Three Golfers on MAAC All-Academic Team; UAlbany Third After First Day of Championship

Celebration, Fla. - Sophomore Stephanie Klein earned a 4.00 grade point average to lead three UAlbany golfers on the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference All-Academic Team, as announced by the league office on Friday afternoon. Sophomore Annemarie Kissane and senior Jessica Signorelli also earned a spot on the squad.

Klein, a pre-med major from Thornhill, Ontario, posted the only 4.00 GPA in the 18 women's golf honorees. Klein has averaged 90.17 over three tournaments in the spring, with her best finish coming at the Hartford Invitational, where she carded a two-day score of 174.

Signorelli, a native of Fairport, N.Y., recorded a 3.78 GPA majoring in communication. She is second on the team with an 84.00 average, and finished second on the team in two of three tournaments. She placed 38th individually at Columbia's Roar-EE Invitational with a two-round score of 160 after shooting a season-best 76 over the first 18 holes.

Kissane, a theatre major from Albany, N.Y., posted a 3.29 GPA. She is averaging 86.00 over the spring and finished second on the squad in the season-opening tournament at William & Mary. Her best individual tournament finish came at the Hartford Invitational, where she shot a two-round score of 170 to place 37th overall.

In the first round of the 2010 MAAC Championship, held at Celebration Golf Club on Friday, UAlbany stands third in the team standings with an 18-hole score of 328. Senior Amanda McPhee led the Great Danes on the first day of action, finishing tied for third individually, carding a score of 78.

Teammates Annemarie Kissane and Stephanie Klein tied for 14th individually with identical scores of 83, while Corrin Conroy was tied for 16th after the first 18 with a score of 84. Jessica Signorelli rounded out the first-day scores, tying for 23rd overall with a round of 90.

The second round of the championship will tee off at 9:45 on Saturday.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Basketball Announces Three Student-Athletes Have Signed Letters of Intent for 2010-11 Season

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany men's basketball coach Will Brown announced on Friday, April 30 that three student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play for the Great Danes in the 2010-11 academic year. Luke Devlin, a 6-foot-8, 235-pound forward from Sydney, Australia (Newington College H.S.), Theo Hatcher, a 6-foot-7, 210-pound forward from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Central Arizona College / New Creations Christian School) and Russell Moore, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound guard from New Orleans, La. (John Logan College / St. Augustine H.S.).

Devlin was a 2009 Australian Schoolboys' Basketball Team member after he averaged 23.9 points and 14.7 rebounds as the Newington College MVP. He led his team to the Australia State Championship, plus a Combined Independent Schools title and a Greater Public Schools Conference crown. Devlin was named all-conference three times and twice was a combined independent school all-star.

In 2009, Devlin represented New South Wales at the under-20 national championships. He led that squad to a gold medal, received tournament MVP honors and was the team's leading scorer (14.3 ppg) and rebounder (10.3 ppg). Devlin, who also served as captain for the second straight year on the 2010 New South Wales under-20 team, scored at an 18.6 clip when his squad played a seven-game United States tour in December 2009.

"He has a tremendous skill set for a big man and likes to play physical," UAlbany coach Will Brown said. "He has range to the three-point arc and is very clever in the low post. He possesses a very strong feel for the game, plus can pass the ball."

Hatcher averaged 13.1 points as a sophomore for a Central Arizona College team that finished 17-13 overall. He was ninth among the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference leaders in rebounding (7.8 pg) and second in three-point field goal percentage (.458). He received the school's Male Student-Athlete of the Year Award.

In 2008-09, Hatcher scored at an 11.6 clip and shot 45.4 percent from the three-point arc. He was named to the NJCAA All-Region 1 freshman team. He totaled 15.0 points and 9.8 rebounds as a scholastic senior at New Creations Christian School in Richmond, Ind. The Flyers won the 2008 National Christian School Athletic Association (NCSAA) national championship.

"He is a long, wiry combo forward," Brown stated. "He has the potential to be a match-up problem and is an excellent three-point shooter. Theo will be able to post up small defenders and take bigger defenders out on the perimeter. He is an active rebounder as well."

As a freshman at John Logan College, Moore earned second-team All-Region 24 and second-team All-Great Rivers Athletic Conference honors. He averaged 12.8 points and 4.2 rebounds for a squad that finished with a 20-10 record. Moore helped the Volunteers finish first in the Great Rivers Athletic Conference with a 24-7 record, including a 14-2 mark in league play, as a sophomore. He averaged 7.1 points and 3.4 rebounds on a team that was No. 13 in the final NJCAA Division I national poll.

Moore was named the New Orleans Times-Picayune District 10 Player of the Year as a high school senior. He led St. Augustine High to the 2008 Class 5A state quarterfinals and a 28-6 record. The Purple Knights were coming off a losing campaign the previous season.

"Russell is a hard-nosed perimeter player who gets the job done on both ends of the floor," Brown offered. "He has the ability to be a lockdown defender with his quickness and athleticism. He is a good three-point shooter and is tough at attacking the basket."

2010-11 University at Albany Men's Basketball Signings

Luke Devlin, F, Fr., 6-8, 235, Sydney, Australia (Newington College H.S.)
Theo Hatcher, F, Jr., 6-7, 210, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., (Central Arizona College / New Creations Christian School)
Russell Moore, G, Jr., 6-3, 200. New Orleans, La. (John Logan College / St. Augustine H.S.)


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Softball Sweeps Siena For Third Time This Season; Apostolina Homers in Each Game - UAlbany Sports 2010

Loudonville, N.Y. - Freshman Kylie Apostolina blasted her first career homer and drove in three runs in the opener and senior Leah McIntosh took a perfect game into the seventh inning before finishing with a one-hit shutout in the nightcap as UAlbany swept Siena in a non-conference softball doubleheader on Thursday, April 29 at Siena Field. The Great Danes won the first game, 8-1, before taking the second by a 5-0 decision to extend their winning streak to 15 games against their crosstown rival.

In game one, UAlbany pushed across four runs in the top of the third inning by taking advantage of consecutive Siena errors in the infield. The first two runs scored with two outs when Kristine Bill reached on an error by the second baseman. The Great Danes quickly doubled their lead when Kayla Cilley's grounder to the left side was misplayed by the shortstop.

After Siena (9-34) got one run back in the bottom of the same frame, the visitors scored two more times in the top of the fourth. Kylie Apostolina hit an RBI double to left center with two outs, and Bill followed with an RBI single to center one play later. In the top of the sixth, Apostolina crushed her first career home run after Lindsey Stout was issued a walk to produce the final 8-1 outcome.
UAlbany's Powell, who pitched the first four innings, picked up the victory and improved to 7-10 overall. She allowed just two hits and one run while striking out three. Weiser hurled three scoreless innings of relief. The freshman surrendered one hit and fanned three batters. The Great Dane pitching staff did not issue a walk in the game.

Siena's Amanda Fillipazzo was tagged with the loss after surrendering seven hits and six runs, including only two that were earned, in five innings. She registered two strikeouts and issued four walks. Courtney Brinkman relieved the sophomore for the last two innings. She gave up two hits and two runs while issuing two walks and striking out three Great Dane hitters.

UAlbany quickly seized control in the nightcap by plating two runs in the top of the first when Michelle Connors went yard for the 22nd time of her career. Andrianna Walraven, who singled down the line in right to start the inning, also scored on the play.

While McIntosh was flirting with a perfect game, the Great Danes added two more runs in the third and another in the sixth. Gina Mason belted a two-run double to center field in the third inning to give her team a 4-0 advantage before Apostolina capped the scoring by hitting a solo shot over the fence in dead center for her second home run of the afternoon.

Siena made an attempt to rally in the bottom of the seventh inning. Mandy Ferro blooped a single down the right field line to start the frame and break up McIntosh's perfect game. Three batters later, Mahan kept the Saints alive by drawing a two-out walk. However, McIntosh regained control and fanned Lindsey McCeever for the game's final out.

UAlbany's McIntosh, who tossed her third complete-game shutout of the spring, improved her overall ledger to 7-5 this season. She allowed one hit and issued one walk while matching a season high with 12 strikeouts. Siena's Ferro, who pitched the first three innings, took the loss and fell to 0-6 this year. She allowed seven hits and four runs. She was relieved by Brinkman, who yielded one run and three hits in three innings of work.

UAlbany (18-20), which stands in fourth place in the America East Conference standings, will have the weekend off and wrap up the regular season with a three-game set at UMBC on May 8-9. With potential postseason implications on the line, the teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday, May 8, beginning at 1 p.m., and a single game on Sunday, May 9 at 12 p.m.

Paw Prints: Leah McIntosh came three outs shy of throwing her fifth career perfect game and seventh no-hitter in the nightcap ... The senior allowed a leadoff single that barely stayed fair down the line in right to start the seventh and final frame ... McIntosh hurled a national-best four perfect games last season, earning America East Conference Pitcher of the Year honors for her efforts ... The senior has pitched 14 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run to score ... UAlbany has not lost to Siena since dropping a 5-3 decision to its crosstown rival on March 28, 2007.

UAlbany 004 202 0 8 9 0
Siena 001 000 0 1 3 3

UAlbany: Marissa Powell, Allie Weiser (5) and Kat Smith, Lindsey Stout (4).
Siena: Amanda Fillipazzo, Courtney Brinkman (6) and Nastasha Powlowsky.

UAlbany 202 001 0 5 10 0
Siena 000 000 0 0 1 1

UAlbany: Leah McIntosh and Kat Smith.
Siena: Mandy Ferro, Courtney Brinkman (4) and Jen Duell.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany FCS Football Gets Back On Field For Annual Spring Game

The University at Albany football team held its annual spring intrasquad game on Saturday, marking the return to the field for a team that has undergone a major roster transformation since last season. With the graduation of 17 seniors from last season’s team, the Danes used the spring game as an opportunity to test out their new blood in a game situation.

The game featured two teams of Albany players, as evenly distributed as possible by the coaching staff led by coach Bob Ford, who will be entering his 38th year as the leader of the Danes.

In what was a spirited affair, the Gold team defeated the Purple team by a score of 14-7.

Ford liked what he saw during the game and was even happier to come out of the game unscathed.

“The thing I liked was the thing I’ve enjoyed for the past two weeks [in practice],” Ford said. “We’ve got a fiercely competitive group. I think they came to compete and I think they showed it. They played with a lot of enthusiasm. The second thing I was kind of excited about was that we came out of it injury-free.”

Redshirt freshman quarterback Buddy Leathley had a nice game for the Gold team, throwing 19-of-31 for 179 yards with one touchdown, with the highlight of his day being a well-thrown heave under pressure to wide receiver Jason Poore for a 23-yard gain.

That play set up the first touchdown of the day, a 20-yard run by redshirt freshman running back Tramaine Wilson to the left side that saw him break two tackles to get into the end zone with 4:15 left to play in the first half.

Highly touted quarterback and tailback Andrew Smith did not play Saturday due to an infection, a disappointment for Ford, who wanted to see him on the field.

“Well it hurts Andrew very much. We needed to look at him this spring to see exactly where he is. He is a kid that could probably play three to five possessions on our football squad and one of them certainly is quarterback,” Ford said. “But we didn’t see him one snap under pressure this spring, so now we’re going into the fall with that question unanswered a little bit, and that is ‘Should he be our starting quarterback, or should he be our starting tailback?’”

Smith split time between tailback and quarterback last year while also contributing in trick play packages for the Danes.

The game marked the debut for many of the team’s new faces in addition to a familiar one returning from a lengthy absence in outside linebacker Chris Blais, who missed all of last season with hand and wrist injuries.

“It felt great,” said Blais, who made 31 tackles in 12 appearances two seasons ago before breaking his thumb during the preseason. “The tempo, I kind of went with it. After the first week of spring ball it was a little tough, but I finally got back into the groove of things. I felt really good out there. I felt very comfortable.”

The team will have to cope with the loss of huge contributors in all-time UAlbany great tailback David McCarty, wide receiver Tim Bush, and quarterback Vinny Esposito, who is now playing professional football in Italy. In addition, the team lost all four members of its starting linebacker corps, a point of worry for Ford, who is unsure if the replacements have been found yet.

“I’m not sure, to be honest. I would like to look at the films on that. I think Jon Morgan has blossomed in the first two weeks. So he’s moved from an outside candidate to an inside candidate. I think up until the scrimmage he had played very well so I think we just need to look at the films and see how well he did play,” Ford said.

The defense played a strong game, with Ford remarking how he thought there was some vicious hitting from the outset. Safety Rob Cervini, a transfer from Rutgers who played in last year’s Papajohns.com Bowl, and linebacker Said Gaida, a transfer from the now-defunct program at Hofstra, made their on-field debuts for the Danes with both having strong performances. Defensive end Eddie Delaney also had a strong game, sacking the quarterback twice and knocking down a pass at the line of scrimmage.

On offense, Wilson and fellow running back Ben Miseikis both had strong games in the backfield, with both getting into the end zone on the day, toughening up the battle at that position.

“I think we’re just focusing on learning the plays, knowing the plays and knowing exactly what we’re doing and we all need to just help each other to come out and play our best at all times,” Miseikis said.

The Danes open the season on the road against Maine on Thursday, Sept. 2nd, a team that has made five NCAA Football Championship Subdivision tournament appearances.

By Aaron Scholder

Former University of Albany FCS Football Free Safety Dave Casale Signs to Play for Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Dave Casale, the 2009 University at Albany team football captain, from Troy, New York, has signed a two year contract to play football professionally for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

In his four seasons with UAlbany, the standout free safety totaled 224 career tackles, ranking 17th on the program's all-time chart, and finished sixth in school history with 11 career interceptions. During the 2009 season alone he recorded 77 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, six pass break-ups, two fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles in 11 games. He received the Great Danes' top defensive back award.

"It's a dream come true to now be able to play the game I love at the professional level," stated Casale, the 6'2, 230 pound free safety who was named All-ECAC and All-Northeast Conference First-Team All-Star multiple times during his career with UAlbany. "My experience at UAlbany as a Great Dane was amazing and has prepared me for the challenges ahead, I'm honored to have been part of such an outstanding program. I look forward to working as hard as I can and playing in the CFL with a championship franchise like the Alouettes."

Casale, 22, is a Troy native and graduated UAlbany with a degree in Business Administration in addition to four varsity letters. Previously he was a graduate of Troy High where he was senior captain of the football team and named to the Albany Times Union and Troy Record all-area First Team, as well as being a two-time All-Big Ten selection.

"Dave has far exceeded my expectations," said UAlbany's Bob Ford, who has served as the school's head football coach since 1970. "He not only turned into a good, he turned into a great one. He did it with hard work in the weight room and on the practice field and by paying attention to detail. He is extremely tough and a fierce competitor."

The Montreal Alouettes are a storied franchise in the Canadian Football League, and were founded in 1946. They have won the CFL Championship, known as the Grey Cup, a total of seven times with the most recent title coming just last year when they defeated the Saskatchewan Roughriders back in November. Based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, the Alouettes play their home games at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium.

Courtesy: UAlbany Athletics

From Millennium Business Communications

Former University of Albany FCS Football Star David McCarty Heading To NFL Tampa Bay Bucs Mini Camp - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany's David McCarty has stepped around and through defensive ends and cornerbacks for the last four years as the school's all-time leading rusher. His movement on the gridiron takes a different path when the tailback steps on the field for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' National Football League Rookie Mini-Camp this weekend.

"It's taken a while for this to sink in," said McCarty, who was invited to Tampa Bay's rookie camp earlier this week. "I just want a shot to see what I can do, just that one shot."

Only rookies and first-year players will participate in the mini-camp, which begins on Friday at 2:05 p.m. Eastern. The Buccaneers are expected to have at least 70 players on the field, including approximately 40 on tryout contracts. These type of camps have become the normal post-draft procedure for just about every NFL organization.

McCarty set the program standard with 4,287 career rushing yards, but was hampered by several injuries as a senior. However, the 6-foot, 215-pound standout who helped lead UAlbany to a pair of Northeast Conference championships and a Gridiron Classic title still hopes to become one of those players who was not drafted or signed immediately to make an NFL roster, whether it's the 53-man or practice squad.

Tampa Bay head coach Raheem Morris will bring the rookies in on Thursday evening for an orientation session prior to the first workout. Morris is no stranger to the Division I FCS level after having played at Hofstra in the 1990s and coached at both Cornell and his alma mater.

"I didn't think much about the NFL until my senior year," explained McCarty, a three-time All-Northeast Conference selection who also ran for 100-plus yards a school-record 24 times. "I knew I had a slight opportunity. I just need to show them that I have gotten quicker."

McCarty sprints for his morning plane and a new football journey.

Paw Prints: The Great Danes wrapped up spring football practice on Wednesday with a 90-minute afternoon session at Mara-Tisch Field ... UAlbany played its annual spring scrimmage game last Saturday ... the Great Danes begin the 2010 schedule on Thursday, Sept. 2 at Maine.

Courtesy: UAlbany Athletics

Melissa Coughlin Leads UAlbany to 7-0 Sweep of Hartford in A-East Tennis Action

West Hartford, Conn. - Melissa Coughlin defeated Margaret Potkay, 6-0, 6-0 in singles action and teamed up with Sarah Iannone for an 8-0 win in doubles play to help lead UAlbany to a 7-0 sweep of Hartford in America East Conference tennis action on Wednesday afternoon.

Coughlin was the only player not to lose a point in the match, recording her singles win at No. 6 and a doubles victory in the third spot. Livia Gherman recorded a 6-3, 6-2 win at No. 1 singles over Hartford's Livia Blask, while Susan Ma posted a 6-0, 6-1 victory over Margaret Sabatino at second singles. After dropping the first set, 4-6, Laine Mackey took 6-2, 10-8 decisions from Nicole Haynal in the third singles position. UAlbany completed the singles sweep with wins at No. 4 and No. 5. Caitlin Crowley defeated Amanda Epstein, 6-0, 6-1, while Iannone finished with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Kaitlin Lennon.

Hartford's only victory of the day came in an 8-6 win at first doubles by Blask and Sabatino over Mackey and Gherman. Ma and Crowley helped UAlbany take the doubles point with an 8-1 win over Haynal and Lennon at No. 2 doubles.

UAlbany will wrap up the 2010 season over the weekend at the America East Conference Championship, held at the Yale Tennis Center. The fifth-seeded Great Danes will take on #4 UMBC on Friday at 10 a.m.

Singles

Livia Gherman (UA) def. Livia Blask (UH), 6-3, 6-2

Susan Ma (UA) def. Margaret Sabatino (UH), 6-0, 6-1

Laine Mackey (UA) def. Nicole Haynal (UH), 4-6, 6-2, 10-8

Caitlin Crowley (UA) def. Amanda Epstein (UH), 6-0, 6-1

Sarah Iannone (UA) def. Kaitlin Lennon (UH), 6-1, 6-1

Melissa Coughlin (UA) def. Margaret Potkay (UH), 6-0, 6-0

Doubles

Blask/Sabatino (UH) def. Mackey/Gherman (UA), 8-6

Ma/Crowley (UA) def. Haynal/Lennon (UH), 8-1

Iannone/Coughlin (UA) def. Emily Wilhoft/Emily Menafra (UH), 8-0

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Track & Field's John Moore, Catie Coxon & Stephen Hassard Earn A-East Weekly Awards - UAlbany Sports 2010

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's John Moore, Catie Coxon and Stephen Hassard earned America East Conference Track and Field weekly honors, as announced by the league office on Tuesday, April 27. Moore was named the men's track performer of the week for the second time this season, while Coxon earned women's field performer of the week accolades. Hassard was the league's top male field performer.

Moore, a native of Fort Johnson, N.Y., posted victories at the 116th Annual Penn Relays and the first-ever Friendship Meet with the University of Technology of Kingston, Jamaica. He started the week by running the 1,600-meter anchor leg for the distance medley relay team which won the college section in 9:43.15 and broke the school record by 2.56 seconds on April 23. The group, which also included Tyler Fogarty, Jonathan Santana and Nick Santos, also ran the eighth-fastest time overall behind seven schools from the Pacific-10, Big East, Big 10, Big 12, Atlantic Coast and Southeastern conferences.

After running the third leg of the 4xMile relay that placed 13th in the championship section in 16:54.02 before a Penn Relays' single-day record crowd on April 24, Moore finished the week by winning the 800-meter run at Monday's Friendship Meet. The junior's personal-best time of 1:49.12 is tied for 19th in the nation, 13th in the East Region and first on the America East Conference performance list. In addition, the mark eclipsed the IC4A championship standard. He edged out Fogarty, whose season-best time of 1:49.40 in the same event is currently 26th in the country and 18th in the East Region.

Coxon, a sophomore from Delanson, N.Y., won the discus throw with ECAC championship marks at two different meets. She most notably recorded a personal-best throw of 157-feet, 3-inches at the Capital District Classic on April 24. The mark challenged the school record and was an America East best by 17 feet, plus ranks 38th in the East Region. Coxon also registered a mark of 146-4 in her premier event at the Friendship Meet.

Hassard, a sophomore from Setauket, N.Y., started the week by winning the discus throw with an IC4A-qualifying performance at the Capital District Classic. His personal-best toss of 159-0 at the meet ranks second on the league's performance list. Hassard also placed second in the event at the Friendship Meet with a mark of 149-1.
The Great Dane men's and women's track and field teams will travel to New Hampshire for the America East Conference Championships on May 1-2. After capturing both of the league's indoor titles for the first time in school history this past winter, UAlbany will have the opportunity to become the first school to win all four America East track and field championships in the same academic year.
Paw Prints: The UAlbany women are ranked seventh in the Northeast Region by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association ... The region encompasses schools located in New York and New England ... The Great Dane women's program will aim to win their second straight America East championship this weekend and fourth in the last five years, while the men's team will look to capture a league-record sixth straight title and their seventh in the last eight years.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Moore and Adaramola Post America East Bests at 1st Annual Friendship Meet With UTECH - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - John Moore and Fey Adaramola each registered America East Conference bests in their respective events to lead the UAlbany track and field teams at the 1st Annual Friendship Meet with the University of Technology of Kingston, Jamaica on Monday, April 26. The Great Danes registered 13 IC4A and ECAC qualifying marks, including three that ranked among the top 48 in the East Region at the non-scoring meet held on the UAlbany campus.

Moore won the men's 800-meter run in 1:49.12, a time which ranks 13th in the East Region. The junior was closely followed by Tyler Fogarty and Paul Lagno, who placed second and third with marks of 1:49.40 and 1:51.61, respectively. Fogarty posted the 18th-fastest in the East Region this season, and all three runners qualified for the IC4A Championship in May.

Adaramola won women's 100-meter dash in a blistering 11.87 seconds and qualified for the ECAC Championship. The time tops the America East performance list. She also anchored the women's 4x100-meter relay which navigated the track in 46.60, a league best this spring. Alli Rogers, Christen Griffin and Quante Harris also ran on the relay.

UAlbany, which will look to become the first school to win all four America East Conference track and field championships in the same academic year this weekend, also got strong performances in the track events from hurdlers Rebecca Kelly and Garrett Askew. Kelly met the ECAC standard for the first time in her career by placing third in the women's 400-meter intermediate hurdles in 1:01.66. Askew ran a season-best time of 14.66 in the men's 100-meter high hurdles to qualify for the IC4A meet.

Led by Wilfredo de Jesus Elias, the Great Danes had four IC4A and ECAC qualifiers in field events. de Jesus Elias won the men's hammer throw by registering a season-best toss of 197-feet, 10-inches. The mark ranks 26th in the East Region. Catie Coxon won the women's discus throw for the second time in as many meets by registering a throw that traveled 146-4. Fred Casimo and Pat McNish won the men's and women's long jump, respectively. Casimo leaped 23-5.25, while McNish posted a season-best jump of 19-0.75.

The Great Danes will compete at the 2010 America East Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships at New Hampshire on May 1-2. The men's program will aim to win a league-record sixth straight title, while the women will look to claim their second consecutive crown and fourth in the last five years.

UAlbany Men's Results

100-Meter Dash: 5. Jake Rachiele 11.09, 6. Tristan Akong 11.10, 7. Earnest Waters 11.13, 8. Brandon Sligh 11.62. 200-Meter Dash: 2. Jake Rachiele 22.45, 3. Brandon Sligh 23.19. 400-Meter Dash: 4. Jonathan Santana 48.92, 6. Alex Petit-Frere 49.61. 110-Meter High Hurdles: 1. Garrett Askew 14.66 (IC4A), 2. Mohamed Kanu 15.24, 3. Jared Nilsson 15.88, 4. Sean Cooper 15.89, 5. Shane Wagner 17.01. 400-Meter Intermediate Hurdles: 3. Alan Nimblette 54.49, 4. Shane Wagner 55.50, 5. Ebube Abara 56.54. 800-Meter Run: 1. John Moore 1:49.12 (IC4A), 2. Tyler Fogarty 1:49.40 (IC4A), 3. Paul Lagno 1:51.61 (IC4A), 5. Sean Halpin 1:53.53, 6. Aaron Lozier 1:56.00, 7. Peter Rowell 1:56.59, 8. Ryan Florkiewicz 1:57.03, 9. Cory Greczyn 2:00.00, 10. Daniel Hernandez 2:00.62, 11. Mitchel Troise 2:01.67. Long Jump: 1. Fred Casimo 23-5.25 (IC4A), 2. Kadeem Howell 22-11.75, 3. Danny Hu 22-1, 4. Kurtis Randolph 20-1.75. Discus Throw: 2. Stephen Hassard 149-1, 3. Will Anger 132-5, 4. Zach Murphy 127-3, 5. Simon Cleary 124-7, 6. Jordan Meikle 118-5, 7. Freddie Wills 115-1, 9. Sean Cooper 97-0. Hammer Throw: 1. Wilfredo de Jesus Elias 197-10 (IC4A), 2. Will Anger 168-4, 4. Simon Cleary 148-10. Javelin Throw: 2. Erik Andersen 143-4, 2. Mitchel Troise 129-8, 4. Sean Cooper 115-6. Shot Put: 2. Jordan Meikle 41-8. 4x100-Meter Relay: 2. Jake Rachiele, Germain Smith, Earnest Waters, Tristan Akong 42.00 (IC4A). 4x400-Meter Relay: 2. Alex Petit-Frere, Ebube Abara, Peter Rowell, Alan Nimblette 3:20.88.

UAlbany Women's Results

100-Meter Dash: 1. Fey Adaramola 11.87 (ECAC), 3. Alli Rogers 12.31, 4. Quante Harris 12.77, 5. Patrice Johnson 13.02, 6. Katie Fargnoli 13.09. 200-Meter Dash: 1. Nyree Richardson, 2. Tierra Chavis 26.32, 3. Octavia Clarkson 26.65, 4. Patrice Johnson 27.12, 5. Katie Fargnoli 27.49. 400-Meter Dash: 2. Sherez Mohamed 57.69, 3. Tenica Roberts 58.60, 4. Sheena Simpkins 59.23. 100-Meter High Hurdles: 3. Christen Griffin 14.74, 4. Ashley Mahlmeister 15.10. 400-Meter Intermediate Hurdles: 3. Rebecca Kelly 1:01.66 (ECAC), 4. Brittany Eveleth 1:06.79. 800-Meter Run: 1. Emily Finnegan 2:20.85, 2. Kendra Adams 2:23.16, 3. Renee Johnson 2:24.18, 4. Jessica Panos 2:24.61, 5. Elia Francis 2:25.50, 6. Laura Varble 2:27.37, 7. Jessica Hunter 2:28.38, 8. Maureen Nweke 2:30.30. Long Jump: 1. Pat McNish 19-0.75 (ECAC), 4. Ashley Mahlmeister 17-10.75, 5. Sandy Antenor 16-5.25. Discus Throw: 1. Catie Coxon 146-4 (ECAC), 2. Kadine Johnson 120-4, 3. Ashley Lewis 114-0. Hammer Throw: 1. Kadine Johnson 163-0, 2. Sineaid Corley 157-2. Javelin Throw: 1. Rebecca Power 131-0, 2. Ashley Lewis 124-6, 3. Emily Curry 80-11. Shot Put: 1. Kadine Johnson 44-5.50, 2. Ashley Lewis 39-8.50, 3. Rebecca Power 35-11.25, 4. Catie Coxon 34-2.25, 5. Sineaid Corley 33-9.25. 4x100-Meter Relay: 2. Alli Rogers, Christen Griffin, Quante Harris, Fey Adaramola 46.60 (ECAC). 4x400-Meter Relay: 2. Octavia Clarkson, Rebecca Kelly, Jessica Hunter, Nyree Richardson 4:02.35.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Unveils Architectural Plan For New Business Building

UAlbany and the School of Business would like to invite you to a news conference where President George Philip, business school Dean Donald Siegel, SUNY Trustee Eunice Ashman Lewin and members of the business community will unveil the architectural plan for the new School of Business building. Located on the campus’ entry plaza, this new building will serve as an educational hub for business and entrepreneurship in the Capital Region and beyond. The event will include Mark Boucher, MBA ’06, Vice President/Operations, at Price Chopper Supermarkets who will demonstrate how UAlbany’s School of Business is partnering with industry to drive innovation and commercialization.

The press conference will be held on Monday, May 10 at University Hall at 2 pm. Please park in the visitors parking lot on Collins Circle off of Washington Ave. I look forward to seeing you at the press conference.

UAlbany NanoCollege Receives National Science Foundation Award to Fuel Growth in Green Energy Jobs and Businesses

$600,000 grant through NSF's Partnerships for Innovation Program supports economic and workforce development through nanotechnology-enabled innovations in clean energy

Albany, NY - The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering ("CNSE") of the University at Albany announced today that it has been selected to receive a prestigious grant from the National Science Foundation ("NSF") for a new initiative that will support the growth of green energy jobs and businesses across New York State by advancing nanotechnology-enabled innovations in clean and renewable energy technologies.

The $600,000 grant, provided through NSF's Partners in Innovation Program, will fund the "Collaboration to Leverage Energy and Nanotechnology" ("CLEAN"), spearheaded by CNSE's Energy and Environmental Technology Applications Center ("E2TAC"), under the leadership of Dr. Pradeep Haldar, in partnership with Marist College.

The CLEAN program includes three key components: fostering critical information exchanges between academia and industry through a series of seminars, forums and workshops; expanding knowledge transfer through a platform of business incubation services, including technology commercialization assistance, business plan development, and market studies; and creating innovative workforce development programs, to include new opportunities for education, training and internships.

The goals of the CLEAN initiative include accelerating the development of advanced technologies for solar and fuel cells, ultracapacitors and other clean energy sources that improve efficiency while lowering costs; heightening the skills of technicians, engineers, and researchers engaged in green energy technologies; and creation of new jobs related to design, development, manufacture and sale of alternative energy products and services throughout upstate New York.

Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of CNSE, said, "This prestigious award from the National Science Foundation will allow the UAlbany NanoCollege to further deploy its world-class educational and technological capabilities to support the acceleration of clean and renewable energy technologies. I congratulate Dr. Haldar on the receipt of this grant, which underscores and enhances the critical role that nanotechnology-enabled innovations are playing in the growth of New York's emerging green collar economy."

Dr. Pradeep Haldar, Professor and Head of CNSE's Nanoengineering Constellation and Director of E2TAC, said, "I am delighted to receive this award through the National Science Foundation's Partnerships for Innovation Program, which allows us to utilize the unparalleled resources of the NanoCollege to advance a host of vital alternative energy technologies. Working in collaboration with Marist College and a cadre of industrial partners, we look forward to driving new innovations, leading workforce development, and supporting information exchanges to further build the growing clean energy sector in New York State."

The goals of NSF's Partnerships for Innovation Program are to stimulate the transformation of knowledge created by the research and education enterprise into innovations that create new wealth, build strong local, regional and national economies, and improve the national well-being; broaden the participation of all types of academic institutions and all citizens in activities to meet the diverse workforce needs of the national innovation enterprise; and catalyze or enhance enabling infrastructure that is necessary to foster and sustain innovation in the long-term.

About CNSE:

UAlbany CNSE is the first college in the world dedicated to education, research, development, and deployment in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience, nanoengineering, nanobioscience, and nanoeconomics. CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex is the most advanced research enterprise of its kind at any university in the world. With over $5.5 billion in high-tech investments, the 800,000-square-foot complex attracts corporate partners from around the world and offers students a one-of-a-kind academic experience. The UAlbany NanoCollege houses the only fully-integrated, 300mm wafer, computer chip pilot prototyping and demonstration line within 80,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms. More than 2,500 scientists, researchers, engineers, students, and faculty work on site at CNSE's Albany NanoTech, from companies including IBM, AMD, GlobalFoundries, SEMATECH, Toshiba, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, ASML, Novellus Systems, Vistec Lithography and Atotech. For more information, visit www.cnse.albany.edu

Former UAlbany FCS Football Star & MBA Student Daniel Bocanegra Won $50,000 Through The Pepsi Refresh Project

Daniel Bocanegra: Seeking Social Change Through "Selfless Tee"

Former UAlbany FCS Football Star & MBA Student Daniel Bocanegra Won $50,000 Through The Pepsi Refresh Project to foster his company's commitment to social change.

When Daniel Bocanegra first came to UAlbany in 2005, he was interested in studying business and playing football. Recruited as a quarterback for the Great Danes football team, Bocanegra added receiving and punt return duties to his repertoire. Similarly, after getting his bachelor's degree in business administration in May of 2008, he was accepted into the MBA program at the School of Business. It was through his education that Bocanegra honed his entrepreneurship skills, although his goals went beyond business. Bocanegra sought to develop a model by which he could enact social change through his entrepreneurial endeavors. The result was Selfless Tee: a firm providing fashionable clothing that supports socially-conscious projects with its proceeds.

In his first project, Bocanegra was able to use the proceeds from sales to purchase and bring 1,000 mosquito nets to villagers in Africa. The project was so successful that Bocanegra’s firm was also able to build a school and an irrigation system to provide clean water for drinking and for growing crops, which in turn could be sold, thereby providing a livelihood for an entire village.

For his efforts, Bocanegra's company was recently awarded a $50,000 grant to extend its program through The Pepsi Refresh Project, a groundbreaking effort that funds ideas, big and small, that can refresh the world.

"We are proud of Danny’s accomplishment, which epitomizes the School of Business's commitment to social entrepreneurship," said School of Business Dean Donald Siegel.

Bocanegra plans to use the funds to complete Selfless Tee's Web site, allowing the firm to connect with socially conscious designers who want to create impact, recruit interns, and provide a diverse set of individuals dedicated to extend the program’s impact beyond its initial project: providing 30,000 breakfast meals to low-income youth in the area.

"Daniel is a young man with an intense belief in helping people," said UAlbany football coach Bob Ford. "He took maximum advantage of everything that a college can offer. He scratched and battled to overcome obstacles (as a football player) and made a contribution while at the same time earning the respect of everyone on the team and the entire coaching staff."

"Danny and his idea, SelflessTee, are an inspiration to his generation," said Bill Morgan, Pepsi Beverages Company Regional Sales Director for Albany. "We are proud to support his creativity in creating an apparel company that benefits communities and social issues. SelflessTee will not only impact our community, but our world."

The Pepsi Refresh Project is an evolution of the Refresh Everything initiative Pepsi launched in 2009, which showed the brand as a catalyst for optimism. In 2010, Pepsi is funding ideas that will move the world forward in six categories: Health, Arts & Culture, Food & Shelter, The Planet, Neighborhoods and Education. The Pepsi Refresh Project will feature significant social engagement around people and the power of ideas. In 2010, Pepsi is awarding more than $20 million to ideas that will "move the world forward."

"I love seeing the ways that young entrepreneurs are improving the lives of others through projects like SelflessTee," said Mallika Chopra, Pepsi Refresh Project Health Ambassador. "By engaging the community to help develop products, and working with local partners on social issues in the community, this idea shows the power of one person to engage a large network for good."

University of Albany Women's Lacrosse Makes First-Ever Appearance in deBeer/Inside Lacrosse National Poll - UAlbany Sports 2010

Baltimore, Md. - The University at Albany women's lacrosse program made its first-ever appearance in the national rankings when the Great Danes were listed No. 19 in the deBeer/Inside Lacrosse media poll. UAlbany is also receiving votes for the first time in the IWLCA (Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association) poll. Both polls were released on Monday, April 26.

The Great Danes improved to 12-2 overall and 5-0 in the America East Conference after coming from behind in the second half to defeat New Hampshire, 13-12, on April 24. UAlbany has already established a school record for single-season wins that was previously set by the 1998 squad, as they went 11-4 on the Division II level. The Great Danes have won five conference games for the first time since joining America East in 2002.

UAlbany and Boston University are tied for first in the America East standings and will play for the regular-season title and the right to host the league's postseason championship on Saturday, May 1. Game time at UAlbany's John Fallon Field is 4:00 p.m.

Paw Prints: UAlbany has won back-to-back one-goal decisions for the first time since April 2005 following last Saturday's 13-12 win at New Hampshire ... the Great Danes posted their first win at UNH's Memorial Field in six tries ... Nikki Branchini, a defensive midfielder from Guilderland, N.Y., is fourth among the NCAA Division I leaders in draw controls (5.0 pg), plus is eighth in ground balls (3.3 pg) and 10th in caused turnovers (2.1 pg) ... goalkeeper Ashley Ross, a senior from Lancaster, Pa., is fifth nationally in save percentage (.525) ... Taylor Frink, a junior from Baldwinsville, N.Y., leads America East in scoring with 30 goals and 19 assists ... Christine Grueniger, a senior attacker from Lindenhurst, N.Y., is sixth among the league scoring leaders with 34 goals and nine assists ... Kayla Best, a senior from Guilderland, N.Y., is tied for second in goals at 2.5 per game.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Women Lacrosse's Christine Grueniger & Stephanie Kempf Receive Weekly America East Awards - UAlbany Sports 2010

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Christine Grueniger has been chosen America East Conference Player of the Week in women's lacrosse, as announced on Monday, April 26 by the conference office. UAlbany's Stephanie Kempf was named America East defensive player of the week.

Grueniger, who earned her second weekly player award this season, had three goals and one assist, all in the second half, in a 13-12 come-from-behind victory at New Hampshire on April 24. She found Kayla Best cutting on the right side for the game-winning goal with 40 seconds remaining. She added a career-high seven draw controls and tallied four or more points for the fifth time this spring.

A native of Lindenhurst, N.Y., Grueniger ranks fifth among the America East leaders in goals (2.43 pg), sixth in scoring at 3.07 points per game, and first in game-winning goals with four. The senior attacker has 34 goals and nine assists on the season. She is ninth on the program's all-time scoring list with 121 points (97 goals, 24 assists).

Kempf, a sophomore from Wantagh, N.Y., caused a career-high four turnovers and collected two ground balls against New Hampshire. She has 19 ground balls and 10 caused turnovers for a defense that is allowing 7.57 goals per game.

Paw Prints: UAlbany (12-2, AE 5-0) is tied for first in the America East Conference standings with Boston University ... the two programs will meet for the conference regular-season title and the right to host the America East postseason championship on Saturday, May 1 at UAlbany's John Fallon Field (4:00 p.m.) ... the America East will hold its championship on May 6 and 8 at the top seed's home facility ... the Great Danes are having their best season at the Division I level and have already established a school record for single-season wins.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany's Branchini & Ross Are Candidates for America East Fans' Choice Player of the Year

Cambridge, Mass. - The America East Conference is now conducting its vote for the Women's Lacrosse Fans' Choice Player of the Year Award. Fans can vote for their favorite America East women's lacrosse player. UAlbany's Nikki Branchini and Ashley Ross are among the candidates.

http://www.americaeast.com//quest/Questionaire.dbml?SPSID=59680&SPID=6540&QID=79625&DB_OEM_ID=14000

Voting will go through the end of the day on Thursday, April 29. The winner will be announced Friday, April 30 via release at AmericaEast.com.

UAlbany's Nikki Branchini was voted the 2009 America East Conference Women's Lacrosse Fans' Choice Player of the Year.

Branchini, a junior defensive midfielder from Guilderland, N.Y., ranks third among the NCAA Division I leaders in draw controls (5.0 pg), plus is eighth nationally in ground balls (3.31 pg) and caused turnovers (2.08 pg). She has 10 goals and three assists with a .476 shot percentage. A two-time first-team all-conference selection, Branchini had 14 draw controls against Binghamton this season, one off the NCAA single-game record. She tied a career-high with three goals against Hofstra. In addition, Branchini had a career-best seven ground balls vs. Vermont and caused a career-high four turnovers against Colgate and Lehigh. She was chosen conference defensive player of the week once this season.

Ross, a senior goalkeeper from Lancaster, Pa., is third among the NCAA Division I leaders in save percentage (.525) and fourth nationally in goals against average (7.69). In her first year as a starter, Ross has made double-figure saves on six occasions, including a career-best 12 stops against Denver and Lehigh. Ross has twice been named the conference's defensive player of the week this season. She made the lacrosse team as a walk-on in November 2008 after earning All-America East Conference honors three times as a field hockey goalkeeper. She led the UAlbany field hockey program to its first-ever NCAA appearance in the fall of 2008.

UAlbany is having its best season at the Division I level with a 12-2 record. The Great Danes and Boston University will play for the America East regular-season title and the right to host the conference postseason championship on Saturday, May 1 at 4:00 p.m.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

DiResta Leads University of Albany Baseball to Doubleheader Sweep of Stony Brook in A-East Action - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Right fielder Pete DiResta went 3-for-4 in game one and recorded another three hits in game two, driving in five total runs on the day, leading UAlbany to a doubleheader sweep of Stony Brook in America East Conference baseball action on Sunday at Varsity Field. The Great Danes posted an 11-10 come-from-behind win in the early game before holding on for a 14-10 victory in the nightcap.

UAlbany fell behind, 8-1, in the second inning of game one before coming back for the win. Stony Brook put two runs on the board in the first and exploded for six runs in the second, against a single UAlbany run scored by DiResta in the first. Kevin Bartlett took the mound in relief for the Great Danes in the second inning to induce a pop out, and threw three shutout innings to follow. UAlbany started its comeback in the fifth, scoring four runs in the frame. Pete Eicher recorded a double, while Stony Brook pitcher Adam Brown then issued back-to-back walks to Ralph Rizzo and Nolan Gaige. DiResta followed with his first triple of the season to clear the bases. The Great Danes tacked on their final run of the inning on an RBI single by Brian Bullard to drive in DiResta.

Stony Brook's William Carmona drove in two runs in the top of the sixth to give the Seawolves a 10-5 advantage, but UAlbany's rally was not over. The Great Dane offense came alive again in the bottom of the frame, scoring six runs on five hits. Gaige and Keppler recorded RBI singles, while a doubles by Bullard and Rowland drove in two runs apiece. Bartlett got three quick outs in the top of the seventh to earn the win on the mound for the Great Danes, striking out five without issuing a walk in five and a third innings.

UAlbany carried strong pitching and offense into the second game, as freshman Kasceim Graham went six and two thirds innings in a winning effort on the mound. Stony Brook got on the board first, putting up a single run on a Mike Stephan homer in the second inning. The Great Danes responded with four runs in the third, getting four consecutive hits with two outs. DiResta and Bullard recorded back-to-back RBI doubles in the frame to lead UAlbany.

After Stony Brook added a second run in the fourth, the Great Danes posted three runs in both the fifth and sixth innings. Two runs scored in the fifth on a Ralph Keppler single down the right field line, while Kyle Crean drove in the final run with a sacrifice fly. Struggling Stony Brook pitching brought in two runs on bases loaded walks in the sixth, while an unearned run by DiResta due to a Seawolf fielding error accounted for UAlbany's third run in the frame.

Stony Brook (16-18, AE 6-4) scored two runs in the top of both the seventh and eighth innings, but the Great Danes matched the run totals to hold onto a 14-6 lead heading into the ninth. The Seawolves attempted to mount a comeback of their own, scoring four runs in the inning behind three consecutive doubles with just one out. Greg Lutton came into the game in relief for UAlbany, and got a quick groundout before allowing an RBI single by Tanner Nivins. Lutton sealed up the sweep for the Great Danes with a groundout by Pat Cantwell.

UAlbany (6-27, AE 5-5) will return to action on Wednesday hosting non-conference foe Manhattan at 3 p.m.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Track & Field Teams Post 12 First-Place Finishes at Capital District Classic - UAlbany Sports 2010

Troy, N.Y. - Sophomore Catie Coxon qualified for the ECAC Championship in the women's discus throw by posting a winning toss that challenged the school record to lead the UAlbany outdoor track and field teams at the Capital District Classic hosted by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on Saturday, April 24. Stephen Hassard, who met the IC4A standard in the men's discus throw, was also among 12 Great Danes to win an event at the non-scoring meet.

Coxon, an All-America East selection in the women's discus throw last season, won the event by posting a personal-best toss of 157-feet, 3-inches. The mark, which was just shy of Ritshell Verdier's school record of 159-9, ranks first on the America East Conference performance list and 37th in the East Region. Hassard also set a personal record in the event on the men's side by recording a throw that sailed 159-0. The sophomore ranks fifth on the program's top-10 list.

The UAlbany women dominated the field in all three sprinting events. Led by Jessica Hunter, Octavia Clarkson and Sandy Antenor, the Great Danes registered the top six times in the 200-meter dash, produced the top five finishers in the 400 and took the top two spots in the 100. Hunter won the 200 in 25.80 seconds, while Clarkson was victorious in the 400 by navigating the track in 57.71. Running the event for the first time this season, Antenor edged out teammate Patrice Johnson to win the 100 in 12.98. Elia Francis placed second in the 200 and 400, registering times of 25.89 and 58.29 in the events.

The UAlbany men were also impressive in the sprints and boasted the top-three finishers in the 100-meter dash. Tristan Akong won the event in 11.30 seconds. He was closely followed by Kadeem Howell and Pat Weider, who finished in 11.65 and 11.75, respectively.

Brittany Eveleth and Emily Finnegan rounded out UAlbany's first-place finishers in the track events. Eveleth clocked in a personal-best time of 1:03.18 to win the women's 400-meter intermediate hurdles. The sophomore has dropped time in her premier outdoor event at every meet this spring. Finnegan was victorious in the women's 1,500-meter run in 4:52.19, which was a personal best for the freshman.

UAlbany had an additional three additional members of the women's team and one member of the men's squad win a field event. Celine Cauderlier and Ashley Lewis took the pole vault and javelin throw crowns for the second straight year. Cauderlier cleared 11-9.75 to win the pole vault, while Lewis registered a first-place mark of 125-8 to better her competition in the javelin. Rebecca Power also had a strong day, placing second in each event. She posted a mark of 116-7 in the javelin before clearing 10-8.75 in the pole vault. Sineaid Corley won the women's hammer throw with a toss that traveled 144-2, while Danny Hu was first in the men's long jump by leaping 22-4.25.

UAlbany Men's Results

100-Meter Dash: 1. Tristan Akong 11.30, 2. Kadeem Howell 11.65, 3. Pat Weider 11.75, 9. Brandon Sligh 11.98, 12. Pat Weider 12.12. 200-Meter Dash: 3. Freddie Wills 23.50, 10. Sean Cooper 23.85, 14. Jordan Pollock 24.15. 110-Meter High Hurdles: 2. Nick Assini 16.07, 5. Sean Cooper 16.32. 800-Meter Run: 8. Daniel Hernandez 2:03.03. 1,500-Meter Run: 2. R.J. Sniffen 3:57.90, 3. Ethan Clary 4:01.43, 4. Ryan Florkiewicz 4:03.17, 5. Ian Ellis 4:06.94, 6. Cory Greczyn 4:07.34, 9. David Rothman 4:10.96, 18. Jimmy Carroll 4:20.69. High Jump: T-3. Tim McGreevy 5-10.75. Long Jump: 1. Danny Hu 22-4.25, 5. Kurtis Randolph 20-10.50. Triple Jump: 2. Kurtis Randolph 44-5.25. Pole Vault: T-6. Ben Brunjes 12-11.75. Discus Throw: 1. Stephen Hassard 159-0 (IC4A), 6. Zach Murphy 120-2, 7. Simon Cleary 118-6, 9. Jordan Meikle 109-8. Hammer Throw: 5. Simon Cleary 142-1. Javelin Throw: 5. Erik Andersen 148-4, 9. Mitchel Troise 126-7. Shot Put: 3. Jordan Meikle 41-11.25.

UAlbany Women's Results

100-Meter Dash: 1. Sandy Antenor 12.98, 2. Patrice Johnson 13.01, 9. Katie Fargnoli 13.95. 200-Meter Dash: 1. Jessica Hunter 25.80, 2. Elia Francis 25.89, 3. Quante Harris 25.97, 4. Nyree Richardson 25.99, 5. Octavia Clarkson 26.06, 6. Tierra Chavis 26.09, 9. Katie Fargnoli 26.71, 10. Patrice Johnson 27.02, 20. Emily Curry 28.60. 400-Meter Dash: 1. Octavia Clarkson 57.71, T-2. Elia Francis 58.29, T-2. Tierra Chavis 58.29, 4. Jessica Hunter 58.31, 5. Nyree Richardson 58.46. 100-Meter High Hurdles: 4. Quante Harris 17.46, 6. Emily Curry 17.91. 400-Meter Intermediate Hurdles: 1. Brittany Eveleth 1:03.18, 3. Kendra Adams 1:07.24. 800-Meter Run: 4. Renee Johnson 2:23.46, 5. Emily Finnegan 2.24.69, 6. Jessica Panos 2:26.83, 7. Laura Varble 2:27.49. 1,500-Meter Run: 1. Emily Finnegan 4:52.19, 6. Maureen Nweke 5:01.12, 8. Brianna Service 5:04.04, 9. Melissa Del Rosario 5:08.85, 17. Rachel Wysocki 5:24.12. 5,000-Meter Run: 7. Roxanne Wegman 19:58.16. High Jump: 3. Karley Giles 5-1.75, 5. Emily Curry 4-9.75. Pole Vault: 1. Celine Cauderlier 11-9.75, 2. Rebecca Power 10-8.75, 4. Emily Mino 10-4. Discus Throw: 1. Catie Coxon 157-3 (ECAC) 4. Ashley Lewis 119-0, 6. Emily Curry 106-11. Hammer Throw: 1. Sineaid Corley 144-2, 4. Candice Mann 125-8. Javelin Throw: 1. Ashley Lewis 125-8, 2. Rebecca Power 116-7. Shot Put: 2. Candice Mann 39-3.75, 4. Ashley Lewis 37-11.50.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany FCS Football's Buddy Leathley Leads Gold to 14-7 Win Over Purple in Football's Spring Scrimmage Game - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Ben Miseikis scored on a two-yard run with 8:09 remaining to lead Gold to a 14-7 victory over Purple in the University at Albany's annual spring football intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday, April 24 at University Field.

Gold quarterback Buddy Leathley set up the game-winning touchdown when he rolled to his right and hit fullback Ben Carl with a 20-yard reception. Miseikis, who ran for 42 yards on 12 carries, powered his way over right guard to the end zone. Defensive tackle Zach Gallo helped preserve his team's winning margin when he hit quarterback Dan Di Lella as he threw a fourth-down pass at the Gold 18-yard line on the scrimmage's last play.

Leathley, a redshirt freshman, used the two-minute drill at the end of the first half to help draw his team even at seven apiece. He fired an eight-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Ryan Kirchner with three seconds left before the break. Leathley connected on 19 of 31 attempts for 179 yards.

Purple took a 7-0 lead in the second period when Tramaine Wilson reached paydirt on a 22-yard scamper. Wilson, a redshirt freshman tailback who rushed for 62 yards on nine carries, broke through the left side of the line on his way to the goal line.

"I was impressed with the enthusiasm and the good thing was we were injury free," UAlbany head coach Bob Ford said. "We threw the ball and ran the ball well, but I was not happy that we put it on the ground a couple of times. We flew to the football on defense and there were some vicious hits."

Gold's Kirchner had four receptions for 41 yards and one touchdown, while Carl caught four passes for 47 more. Jason Poore was Purple's top receiver, as he hauled in four passes for 57 yards. Di DiLella went 14-of-27 through the air for 172 yards.

"We played together as a team and the offensive line did a great job of blocking," said Miseikis, who missed all of last fall following knee surgery. "The defense had some big hits and knocked down some passes."

Paw Prints: The Purple and Gold played four 12-minute quarters ... the two teams combined 102 official plays in the controlled scrimmage ... Gold edged Purple in total yards, 252 to 240 ... Gold won for the second straight year after recording a 10-3 victory last April 18th ... Gold defensive end Eddie Delaney led all defenders with seven tackles, including 1.5 sacks ... ILB Jon Morgan had five tackles, while OLB Chris Blais added four unassisted hits, including one sack ... safety Justin Hassan broke up three passes, while Rutgers transfer Rob Cervini totaled three tackles, one PBU and one fumble recovery ... Purple wide receiver Bryon King caught three passes for 70 yards ... ILB Chris Wilk and safety Justinian Mason each had five tackles for the Purple ... Jake Ciccarello, a junior safety, piled up four tackles with a sack ... UAlbany opens its 2010 schedule at Colonial Athletic Association Maine on Thursday, Sept. 2.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Women's Lacrosse Rallies Past New Hampshire to Stay Tied for First in America East Standings, Improving To 12-2

Durham, N.H. - Kayla Best scored the game-winning goal with 40 seconds remaining and Mel Rorie had three of her four goals in the second half, as UAlbany rallied for a 13-12 victory over New Hampshire on Saturday, April 24 at Memorial Field. The Great Danes remained in a tie for first place in the conference standings with Boston University.

The Great Danes, who won for the first time in six trips to New Hampshire, reversed an 8-5 deficit with five unanswered. Mel Sosnowski's free-position chance tied the contest at eight apiece, before Rorie put her team ahead. Christine Grueniger converted Jodi Battaglia's feed for a 10-8 advantage.

UNH's Amber Casiano, who had three goals and one assist, drew her team even at 10-all, before the Great Danes scored twice in a 48-second stretch. Grueniger, who scored three times and handed out an assist, gave her team the lead and Rorie's free-position goal followed.

The Wildcats, who had won five of their previous six outings, came back again when Hayley Rausch and Casiano each scored. Casino, a freshman midfielder, found the net with 1:56 to play. All of which set up the game-winner when Best connected off a pass from Battaglia.

New Hampshire (9-5, AE 3-2) jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the opening six-plus minutes of play. Casiano scored with 19 seconds elapsed, before JoJo Curro tallied her 23rd of the season. Allie Bratton, a junior attack, netted a pair of goals of one minute and six seconds apart to end that outburst.

UAlbany (12-2, AE 5-0) battled back with four of the game's next five goals. Taylor Frink and Rorie ignited that stretch by scoring twice in a 24-second span. Olivia Jarem closed the gap to 6-4 with 11:26 left in the period with a free-position shot. The Wildcats kept that two-goal margin by taking a 7-5 lead to the intermission.

Paw Prints: UAlbany will meet Boston University for the America East Conference regular-season title and the right to host the conference postseason tournament on Saturday, May 1 at John Fallon Field (4:00 p.m.) ... the Great Danes established the program's single-season record with their 12th win, breaking a mark that was established in 1998 ... UAlbany has won five league games for the first time since joining America East in 2002 ... the Great Danes have won three one-goal decisions this season, including two straight in come-from-behind fashion ... Mel Rorie has scored four goals in a game five times, including twice against New Hampshire ... Olivia Jarem has 23 points (19 goals, 4 assists) over her last seven games ... Christine Grueniger moved to ninth in career scoring with 121 points and is tied for seventh in goals (97).


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Two Throwers and One Relay Eclipse IC4A Standards Before Record Crowd at Penn Relays

Philadelphia, Pa. - Junior Wilfredo de Jesus Elias and senior captain Will Anger qualified for the IC4A Championship in the men's hammer throw to lead UAlbany before a record crowd at the 116th Annual Penn Relays on Saturday, April 24 at Franklin Field. The men's 4x100-meter relay ran a qualifying time for the postseason competition in May to cap the weekend.

de Jesus Elias, the school's record holder in the hammer throw, finished seventh in the college division by registering a mark of 185-feet, 4-inches. Anger recorded a season-best toss that sailed 173-1, placing 17th in the same section.

UAlbany also had two men's relays compete on the final afternoon of the three-day carnival. The 4x100-meter relay consisting of Jake Rachiele, Germain Smith, Earnest Waters and Taylor Chaney navigated the track in 42.03 seconds to finish sixth. Anchored by freshman Sean Halpin, who ran a 1:51.9 split on the final leg of yesterday's sprint medley relay for the Great Danes, the 4xMile relay team placed 13th in 16:54.02. Tyler Fogarty, Paul Lagno and John Moore also ran on the relay.

UAlbany will host the Friendship Meet and compete against Jamaica's University of Technology on Monday, April 26 at 3:30 p.m. in its final tuneup before next weekend's America East Conference Championships.

Paw Prints: Saturday's festivities attracted 54,310 fans, setting a new one-day attendance record ... The previous high of 50,827 was recorded in 2002 ... The event also drew 117,346 spectators over the three days, which was also a record ... A total of 114,194 fans attended the carnival in 2006.

UAlbany Men's Results
Hammer Throw (College): 7. Wilfredo de Jesus Elias 185-4 (IC4A), 17. Will Anger 173-1 (IC4A). 4x100-Meter Relay (IC4A Final): 6. Jake Rachiele, Germain Smith, Earnest Waters, Taylor Chaney 42.03 (IC4A). 4xMile (Championship of America): 13. Tyler Fogarty, Paul Lagno, John Moore, Sean Halpin 16:54.02.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Men's DMR and Women's 4x200 Establish Program Standards at Friday's Penn Relays - UAlbany Sports 2010

Philadelphia, Pa. - John Moore and Fey Adaramola each anchored a relay which established a school record to lead the UAlbany outdoor track and field teams at the 116th Annual Penn Relays on Friday, April 23 at Franklin Field. In addition to breaking two program standards, the Great Danes recorded two IC4A qualifying marks on the second day of the annual carnival.

The men's distance medley relay edged out Kentucky to win the college section in 9:43.15, which was also the eighth-fastest time overall behind seven schools from the Pacific-10, Big East, Big 10, Big 12, Southeastern and Atlantic Coast conferences that competed in the Championship of America race. Tyler Fogarty ran the leadoff 1,200-meter leg and was followed by Jonathan Santana in the 400, Nick Santos in the 800 and Moore, who anchored the squad by running the 1,600. The group, which was given a plaque and medals following the race, broke their own standard of 9:45.71 that they previously set at the Texas Relays on April 3.

The women's 4x200-meter relay squad, which included Alli Rogers, Christen Griffin, Sheena Simpkins and Adaramola, broke the school record by registering a time of 1:39.32. The group bettered last year's mark of 1:39.44, which was posted by Griffin, Tierra Chavis, Jenn Gurrant and Adaramola. By establishing a new program standard for the third straight season at the prestigious event, UAlbany is entered as the first alternate for tomorrow's ECAC Final and will have the option to compete at 2:37 p.m. if one of the top eight schools decides to scratch.

The men's 4x100-meter relay team consisting of four newcomers, including two true freshmen, qualified for tomorrow's IC4A Final by hitting the tape in 41.76 seconds. The time, which was registered by Jake Rachiele, Germain Smith, Earnest Waters and Taylor Chaney, also met the standard for May's IC4A Championship. Four of UAlbany's young and talented short sprinters are slated to compete against Hampton, Georgetown, Temple, Seton Hall, Buffalo, Liberty and Army in tomorrow's IC4A Final at 1:22 p.m.

Fred Casimo led all Great Danes in individual events by placing 10th in the eastern division of the men's long jump. He leaped 23-feet, 6-inches, which eclipsed the IC4A mark. In addition, Peter Rowell and Alan Nimblette ran personal-best times in the men's 400-meter intermediate hurdles. Rowell finished third in the opening heat in 54.03 seconds, which was .19 seconds shy of the IC4A standard. Nimblette, who navigated the track in 54.73, was sixth in the same section.

The UAlbany track and field teams will finish competing at the Penn Relays tomorrow morning and afternoon. In addition, the men's and women's programs will send athletes to the Capital District Classic, hosted by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Paw Prints: Tomorrow's final day of action at the 116th Annual Penn Relays is expected to produce a record turnout, as Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, the world's fastest man, is expected to take part in the 4x100-meter relay race in the 11th edition of the USA vs. The World Series ... UAlbany is slated to field a men's 4xMile consisting of multiple student-athletes from Capital Region high schools, a men's 4x100-meter relay in the IC4A Final and competitors in the men's triple jump and men's hammer throw.

UAlbany Men's Results

400-Meter Intermediate Hurdles (Championship): 16. Peter Rowell 54.03, 25. Shane Wagner 54.71, 27. Alan Nimblette 54.73. Long Jump (Eastern): 10. Fred Casimo 23-6 (IC4A). Shuttle Hurdle Relay (Championship of America): 8. Garrett Askew, Shane Wagner, Mohamed Kanu, Jared Nilsson 1:00.12. 4x100-Meter Relay (College): 31. Jake Rachiele, Germain Smith, Earnest Waters, Taylor Chaney 41.76 (IC4A). 4x400-Meter Relay (College): 46. Peter Rowell, Ebube Abara, Alex Petit-Frere, Alan Nimblette 3:19.45. Sprint Medley Relay (Championship of America): 12. Jake Rachiele, Taylor Chaney, Jonathan Santana, Sean Halpin 3:24.65. Distance Medley Relay (College): 1. Tyler Fogarty, Jonathan Santana, Nick Santos, John Moore 9:43.15 (School Record).

UAlbany Women's Results

Triple Jump (Eastern): 11. Tiffany Sprenkels 38-8.25, 23. Ashley Mahlmeister 37-4. 4x200-Meter Relay (College): 26. Alli Rogers, Christen Griffin, Sheena Simpkins, Fey Adaramola 1:39.32 (School Record).


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Lacrosse Meets League-Rival Stony Brook to Cap UAlbany Alumni Association's Spring Stomp

Albany, N.Y. - UAlbany and Stony Brook will meet in America East Conference men's lacrosse action on Saturday, April 24 at John Fallon Field. The 7:00 p.m. contest is part of the UAlbany Alumni Association's Spring Stomp. The game will be televised in the Capital Region on Time Warner Cable (TW3), with Andrew Catalon and Kelly O'Donnell handling the play-by-play.

The Seawolves own sole possession of first place in the conference standings. Stony Brook (8-3, AE 3-0) posted its fourth consecutive win in last Saturday's 17-16 victory at Binghamton. The Seawolves are ranked No. 12 in both the USILA and Nike/Inside Lacrosse national polls. Jordan McBride, a honorable mention USILA All-America attackman, leads the nation in goals (4.0 pg) and shot percentage (.567). Kevin Crowley is second nationally in scoring at 4.82 points per game. Tom Compitello averages 4.45 points per game, seventh among the NCAA leaders. Senior goalkeeper Charlie Parr has a .514 save percentage.

UAlbany (3-9, AE 2-1) is in a three-way tie for second place in America East. Dave Brock is the team's top scorer with 27 goals and four assists. The senior attackman has scored at least two goals in seven consecutive games. Defensemen Brendan Gleason and Mark Kelly are having productive seasons. Gleason is eighth in the nation in caused turnovers at 2.09 per game. Kelly has collected three or more ground balls seven times this season. Goalkeeper John Carroll leads the league in saves per game (12.08) and has a .509 percentage.

Paw Prints: The UAlbany Alumni Association's Spring Stomp is scheduled for Saturday, April 24 ... the Great Danes play a 12 noon baseball doubleheader at Varsity Field ... football conducts its annual spring football scrimmage at University Field, beginning at 3:00 p.m. ... a tailgate party will take place following the football scrimmage in the SEFCU Arena parking lot ... Verizon Wireless t-shirt giveaways and a live disc jockey are part of the activities ... SEFCU will sponsor a post-game fireworks display at the conclusion of the lacrosse game with Stony Brook ... contact 518-442-4683 for ticket information ... come to the Alumni Association Purple & Gold Tent, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. on John Fallon Field ... the first 500 students who show a UAlbany ID will receive a free game ticket, DANEger Zone t-shirt, food and chance to win great prizes, including an Xbox.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Women's Track 4x400 Breaks School Record by Over Two Seconds on First Day of Penn Relays - UAlbany Sports 2010

Philadelphia, Pa. - University at Albany's Fey Adaramola anchored two relay squads which eclipsed ECAC Championship standards, including one that broke a school record, to lead her team at the 116th Annual Penn Relays on Thursday, April 22 at Franklin Field. The Great Danes competed in five different women's events on the first day of the oldest and largest track competition in the United States.

The 4x400-meter relay shattered the program standard by 2.29 seconds en route to placing third in its heat in 3:46.04. Tenica Roberts led off the relay with a split time of 58.1 seconds, while Sheena Simpkins ran the second leg in 56.4. After Sherez Mohamed finished the third leg in 56.2, Adaramola anchored the squad by running a split of 54.9. The group, which eclipsed the ECAC standard by over four seconds, broke the previous mark of 3:48.48, which was established by Anisha Andrews, Jenn Gurrant, Ashley Vives and Adanna Andrews in 2007. Earlier in the day, Adaramola also anchored the 4x100-meter relay team which qualified for ECACs by placing fourth in its heat in 47.18. The relay also included Alli Rogers, Christen Griffin and Quante Harris.

In addition, Jenn Pierson and Rebecca Kelly each ran a personal-best time in their respective individual events. Pierson finished eighth in the championship section of the 3,000-meter steeplechase in 10:43.16. Her mark, which surpassed the ECAC standard by over seven seconds, ranks second on the America East Conference performance list behind teammate Laura Cummings and among the top 35 in the East Region. Kelly placed second in her heat of the 400-meter intermediate hurdles. She navigated the track in 1:02.23, which was just .19 seconds shy of the ECAC qualifying mark.

The UAlbany men's and women's track and field teams will continue competing at the Penn Relays tomorrow throughout the day. In addition to fielding six relays, the Great Danes will also have competitors in the men's 400-meter intermediate hurdles, women's triple jump and men's long jump.

UAlbany Women's Results
400-Meter Intermediate Hurdles (Championship): 22. Rebecca Kelly 1:02.23. 3,000-Meter Steeplechase (Championship): 8. Jenn Pierson 10:43.16 (ECAC). Long Jump (Eastern): 17. Pat McNish 18-2.25, 25. Ashley Mahlmeister 17-6.75. 4x100-Meter Relay (College): 41. Alli Rogers, Christen Griffin, Quante Harris, Fey Adaramola 47.18 (ECAC). 4x400-Meter Relay (College): 30. Tenica Roberts, Sheena Simpkins, Sherez Mohamed, Fey Adaramola 3:46.04 (ECAC, School Record).

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Football Scrimmage Game Part of Saturday's UAlbany Alumni Association Spring Stomp

Albany, N.Y. - The University at Albany football program will hold its annual Purple-Gold spring scrimmage at University Field on Saturday, April 24, beginning at 3:00 p.m., as part of the UAlbany Alumni Association's Spring Stomp.

Head coach Bob Ford and his staff have attempted to balance the rosters with an equal amount of experienced players on both teams. The Great Danes are coming off a 7-4 campaign and a second-place standing in the Northeast Conference

While the fans will be getting their first look at next year's squad, this is an important time for the players and coaches. "This is about determining your depth chart for fall camp in a game-like situation," offensive coordinator Ryan McCarthy explained.

McCarthy, who says that 85 percent of the offensive playbook has been installed, also hopes to keep things balanced in terms of play calling. His plan is to run 55-60 plays for each team and stay within what has been practiced during the week.

"We are looking (as coaches) for consistency," McCarthy stated. "It's about execution, eliminating concentration penalties, running and passing effectively, and getting the ball in the end zone."

Defensive coordinator Mike Simpson views the spring game as an opportunity to solidify what the coaches have seen over the previous three weeks of practice. "It's the last chance to evaluate in a game atmosphere," he said. "The actual game offers a fair evaluation for the new players and to see where they stand."

Simpson adds that spring practice has developed a pretty good competition for the starting inside linebacker spots and shown the emergence of younger players at both the cornerback and safety positions.

"Besides identifying the starters, you are looking for a 4-over-2 or a 3-over-2 situation," Simpson added. "You want guys to come in and play without a step down in performance."

Paw Prints: The UAlbany Alumni Association's Spring Stomp is scheduled for Saturday, April 24 ... the Great Danes play a baseball doubleheader at 12 noon at Varsity Field prior to Saturday's spring football scrimmage ... a tailgate party will take place following the football scrimmage in the SEFCU Arena parking lot ... Verizon Wireless t-shirt giveaways and a live disc jockey are part of the activities ... men's lacrosse takes on conference-rival Stony Brook at John Fallon Field (7:00 p.m.) ... SEFCU will sponsor a post-game fireworks display at the conclusion of the lacrosse game ... contact 518-442-4683 for ticket information ... come to the Alumni Association Purple & Gold Tent, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. on John Fallon Field ... the first 500 students who show a UAlbany ID will receive a free game ticket, DANEger Zone t-shirt, food and chance to win great prizes, including an Xbox.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Track & Field Coach Celebrates 25th Year

Coach Roberto Vives has overseen the growth of UAlbany track an average dIII program to a dominant DI force.

Over the past 25 years, the University at Albany has seen its track and field team rise from an average Division III program to a dominant Division I force — and Roberto Vives has been there every step of the way.

Vives, UAlbany’s director of track and field and cross country, has coached the Great Danes since 1985. During his tenure, his teams have won 40 conference championships, including 17 America East championships, and three IC4A championships.

He has garnered a bevy of awards for his coaching as well.
Vives, who grew up in housing projects in the South Bronx and used to run at Macombs Dam Park near Yankee Stadium, began his coaching career at the age of 14 by founding an organization that grew into the Bronx International Athletic Club.

“I fell in love with track as soon as I started competing in it because it was something that everybody could do,” Vives said. “I started to work with the kids in the neighborhood. I would walk out with a stopwatch, we measured a track around the building and I just started to time them. We kept a little notebook and it was a way to keep young people engaged and out of trouble.”

Vives said he had to compete against better competition when he was a 5-foot, 90-pound freshman in a Catholic high school, and he pushes his athletes to compete against tough competition as well. Even when the program was at Division III, he wanted to push his athletes.

“From the very beginning we had the mindset: shoot for the stars,” Vives said. “Our student-athletes have really bought into it, so that’s why for us making the transition from Division III to II to I was a smooth transition.”

For all its success, the UAlbany track and field team cannot host home meets at the school because the school’s track does not meet NCAA regulations. Vives said the team is anticipating a new outdoor facility as soon as 2012.

“We’re road warriors. We’re never home; we travel every weekend, which is wearing on students,” Vives said. “Plus, their friends and the university community don’t get an opportunity to see them compete.”

Senior sprinter Jeffrey Barnes put it bluntly.

“This is not a facility of a championship team,” he said. “Nobody can come here, you can’t run in front of your school. It’s kind of depressing as an athlete. You want to show off in front of your school and show them what you have got and build some school spirit in your sport.”


Despite this, Vives continues to recruit athletes to improve the program and further its success.

“What we tell young people is that we’re a big family. A lot of programs can be like a factory or they bring in quality athletes and don’t develop (them),” Vives said. “[The athletes here] are going to get a lot of support, they’re going to get quality coaching, and we don’t treat them as a number, we take care of their individual needs.

“We have people from all walks of life, from every part of the state of New York, all religious backgrounds, all ethnic backgrounds. They work together and function together,” Vives continued. “We’re the true meaning of diversity.”

Senior mid-distance runner Octavia Clarkson said Vives encourages his athletes to not take any race lightly.

“He’s about opportunity,” said Clarkson, who was originally a walk on. “Every time we have a race he says, ‘Take advantage of the opportunity because you don’t know if you’ll be injured.’”

The men’s and women’s teams are coming off one of the best years the program has seen. They are continuing to compete well in the outdoor season with athletes already breaking three school records and trying to sweep the America East championships.

“Men and women won indoors (America East championships) and if we can do that in a couple of weeks,” Vives said. “That’ll be the first time we’ve won four championships in a year.”

Vives continues to try to expand and advance the program.

“The biggest success (since I’ve been here) has been to take a program that was Division III and now start to compete in the highest levels of Division I,” Vives said. “We’re already one of the top Northeast Region schools and we’re trying to make the move to a consistent national-level program.”

Last Saturday, the UAlbany track team went to a new dual meet at the University of Connecticut that has been dubbed the “Dogfight” in reference to the Great Dane and Husky mascots of the two schools. Vives is trying to foster competition and rivalry between the teams, two of the Northeast’s best.

“It’s the beginning of something great,” Vives said. “They do it on the west coast: USC vs. UCLA, with Stanford vs. Oregon and now it’s going to be UAlbany vs. UConn. That’s going to be the beginning of a great rivalry.”

Though he has come a long way from timing neighborhood kids running around his building with a stopwatch, Vives’ early experiences still resonate in his team philosophy and enthusiasm.

“I still feel like the kid from the South Bronx,” he said.

By Eric Thrasher

University of Albany Track & Field's Graham and Adaramola Earn America East Winter Scholar-Athlete Honors - UAlbany Sports 2010

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Valete Graham and Fey Adaramola have been named America East Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year in their respective sports, as announced by the league office on Wednesday, April 21. Graham, a jumper on the men's indoor track & field team, and Adaramola, a sprinter on the women's indoor track & field squad, helped UAlbany capture the America East men's and women's championships in the same year for the first time in school history.

Graham, a senior from Bronx, N.Y., carries a 3.71 cumulative grade point average as a psychology major. The league's top scholar-athlete for the 2009 outdoor season also earned a spot on the 2008 and 2009 USTFCCCA Division I Men's All-Academic Track & Field Team. In addition, Graham has been named to the 2009 ESPN The Magazine District I Academic All-America Men's Track and Field Team as well as the America East indoor and outdoor track and field all-academic squads four times in his career.

The horizontal jumper helped UAlbany capture its league-record fifth straight America East team crown by accumulating 18 points at the indoor championship meet. Graham garnered all-conference laurels twice by winning the long jump with a leap of 23-feet, 6-inches and placing second in the triple jump with a mark of 47-10. He also led the Great Danes to their second consecutive title at the IC4A Championship by registering a fourth-place mark of 23-2.75 in the long jump. UAlbany was the first program to win back-to-back IC4A crowns since Georgetown in 2000, and is the only America East institution to win the championship meet. In addition, the senior broke the school record in the long jump with a first-place mark of 24-6.50 at the Great Dane Classic.

Adaramola, a senior who also hails from Bronx, N.Y., is a human biology major with a 3.34 cumulative GPA. A member of the UAlbany's 2009-10 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the team captain earned a spot on the 2009 USTFCCCA Division I Women's All-Academic Track and Field Team and the 2010 America East Conference All-Academic Indoor Track & Field Team.

On the track, Adaramola helped UAlbany claim its first America East team title, ending Boston University's run of four straight crowns. She scored points with ECAC-qualifying marks in all three events she was entered. The senior was named the America East Championship's Most Outstanding Track Performer after winning the 55- and 200-meter dashes in 7.10 and 24.18 seconds, respectively, to garner all-conference accolades. Adaramola, who won the 200-meters for the second straight season, also anchored the second-place 4x400-meter relay which hit the tape in 3:49.01. Adaramola also led UAlbany to its highest finish in program history at the ECAC Championship by winning the 60-meter dash (7.55) and placing fifth in the 200 (24.47). The Great Danes tied for 12th in the team standings. Adaramola broke school records in the 55m (6.96), the 200m (24.18) and matched the program standard in the 60m (7.55) this winter.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information