Women's Track & Field Places First In Eight Events At The Capital District Classic - UAlbany Sports 2012

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Troy, N.Y.- UAlbany women's track and field squard was able to place eight first-place finishers at the Capital District Classic hosted by RPI on Saturday, April 28. The Great Danes featured an ECAC qualifying mark in the discus throw from Catherine Coxon.

In the field events, Catherin Coxon placed first in the discus throw with an ECAC qualifying mark of 43.80 meters.Teammates Samantha Kosa in the shot put (12.85 meters), Katie Dowd in the javelin throw (36.50), Michelle McCrae in the long jump (5.31 meters) and Rochelle Reid in the high jump (1.60) placed first in their respective events.

On the track, Tynelle Taylor-Chase finished first in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 15.41. Melissa Del Rosario (4:56.45) and Brianna Service (4:56.53) finished one and two in the 1500-meter run. Emily Finnegan's time of 17:22.37 was good for first place in the 5000-meter run.

UAlbany women's track and field will continue its outdoor schedule on Saturday, May 5 for the America East Conference Championships in Orono, ME.

Men's Track & Field Takes Six Events In Capital District Classic Meet - UAlbany Sports 2012

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany men's track and field place first in six events at the Captial District Classic meet on Saturday, April 28. The Great Danes meet was highlighted in the 800-meter run, having eight of the top ten finishers.

On the track, UAlbany took the 800-meter run having placed eight of the first ten finishers as Tyler Fogarty led the charge with a time of 1:54.96. Then in the 1500-meter run, John DeLallo finished first with finals time of 4:00.58.

Shane Wagner took home first place in the 400-meter hurdles with a meet time of 54.03. Finally, in the 4x400-meter both "A" and "B" squads finished in the top two with "A" grouping finishing first with a time of 3:27.97.

In the field events, Nicolas Matteras placed first in the pole vault with a mark of 4.50 meters. Christopher Stevenson triple jump mark of 13.46 meters placed him first.

The Great Danes will continue the outdoor season with the America East Championships, beginning on Saturday, May 5 in Orono, ME.

UAlbany FCS Football: Defense Posts A 69-24 Win Over Offense In Spring Football Game - UAlbany Sports 2012

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Abany, N.Y. - Junior Dean Mercuris finished with four tackles, a sack for a four-yard loss and one forced fumble to lead the defense to a 69-24 over the offense in UAlbany football's annual Spring Game, held on Saturday afternoon at University Field. The squad completed 102 plays in the controlled scrimmage.

On the defensive side of the ball, freshman Nick Beach finished with a 25-yard interception return and recorded a tackle, while sophomore safety Justinian Mason added one tackle and an interception with a 26-yard return. Junior linebacker Dave Plungas recorded one sack for a 10-yard loss, and finished with one tackle, while freshman safety Ian Blair recorded two tackles and a 10-yard fumble recovery. Freshman defensive lineman Mike Smith finished with three of the defensive squad's 10 sacks. The Great Danes totaled 56 tackles and four interceptions.

Buddy Leathly led the quarterbacks, going 6-of-13 for 62 total yards, including a long pass of 49 yards to wide receiver Kevin Chillis. Will Fiacchi went 6-of-16 for 46 yards, with a long of 15 yards, also to Chillis. Freshman Ryan Smith completed four passes for 43 yards, as he ended the scrimmage with back-to-back passes of 12 and 30 yards, respectively. Ryan Spelman went 2-of-7 on the day for 13 yards, with a long of eight yards to Nate Papso.

Chillis led the UAlbany receivers with 72 yards on four receptions on the day. Ryan Kirchner picked up seven yards on two catches, while Cole King totaled 23 yards on two receptions, including a 12-yard pass from Leathly. Seven other players had catches for the offense, including freshman Pat O'Connor, who caught Smith's 30-yard pass at the end of the game. Omar Osbourne and Karl Allison led the UAlbany rushers, with 78 and 41 total yards, respectively. Osbourne posted a long run of 12 yards, while Allison had two runs of 10 yards. King had one rushing attempt for 30 yards, while Fiacchi had the longest run of the quarterback corps with a five-yard rush.

The UAlbany kickers were led by Paul Layton, who totaled 134 punting yards on three attempts. Layton also went 1-for-1 on field goal attempts. Sean Kenney punted twice for 105 yards and went 1-for-2 on field goal attempts. Freshman Tom O'Riordan connected on a 30-yard field goal as well.

"I think we made too many mistakes," said UAlbany head coach Bob Ford, who will be entering his 40th varsity season this fall. "There were some simple interceptions and turnovers, mostly on balls we shouldn't have thrown. The defense played well overall, but I am a bit concerned with our pass protection. We answered some questions, but not all of them. The rest we will have to answer in preseason. We came out healthy, which is our number one priority."

Women's 4x400-Meter Relay Breaks School Record On Day One At Penn Relays - UAlbany Sports 2012

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Philadelphia, Pa.- On day one of the Penn Relays, the women's track and field 4x400-meter relay team of Allison Rogers, Brittany Eveleth, Tynelle Taylor-Chase and Sherez Mohamed broke the UAlbany school record with a time of 3:43.38. The squad previously broke the school's record last weekend at the Larry Ellis Invitational finishing at 3:44.27. Their mark of 3:43.38 qualified them for the Eastern College Athletics Conference Championships on Saturday, April 28.

Other notable finishes on day one included the college women's distance medley team finishing third with a time of 11:46.22. Kathryn Fanning ran the 1200-meter leg in 3:34, Elia Francis ran the 400-meter leg in 56.9, Jonelle White ran the 800-meter leg in 2:13.4 and Miranda McConnell finished off the final 1600-meters in 5:00.9.

Patricia McNish finished seventh in the eastern women's long jump with a mark of 18-feet 7 and 1/4 inches.

Antelmi and Resetarits Nominated for America East Fans' Choice Player of the Year

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information Cambridge, Mass.-

UAlbany women's lax junior attack/midfielder Jess Antelmi and men's lax senior attack Joe Resetarits were nominated for the America East Fans' Choice Player of the Year in their respective sports. One player from each of the conference's 13 lacrosse teams are listed on the ballot. Voting for the 2012 America East Men's and Women's Lacrosse Fans' Choice Players of the Year will go until 12 p.m. (noon) on Monday, April 30. The winners will be announced that afternoon via release at AmericaEast.com. Resetarits, a Hamburg, N.Y. native, has helped jump start the UAlbany men's lacrosse team after starting out the season 0-7.

The Great Danes have won their last four of six games, including three of four conference games to put them tied for first in the conference standings. The senior attack leads his team in goals (37), assists (17) and points (54). Both his goals and points totals are best in the America East Conference. He and the rest of the UAlbany squad look to finish out the season with a win on senior day against Stony Brook on Saturday, April 28 (7pm) at John Fallon Field.

To vote for Resetarits click here: https://apps.facebook.com/opinionpolls/poll?pid=AB_MiTNZHmI Antelmi, a Bridgeport, N.Y. native, looks to assist her UAlbany women's lax squad to clinch the fourth and final spot in the America East Tournament. The Great Danes will need to win their final game over Vermont and have Stony Brook defeat New Hampshire to grab the final spot. The junior attack has totaled 23 goals and has a team-leading 21 assists and 44 points on the season. Antelmi and the Great Danes finish their 2012 schedule on the road against Vermont on Saturday, April 28 (2pm). To vote for Antelmi click here: https://apps.facebook.com/opinionpolls/poll?pid=AB_Mg_zRHIg&ref=nf

UAlbany Men’s Lacrosse Holds On For A 14-13 Victory Over Crosstown-Rival Siena

Albany, N.Y. - UAlbany had three players with hat tricks, led by senior Joe Resetarits, who finished with a team-high five points, as the Great Danes defeated crosstown-rival Siena, 14-13, on Tuesday night at John Fallon Field. It was the 15th win over the Saints for UAlbany in the last 16 meetings between the two teams.

Siena, which had won eight straight coming into the game, jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first quarter, as Chris D'Alberti scored first, followed by goals by Chris Roth and Evan Gallina, both assisted by Bryan Neufeld. The Great Danes got on the board at 7:45, with an unassisted shot by Miles Thompson. Resetarits netted his first goal of the game less than a minute later, taking an assist from Thompson to cut the Siena lead to one. Casey Dowd won the ensuing faceoff for the Saints and carried the ball into the offensive end, to put Siena up, 4-2.

However Miles Thompson netted his second goal and Will Stenberg took an assist from Resetarits on a man-up opportunity to tie the game at 4-4 after one. Siena scored the first two goals of the second quarter before UAlbany exploded, scoring the next seven goals. Four of those happened before the half. Will Fuller started the run, cutting the score to 6-5 off an assist from Jack Reynolds. Lyle Thompson netted the next two for the Great Danes, taking an assists from Rocky Bonitatibus on an extra-man opportunity before netting an unassisted goal to put UAlbany on top, 7-6. Mike Miller added one more for UAlbany before the halftime break, taking a long pass from Travis Lyons and finding the back of the net with 36 seconds to play.

Coming out of halftime, UAlbany scored three more to extend the lead to 11-6. Bonitatibus connected with Stenberg on a man-up to start the third quarter. Miles Thompson passed the ball off to brother Lyle at 9:17 to push the Great Dane lead to 10-6, before cousin Ty Thompson got in on the action on an assist from Resetarits with 3:33 left to play. The Saints would end their scoring drought in the final minutes of the third quarter, getting unassisted goals from Dowd and Conor Prunty.

The Great Danes kicked off the fourth quarter with a goal by Resetarits in the first minute. Siena started to mount a comeback with a goal by Chris Roth at 8:34, but UAlbany responded as Resetarits completed his 25th career hat trick on an assist from Lyons. Neufeld got in the goal-scoring column to cut the Saints' deficit to 13-10, before Stenberg netted his third goal of the game on an assist from Ty Thompson. Siena was not done, however, getting three goals in just over a minute of play. Roth scored two, while Colin Clive netted the final goal to pull the Saints within one. Siena picked up two late penalties, however, giving UAlbany control off the ball, and the Great Danes held on in the offensive end for the one-goal win.

The teams played fairly evenly on the stats sheet, with Siena (9-4) holding a 51-40 advantage in shots, including 17-7 in the final period, and a 34-30 advantage in ground balls. Both teams were 17-of-19 on clear attempts, while the Saints won 16-of-29 faceoffs. UAlbany used its special teams effectively, however, as the Great Danes were successful in 3-of-7 extra-man opportunities, while Siena when 0-for-3 with its man-up unit. Freshman goalkeeper Max Huber played all 60 minutes in the net for the Great Danes, making 10 saves. Siena's Tom Morr took the loss, playing 58:56 with 11 saves, before Matt Sharp came in for the final minute of play.

UAlbany (4-9) will return to action on Saturday, hosting Stony Brook in the final regular-season game. The game will have America East Championship implications, as the Great Danes are currently tied with the Seawolves atop the league standings. The game will be televised on Time Warner Cable Sports at 7 p.m.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Breaks Ground For New Multi-Sport Complex - UAlbany Sports 2012

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information Albany, N.Y. -

UAlbany President George M. Philip, along with Vice President and Athletic Director Lee McElroy, was joined by public officials, coaches, student-athletes, alumni and supporters as the University broke ground on the construction of its new multi-sport complex, on Tuesday morning. Also announced was a $1 million challenge as part of a $2 million campaign to name the new field for head football coach Bob Ford, as presented by Dan Nolan '73, a member of UAlbany's President's Club of outstanding contributors.

"It's a bit surreal," said Ford, who will be entering his 40th varsity season at the helm of the UAlbany program this fall. "I think it speaks to the longevity, commitment and effort over an extended period of time. When something gets named after you, it means that someone thought you've given something, and been dedicated to a high degree. And I hope that's what I have done." The project is phase I of a three-phase plan, replacing UAlbany's current football venue with a state of the art athletic and recreational complex. The complex, which is east of the SEFCU Arena, on the site of the current soccer field, is scheduled to open in the fall of 2013.

Upon completion, the complex will be home to the Great Danes' NCAA Division I football and men's and women's soccer teams. Phase II includes the creation of a synthetic turf field designed for year-round recreational, intramural and club sport activities by the student body. This field will be located east of the campus tennis courts and south of Dutch Quad, and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2012. Phase III will include repairs and upgrades to the track and field facilities, which is currently housed in the existing football venue. Once completed, scheduled for early winter 2013, the area will be used strictly for track and field activities. "We are thrilled to be implementing this very long-awaited plan," said President Philip. "Already, this project is heightening team spirit as we provide Great Dane athletes and our students with the facilities of which they are so deserving."

The announcement included project contractors Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, principle architect and designer, Heery International Inc., and site engineer, Clough Harbor & associates.

Men's Soccer Adds 12 To The Upcoming 2012 Season - UAlbany Sports 20121

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y.- Attempting to build upon a 2011 season that saw an America East semi-final appearance for just the fourth time in program history, UAlbany men's soccer head coach Trevor Gorman has announced the addition of 12 new faces for 2012. "This large class has a tremendous mix of in-state talent and international experience", said head coach Gorman on the recruiting class. "We are looking forward to the addition of these young men to our program, and to the impact they will undoubtedly have over the next four years."

Kristian Alexieff: DEF - 5'10 - 160lbs. - West Nyack, NY (Don Bosco Prep) Quick Facts: A member of two league championship teams at Don Bosco, Alexieff led the team in scoring his senior year with 15 goals and 9 assists. He has competed in the USSD Academy with both Met Oval and New York Cosmos, acting as a starting left back for both. Gorman on Alexieff: "Kit is an energetic, athletic, wide player with a great engine that will allow him to get up and down the sideline. He has trained, and played, at a very high level and just loves the game in general. I think he will be an excellent addition to our left side." Tim Allen: GK - 6'4 - 180lbs. - Brisbane, Australia (Queensland University of Technology) Quick Facts: A former member of the Australian Goalkeeping Academy, Allen comes to Albany as a transfer from Queensland University of Technology. While in high school he was a regular starter for St. Peter's Lutheran College, and currently plays for University of Queensland FC. Gorman on Allen: "Tim is a player who has all the physical tools to be a top Division 1 goalkeeper, and brings with him the experience of playing at a very good standard in his home country. We're delighted to add him to the Great Danes program." Max Aronica: MF - 5'9 - 145lbs. - Massapequa, NY (Massapequa HS) Quick Facts: A standout at Commack and Massapequa High Schools, Aronica is a multiple time all-league and all-conference performer. As a member of Commack SC, ranked as high as #2 in the country, he has helped the team to championships in the New York state cup and Disney Showcase. Aronica is also a three time state ODP selection. Gorman on Aronica: "Max comes to us from an excellent Commack team that has competed at the highest level for years. He's is a creative player with the vision to pick out good passes when he's on the ball. His technical ability in tight spaces will allow him to transition well to the college game." Phil Denara: MF - 5'7 - 140lbs. - West Islip, NY (West Islip HS) Quick Facts: As a team captain with West Islip High School in 2011, Denara was named both all-league and all-county. During his four year career he amassed over 50 points. A teammate of Aronica with Commack SC, Denara has twice won the Disney Showcase, and competed in the USYSA National League. Gorman on Denara: "Phil first impressed us at various camps last summer. He's a quick, athletic, player with good technical ability. I look for Phil to compete for a position on our right side early in his career at UAlbany." Bart DeProspo: DEF/MF - 6'2 - 175lbs. - Groshen, NY (Don Bosco Prep) Quick Facts: As a team captain in 2011, DeProspo helped lead traditional high school powerhouse Don Bosco to another successful season. He has competed with Met Oval in the USSD Academy, and currently plays with TSF Academy. Gorman on DeProspo: "Bart is a player who we saw at our camp last summer. He comes from a good soccer family, and has a tremendous work rate - enabling his success at both high school and club level. I think he will only continue to get better and will be a fantastic addition to our program." Ivan Martinez: MF/FW - 5'5 - 135lbs. - Mamaroneck, NY (Rye Neck HS) Quick Facts: Despite missing his senior season, Martinez enjoyed a highly decorated career at Rye Neck High School earning player of the year honors in Section 1 in 2010. That same year he was also named 1st Team All State. Martinez plays for FC Westchester in the USSD Academy, helping them to a division title and playoffs appearance in 2011. Gorman on Martinez: "Ivan is a dangerous attacking player who always pops up in good positions on the field. He's capable of playing multiple positions, and has the potential to transition very well to Division 1 soccer. I fully expect him to be a dynamic attacking member of our team throughout his career." Philip Persson: FW - 5'10 - 170lbs. - Norrkoping, Sweden (John Bauergymnasiet HS) Quick Facts: Hailing from Norrkoping, Sweden, Persson has been a member of the youth system at IFK Norrkoping and Smedby AIS. In the 2011 season he contributed eight goals to his team's quest to win the youth division. Gorman on Persson: "Philip is another international player who has been exposed to a good standard of play throughout his development. He has the ability to put the ball in the net, and will be an exciting attacking option. We will look forward to welcoming to UAlbany in the fall." Fabrizio Petralia: MF - 5'10 - 140lbs. - West Hempstead, NY (St. Anthony's HS) Quick Facts: As a team captain at St. Anthony's, Fabrizio tallied 15 goals and 7 assists on his way to being named an all-county selection, while helping the squad to a finals appearance. He has participated for BW Gottschee, New York Cosmos, and Albertson in the USSD Academy. Gorman on Petralia: "Fabrizio is another excellent addition to our left side of the field. He's enjoyed success at the highest level of club soccer, and will bring good vision, movement, and understanding to our team. He will certainly be in a position to make an impact upon his arrival." Sergio Petralia: MF - 5'10 - 140lbs. - West Hempstead, NY (St. Anthony's HS) Quick Facts: A teammate of his brother at St. Anthony's, Sergio produced 7 goals and 13 assists in his senior year helping his team achieve a finals appearance. He has played his club soccer for BW Gottschee, New York Cosmos, and Albertson in the USSD Academy including a playoff appearance in 2011. Gorman on Petralia: "Sergio brings numerous qualities to our team for the fall. Like his brother he understands the game, and has the technical ability to make an impact from various positions on the field. He will, undoubtedly, hit the ground running and look to contribute from day one." Luca Quinn: DEF - 6'4 - 170lbs. - New York City, NY (The Beacon School) Quick Facts: A member of the 2010 PSAL championship squad at The Beacon School, Quinn contributed 7 goals and 5 assists to that campaign and served as team captain in 2011. Having formerly competed with New York Cosmos in the USSD Academy, he now plays with Bayside Aston Villa Flames. Gorman on Quinn: "Luca is another player who came to our attention through our camp. He reads the game very well, and has an excellent touch for a player who is still growing in to his frame. I see him as a player who will only get better throughout his time here and look forward to seeing his development." Anthony Rozzano: FW/MF - 5'10 - 150lbs. - Webster, NY (Webster Schroeder HS) Quick Facts: As a senior, Rozzano scored 29 goals and led his Webster Schroeder team to the New York state championship game. For his efforts he was named the Greater Rochester Player of the Year, an All-State selection, and a NSCAA All American. Rozzano competes for Empire United in the USSD Academy. Gorman on Rozzano: "Anthony is a constant threat going forward. He's a proven goal scorer, but can also play a number of different roles within a team. His quickness, with and without the ball, will be a major asset to him at the college level. I look forward to him bringing those talents to the Great Danes." Keith Traut: DEF - 6'2 - 180lbs. - College Point, NY (Brooklyn Technical HS) Quick Facts: As captain of Brooklyn Technical High School in 2011, Traut earned an invitation to participate in the NYC Mayors Cup showcase for the top players in the area. He is a regular starter for New York Cosmos in the USSD Academy. Gorman on Traut: "Keith is a player with the size and athleticism to compete right away in college. He's benefiting from the consistent training, and matches, within the academy and is getting better every week. I look forward to that continued growth, and expect him to challenge to contribute early in his UAlbany career."

University of Albany FCS Football Begins Preparations for 2012 Season - UAlbany Sports 2012

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. - Spring practice for the University at Albany football program began on Saturday March 31 and the team will be having their first intra-squad scrimmage this Saturday. The scrimmage is scheduled from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on University Field. The Great Danes, who are allowed 15 practices, are slated to play the annual Spring Game at University Field on Saturday, April 28 at 3:00 p.m., to conclude the spring season. UAlbany established a program record with its 6th consecutive winning season in 2011.

The Great Danes, who have won five Northeast Conference championships since 2002, recorded a non-league win over Columbia during a 8-4 campaign that took the Great Danes in to their first ever FCS Playoff appearance. Head coach Bob Ford, the active Division I FCS & FBS leader with 255 career victories, has 47 letterwinners returning, including 13 starters on both offense and defense. "In spring football is when you establish who your team is going to be" explains Ford, who is entering his 40th varsity season, "the saying goes; 'you drive your stake in to the ground to establish your identity.' I think we have a decent nucleus on both sides of the football coming back. Our major challenges will be solidifying an offensive line with two definite spots open and deciding on who will be our starting quarterback."

The Great Danes will have to replace their starting quarterback, Dan DiLella, who led the Great Danes to their first-ever FCS Playoff appearance with a single season school record of 2,548 yards passing. Returning on offense are top tailbacks Andrew Smith and Dillon Romain and leading receiver Ryan Kirchner. "We have a very good stable of running backs, two good tight ends and an excellent core of receivers" says Coach Ford about the offense. Kirchner registered the fourth-best single-season total in school history with 56 receptions for 615 yards and ten touchdowns. He also averaged 7.8 yards per punt return. The offensive side of the ball will have eight starters and 22 letterman returning for the 2012 campaign.

The defense had an All-Northeast Conference player at every position last year with exception of outside linebacker, where Kyle Jordan earned Northeast Conference Rookie of the Year honors. The defense will have to replace two All-Conference defensive linemen in Zach Gallo and Eddie Delaney. Delaney, a recipient of the Maxwell Football Club's Thomas Brookshier Spirit Award, led the Great Dane defense with 54 tackles and recorded a team-best 11.5 hits for a loss. He also established the program's FCS single-season record with 8.5 sacks. "On the defensive side it appears that we're four-over-two at almost every position with the exception of the defensive line which is a little thin," said Ford. "Our linebacker core will probably be the heart and soul of our defensive unit." Jon Morgan, a senior inside linebacker, led the team in tackles with 106 on his way to earning First-Team All-Northeast Conference Honors. The defense will have to replace six starters this spring and will have 24 letterman returning.

On special teams, Paul Layton, an All-Northeast Conference Punter, who finished the 2011 season ranked 9th at the FCS level, returns and will look to improve on his 2011 average of 42.6 yards per punt attempt. SPRING FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Mon 4/9 3pm Wed 4/11 3pm Fri 4/13 3pm Sat 4/14 10am (Intra-Squad Scrimmage) Mon 4/16 3pm Wed 4/18 3pm Fri 4/20 3pm Sat 4/21 10am (Intra-Squad Scrimmage) Mon 4/23 3pm Wed 4/25 3pm Fri 4/27 3pm (Rain Date if Needed) Sat 4/28 3pm (Annual Purple & Gold Game)

UAlbany Releases 2012 Football Schedule; Great Danes Will Visit Youngstown State & Maine

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

Albany, N.Y. - For the first time in seven years, UAlbany will start its schedule at home, as the Great Danes will host Colgate on Sept. 1, 2012. Vice President and Athletic Director Lee McElroy, along with head football coach Bob Ford, announce the team's upcoming fall schedule on Thursday, March 29, 2012. UAlbany will host five games at University Field, while taking on three non-conference opponents.

After kicking off the fall with Colgate, the Great Danes hit the road for three straight contests, visiting conference foe Robert Morris on Sept. 8, before traveling to Youngstown State (Sept. 15) and Maine (Sept. 22). The Black Bears were NCAA Playoff participants last season, finishing 9-4 after falling to Georgia Southern in the quarterfinals. UAlbany will return home on Sept. 29, hosting Northeast Conference opponent Monmouth on Hall of Fame Weekend.

The Great Danes will visit Bryant (Oct. 6), to start October before hosting St. Francis (Pa.) at 1 p.m. on Homecoming Weekend. After a bye week on Oct. 20, the Great Danes wrap up the league slate, visiting Sacred Heart (Oct. 27) and Duquesne (Nov. 10) while hosting Wagner (Nov. 3).

UAlbany will close out the season at home, welcoming NEC rival Central Connecticut State to University Field on Nov. 17. "I think it is a very fair schedule," said Ford, who is entering his 40th varsity season at the helm of the UAlbany program. "We are going to have a bullseye on our back as we defend our conference title. We have a habit of playing national champions, and Youngstown State is a four-time champion. We are playing Colgate for the third straight season, and both of those games have been tight, tough ballgames. We have also built a good rivalry with Maine, so we're looking forward to playing up there.

We are looking forward to continuing to build on the successes we've had."