University of Albany's Wright and Jacobson Earn First America East Volleyball Weekly Honors - UAlbany Sports 2010

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Casey Wright, a junior middle hitter, and Kaley Jacobson, a freshman setter, earned the first America East Conference Volleyball weekly awards of the season, as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon. Wright was chosen conference player of the week while Jacobson was the rookie of the week recipient after leading the Great Danes to a 2-1 record on the first weekend of play.

Wright averaged 4.30 kills and 1.60 blocks as well as a .456 hitting percentage, which puts her at the top of the league in all three categories. As a member of the all-tournament team at Clemson's Big Orange Bash, Wright also recorded four service aces. She started off the weekend with a career-high 21 kills against Tennessee Tech to go along with a .514 hitting percentage and six total blocks. On Saturday, Wright totaled 13 kills with a .600 hitting percentage and another six blocks before wrapping up the tournament with nine kills and four blocks against the host Tigers. Seven of her 16 total blocks were of the solo variety.

Jacobson saw action in all three matches at the Big Orange Bash, averaging 8.89 assists and 1.78 digs per set. She also recorded three service aces and four block assists in her collegiate debut. She totaled 24 assists, three digs and two block assists in the opening win over Tennessee Tech and followed up with a 30-assist, five-dig performance against Jacksonville. Jacobson completed the weekend with 26 assists, eight digs and one service ace against Clemson.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Field Hockey Records Second OT Win with 1-0 Defeat of Hofstra at Capital Land Classic - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Christina Patrick scored her second overtime goal in as many days to lead UAlbany to a 1-0 win over Hofstra on Saturday afternoon at Alumni Turf Field. Sunday was the conclusion of the 2010 Captial Land Classic hosted by the Great Danes.

After a scoreless regulation, the teams went to the extra period, UAlbany's second overtime game of the season. With just over five minutes to play, Patrick dribbled into the circle with a one-on-one with Hofstra goalkeeper Amanda Heyde. Coming in from the right, Patrick dodged left to pull Heyde out of the cage and slipped the ball into the lower right corner to end the game.

Both teams had scoring opportunities late in the game, but neither goalkeeper would yield to the opposing offense. UAlbany's Kristi Troch made five saves in just over 48 minutes of action, while Heyde stopped seven shots from the Great Danes in a complete-game effort for Hofstra (0-2). Starter Christine Hoffman stopped one shot in the first half for UAlbany. The Great Danes held a slight 14-11 advantage in shots, and led 4-2 on penalty corner opportunities.

UAlbany (2-0) on Sept. 4, visiting Patriot League opponent Bucknell at 1 p.m.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Splits Matches with Jacksonville and Clemson at Big Orange Volleyball Bash

Clemson, S.C. - Casey Wright finished with 22 kills and 10 total blocks as UAlbany split matches with Jacksonville and Clemson on the second day of the Tigers' Big Orange Bash. The Great Danes defeated Jacksonville in straight sets with scores of 25-22, 25-16 and 25-19, earlier in the day before falling in three sets to Clemson with scores of 25-18, 25-20 and 25-21.

Wright paced the Great Danes against Jacksonville, finishing with a match-high 13 kills to go along with six total blocks and two service aces, while hitting .600. Teresa Coppiellie added eight kills and 11 digs, while libero Laurie Gonzalez led all players with a match-best 24 digs. Freshman setter Kaley Jacobson totaled 30 assists and five digs. The Great Danes recorded six service aces and nine total blocks as a team.

Kathryn Kane led Jacksonville with eight kills and nine digs. Setter Kendall Courtney finished with 27 assists and five digs, while Ashley August recorded 10 digs for the Dolphins. Jacksonville was held to a .096 hitting percentage and managed just four total blocks in the match.

Wright, who was named to the all-tournament team, led the team against Clemson with nine kills and four blocks. Jacobson finished with 26 assists and eight digs while Gonzalez, who also earned all-tournament team honors, totaled a team-high 14 digs. Sophomore Gabby Whitworth also finished with double-digit digs, recording 10 in the match.

Clemson (3-0) was paced by tournament MVP Sandra Adeleye who totaled 11 kills in the final match of the weekend. Serenat Yaz finished with a double-double of 10 kills and 12 digs, while the Tigers were led defensively by Cansu Ozdemir with a match-high 17 digs. Setter Lacy Hayes finished with 24 assists, eight kills and seven digs. Clemson had 10 total blocks as a team, led by Brooke Kohler, who recorded seven block assists.

UAlbany (2-1) will return to action next weekend at the Campus USA Credit Union Invite, hosted by Florida.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Field Hockey Opens Season With 3-2 Overtime Win Over Virginia Commonwealth - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Christina Patrick took a rebound off her own shot and found the back of the cage to lead UAlbany to a 3-2 overtime win over Virginia Commonwealth in the Great Danes' season opener on Saturday afternoon at Alumni Turf Field. The game was the first of the Capital Land Classic hosted by UAlbany this weekend.

UAlbany opened the scoring in the first half with a goal by Nina Walters in the 11th minute. Walters deflected a shot from Suzy Clephane off a penalty corner to put the Great Danes on top. VCU tied the game at 1-1 just before halftime as Kelsey Scherrer and Emilie Soares capitalized on a two-on-one opportunity with UAlbany goalkeeper Christine Hoffman. Soares handed the ball off to Scherrer, who found the back of the cage at 27:16.

UAlbany came out of the halftime break and broke the tie in the 45th minute when Alysia Hough took a one-on-one opportunity with VCU keeper Erin Jablonski and took a shot into the lower left corner of the cage. With just over ten minutes left to play, the Rams' Chelsea Hill got UAlbany goalkeeper Kristi Troch to come out of the cage, and took a shot from the top right of the circle to knot the game at 2-2. Patrick ended the game just six minutes into the extra period, as she gathered her own rebound off Jablonski's pads and found the lower right corner of the cage.

The Great Danes outshot the Rams, 21-10, and held a 9-4 advantage in penalty corners. Hoffman made one save as the UAlbany starter, while Troch made four stops in the second half and overtime period. Jablonski went the distance for VCU, making six saves.

UAlbany (1-0) will return to action on Sunday, as they take on Hofstra at noon. VCU (0-1) will face Boston University in the second game of the day at 2:30 p.m. Boston U. (1-0) defeated Hofstra (0-1) in Saturday's second match-up at Alumni Turf Field.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Volleyball Opens 2010 Season With Win Over Tennessee Tech at Clemson Tournament - UAlbany Sports 2010

Clemson, S.C. - UAlbany wins 3-1 over Tennessee Tech in the 2010 season opener at Clemson's Big Orange Bash. The Great Danes posted scores of 25-20, 26-24, 25-27 and 25-15.

After playing a close-matched start of the first set, UAlbany pulled away to a 12-9 lead on a Tennessee Tech attack error. The Great Danes continued to build a lead with back-to-back kills by Brooke Stanley, followed by a service ace by the senior setter to pull ahead, 15-10. Tennessee Tech fought back to pull within 16-15 after a kill by Elise Robertson and a UAlbany attack error. A kill by Traci Vandegrift and a block by Casey Wright and Gabby Whitworth swung the momentum back in the Great Danes' favor. Consecutive kills by Teresa Coppiellie put UAlbany on top, 20-16, but Tennessee Tech battled back to pull within a point. The Great Danes got kills from Wright and Coppielle before taking advantage of a Golden Eagle attack error and a Wright service ace to end the set.

UAlbany jumped out to an early lead in the second set as well, getting up, 5-3, on a kill by Dunja Prgomet before Tennessee Tech tied the set at 5-5 with a kill and service ace from Natalie Penrod. The Great Danes would not relinquish their lead, however, getting ahead 10-6 on kills by Coppielle and Wright, forcing the Golden Eagles to take a timeout. UAlbany started to cruise, pulling ahead, 17-10, on three straight kills. However, Tennessee Tech would not fade, and fought back to tie the set at 19-19 before taking its first lead of the set on a UAlbany attack error. The Great Danes got to set point on a kill by Vandegrift, but the Golden Eagles took advantage of a blocking and attacking error to keep the match alive. Vandegrift would again set up set point for UAlbany, and a ball handling error by Tennessee Tech gave the Great Danes a 2-0 lead in the match.

The teams played a back-and-forth third set, with neither team getting ahead by more than three points at a time. UAlbany was ahead, 17-14, before Tennessee Tech rallied to tie the match at 18-18 on a Penrod kill. The Great Danes were able to get up by four points at 22-18 on a Golden Eagle attack error, but Tennessee Tech would once again battle back to tie the set. UAlbany used a Tennessee Tech service error, followed by a kill by Prgomet to get to match point, but back-to-back kills by Penrod and Leah Meffert tied the set up once more. The teams exchanged points before Tennessee Tech got its first set point of the match, and a Meffert kill sealed the set win for the Golden Eagles.

UAlbany rolled to the fourth set win, building up a 13-5 lead on a service ace by Abbey Wexel. The Great Danes would score four straight points, including back-to-back kills by Wright, to take a 19-9 advantage and force Tennessee Tech to take a timeout. The Golden Eagles regrouped to score two points, but UAlbany continued to cruise, getting a kill from Prgomet before she teamed up with Vandegrift for a block to put the Great Danes ahead, 21-11. The teams exchanged points, and Coppiellie gave UAlbany match point with a kill. Robertson tried to keep the Golden Eagles in the game with a kill, but Wright finished off the match on the next volley.

Wright led all players with 21 kills, and added six total blocks with a .531 hitting percentage. Coppiellie added 13 kills, while Prgomet and Vandegrift also posted double-digit numbers with 12 and 10 kills, respectively. Stanley finished with 27 assists, five kills and eight digs, while Laurie Gonzalez paced the team defensively with 19 digs. Meffert led Tennessee Tech (0-1) with 16 kills and 14 digs, while Penrod added 12 kills. Setter Melanie Culp also recorded a double-double with 41 assists and 10 digs, and Robertson led all players with 15 digs.

UAlbany (1-0) will return to action on Saturday with a match against Jacksonville at 10 a.m. before closing out the tournament against host Clemson at 6 p.m.

Quarterback Dan Di Lella Taking Aim; UAlbany FCS Football Ends Second Week of Preseason

Albany, N.Y. - It's been a three-year period of both preparation and waiting to get to this point for University at Albany quarterback Dan Di Lella. The 6-foot-5 junior has toiled on the practice fields while watching Vinny Esposito lead the Great Danes to a pair of Northeast Conference championships. Now as preseason moves along, it may be Di Lella's turn at the controls.

"Patience is a virtue for a reason," said Di Lella, who on Saturday completed 10 of 16 passes for 82 yards and added 36 more on the ground in UAlbany's second intrasquad scrimmage. "Since the last play at Wagner (last year), I have been getting ready. To be finally able to take that first snap has been my light at the end of the tunnel."

Di Lella has not wrapped up the starting quarterback position and continues to battle redshirt freshman Buddy Leathley. But he looked comfortable in his squad's first series when he connected on 5-of-6 through the air in leading the first team downfield in a productive offensive set.

"I trust our line, running backs and receivers," offered Di Lella, who threw just four passes during the 2009 campaign. "We were fluid (in the first series) and I was able to get the ball into the playmakers' hands."

Although head coach Bob Ford admits that Di Lella pulled away and opened up a gap on the depth chart after the Great Danes' first preseason scrimmage one week ago, there is still room for improvement.

"I've worked hard," Di Lella explained. "I am playing with confidence and trying to make the plays you are supposed to, whether it's the right run check or getting the ball to a certain receiver."

Di Lella's metamorphosis continues when the Great Danes are back for two-a-days on Monday.

Paw Prints: UAlbany's matchup with defending Northeast Conference champion Central Connecticut State at University Field has been moved to Friday, Oct. 22 at 7:00 p.m. ... the NEC contest will air on the MSG Network and Fox College Sports ... QB Buddy Leathley completed 10 of 17 passes for 48 yards in Saturday's preseason scrimmage and threw a 2-yard touchdown in a goal line situation ... WR Ryan Kirchner was the top receiver with four catches for 46 yards ... freshmen Jake Meek and Will Fiacchi fired TD passes during offense's red-zone series ... Meek hit WR Jameel Gay for 13 yards and Fiacchi hooked up with TB Everett Tune on a 19-yard touchdown ... DE Eddie Delaney had six tackles and one sack to lead the defense ... ILB Dave Plungas made four hits, including three unassisted, and picked off a pass ... CB Nick Crockett (6 tackles), OLB Chris Blais (4 tackles), S Jake Ciccarello (4 tackles, 1 PBU) and CB Leon Saddler (4 tackles, 1 PBU) were also active on the field.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

2009-2010 University of Albany Athletic Highlights

2009-2010 UAlbany Team Highlights

Men's Track - Takes 6th Consecutive Outdoor AE Championship

Women's Track - Win 2nd Consecutive America East Championship

Women's Lacrosse - Wins America East Regular Season Title, Hosts Championship

Men's Indoor Track And Field - Earn America East Championship

Men's Indoor Track And Field - Wins 2nd Straight IC4A Championship

Women's Indoor Track & Field - Posts Highest Finish in School History at ECAC Championship

Women's Indoor Track - Wins America East Conference Championship

Field Hockey - Wins 2nd Straight America East Conference Regular Season Title

Volleyball - WIns Regular Season Championship

Volleyball - UAlbany Completes 2nd Straight Undefeated Conference Season
Cross Country - Teams Post Highest Finishes Ever at IC4A and ECAC Championships

Cross Country - Squads Sweep Individual and Team Titles at Monmouth Meet


2009-2010 UAlbany Individual HIghlights

Golf - Stephanie Klein was named a National Golf Coaches' Association Division I All-American Scholar

FCS Football - Alum Dave Casale Signs to Play for Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes

Outdoor Track & Field - UAlbany's Sean Halpin Finishes Sixth in Men's 1,500-Meter Run at USA Junior Nationals

Outdoor Track & Field - Valete Graham Named to ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Third Team

Outdoor Track & Field - UAlbany Sends Four Track & Field Athletes to USA Junior National Championships

Outdoor Track & Field - Track & Field's Fogarty, Wills and Adaramola Compete at NCAA East Preliminary Round

Outdoor Track & Field - Nine UAlbany Track & Field Athletes Earn Berths to NCAA East Preliminary Round

Outdoor Track & Field - Four Great Danes Earn America East Outdoor Track & Field All-Academic Laurels

Men's Lacrosse - Former Standout Corey Small Plays for Team Canada at FIL World Championships

Men's Lacrosse - Dave Brock Selected By Toronto in Sixth Round of Major League Lacrosse Draft

Men's Lacrosse - Brendan Gleason Leads Trio of Great Danes Chosen to All-America East Lacrosse Team

Women's Lacrosse - Olivia Jarem & Nikki Branchini on Women's At-Large District I All-Academic Squad

Women's Lacrosse - UAlbany's Nikki Branchini & Ashley Ross on IWLCA All-North Region Women's Lacrosse Team

Women's Lacrosse - Nikki Branchini on IWLCA All-America Team; First UAlbany Player to Earn Division I Honor

Women's Lacrosse - Kayla Best Will Play in IWLCA All-Star Game; Lindsey Hart Serves as North Head Coach

Women's Lacrosse - Olivia Jarem Selected to ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Women's At-Large Team

Softball - Mason, Bergin, Connors, & Smith Placed On All America East Softball Team

Softball - Nicole Kothe Voted to ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Second Team

Softball - Nicole Kothe and Gina Mason Garner America East Softball All-Academic Team Laurels

Baseball - Pitcher Greg Lutton Named to America East Conference All-Academic Baseball Team

Baseball - Second Baseman Brian Bullard Named 2010 Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American

Baseball - Dave Kubiak Leads Honorees on America East All-Conference Baseball Teams

Track & Field - Roberto Vives Named Northeast Region Men's Coach of the Year; Jones Earns Top Assistant

Women's Indoor Track & Field - Seven Great Danes Earn America East Indoor Track & Field All-Academic Honors

Track & Field - Luke Schoen and Laura Cummings Win Events at NYU Fastrack Invitational

Men's Basketball - Freshman Guard Mike Black Named to America East Conference All-Rookie Basketball Team

Women's Basketball - Charity Iromuanya Named to All-America East Conference Women's Basketball Third Team

FCS Football - McCarty, Richards, Brancaccio, Casale, Bush, Nicomini, Gannon, Anderson, Sparano, & Glass All Players on All-Northeast Conference Football Team

FCS Football - Sparano, Simpson & Woods Chosen to ESPN The Magazine District I All-Academic Football Team

Volleyball - Laurie Gonzalez Named the League's Co-defensive Player of the Year

Volleyball - Coach MJ Engstrom Earns America East Conference Coach of the Year

Volleyball - Setter Brooke Stanley Sweeps Both the 2009 Player of the Year and Setter of the Year Awards

Volleyball - Brooke Stanley Named MVP of UAlbany Classic - Team Sweeps Competition - Sept 2009

Field Hockey - Jess Lindsey and Sarah Deane Named to America East All-Academic Field Hockey Team

Field Hockey - Nicole Savage Chosen to Play in NFHCA Division I Senior All-Star Game

Field Hockey - Clephane, Savage, Luke, Brown & Hoffman Named To All America East Team

Field Hockey - Sykes Named America East Coach of the Year

Men's Soccer - Bo Jelovac Earns America East Men's Soccer All-Academic Team Honors

Women's Soccer - Crenson Garners America East All-Academic Team Laurels

Women's Soccer - Recorded 7 Shutout Victories & Surrenders Only 1.22 goals Per Game

Women's Soccer - C. DeVerna, M. DeVerna, Lee, Marks & Tirabassi Named To All America East Team

Women's Soccer - C. DeVerna Named America East Rookie of the Year

Women's Soccer - Monroe & Coaches Named America East Coaching Staff of the Year

Athletics - Lee McElroy FCS Northeast Athletic Director Award at Welcome Event - Sept 2009

Athletics - Joe Greene & Michelle Simpson 2008-09 Male & Female Athletes of the Year - Sept 2009

2009-2010 University of Albany Highlights

2009-2010 University Highlights


College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering Receives Additional $4 Million In Research Grants

$6.8 Million National Institutes of Health Grant Bolsters UAlbany
UAlbany & General Electric Global Research Share $14M In Funding For Geothermal Energy

New $50 Million Microchip Package Facility To Be Added At UAlbany's College of Nanoscale Science

UAlbany Explores New $3.5 Million Initiative With With National Institute for Sustainable Energy

The New York State Small Business Development Center (SBDC), administered by the University at Albany, received a $150,000 U.S. Small Business Administration grant

UAlbany Contributes More Than $60,000 to Haiti Relief Efforts

Campus Sustainability Efforts Reduce Energy Costs by $319,000

UAlbany, GE Partner to Study Salivary Gland Development, Disorders with $600,000 stimulus grant

UAlbany Epidemiologist Awarded $176,489 from NIH to Study Effects of Perfluorinated Compounds on Older Adults

U.S. Education Secretary Appoints UAlbany Provost Susan Phillips to National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity

NIH Awards UAlbany Researcher Edward L. Hannan $925,000 to Study Long-term Survival Following Coronary Revascularizations

UAlbany ROTC Cadet Alex Saxby Wins Prestigious USAA Scholarship

$6.8 Million NIH Grant Bolsters UAlbany Center's Efforts to Reduce Minority Health Disparities in New York State

UAlbany Researchers Address National Obesity Epidemic with $1.1 Million Stimulus Grant

$7 Million in New Grants Awarded to UAlbany Cancer Research Center

Colin Powell, Paul Krugman Lectures, Harvey Milk Tribute Highlight Community Day, Reunion and Homecoming Weekend

UAlbany's NYS Writers Institute Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Hugh Carey Named UAlbany Citizen Laureate

Palantir Technologies Donates $2.25 Million To UAlbany School of Business

UAlbany Promotes John Battaglino to Head Lacrosse Coach; Lindsey Hart Steps Down

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Thursday, Aug. 19 the resignation of head women's lacrosse coach Lindsey Hart. Associate coach John Battaglino has been promoted to the head coaching position.

"We are appreciative of Lindsey's contributions to the women's lacrosse program," said McElroy said. "She has been an excellent representative of the university and its values. John's appointment will provide for a seamless transition as the program continues to ascend. He is a proven winner who has the leadership and vision that will positively impact our student-athletes."

Hart, who is leaving the coaching profession for personal reasons, recently completed her fifth season as the program's head coach. She guided the Great Danes to their most accomplished campaign in the program's history. UAlbany won its first America East Conference regular-season title, posted a school-record 13-3 mark, and was ranked in the national top-20 for the first time. In addition, Nikki Branchini became the first lacrosse athlete at the Division I level to earn All-America recognition.

Hart had a 46-37 career record as UAlbany's head coach. She steered the program to at least eight wins in all five seasons and four consecutive America East postseason appearances, including the championship tournament final in 2007. In 2009, the Great Danes registered its first winning campaign in nine years and defeated their first-ever national top-20 opponent. A native of Vineland, Ontario, she captained Team Canada to a bronze medal for the first time in 27 years at the 2009 FIL World Cup (Federation of international Lacrosse).

Battaglino, who becomes the sixth head coach in the program's history, was named UAlbany's associate coach in September 2009. In his first season, the Great Danes ranked second nationally in scoring offense at 15.06 goals per game and fourth in scoring margin. UAlbany had four of America East's top-10 goal scorers, while Taylor Frink led the conference in points per game.

Battaglino previously served as a Syracuse University assistant coach for five seasons and head coach at Bethlehem Central (N.Y.) High School for nine years. At Syracuse, the Orange made four NCAA Tournament appearances and won 67 games. In 2009, Syracuse captured a share of the Big East Conference's regular-season title with a 14-5 record and advanced to the NCAA quarterfinal round. Three SU players earned IWLCA All-America honors.

In 2008, Battaglino guided the Orange to the highest-scoring season in NCAA history. Syracuse set records for points (541) and goals (380) and led the nation in goals per game (18.01) and points (25.64). Katie Rowan was Division I's top scorer and tied the NCAA single-season mark with 69 assists. In the process, Syracuse reached the NCAA semifinals, captured the Big East regular-season and tournament titles, and finished 18-3 overall. The Orange also won the 2007 Big East crown and advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals with the nation's second-ranked offensive attack.

At the high school level, Battaglino led the Eagles to four New York State regional championships and six Section II titles. He coached the program to the Class A state semifinals in 1999, 2002 and 2004 and the state finals in 2003. Battaglino, who compiled a 148-31 career record, was recognized as coach of the year from 1999-2004 by U.S. Lacrosse. Bethlehem Central High had 17 high school All-Americans during his tenure.

Battaglino earned a master's in environmental planning from UAlbany in 1992, before receiving another graduate degree in education from Russell Sage College six years later. He was inducted into the Adirondack Region Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2008 and served on the selection committee for the 2006 U.S. Lacrosse National Team.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Field Hockey Picked Second in America East Conference Preseason Poll

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany has been chosen to finish second in the America East Conference Preseason Field Hockey Poll, as announced by the league office on Thursday afternoon. The Great Danes, who were the conference's co-regular season champions last season, earned one first-place vote and 20 total points to finish just behind defending tournament champion Boston University in the poll.

The Terriers took home four first-place votes for 23 total points. New Hampshire claimed the final first-place vote to finish third behind the Great Danes with 17 points. Maine (16 points) was fourth, while Fairfield and Vermont each claimed seven points to round out the six-team poll.

UAlbany, which won a share of its second straight regular-season title last season, fell short in its bid to claim back-to-back conference crowns. The Great Danes were paced by their defense in 2009, recording 10 shutouts. Senior goalkeeper Christine Hoffman led the nation in goals against average (0.44) and save percentage (.889) after starting all 18 games in the cage. Senior Suzy Clephane was named the league's defensive player of the year. Junior Christina Patrick is the team's top returning scorer after tallying six goals, including four game-winners, a year ago.

Head coach Phil Sykes, who earned his second consecutive conference coach of the year award, will lead the Great Danes into the 2010 season, hosting the Captial Land Classic with Virginia Commonwealth and Hofstra on Aug. 28-29.

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2010 America East Conference Preseason Field Hockey Poll

1. Boston U. (4), 23 points

2. UAlbany (1), 20 points

3. New Hampshire (1), 17 points

4. Maine, 16 points

T5. Fairfield, 7 points

T5. Vermont, 7 points

(first-place votes in parenthesis)


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany FCS Football - Media Day August 17, 2010

UAlbany Holds Annual Football Media Luncheon; Bob Ford Names 2010 Team Captains

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany head football coach Bob Ford announced on Tuesday, Aug. 17 that Andy Sparano, Mike Kelly, Chris Blais and Kyle O'Keefe will serve as football captains for the 2010 season. The Great Danes begin their schedule on the road against Maine on Thursday, Sept. 2.

Sparano, a 5-foot-11, 270-pound offensive lineman from Colleyville, Texas, has moved from guard to center this season. He was named to the preseason All-Northeast Conference squad. Sparano, whose father is the Miami Dolphins' head coach, shared the team's top offensive lineman award last year and has made 29 career appearances.

A senior defensive end from West Long Branch, N.J., Kelly has earned three varsity letters and totaled 88 tackles and 10.5 hits for a loss during his career. Kelly, who also works as a long snapper on special teams, missed three games last year due to an injury. He had 52 tackles and 5.5 sacks, the seventh-highest total in the program's FCS history, as a sophomore.

Blais, a senior from Troy, N.Y., missed all of last season with two separate hand injuries. A 6-foot outside linebacker, Blais made 31 tackles during the 2008 campaign when the Great Danes won the Gridiron Classic and Northeast Conference championship.

O'Keefe, a 6-foot-3, 290-pound offensive guard, is in his second year as a starter. As a sophomore, he blocked for an offense that ranked among the NEC leaders at 26.6 points and 341.3 total yards per game.

Paw Prints: The Sports Network has released its national Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Top 25 Preseason Poll ... Stephen F. Austin, the Great Danes' opponent in Nacogdoches, Texas on Sept. 11, is ranked No. 8 ... Maine, Robert Morris and Central Connecticut State, more teams on the UAlbany schedule, are receiving votes in the poll.

Media Day Quotes

Head Coach Bob Ford (Do you like what you have seen from this team so far?)
"Yes, there is nothing that I have seen that I don't like. We have had great enthusiasm. We are missing a lot of veterans and lost 17 of them, which is a problem you have in college if you are doing it right. We have talent, but it's untested talent. We will find out pretty quickly how good they are going to be, but I think when all the smoke clears we will be a pretty good football team."

Tailback/Quarterback Andrew Smith (Do you have any clue where you will be playing this season?)

"There is a lot speculation going on, but right now it's just a little bit of everywhere. I have had to learn every position in the playbook which is pretty hard, but it's fun. That's what I want to do. I told coach when I came in that yes, I want the ball. Obviously, being quarterback is my dream, but this is a close second and it doesn't matter to me as long as I get the ball a lot and just go out there and play and have fun. It should be fun, and hopefully I can go out there and do what I came to do."


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Women's Soccer Tabbed Fourth in A-East Preseason Poll; Shaw Promoted to Associate Coach

Albany, N.Y. - UAlbany has been chosen to finish fourth in the 2010 America East Conference Women's Soccer Coaches' Preseason Poll, as announced by the league office on Tuesday, Aug. 17. The Great Danes, who received 44 points in the poll, kick off their season at the Las Vegas Invitational against the host UNLV Rebels of the Mountain West Conference on Friday, Aug. 27 at 10 p.m. ET.

Boston University, which advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the fifth straight year last fall, was unanimously picked to win the conference championship. The Terriers received the maximum eight first-place votes and 64 points. Stony Brook was selected to finish second with one first-place vote and 52 points. Binghamton checked in at third with 47 points, followed by UAlbany, Maine, New Hampshire, Hartford, Vermont and UMBC.

UAlbany, which has no seniors on its 23-player roster, returns 14 letterwinners and eight starters from last year's squad which was honored as the ninth-improved team in the country by Somis Sports after posting its winningest season in 21 years with a record of 8-10-1. The Great Danes, who regularly fielded nine or 10 freshmen and sophomores at the same time, earned their first Division I postseason berth by finishing fifth in the America East standings.

A league-best four players that garnered all-conference laurels last season in forward Chelsea DeVerna, who was also the America East rookie of the year, midfielders Maggie DeVerna and Rebecca Lee as well as defender Casey Marks are among the returnees. Head coach Mary-Frances Monroe's newcomers, which consist of five freshmen and two transfers, include five student-athletes who have earned all-state recognition and two who were named NSCAA/adidas All-Region II selections.

The top six teams in the conference will advance to the America East Championship. All of the matches in the conference's postseason tournament will be played at the higher seed, with the winner receiving an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

-agate-

2010 America East Conference Women's Soccer Preseason Poll
1. Boston University (8), 64 points; 2. Stony Brook (1), 52 points; 3. Binghamton 47 points; 4. UAlbany 44 points; 5. Maine 37 points; 6. New Hampshire 29 points; 7. Hartford 25 points; 8. Vermont 15 points; 9. UMBC 11 points.

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Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Tuesday, Aug. 17 that Kristin Shaw has been promoted to the position of associate head coach.

Shaw, who holds a NSCAA National License and a NSCAA Advanced National Diploma, has served as Mary-Frances Monroe's top assistant for the past four seasons. She was a member of the 2009 America East Conference Co-Coaching Staff of the Year after helping guide the squad to its winningest campaign in 21 seasons with an 8-10-1 record. After recording just 12 victories in a seven-year span, the Great Danes have won 21 matches in four years and have produced two conference rookie of the year winners, four all-conference players and seven all-rookie selections with Shaw on the sidelines.

In addition to her responsibilities at UAlbany, Shaw has been an administrator and coach for several youth level programs. She is currently on the Region I Girls' Olympic Development program staff, the Eastern New York North Girls' Olympic Development staff and serves as the director for the Guilderland Soccer Club's Advanced Development Program. Shaw also coached the Colorado Springs Premier girls' soccer teams from 2004 to 2006, the Guilderland Soccer Club's U-11 girls' team in 2007-08 and the program's U-14 and U-12 girls' programs in 2008-09. As a player, she helped lead the New England Mutiny to the 2007 Women's Premier Soccer League Finals and played with the Colorado Springs Sabers in 2006.

Shaw graduated from the University of Washington, where she lettered in soccer, with a bachelor's degree in English in 2000. She received her master's degree in finance from the University of Colorado in 2004.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Chosen Second in America East Conference Preseason Women's Volleyball Poll

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany has been chosen to finish second in the America East Conference Preseason Volleyball Poll, as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon. The Great Danes, who captured the conference's regular-season title last season, earned one first-place vote and 31 total points to finish just behind defending champion Binghamton in the poll.

Binghamton took home five first-place votes for 33 total points. UMBC claimed the final first-place vote to finish third behind the Great Danes with 24 points. New Hampshire (22 points) and Stony Brook (20 points) followed, while Hartford (11 points) and first-year associate member Providence (six points) round out the seven-team poll.

UAlbany, which has won four of the last six conference post-season tournaments, finished the 2009 season with its second straight undefeated conference regular season, and earned the right to host the America East Championship for the second consecutive year. Senior setter Brooke Stanley was named the America East player and setter of the year, while junior libero Laurie Gonzalez took home co-defensive specialist of the year honors. Gonzalez, who competed for the U.S. National A2 Team during the offseason, led the league, averaging 4.89 digs per set, while Stanley topped the conference standings with 10.66 assists per set. Senior Teresa Coppiellie, a first-team all-conference selection a year ago, is the Great Danes' top returning offensive threat after averaging 2.83 kills per set.

Head coach MJ Engstrom, who earned the conference's coach of the year award last season, will lead the Great Danes into the 2010 season, beginning at Clemson's Big Orange Bash on Aug. 27-28.

-agate-

2010 America East Conference Preseason Volleyball Poll

1. Binghamton (5), 33 points

2. UAlbany (1), 31 points

3. UMBC (1), 24 points

4. New Hampshire, 22 points

5. Stony Brook, 20 points

6. Hartford, 11 points

7. Providence, 6 points

(first-place votes in parenthesis)


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Concludes First Week of Preseason Football Practice With Controlled Scrimmage

Albany, N.Y. - UAlbany concluded the first week of preseason football practice with a controlled scrimmage at University Field on Saturday, Aug. 14. The Great Danes, who have won or shared four NEC titles since 2002, have tomorrow off before resuming two-a-day workouts.

"The defense had the upper hand and that happens in the preseason," said UAlbany coach Bob Ford following a scrimmage session that featured more than 70 offensive plays with special teams drills. "It's like a great watch that has to be fine-tuned. We ran to the ball (on defense) and I was impressed with the kicking game."

After the Great Danes put on full pads for the first time the previous day, the offense had its moments too. Dan Di Lella, a 6-foot-5 junior, was one of four quarterbacks to see action. He connected on 6-of-8 through the air for 44 yards. Redshirt freshman Tramaine Wilson turned in the highlight play with a sharp-cutting 49-yard dash. Freshman tailbacks Clay Harris and Dillon Romain rushed for 30 and 23 yards, respectively.

"Your legs are heavy at the end of the first week and you find out who wants to be out there," offered senior defensive end Mike Kelly, who broke up a pass and had extra duty as a long snapper on special teams. "After losing 17 seniors, I thought some guys stepped it up, even some sophomores, in practice this week."

UAlbany's full roster was involved on a rotation basis in the team's first scrimmage. Buddy Leathley, a redshirt freshman, quarterbacked the first and second units. Freshmen Will Fiacchi and Jake Meek worked with the third offensive group.

Paw Prints: The Great Danes scrimmaged at University Field in the morning and the New York Giants held their workout on the same field in the afternoon ... more than 4,500 fans attended Giants practice.... UAlbany's Dave Plungas, a sophomore inside linebacker who missed the spring due to an injury, accounted for five solo tackles ... Justin Hassan, who has six tackles and one interception, has moved into the starting free safety position ... Trevor Anderson, a first-team All-Northeast Conference defensive tackle, and Raymond Dorcely each recorded a sack ... Zach Gallo, Ryan Conway and Jake Ciccarello made four tackles apiece.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Announces Men's Basketball Non-Conference Schedule for 2010-11 Season

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Tuesday, Aug. 10 the school's men's basketball non-conference schedule for the 2010-11 season. The list of opponents include Atlantic Coast Conference member Georgia Tech and Xavier, a program that has reached at least the NCAA Sweet 16 in three consecutive years. UAlbany will play in the Legends Classic's Detroit Subregional on November 26-28.

The Great Danes open their schedule at home for the first time since 2006-07 and the third time in the program's Division I history. UAlbany takes on defending Ivy League champion Cornell at SEFCU Arena on Friday, Nov. 12. The Big Red finished 29-5 and advanced to the NCAA East Regional semifinals last year.

UAlbany tangles with Georgia Tech at Alexander Memorial Coliseum, a 9,191-seat facility, on Wednesday, Nov. 17 as part of the fourth annual Legends Classic. The Yellow Jackets reached the ACC Tournament championship final and the NCAA Midwest Regional's second round last season. Head coach Paul Hewitt led his team to a 23-13 record and the program's 16th NCAA appearance. UAlbany has previously played ACC members Duke, North Carolina and Virginia.

In the Legends Classic's Detroit Subregional, UAlbany meets Detroit, a 20-game winner in the Horizon League last season, in the second half of a doubleheader on Friday, Nov. 26 at the school's 8,295-seat Calihan Hall. The Great Danes also battle Niagara on Nov. 27 and Bowling Green on Nov. 28. UAlbany met Detroit in last year's 2K Sports Classic Subregional and is facing Bowling Green, a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC), for the first time. The Great Danes and Niagara last competed in the fall of 2000.

In the first-ever meeting between the programs, UAlbany heads to Xavier and Cintas Center in Cincinnati, Ohio on Dec. 28. The Musketeers, who earned a share of their fourth consecutive Atlantic 10 Conference regular-season title last year, won all 15 home games and averaged 10,123 fans in 2009-10. Xavier went 26-9 overall and played a memorable double-overtime game against Kansas State in the NCAA West Regional semifinal.

Besides the season opener with Cornell, the Great Danes host American (Nov. 15) and Iona (Nov. 23) at SEFCU Arena. UAlbany has two home dates with Northeast Conference opponents Central Connecticut State and Mount St. Mary's in December.
The Great Danes will match-up with Siena in the crosstown-rivalry's 50th meeting on Saturday, Dec. 4 at Times Union Center. In addition, UAlbany travels to Yale (Dec. 6), Colgate (Dec. 22) and Wagner (Dec. 30).

UAlbany coach Will Brown returns eight lettermen and three starters from last year's squad. Tim Ambrose, a 6-foot senior who has tallied 1,000 career points, is top the returning scorer at 12.4 points per game. Sophomore guard Mike Black averaged 7.2 points and 2.4 assists as a member of the America East Conference all-rookie team.

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2010-11 University at Albany Men's Basketball Non-Conference Schedule
Nov. 12 (Fri.), Cornell, SEFCU Arena
Nov. 15 (Mon.), American, SEFCU Arena
Nov. 17 (Wed.), at Georgia Tech, Atlanta, Ga.
Nov. 20 (Sat.), at Fairleigh Dickinson, Teaneck, N.J.
Nov. 23 (Tue.), Iona, SEFCU Arena
Nov. 26 (Fri.), at Detroit+, Detroit, Mich.
Nov. 27 (Sat.), Niagara+, Detroit, Mich.
Nov. 28 (Sun.), Bowling Green+, Detroit, Mich.
Dec. 4 (Sat.), at Siena, Albany, N.Y.
Dec. 6 (Mon.), at Yale, New Haven, Conn.
Dec. 11 (Sat.), Central Connecticut State, SEFCU Arena
Dec. 18 (Sat.), Mount St. Mary's, SEFCU Arena
Dec. 22 (Wed.), at Colgate, Hamilton, N.Y.
Dec. 28 (Tue.), at Xavier, Cincinnati, Ohio
Dec. 30 (Thu.), at Wagner, Staten Island, N.Y.
+Legends Classic's Detroit Subregional

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany FCS Football - 1st Day of Pracitce - Interview With Coach Ford

UAlbany was once again among the Northeast Conference football leaders after finishing second in the league's standings one year ago. The Great Danes, who have won or shared four NEC titles and now compete in a conference with an NCAA Football Championship Subdivision automatic berth, started another fall when preseason camp got underway on Monday, Aug. 9.

"I hope we are playing for the NEC championship and making the NCAA playoffs," said UAlbany coach Bob Ford after putting his team through a two-hour afternoon session in hot and humid conditions. "But that is wishful thinking. We have a long way to go and the next three weeks are critical. They are a lot of questions to be answered."

Ford and his coaching staff are faced with replacing 17 seniors who teamed to win seven or more games in each of the last four campaigns. But UAlbany has a veteran offensive line led by center Andy Sparano and a talented defensive front that includes first-team all-conference defensive tackle Trevor Anderson.

"It's not rebuilding; it's reloading," explained Chris Blais, a senior outside linebacker who is back after missing all of last year with two separate hand injuries. The seniors want to win a championship and get a playoff bid. I am just excited to be putting a helmet on again."

The Great Danes begin the 2010 schedule with Maine (Sept. 2) and NCAA playoff participant Stephen F. Austin (Sept. 11). UAlbany also meets Yale (Oct. 2) for the first time in preparation for the conference schedule.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

New York Giants Greeted By More Than 4,100 Fans on Training Camp Autograph Day On University of Albany Campus - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - The New York Giants held their annual Autograph Day at training camp on Friday, Aug. 6. A crowd of 4,150 fans watched the afternoon practice on the University at Albany campus and then waited around the perimeter fence line for players and coaches to sign their items.

Head coach Tom Coughlin signed autographs and chatted with several of the fans, including those in wheelchairs and military personnel in uniform. Some of the players put the pen to footballs, hats and shirts for more than an hour. Wide receiver Sinorice Moss and rookie linebacker Adrian Tracy were the last players to make it through Autograph Alley, adjacent to UAlbany's SEFCU Arena.

The Giants, who are training on the UAlbany campus for the 15th consecutive summer, are back on the field for two workouts on Saturday. The morning practice begins at 8:35 a.m., while the evening session starts at 6:05 p.m.

The New York Giants will conduct 23 practices over a 16-day period between now and Friday, Aug. 20 before returning to their permanent home in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Field Hockey Names Andy Thornton Associate Head Coach; Michelle Simpson Joins Staff - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany head field hockey coach Phil Sykes has named Andy Thornton as associate head coach, while former UAlbany star Michelle Simpson returns to join the staff as an assistant for the upcoming season.

Thornton has been elevated to associate head coach after spending the past six seasons as an assistant. Thornton led the U.S. National Indoor Field Hockey team to the team championship at the 2010 National Indoor Tournament held at The Training Center on March 13-14. After joining the Indoor National Team staff as an assistant coach in 2008, Thornton was named the head coach of the program. He helped lead the Great Danes to their first-ever America East Conference Championship title in 2008. UAlbany won the regular-season crown in 2009 and returned to the championship game for the third straight season.

Thornton was named the 2004 Scottish Coach of the Year for youth boys and took Grove Academy High School to its first U-18 national field hockey title in March of 2004. He was also the head coach for the women's field hockey team at Dundee University from 2002-04 and was named the 2003 Scottish Grass Roots Coach of the Year. As a player, Thornton was a member of the Menzieshill men's field hockey club, which competes at the top indoor and outdoor level. Thornton won eight national titles and played in eight European Cups, representing Scotland. He played on the Scottish outdoor and indoor senior teams, including U-18, U-19 and U-21 international teams.

Simpson returns to her alma mater as an assistant coach after volunteering with the program last season following the conclusion of one of the most decorated careers in program history. Simpson, a two-time All-American, was named the America East Conference Midfielder of the Year as a senior after scoring 10 goals and recording 12 assists. She was named UAlbany's Female Athlete of the Year in 2008-09 after wrapping up her career ranked second all-time in career points (101) as well as fourth in goals (37) and assists (27). She was a three-time all-conference first team selection and was named the league's offensive player of the year in 2006.

Simpson became the first UAlbany player in the Division I era to earn All-America status, garnering the accolade in 2007 and 2008. She was also a three-time NFHCA All-Northeast Region selection and ECAC Division I All-Star. Simpson was invited to play in the North-South Senior All-Star game in 2008 after leading the Great Danes to the program's first-ever America East championship and NCAA Tournament berth.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Bob Ford Honored By Capital Region Hall of Fame - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany's Bob Ford will be inducted into the Capital Region High School Football Hall of Fame with its Service to Football Award on Saturday, Aug. 7. The inaugural event will be conducted by the National Football Foundation's Capital District Chapter at the Colonie Elks Club in Latham.

Ford, the architect of the school's football program, has been UAlbany's only head coach since he was appointed on April 27, 1970. Since then, he has compiled a 37-year varsity record of 232-147 as the Great Dane mentor, while his 241 career victories rank first among active NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) coaches. His UAlbany teams own a 74-47 mark for a .612 winning percentage as a Division I FCS program. The Great Danes have won or shared four Northeast Conference championships.

In 2008, The Great Danes put together their second consecutive championship season with a NEC crown and a victory over Jacksonville in the Gridrion Classic. Ford's squad became the first NEC program to win the Gridiron postseason game. UAlbany finished with a 9-3 record, the most victories in a Division I FCS campaign. Ford, who was voted NEC coach of the year for the third time, led UAlbany to an undefeated league season for the second straight year.

UAlbany also won the NEC championship in 2007, when Ford was named the conference's top coach. The Great Danes made their fifth postseason appearance in team history when they played Dayton for the FCS mid-major national title in the Gridiron Classic. UAlbany posted an 8-4 record, including a perfect 6-0 mark against league opposition.

Ford has been a member of the American Football Coaches Association's Board of Trustees for 16 years, and served as AFCA national president in 2000. He received the New York State Athletic Administrators Distinguished Service Award in 2005. Ford was previously presented by the UAlbany Alumni Association with its Citizen of the University Award in 2007 which recognizes outstanding contributions to the University by a non-alumnus or alumna through leadership, service or a special gift.

Twenty players, five coaches and four officials are in the first Capital Region Hall of Fame class. Ernie Stautner, a 10-time All-Pro with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Charlie Leigh, a running back with Miami, Cleveland and Green Bay, and former San Diego Chargers' offensive lineman Joe Cocozzo are among the inductees.

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Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany head football coach Bob Ford announced on Thursday, Aug. 5 the hiring of Matt Scott as assistant football coach. Scott, who will coach the cornerbacks and assist in the defensive secondary, replaces Samson Brown who is now working with the National Football League's New York Jets as an intern coach.

Scott comes to the UAlbany from the University of New Haven, a Division II program in the Northeast-10 Conference, where he coached the safeties and linebackers and served as video coordinator during the 2009 campaign. New Haven posted a 5-5 record in its first season of competition after a five-year absence from the gridiron. Scott, who recruited New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida and Connecticut, worked for head coach Peter Rossomando, UAlbany's former offensive coordinator.

Prior to New Haven, Scott served as defensive line coach at his alma mater Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The Crimson Hawks finished 8-2 and tied for second in the Division II Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference's Western Division. Scott earned a B.S. in physical education and sport with a minor in business. He went on to gain a master's in business administration from New Haven.

A native of Imperial, Pa. Scott was a three-time All-PSAC West second-team selection as a collegian. He totaled 51 tackles, including 16 for losses, three sacks and two fumble recoveries from his nose tackle position as a senior. Indiana, Pa. reached the 2007 NCAA playoffs with a 9-3 record. He also led IUP to a first-place finish in the PSAC West as a junior. Scott finished with 162 career tackles, 42 hits for a loss and eight sacks in 39 games played.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Men's Basketball Will Play in 4th Annual Legend Classic's Detroit Subregional on Nov. 26-28 - UAlbany Sports 2010

Princeton, N.J. - The schedule for the fourth annual Legends Classic has been finalized and the University at Albany men's basketball program will play in the Detroit subregional round on Nov. 26-28. The Great Danes meet the host Detroit Titans, Bowling Green and Niagara in the three-day event.

UAlbany tangles with Detroit, a 20-game winner in the Horizon League last season, in the second half of a 5:00 p.m. doubleheader on Friday, Nov. 26 at the school's 8,295-seat Calihan Hall. The Great Danes battle Niagara on Nov. 27 at 5:00 p.m. and Bowling Green on Nov. 28 at 3:00 p.m. UAlbany met Detroit in last year's 2K Sports Classic subregional and is facing Bowling Green, a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC), for the first time. The Great Danes and Niagara last met in the fall of 2000.

It was announced previously that UAlbany will travel to Atlantic Coast Conference opponent Georgia Tech in the Atlanta Regional Round of the Legends Classic on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at Alexander Memorial Coliseum.

The Legends Classic is produced by The Gazelle Group in Princeton, N.J. The Gazelle Group is a sports marketing firm specializing in event production and management, client representation, and sponsorship consulting. Gazelle produces numerous nationally-recognized events, such as the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic, the O'Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic, and the College Basketball Invitational (CBI).

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany FCS Football Third in NEC Poll; Trevor Anderson & Andy Sparano on Preseason Team - UAlbany Sports 2010

Somerset, N.J. - According to a preseason poll of Northeast Conference head football coaches, the University at Albany has chosen to finish third in the 2010 standings. Central Connecticut State was selected to capture the NEC championship with four first-place votes. Robert Morris had three first-place votes and was picked second. The results were announced during today's NEC media teleconference.

"We graduated 17 seniors and many of the best we have had in the program," said UAlbany' s Bob Ford, who leads all active Division I FCS coaches with 241 career victories. "The cupboard is not bare. We have untested talent and only time will tell. The offensive and defensive lines are competent, and that's a good place to start."

The Great Danes, who have won or shared four NEC championships, reached the seven-win mark for the fourth consecutive season in 2009. UAlbany finished with a 7-4 record and placed second in the final standings, plus recorded their first win over a national top-20 program in three years.

The Northeast Conference champion will receive an automatic berth in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision playoffs for the first time this season. The FCS playoffs have expanded from 16 to 20 teams and the national championship with be played in Frisco, Texas on Jan. 7, 2011.

In addition, UAlbany's Trevor Anderson and Andy Sparano were chosen to the NEC preseason all-conference squad. Anderson, a 6-foot-2, 295-pound defensive tackle from Warnersville, N.Y., earned first-team All-NEC honors as a junior, when he totaled 36 tackles and 3.0 sacks. An FCS All-America candidate, Anderson has accounted for 101 career tackles, including 17.5 hits for a loss and 8.5 sacks. He was a key figure on a defense that ranked first in rushing yards allowed (118.3 ypg) and second in scoring defense (18.3 ppg) among the league leaders. Sparano, a 5-foot-11, 270-pound offensive lineman from Colleyville, Texas, will move from guard to center this season. Sparano is one of four returning starters on the offensive front. He has made 29 career appearances and shared the team's top offensive lineman award last year.

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2010 Northeast Conference Football Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Central Connecticut State (4), 2. Robert Morris (3), 3. Albany (1), 4. Wagner (1), 5. Monmouth, 6. Bryant, 7. Duquesne, 8. Sacred Heart, 9. Saint Francis, Pa. ( ) - first-place votes


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

New York Giants Practice Before Record Crowd on First Day of UAlbany Training Camp - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. -- The New York Giants are back on the University at Albany campus. And judging by Sunday's attendance record for a first practice, the fans are happy to see the team return for its 15th consecutive training camp in the Capital Region.

"It's good to be back. Good to be going," offered Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, whose squad worked out in the afternoon before a crowd of 1,750. "That's why we practiced today really. I wanted to get the message across about action, being on the field and getting it done out here."

The Giants conduct 23 practices over a 16-day period between now and Aug. 20 before returning to their permanent home in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The New York Jets will host the Giants at the New Meadowlands Stadium in the first preseason game on Monday, Aug. 16.

"It's great to be back," Giants quarterback Eli Manning said. "Everyone is excited about this upcoming season and ready to get training camp started and it was great to get here yesterday, see all the guys after almost a six-week break. It's good to get back and now that there is some work to do and that we have time to get better and we're looking forward to that."

The Giants and UAlbany jointly announced in June an agreement to hold training camp here this summer. The arrangement also includes a two-year option to have the Giants train on the UAlbany campus through 2012.

With an agreement in place, the New York Giants are training at UAlbany for the longest period at one site in the team's camp history. The Giants previously spent thirteen summers at Pace University in Pleasantville, N.Y. from 1975-87. The Giants have also trained in the states of Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Oregon.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information