high hurdles in 14.24 and has been hand-timed at 14 flat.

The women’s program also added quality and depth in the sprinting events, an area which produced a four-time America East champion this past year. Allison Rogers (Amherst, N.Y./Amherst Central) broke school records in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter dash events as well as the 4x100- and 4x400-meter relays. She ran the 100 at states for three consecutive years, which included a seventh-place finish this season at the Federation level, and has also competed in the 200, 400, 4x100 and 4x400 against the best athletes in New York. The two-year captain has clocked in personal-best times of 12.10 in the 100, 26.58 in the 200 and 58.79 in the 400-meter dash. Patrice Johnson (Bronx, N.Y./Cardinal Spellman) was a two-time All-American in the sprint medley relay and has personal records of 7.31 in the 55, 12.42 in the 100 and 25.43 in the 200, while Wanetta Rodney (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool) holds the school record in the 55-meter dash (7.21) and has a 100-dash time of 12.24.

Another notable runner from Section II who will compete on the cross country team is Mikala Anson (Colonie, N.Y./Colonie Central). Her best 5K time in cross country is 17:55, while her other top efforts include marks of 4:53.09 in the 1,500-meter run and 10:25.50 at 3,000-meters. Brianna Service (Poughquag, N.Y./Arlington), an indoor All-American in the 4xMile, will improve both the cross country squad and women’s distance group. Her best performances are 5:15.09 in the mile and 10:22 in the 3,000.

Other signees who will look to contribute to the Great Danes’ growing tradition of winning conference championships will be high jump and multi-eventers Karley Giles (Altamont, N.Y./Guilderland) and Greg Kehrer (Albany, N.Y./Colonie Central), sprinter Sherez Mohamed (Albany, N.Y./Academy of Holy Names) and middle distance runner Nayamka Roberts-Smith (Colonie, N.Y./Colonie Central). Kehrer garnered Albany Times Union All-Area honors based upon his runner-up performance in the high jump (6-2) at sectionals.

“I am very excited about this incoming class”, said Vives, whose men’s and women’s programs have combined to win 15 America East titles and have produced five All-Americans with 10 All-America certificates at the NCAA Division I level. “They bring the quality that will keep us on the path of winning championships and move us to our goal of becoming a top-25 national program.”

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2009-10 University at Albany Women's Track & Field Signings
Name Events Hometown (High School/Previous College)

Kendra Adams Hurdles/Sprints Charlton, N.Y./Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake

*Mikala Anson Distance Albany, N.Y./Colonie Central

Karley Giles High Jump/Multis Alamont, N.Y./Guilderland

Patrice Johnson Sprints Bronx, N.Y./Cardinal Spellman

Ashley Mahlmeister Hurdles/Jumps Unadilla, N.Y./Sidney

Patricia McNish Hurdles/Jumps Great Neck, N.Y./Manhasset

Sherez Mohamed Sprints Albany, N.Y./Academy of the Holy Names

*Nayamka Roberts-Smith Mid-Distance Albany, N.Y./Colonie Central

Wanetta Rodney Sprints Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool

Allison Rogers Sprints Amherst, N.Y./Amherst Central

*Brianna Service Distance Poughquag, N.Y./Arlington



2009-10 University at Albany Men's Track & Field Signings
Name Events Hometown (High School/Previous College)

Tristan Akong Sprints Springfield Gardens, N.Y./St. Francis Prep.

*Sean Halpin Mid-Distance Mount Vernon, N.Y./Iona Prep.

Greg Kehrer High Jump/Multis Albany, N.Y./Colonie Central

*Aliaksandr Leuchanka Distance Clifton Park, N.Y./Shenendehowa

Billy Phillipy Javelin/Jumps Camp Hill, Pa./Trinity

Shane Wagner Hurdles/Multis Gansevoort, N.Y./Schuylerville Central

Program-High Five University of Albany Great Danes Named to USTFCCCA Division I All-Academic Team - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

New Orleans, La. – University at Albany’s Laura Cummings and Valete Graham lead a list of a program-high five Great Danes who were named to the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Division I All-Academic Team. Cummings and Graham, who are being honored for the second straight year, were joined by Fey Adaramola, Andrew Overbaugh and Peter Rowell.

In 2008-09, the honorees helped UAlbany combine to win three America East Conference and two IC4A championships and factored into six of the 33 school records established. The men’s team swept both America East and IC4A team titles, while the women won the America East outdoor championship and posted the highest finish in program history at the ECAC outdoor meet. UAlbany’s five USTFCCCA All-Academic selections, seven America East Indoor Track & Field All-Academic picks and six outdoor all-academic squad honorees were all league bests.

Cummings, who was one of only two women to be placed on three America East all-academic squads and was also an ESPN the Magazine Second-Team All-District selection, has a 3.48 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, finishing third in 10:59.63 at the America East meet, and also competed in the event at the ECAC and NCAA East Regional competitions. Indoors, she most notably ran on the 4x800-meter relay team which set a school record for finishing third in 9:00.07 at the ECAC championship. Cummings scored points in five events at the America East indoor and outdoor meets and was a two-time all-conference honoree.

Graham, who was also a member of the America East indoor and outdoor all-academic teams and earned ESPN the Magazine First-Team All-District laurels, has a 3.69 GPA as a psychology major with a minor in business administration. He broke both school records in the long jump this year at the America East championship (24-feet, 9.50-inches, outdoors) and Arkansas’ Tyson Invitational (24-5, indoors). Graham was also an All-East selection in the event for leaping 24-2.25 at the regional and missed qualifying for the NCAA national meet by one centimeter. He accumulated points in both horizontal jumping events at the America East indoor and outdoor meets as well as the long jump at both of the IC4A championships.

A junior transfer from Central Florida who carries a 3.41 GPA as a human biology major, Adaramola was the premier women’s sprinter in America East this past year. Adaramola, who accounted for three school records, won the 100- and 200-meter dash events with marks of 11.96 and 24.27 seconds, respectively, at the league’s outdoor championship meet as well as the 200 title at the indoor competition in a school-record time of 24.30. She also anchored the second-place 4x100- and 4x400-meter relays at the outdoor meets as well as the winning 4x400-meter relay which set a school record (3:48.48) at the indoor championship. In addition, Adaramola scored 13 points for the Great Danes at the ECAC outdoor met by finishing second in the 100 and fourth in the 200. She competed in both sprinting events at the NCAA East Regional.

Overbaugh, a senior who has a 3.37 GPA as a sociology major with a minor in criminal justice, graduated as a member of eight America East championship teams and one squad which won the IC4A outdoor title. He ran the opening leg on the winning 4x400-meter relay (3:13.20) and placed fifth in the 400-meter hurdles in 54.12 at this year’s America East outdoor competition. The senior also led off the 4x400 relay which placed second in 3:09.65 at the IC4A championship. Indoors, he ran the opening leg for the winning 4x400 relay which set a meet record of 3:11.77 at the America East championship while also running a personal-best time of 49.55 to place seventh in the 400-meter dash. Overbaugh qualified for the NCAA East Regional as a member of the 4x400-meter relay.

A sophomore transfer from Manhattan with a 3.72 GPA as a business administration major, Rowell ran on the 4x400-meter relay which placed seventh in a regional qualifying time of 3:08.86 at the Florida Relays. The mark matched a school record at the time. He also placed sixth in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles (54.65) at the America East outdoor championship. Indoors, Rowell most notably ran on the second-place 4x400-meter relay which clocked in with a NCAA provisional time of 3:09.78 at the IC4A championship.

To qualify for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Track and Field Team, a student-athlete must have compiled a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 and have met the NCAA Division I Indoor or Outdoor automatic or provisional qualifying standard in their respective event.

Three Former University of Albany Lacrosse Standouts Appear in Thursday's MLL All-Star Game in Denver - UAlbanys Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Denver, Colo. – Former University at Albany standouts Merrick Thomson, Jordan Levine and Brett Queener will participate in the 2009 Major League Lacrosse (MLL) All-Star Game on Thursday at Denver’s INVESCO Field at Mile High. The eighth annual MLL all-star game begins at 10 p.m. Eastern and will be televised live on ESPN2. Joe Beninati and Quint Kessenich will call the action.

While Major League Lacrosse implemented an “East” vs. “West” format the past two seasons, this year’s all-star game will return to the popular “Old School” vs. “Young Guns” format. The “Young Guns” squad is comprised of players from the 2007-09 classes, while the “Old School” team will be made up by those players from the classes prior to and including 2006. Thomson, Levine and Queener, who play for the Toronto Nationals, are members of the “Young Guns” roster.

Thomson, a team co-captain, is making his second consecutive MLL All-Star appearance. He leads the league in goals scored (33) and is tied for second in points (35). Thomson was voted Warrior Most Improved Player of the Year in 2008. He earned USILA third-team All-America honors as a senior collegian when UAlbany won the America East Conference championship and advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals. Thomson is the school’s all-time leaders in goals (188) and points (244).

Queener, a goalkeeper, is playing in the MLL All-Star Game for the first time. He is tied for second among the league leaders in save percentage (.568) and recorded a season-best 14 saves against Washington on June 13. Queener, a three-time All-America East selection at the collegiate level, ranked among the nation’s Division I leaders as a senior in goals against average (7.85) and save percentage (.579). He is fifth all-time on the UAlbany program’s career saves list with 467.

Levine, a midfielder, is also making his first MLL all-star appearance. He has six goals and two assists in seven games for Toronto after playing for the New Jersey Pride in 2008. Levine was twice named to the USILA All-America squad as a collegian and became the third UAlbany player to be chosen to the All-America East first team in three consecutive seasons. He totaled 57 goals and 56 assists during his career and is the program’s Division I career leader in ground balls with 321.

University of Albany FCS Football Announces Hiring of Akeem Cedeno as Outside Linebackers Coach - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany head football coach Bob Ford announced on Wednesday, July 15 the hiring of Akeem Cedeno as outside linebackers coach. Cedeno was previously an assistant for the last two seasons at Amherst College, a Division III program in Massachusetts.

Cedeno coached the outside linebackers and served as assistant director of football operations at Amherst. He also assisted with the defensive line and special teams, including the kickoff and punt return units and the field goal and point-after attempt squads. He was responsible for weekly defensive video editing and game breakdowns and worked on scouting reports. His recruiting territory covered California, Colorado, Maine, Vermont and the Southeast. In addition, he was the Lord Jeffs’ assistant wrestling coach.

In 2008, Amherst finished with a 5-3 record and placed third in the NESCAC standings. The Lord Jeffs produced a conference-high four defensive players on the All-NESCAC first team, including outside linebackers Guy Matisis and Jake Spadafora. The defense ranked third nationally in rushing yards allowed (60.9 ypg) and 12th in total yards (260.4 ypg).

A native of Lauderhill, Fla., Cedeno was a three-year starter on the defensive line at Division III Norwich University, where he earned a B.S. in criminal justice in 2007. As a senior captain and defensive tackle, Cedeno was voted to the Empire 8 all-conference second team. He accounted for 28 tackles and led the team in hits for a loss (11.0) and sacks (6.0). Cedeno totaled 100 tackles and nine sacks during his career.

As a collegian, Cedeno spent his summers coaching for his high school program at Coral Glades High. He also was an assistant at North Broward Prep, where he worked with the defensive line and linebackers. A member of the Black Coaches & Administrators Association, Cedeno is currently pursuing a master’s degree in business administration at the University of Massachusetts.

University of Albany FCS Football Tailback David McCarty Added to 2009 Walter Payton Award Watch List - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Philadelphia, Pa. – University at Albany’s David McCarty has been added to the Walter Payton Award watch list, as announced on Tuesday, July 14 by The Sports Network national wire service. The Payton Award is bestowed annually upon the nation’s top player at the Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level.

McCarty, a senior tailback from Gansevoort, N.Y., ranked second among the Division I FCS national leaders in rushing at 154.3 yards per game last season. He was named to the Sports Network All-America third team and earned first-team All-Northeast Conference recognition. McCarty shattered the school’s single-season rushing (1,852 yards) and all-purpose running (2,208) standards.

“David McCarty is the epitome of what you would love to have in a football player,” stated UAlbany coach Bob Ford, who guided the Great Danes to their second consecutive Northeast Conference championship and a Gridiron Classic win over Jacksonville last season. “He has great balance, good vision, the unique ability to stay on his feet and the great attribute of holding on to the football. Besides his great work ethic, he is an unselfish kid and that is hard to do at that position.”

McCarty, who enters his senior campaign as the school’s career leader in rushing yards (3,353), was picked by Sporting News Yearbook as the 2009 preseason NEC offensive player of the year. He has toppled the 100-yard rushing mark 19 times as a collegian, a school record, and reached the century mark in 11 of 12 games as a junior. McCarty established the program’s single-game FCS rushing record with 271 yards and four touchdowns en route to receiving the Gridiron Classic MVP.

“Walter Payton was one of the great running backs to have ever played the game,” said McCarty, who was recently named to the Preseason Sports Network FCS All-America third team. “This is an honor and a good thing that people are paying attention to what the Albany program is accomplishing. I have never been one for personal glory. All the credit for any accolades that I receive goes to my coaches, teammates and offensive line. They make the right decisions at the right time to put me in a position to be successful.”

A total of 20 candidates will be announced in alphabetical order prior to the start of the season, with four candidates being released each week. The Payton Award watch list will be revised in October and again in November before the final ballot is announced. Current NFL standouts Brian Westbrook and Tony Romo are among the previous recipients.

Voting from a panel of FCS sports information directors, writers, broadcasters and other football experts will be conducted after the regular season ends. Three finalists will be announced on Nov. 30 and will be invited to the 23rd annual Sports Network Awards banquet on Dec. 17 in Chattanooga, Tenn., the night prior to the NCAA Division I championship game. The Eddie Robinson Award (top FCS Coach) and Buck Buchanan Award (top FCS Defensive Player) will also be presented that evening.

University of Albany Softball's Leah McIntosh Helps Lead Team Canada to Silver Medal at Canada Cup - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Surrey, British Columbia – University at Albany’s Leah McIntosh helped lead Team Canada to a silver medal at the 16th Canada Cup International Women's Fastpitch Tournament in Surrey, British Columbia on Sunday, July 12. Canada, which advanced to the championship game against Team USA with a 6-0 victory over Venezuela earlier in the day, held a one-run advantage heading into the bottom of the seventh before the United States rallied to win the title by a 3-2 score on a run-scoring, two-out single.

McIntosh made three appearances in her debut with the Senior National Softball Team and conceded earned runs on just one occasion. The reigning America East Conference Pitcher of the Year most notably hurled two shutout innings in a victory over the Netherlands. She was on a roster which featured nine players returning from the 2008 Olympic Team, four players who played for the Canadian Junior Women’s National Team two years ago and six others who were selected from three evaluation camps held over the past month.

McIntosh is a two-time NFCA all-region selection who threw a national-best four perfect games as well as 10 shutouts during the 2009 collegiate season. McIntosh broke the Division I program records for career strikeouts (621) and no-hitters (6) while leading America East with a 1.34 earned run average. A member of the ECAC Division I All-Star Team, McIntosh ranked third nationally with 10.6 strikeouts per seven innings.

Team Canada will now gear up for the KFC World Cup of Softball presented by Six Flags, which will take place July 16-20 in Oklahoma City. The squad will compete against Venezuela, Italy, Australia, the United States, Japan and the Netherlands. Selected games, including Saturday’s tilt between the United States and Canada at 1 p.m. Eastern, will be televised live on ESPN. The championship on Monday, July 20 will air live on ESPN2 at 9 p.m.

University of Albany FCS Football Tailback David McCarty Chosen to Preseason Sports Network FCS All-America Football Team - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Philadelphia, Pa. – University at Albany’s David McCarty has been chosen to the 2009 Preseason Sports Network Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) All-America Team. McCarty, a senior tailback from Gansevoort, N.Y., earned third-team recognition.

McCarty received Sports Network All-America and All-Northeast Conference first-team honors last season when he ranked second among the Division I FCS national leaders in rushing at 154.3 yards per game. He shattered the school’s single-season rushing (1,852 yards) and all-purpose running (2,208) standards. McCarty ran for 100 or more yards in 11 of 12 games, including four 200-plus yard efforts. He capped the season with a Gridiron Classic MVP performance against Jacksonville by running for 271 yards and four touchdowns in a 28-0 victory.

McCarty heads into his senior campaign as the school’s career leader in rushing yards (3,353) and all-purpose running yards (3,979). He is also third in career touchdowns (32) and third in scoring with 192 points. McCarty has toppled the 100-yard mark 19 times as a collegian, a school record, and has scored at least one touchdown in 20 consecutive games.

All 14 FCS conferences were represented by at least one player on the Sports Network squad, while 58 teams of the 126 playing in the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) received at least one All-America selection.

Red Bull New York Soccer Inks Former University of Albany Keeper Bouna Coundoul

Red Bull New York announced today that it has signed goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul to a new contract after the Red Bulls acquired his MLS rights from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for allocation money. The club also announced today that it has terminated goalkeeper Jon Conway's contract.
"We believe that Bouna has a bright future ahead of him and can immediately strengthen the squad with his ability and experience," said Red Bull New York Sporting Director Jeff Agoos. "We would also like to thank Jon for his long-standing service to the club and wish him the best of luck."

Coundoul, who hails from Bronx, NY, and attended Martin Luther King Jr. High School in New York City before playing for the University at Albany for two seasons (2002-2004), started training with the Red Bulls the week of June 15. Coundoul signed with the Rapids during the 2005 season and did not see action. Since then, Coundoul, 27, made 52 appearances over the next three seasons, posting an 1.16 goals against average - a mark which is second all-time in MLS history for goalkeepers who have played a minimum of 4,000 minutes. In 2007, Coundoul played in a career-high 30 games, missing only 32 minutes of action, and earned nine shutouts en route to a 1.08 goals against average - third best in MLS. The 6-2, 197-pound goalkeeper has tallied 16 shutouts in his career. He has not seen action in MLS this season.

Coundoul has earned two caps for the senior Senegalese National Team and was part of the side's African Cup of Nations squad. He won the Rapids' U.S. Soccer Foundation Humanitarian of the Year award for his charitable efforts in Senegal in 2007.

University of Albany´s Stephanie Klein Earns National Golf Coaches Association Scholar-Athlete Award - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Coral Springs, Fla. – UAlbany’s Stephanie Klein was named to the National Golf Coaches Association All-American Division I Scholar Team, as announced by the organization on Thursday afternoon. 410 women’s collegiate golfers from across the country in Division I, II and III were recognized by the NGCA.

A freshman, Klein helped lead UAlbany to its second straight America East Conference Championship title this spring. Klein finished tied for third individually at the championship with a two-day score of 161. In her rookie season, she finished with an 85.17 shot average over three tournaments, posting a season-low round of 82 on the second day of play at the conference championship. Klein, a native of Thornhill, Ontario, earned a 4.00 cumulative grade point average, majoring in pre-medicine, and was a member of the UAlbany Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

The criteria for selection to the All-American Scholar Team are some of the most stringent in all of college athletics. The minimum cumulative GPA is 3.50 and student-athletes must have competed in at least 50% (Division I) or 66% (Division II & III) of the college’s regularly scheduled competitive rounds during the year.

University of Albany Women's Soccer Coach Mary-Frances Monroe Competing Professionally With Boston Breakers - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany head women’s soccer coach Mary-Frances Monroe was recently called up by the Boston Breakers, one of the seven clubs competing in Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS). Monroe was previously competing with the Boston Aztec Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) team, the reserve squad for the Breakers, earlier this summer.

A former member of the WUSA’s Boston Breakers and last season’s WPSL East Player of the Year, Monroe made her WPS debut in the club’s 1-0 victory over the Washington Freedom on Wednesday, June 24 at Harvard Stadium. She is also slated to be on the roster when the squad hosts Sky Blue FC on Sunday, July 12 in a match which will be broadcasted live on the Fox Soccer Channel.

Monroe enters her fourth season at the helm of the UAlbany women's soccer program this fall. After posting a Division I program-record five victories in 2006 and 2007, the Great Danes stayed in contention for their first bid to the six-team league tournament until the final weekend of the regular season last year. In addition to bringing in the program’s largest recruiting class of 11 members under Monroe, the squad is slated to return eight of its 11 starters and nearly all of its scoring production.