Vote In Democratic Primary TODAY - Charlie Voelker - For NY State Senator of Albany County - Volunteer - Polls Open From 12-9PM

The University of Albany NEEDS a voice in the New York State Senate! Finally, the University has a potential NYS Senator that would fight for the University's future, Charlie Voelker. The University has the support in the Assembly, but it is vital to have the support in the Senate as well. Charlie Voelker will deliver huge dividends for UAlbany and Albany county.

Charlie Voelker Campaign

“Getting Charlie elected could be HUGE for our programs. Both athletic and educational. We need a Senator from Albany that is willing to work for the school as hard as LaValle with Stony Brook.” Quote from an acquaintance of Charlie Voelker.

The first step: Democratic Primary: Voting takes place on Tuesday, September 9.

This is a big first step. Charlie Voelker will need you to get out and vote on September 9th, as he is aiming to oust (D)Neil Breslin, and break up the monopoly Breslin and his brothers hold on Albany politics.

If you are a University of Albany supporter, in athletics or academics, or an Albany County resident, you need to support Charlie Voelker. As a hometown man, he has our interests at heart. He has spent his life in Albany and supporting the university.

Charlie will certainly invest in his alma mater. By investing in the university, the returns for Albany country are enormous. The University already has a 2 billion dollar economic impact on Albany County. Although a state university, it is the largest, by far, economic engine in the region. Without the university and its growth, Albany country will suffer.

Residents in Albany County belong to District 46 of the NYS Senate:
Albany, Colonie, Guilderland, Knox, Bethlehem, New Scotland, Berne, Westerlo, Coeymans, Rensselearville, the cities of Cohoes and Watervliet, and the Village/Town of Green Island

District Map

Volunteer: This weekend and on PRIMARY DAY

The Voelker campaign would appreciate any assistance you could provide. Lawn signs, door to door, etc.

They seek volunteers to go to their local polling places from 4:30 to 6:30 or thereabouts on Tuesday, September 9. They will provide volunteers with t-shirts, signs and information to hand out to voters.

Call: (best option)
(518) 281-3554
(518) 429-1701

Email:
Charlie@Charlievoelker.com
Rob@CharlieVoelker.com


A Word From Charlie Voelker:

Welcome to Demand More Albany. I am very excited about the upcoming few weeks. It is time to restore the pride in New York State government. There have been periods in our history where citizens have had to stand up and change the direction our leaders have taken. September 9 is your chance to stand up for you and your family.

It’s time that we elect a person that has real business development experience; one that has fresh ideas on how to lower taxes and stimulate job growth. It is time that we elect a senator who has lived his entire life in New York State; one whot was educated by, worked in and understands our state university system. It’s time to elect a state senator who will work full-time to fix our state’s problems; one who has been a long-time union member and knows the needs of our workforce. It’s that time and I am that person. I want to work for you and your family as your state senator. I know what it takes to work with people and businesses to put New York back on top.

It’s time to say goodbye to Senator Breslin and his 12 years in office watching time go by while New York approaches financial ruin. It’s time to say no more to Senator Breslin turning a blind eye to his fellow lawyers taking advantage of the state pension fund. It’s time to say no more to Senator Breslin working for a law firm that specializes in creating union free work places. It’s time to say no more to Senator Breslin voting on issues that involve both of his brothers, yet affect all of our families. It is time to say No More, Senator Breslin.

There are those who would have us believe that this cannot be done. I believe that they are the people who have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. We can no longer let them stand in the way of our state’s progress. Our communities are fortunate to have great people and I am confident that together, we can fix New York.

I am a firm believer that global action starts locally. I believe that we have to demand more of our legislators and of ourselves. I am asking each and every one you to join me. I want you to help identify problems. Tell me your ideas and solutions. Engage in your community like never before. I am asking you to Demand More Albany.

Please use our website to share your views and we ask that you get the word out to your friends and neighbors. We don’t have much time left but we can do this. We truly appreciate your support and welcome you to the team. I will see you soon.
Best always, Charlie Voelker


Charlie Voelker Biography

Charles Patrick Voelker was born April 7, 1964. Raised in Garden City, New York, Charlie was the youngest of Robert and Claire Voelker’ s six children. The late Robert Voelker owned and operated a real estate business for more than 25 years and was a World War II veteran, serving in the U. S. Marine Corps in the Pacific theater until 1945. Claire Voelker, in addition to raising the children, was an elementary school teacher for 19 years. Together, Robert and Claire instilled in their children the value of hard work and sacrifice.

Charlie attended the University at Albany and graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Rhetoric and Communications.

After graduation, he joined Capital Cablevision as a commercial engineer. Charlie worked in a variety of capacities for the cable company that would later become Time Warner Cable. In his decade long tenure, Charlie wrote and produced television commercials; worked as on-air talent in news and promotional segments; voiced television and radio commercials and sold cable advertising.

In 1995, Charlie began working as the radio color commentator for the College of Saint Rose’s men’s basketball team.

The following year he moved over to his alma mater, UAlbany, to partner with Rodger Wyland of WNYT TV. Charlie and Rodger were the voices of Great Dane Football and Basketball from 1996 – 2002.

In 1997, Charlie left Time Warner Cable to become the Vice President and General Manager of the Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs minor league baseball team. Under his leadership, from 1997 to 2001, the franchise attendance skyrocketed from 56,000 in 1996 to over 100,000 in 2001. In addition, the Diamond Dogs made the playoffs every year and won the Northern League Championship in 1999. In both 2000 and 2001, Charlie was awarded the “Northern League General Manager of the Year” distinction.

Charlie returned to UAlbany’s athletic department full-time in 2003 to head up the university’s athletic marketing and ticket efforts. Charlie’s focus has included increasing UAlbany’s television exposures; game attendance and revenues; and the development of corporate partnerships. Charlie’s marketing plan was integral to the recent naming of SEFCU arena. He is currently the Associate Athletic Director of External Affairs.

Charlie serves on the Board of Directors for the Northeast Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and is involved in major fundraising efforts for the organization including its annual “Walk for the Cure.” He serves on the organizing committee for the Coaches vs. Cancer Basket Ball for the American Cancer Society and is the America East Conference representative for the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators. In addition, Charlie serves on the External Standards committee for the America East.

Charlie and his wife Kim live in Delmar. Kim is also an alumnus of UAlbany.

Charlie has a seven-year-old son. His greatest enjoyment comes from spending time with his family. Charlie’s hobbies include reading, fishing, golf and watching baseball.

University of Albany Football Program Conducts First Preseason Practice in Full Pads

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Head coach Bob Ford and the University at Albany football program ushered in the first day of practice in full pads with the spirited “Oklahoma” drill on Friday, Aug. 8. The Great Danes, who won last year’s Northeast Conference championship, worked out for more than two hours on the campus’ Dutch Quad intramural field.

The Oklahoma drill was designed by legendary college football coach Bud Wilkinson, who guided the Sooners’ program from 1947-63. Wilkinson’s drill has become a tradition at football practices across the country.

UAlbany’s Ford employs a three-on-three system that places the players in a 10-yard box as a running back tries to sprint through open space to a goal line marked by cones. The full-contact session pits offensive linemen against defensive linemen or tight ends against linebackers in a physical football tackling drill that tests competitiveness and toughness.
“It’s exciting for the players,” said Ford, whose team opens its schedule against Massachusetts later this month. “You get to evaluate a lot of people in a relatively safe environment. You learn so much about a person. If you are an offensive lineman, are you able stay on your feet, come off the ball and move on a snap count. A defensive lineman has to move on movement, not on cadence. He teaches him to pursue and come off the block.”

The helmet bashing and pad popping drill provides an early glimpse of which players will have an impact on the 2008 schedule. UAlbany’s roster will have to be ready for plenty of physical football with likes of Delaware and New Hampshire on this year’s schedule. The first week of preseason training camp comes to close on Saturday before the players get a welcomed day off.

UAlbany Wide Receiver Bocanegra A Leader On And Off The Field

Bocanegra nominated for his community work

University of Albany wide receiver Daniel Bocanegra knows what it means to be a leader on and off the field.

His efforts to help the local community have led to his being nominated for the 2008 American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team, which recognizes student-athletes for off-the-field contributions.

"I like to help out and promote the team and keep our name intact," he said. "If I was doing it for the recognition, I'd be doing it for the wrong reasons."

Bocanegra, 22, a senior, was raised by his uncle in Daly City, Calif. He had mentors and other guides throughout childhood and at Junipero Serra High School, which has produced professional athletes Tom Brady and Barry Bonds.

At UAlbany, he became a Big Brother because a friend told him about kids in Albany who could use guidance. He said it's his way of giving back for all he has received.

In addition to being a Big Brother, he has helped raise more than $3,700 for Habitat For Humanity by organizing an annual event through the Student Athlete Advisory Association.

"He is the epitome of the scholar-athlete," UAlbany coach Bob Ford said. "He gives his time freely, and it's not about building a resume with him. He genuinely wants to help people."

In a time when many student-athletes gain headlines for the wrong reasons, Ford said it was refreshing to see one of his players make news for something good.

If being a Big Brother and organizing the Habitat for Humanity effort weren't enough, Bocanegra also oversaw a Christmas fund that donated money to underprivileged Albany-area children. He also is a member of the Purple and Gold Student Ambassadors, where he serves as a link between alumni and current students for school-related events.

Asked what teamwork means to him, Bocanegra, a former starting quarterback at UAlbany, said, "Teamwork means selflessness. Putting others before yourself, taking a step back and always making everything equal. You have to do it for the team before you can do it for yourself."

By NEIL BENJAMIN

University of Albany Women's Soccer Coach Earns WPSL Honors

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University at Albany head women's soccer coach Mary-Frances Monroe was recently named the Women's Premier Soccer League East Player of the Year as a member of the New England Mutiny. She was also one of just four midfielders to earn All-WPSL first-team laurels.

Monroe just completed her fourth season as a member of the Mutiny, which is currently one of 51 clubs competing in the WPSL. In 12 matches played, Monroe’s 16 goals and 11 assists for 43 points were league highs. The Mutiny went on to win the WPSL Eastern Conference Championship and earned an appearance in the national semifinals for the fifth time in the past six years.

During the team’s three-game playoff run, Monroe had a hand in five of the club’s six goals. After netting one goal and assisting on two others in a 4-2 win over the Long Island Fury in the WPSL Eastern Conference semifinal, she set up the golden goal to help the Mutiny defeat the SoccerPlus CT Reds, 1-0, to win the WPSL Eastern Conference crown. Monroe also scored the Mutiny’s goal in a 2-1 loss to the Arizona Rush in the semifinal round.

The WPSL is now a 51-team national women's soccer league with five conferences and is considered one of the top women's soccer leagues in the world. Its mission is to provide the highest level of women's soccer while simultaneously providing affordable, quality family entertainment and positive role models for youth. Monroe is beginning her third season as the UAlbany coach.

UAlbany Football Begins Preseason Camp and Defense of Northeast Conference Crown

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – The University at Albany football program will be pressed to defend last year’s Northeast Conference championship with a challenging non-league schedule and the addition of Duquesne as a conference member. The work to repeat as NEC champion began on Monday, Aug. 4 when preseason camp kicked off with an afternoon practice on the campus’ Dutch Quad intramural fields.

Head coach Bob Ford has 47 letterwinners, including 11 starters, returning from a squad that finished with an 8-4 record. The Great Danes, who became the fifth team in NEC history to go undefeated in league play, have produced seven or more wins six times as a FCS program.

“The first day is always tough,” offered Ford, who enters his 40th season at the collegiate level with a 225-162-1 record. “You are trying to take 32 freshmen and squeeze them in with 60-plus veterans to make them part of the squad. This slows the process, but everyone in the country goes through it. The vast majority of the team is in great physical condition and the freshman class may be better than I thought.”

The Great Danes will open with four consecutive Colonial Athletic Conference opponents, including national runner-up Delaware and NCAA quarterfinalist Massachusetts in preparation for the NEC schedule. UAlbany opens the conference slate at Duquesne on Saturday, Oct. 4.

“The tempo was good and everyone was real excited,” said UAlbany quarterback Vinny Esposito, who passed for 1,810 yards and 12 touchdowns in his first year as a starter. “I felt more comfortable (than last year), but I can’t rest. With the competition for positions, everyone has to keep improving.”

The Great Danes will practice twice on Tuesday in helmets and shorts and then wear shoulder pads the following day. UAlbany will work out in full gear for the first time on Friday, Aug. 9.

University of Albany Professor John Delano's Research At NASA

Professor John Delano, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, is among the leading scientists in the country, researching the origins of life and the composition of planets both at the University of Albany and with NASA.

Distinguished Teaching Professor John Delano has been a stargazer since he was nine years old, when he saved up his weekly allowance to buy his first telescope. Today, Delano is among the leading scientists in the country, researching the origins of life and the composition of planets.

Delano's fascination with the universe was triggered in 1957, when he caught a glimpse of Sputnik, the first artificial satellite launched into outer space. It was one in a series of epiphanies that secured his early interest in space exploration.

But there was another moment that reverberated with Delano, which led him to studying moon rocks and other celestial phenomena.

"It all goes back to President Kennedy's decision to send Americans to the moon," Delano said of his decision to study geochemistry. "I thought, 'Holy mackerel, we're going to bring samples back from the moon?'"

After receiving his Ph.D. in geochemistry from SUNY Stony Brook in 1977, Delano began research in astrobiology with NASA, which he continues today with colleagues from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

In my opinion, being a professor not only involves transferring information and knowledge, but attempting to inspire the next generation.
Distinguished Teaching Professor John Delano"We're trying to understand the conditions that led to life on Earth and determine if they are strange or likely to occur on other planets in the universe," said Delano, professor in UAlbany's Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. "We can extract memory from rocks and crystals that tell us about the nature of the earth's environment billions of years ago. It almost seems like magic."
Part of Delano's early research involved studying samples from the 1971 Apollo 15 crash, a poignant moment in his career. And, although studying the origins of life and the basic questions of the universe continues to fascinate him, his passion lies in teaching -- particularly trying to inspire the next generation.

"When I go into class I’m enthusiastic; I’m jumping around like a lunatic," Delano said. "I try to make it fun as well as informative. Those are the ingredients for inspiration."

That may be why, after 25 years teaching at UAlbany, Delano admits that he still gets nervous before every class.

"I have to get nervous. If I'm not nervous, I'm not on my game," said Delano.

Nerves aside, Delano always introduces each topic to his students by explaining how it fits into the big picture, addressing the basic human question, Why are we learning this?

Over the years, Delano has been recognized for his passion by the State University of New York Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching and the University at Albany President's Award for Excellence in Teaching, although he measures his success in a somewhat different way.

"I keep a folder of what I call 'unsolicited compliments' from students," Delano said. "I’ve been gratified by how thick that folder has become."

University of Albany Football Schedule

Sat, Aug 30 Massachusetts at Amherst, Mass. 6:00 p.m.

Sat, Sep 13 Hofstra at Hempstead, N.Y. 7:00 p.m.

Sat, Sep 20 New Hampshire at Durham, N.H. 12:00 p.m.

Sat, Sep 27 Delaware at Newark, Del. 6:00 p.m.

Sat, Oct 04 Duquesne * at Pittsburgh, Pa. 1:00 p.m.

Sat, Oct 11 Central Connecticut State * Albany, N.Y. 4:00 p.m.

Sat, Oct 18 Sacred Heart * at Fairfield, Conn. 1:00 p.m.

Sat, Oct 25 St. Francis, Pa. * Albany, N.Y. 4:00 p.m.

Sat, Nov 01 Monmouth * Albany, N.Y. 1:00 p.m.

Sat, Nov 08 Robert Morris * at Moon Township, Pa. 1:00 p.m.

Sat, Nov 15 Wagner * Albany, N.Y. 1:00 p.m.

UAlbany's Ammann Achievements Recognized

What’s this? It was a text message unlike any Steve Ammann had ever received.
"Congrats on being scholar-athlete of the year, you big nerd," it read.

It was sent from a teammate late last month to the Putnam Valley native and lacrosse standout, a recent graduate of the University at Albany.

"It was a complete surprise," the former Great Danes midfielder said. "I thought the text was a joke, but I am proud of the team and proud to represent the university like that."

Ammann's 3.83 grade-point average as a finance and marketing major was certainly no joke.

Success both on and off the field led to his being named America East Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year in men's lacrosse. Unlike Ammann, Albany coach Scott Marr was not surprised by such recognition.

"He is a complete person," Marr said. "From being a student to a tremendous athlete, he is just a good person, tutoring guys on the team. I am really sad to see him go."

Marr, a Yorktown native, is bidding farewell to not only Steve but also his twin brother, Mike Ammann.

The duo helped one another excel, as the Ammanns shared everything from the lacrosse field to excellence in the classroom to job hunting in New York City.

"They are best friends," Marr said. "It was neat, that connection between twins. They motivated each other and were competitive with one another, but always supportive."

Steve Ammann's achievements on the field mirrored his classroom success.

A captain his senior season, Ammann helped propel the Great Danes to the conference title game, where a one-goal loss to UMBC denied them an NCAA tournament appearance. His postseason honors included being named to the ESPN The Magazine District I All-Academic at-large team. As a second-team all-conference midfielder, Ammann scored 15 goals and 12 assists his final season.

His junior year, Albany was ranked second in the nation for a six-week span on its way to the second NCAA berth of Ammann's career.

"He had a tremendous effect on our team," Marr said. "He helped make us a top team in the nation."

Ammann's competitive nature in athletics carried over to his academics. His favorite class was financial management, which included its fair share of debates.

"I am competitive on and off the field, so it was not difficult for me to set high goals in the classroom," Ammann said.

The son of two teachers, Ammann is entering the world of finance this month. He has accepted a job at Nomura Securities in Manhattan.

However, don't be surprised if his hard work and competitiveness lead him back to the lacrosse field in the near future.

"I entered the professional lacrosse draft, but it didn't work out this year," Ammann said. "But I will keep working towards that. The possibility is still there."

By Rachel Stern

The University's World of Opportunities: Student Tackles N.Y. Giants Training Camp

University of Albany student Brittany Scott, who is earning a graduate degree in psychology, is working at the New York Giants summer training camp on the UAlbany campus.

Being around professional athletes is nothing new to UAlbany ’08 grad Brittany Scott. Her father played goalkeeper for the NHL's New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings and Brittany herself, former team captain of the University at Albany-SUNY women's lacrosse team, is a current member of the Canadian National Team. Still, she is awed by the opportunity to be up close with another set of professional athletes – the Super Bowl XLII champion New York Giants.

Scott is a staff member of the New York Giants preseason training camp. But having her favorite NFL team on her home campus is more than just a bragging right for the Baldwinsville, N.Y. native. For Scott and 31 other students, it is a unique opportunity to work next to the likes of Super Bowl MVP quarterback Eli Manning and wide receiver Plaxico Burress on a daily basis. It's anything but the average summer job.

Two weeks before camp, which runs July 17 through August 17, students turn the campus into a professional training ground. This involves a lot of sweat and grunt work. The University's SEFCU Arena is transformed into the Giants locker room. The whole surface is covered with 25 rolls of protective matting, each 1,500-2,000 pounds apiece. Students help unload 12-14 tractor trailer trucks, each about 50 feet long and brimming with Giants equipment.

After the players arrive, students help with security and crowd control as the Giants practice. Escorting the players to and from practice always means a chance at some small talk, Scott said.

"There aren't too many schools in the country that offer this," said Kevin Galuski, assistant director of athletics and director of operations for the camp. "It's a great opportunity for young student athletes and young students in general to be able to work with a pro sports team. It’s something they can take with them in the future."

Scott, now a graduate psychology student at UAlbany, said she enjoys the fun atmosphere of her job and its convenient location on the UAlbany campus, which is why she’s making this her second year working at the camp. "I have learned how much is put into professional teams and how many people it takes to get everything done," Scott said. "It's interesting to see a sports team run as if it's a company."

On average, the camp -- in its 13th consecutive year on the UAlbany campus -- has attracted more than 30,000 spectators each year. Students may have their work cut out for them this summer though, as a record crowd is expected to see the defending Super Bowl champions.

UAlbany Football Begins 2008 Preseason on Monday, Aug. 4 with Afternoon Practice

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

The University of Albany football program begins preseason camp on Monday, August 4 with an afternoon practice, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. The Great Danes will conduct their preseason practices on the UAlbany campus’ Dutch Quad intramural fields. UAlbany opens its 36th varsity campaign against Massachusetts on Saturday, August 30 in Amherst, Mass. Kickoff is 6:00 p.m. ET.

2008 SEASON PREVIEW

UAlbany won its third Northeast Conference title in 2007 by becoming the fifth team in league history to go undefeated in conference play. The Great Danes will have to work even harder to repeat with a challenging non-league schedule and the addition of Duquesne as an NEC member.

"We have greater team depth and a stable of quality athletes," offers head coach Bob Ford, who enters his 40th season at the collegiate level with a 225-162-1 career record. "But at the same time, we have more question marks than we've had in recent times heading into fall camp."

Ford has 47 letterwinners, including 11 starters, returning from a squad that finished with an 8-4 record. The Great Danes have produced seven or more wins six times as a FCS program.

"We will be a decent football team on defense," Ford says. "The linebackers and defensive backs are solid. (Dave) Nicomini's injury hurts us greatly. We lost some excellent players on the defensive line."

Ford continues, "Our running attack is pretty good behind a scrappy group of offensive linemen. We need more productivity in the passing game and consistent play from our receivers."

The Great Danes will open with four consecutive Colonial Athletic Conference opponents, including national runner-up Delaware and NCAA quarterfinalist Massachusetts in preparation for the NEC schedule.

OFFENSE: Tailback David McCarty leads an offensive unit that ranked 20th nationally in rushing at nearly 209 yards per game. McCarty, who was named to the Sports Network All-America squad, ran for 1,503 yards, the third-highest single-season total in team history. McCarty grinded out eight 100-yard efforts, including a career-best 247 yards in a championship-clinching win against Central Connecticut State. Justin Gannon and Colin Simmons, a pair of juniors, rushed for 250-plus yards last season.

"David (McCarty) has great balance and a competitive spirit," Ford states. "He probably has added nearly 20 pounds and has increased strength."

Quarterback Vinny Esposito, like McCarty, made the most of his first season as a starter. He recorded the second-best single-season passing total in school annals with 1,810 yards. He threw 12 scoring passes and accounted for 1,946 yards in total offense. Frank Blasinsky, who saw time behind center the last two years, is second on the depth chart.

"Vinny is an accurate thrower who puts the ball in the right position," Ford explains. "He's relaxed and confident and his teammates believe in him."

The Great Danes can build around two all-conference offensive linemen, but will have to replace both guards. Raphael Nguti (6-6, 330) earned first-team All-NEC recognition at right tackle. Nguti's tremendous size will provide him an opportunity to continue his career following graduation. Center Kevin Richards (6-2, 270) was named to the all-league second team. Nik Schultz (6-2, 285) should start at left guard after playing in 25 games as a collegian, while Jon Leible (6-5, 305) will work at right guard.

UAlbany's starting receivers were seniors, but the rotation allowed for several players to be involved. Daniel Bocanegra, a converted quarterback, hauled in 26 passes for 316 yards. Bocanegra has also been the team's primary punt returner. Tim Bush had 17 receptions for 225 yards and two TDs. In addition, the Great Danes have two improving tight ends in Dan Archer (7 catches) and Marcus Miles (10 catches) who have the ability to both block and become factors in the passing attack.

DEFENSE: The Great Danes featured a talented senior class last year on the defensive line. The unit helped the defense rank 17th among the NCAA scoring leaders. In fact, all three starters were members of the all-conference first or second teams.

The good news centers around defensive tackle Tom Pandolf (6-0, 260), a first-team All-NEC standout. Pandolf had his most productive campaign with 37 tackles and 3.0 sacks. Sophomore Trevor Anderson (6-2, 265) also emerged as the season progressed and finished with 28 tackles, including seven for a loss.

"Tom (Pandolf) has good quickness combined with an intuitive sense for the game," Ford states. "He has the ability to stay on his feet and understands his role."

Mike Kelly (6-2, 245) and Tony Sparano (5-11, 253), who had 10 tackles apiece, are the projected starters at the defensive end positions. Eddie Delaney (6-5, 210) showed promise as a scout team member.

At inside linebacker, UAlbany's all-time tackles leader Colin Disch is now a professional in Germany. Justin Brancaccio (6-0, 220) moved into the starting lineup and tied for second on the team with 63 tackles, including 6.5 for losses, last season. "Justin has been a bright light," Ford offers. "He is big, strong and fast, and has continued to mature into the position."

Mark Peretore, a fifth-year senior, has also been a starter during his career. He has made 45-plus tackles in each of the last two seasons. Chris Simpson (14 tackles) will also see playing time in his junior year.

Emerson Kinsey (6-1, 215) worked at one of the outside linebacker spots, where he totaled 29 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. He has the skills to become an all-conference performer. Dave Nicomini (6-3, 230) can float between the linebacker and safety positions. He was second on the squad with 63 tackles last season. Nicomini's status will be determined later following knee surgery. Rich Duff (22 tackles) and Raymond Dorcely will be ready pending his availability.

UAlbany's secondary returns intact. Dave Casale had 56 tackles and two interceptions in his first year at free safety. Cornerbacks L.B. McCloskey (38 tackles, 3 INTs) and Jean Juste (34 tackles, 4 PBUs) were sound in their expanded roles. Dave West and cornerback Ross Bertrand were greatly improved. West, a second-team All-NEC safety, had 60 tackles, five pass deflections and two interceptions. Bertrand totaled 31 tackles and three PBUs as a true freshman.

KICKING GAME: Punter Chris Lynch set the program's single-season record by averaging 40.5 yards last year. Lynch, who handled placements as freshman, and Herb Glass are candidates for the place-kicking duties.

Merrick Thomson Nets A Hat Trick, Staying In first place on the MLL Top Scorer’s list

PISCATAWAY - Last Saturday, it was the offense which carried the Pride to victory against Washington.

Thursday night, in the back end of a home-and-home with the Bayhawks, it was all about the defense, though not for lack of trying on the offensive end.

While the Pride put up 16 goals, despite pulling on the reigns with eight minutes remaining, the Rob Scherr and Ryan McClay-led defense stole the show, holding the Bayhawks to eight goals, with help from Danny Brennan’s performance at the face-off X.

After missing time with a broken hand, suffered in the back-end of consecutive MLL Goalie of the Week efforts, and struggling in his first games back in uniform, Scherr was nothing short of dominant in goal, stopping 24 of 30 shots in 53:16 of gameplay to earn Bud Light MVP Honors.

“There are a lot of things you have to worry about,” Jacobs said, “but Robby I don’t have to worry as much.

“He’s been great all year.”

“The last two games I didn’t feel like I was playing my best,” Scherr said, “so it was nice to come out and play like that. It’s a good feeling.”

While he is likely to earn his third Goalie of the Week Award, the MVP Honors were a first for Scherr.

“Obviously getting the win is the first priority,” Scherr said, “but it’s a nice honor. It’s a good feeling to get recognized.”

The Pride’s defensive effort was powered by the oft-underappreciated McClay. As always, in addition to leading the team, McClay was a groundball machine, scooping up 13 loose balls.

“He’s the kind of guy where if you challenge Ryan to get ground balls, he’s going to do it,” Jacobs said. “Whatever I tell him to do, he’s going to do it.”

“That’s what I focus on,” McClay said. “I was a little upset last-week with my off-the-ball defense, tonight was more about knowing to slide or not slide and not getting caught in no-man’s land, and when you’re doing that right the ground balls tend to come.”

In the victory last week, in which Buggs Combs scored eight goals, Jacobs was critical of the team defensive. His opinion of the team’s slides was far different following the win Thursday.

“Last game we played on our heels,” Jacobs said, “this week weplayed them much farther out. Rather then letting them dictate to us, we dictated to them.”

“Our communication was a lot better,” McClay said. “There were a couple of situations late there that were pretty impressive.”

“I can’t say enough about [the defense],” Scherr said. “Those guys play hard, they play tough, and you can’t ask for anything more than that.”

After helping lead the Pride’s runs in a relatively-even face-off game last week, Brennan showed why he was the NCAA’s top face-off specialist in 2008, dominating for 20 wins on 28 face-offs.

“It’s phenomenal,” Jacobs said. “It makes me look like an idiot for not putting him in there sooner.

“You have to take everything within perspective though. Washington is not a great face-off team.”

On the offensive side of the ball, Scott Urick had another strong game for the Pride, scoring four goals and adding an assist, while Merrick Thomson and Chris Unterstein each had hat tricks.

Derek Cherney opened the scoring in the game’s first minute for the Bayhawks, but the Pride responded with three of their own. Dan Chemotti knotted the score at 2:06, and Tim Treubig put the Pride ahead at 4:30. Taking a page out of last week, the Pride took the resulting draw down for a Scott Urick goal and a 3-1 lead, before Matt Ward ended the run.

The Pride responded with another 3-1 run to end the quarter. Stephen Peyser was first to tally, then Thomson added a spectacular goal in traffic. Billy Glading answered right back for the Bayhawks, but Urick scooped up a loose ball among a storm of flags to put the Pride ahead 6-3 through one quarter.

The Pride added the first four of the second frame to extend their run to five-unanswered points, with Urick leading the way with a goal, to complete his hat trick, and an assist alongside goals by Chemotti, Matt Danowski and Greg Peyser to stretch the lead to 10-3 before Jarett Park ended the tear at 6:49.

Danowski’s defensive efforts helped extend the Pride lead as he intercepted a Bayhwaks clear attempt while Washington was out of position. While substitute netminder Chris Collins got back in time to stop Danowski’s shot, the rebound fell to Unterstein who buried it from the doorstep.

Kyle Dixon ended the first-half scoring with a laser from inside the two-point arc to make the score 11-5 at the break.

Unterstein added his second consecutive Pride tally at 4:42, and Urick his fourth of the game at 13:49. Unterstein completed his hat trick just :30 later. McClay ended the defense-driven quarter with a hard body check on the third’s final shot.

“Unlike a lot of people, I’m always about getting balls off the ground not playing the guy,” McClay said. “It felt pretty good tonight.”

Thomson earned his hat trick, and moved back into first place on the MLL Top Scorer’s list for 2008, by scoring the first two goals of the final quarter to put the Pride ahead 16-5, and in doing so enabled the Pride to issue the pull-back order, as they elected to simply run the shot clock on each possession rather than attempt to stretch their lead.

With the win, the Pride maintain their slim playoff hopes, needing losses by Phildelphia and Los Angeles this week, as well as likely needing a Long Island defeat, the Pride are left with a choice to relax for the weekend or scoreboard watch.

“I’ll do both,” Jacobs said. “I’ll relax while I watch the scoreboards.”

By Bobby Ingram

University of Albany Women's Basketball Receives Two More Commitments for 2008-09 Season

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University at Albany women’s basketball coach Trina Patterson announced on Tuesday, July 29 that two student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to join the Great Danes in the 2008-09 academic year. Delaney Cohan, a 6-foot-1 forward from Boothwyn, Pa. (Chichester H.S.) and Shelby Coon, a 6-foot-1 forward from Briarcliff, N.Y. (Briarcliff H.S.), each made a commitment.

Cohan was named one of the top five players in the Delaware Valley League by the Philadelphia Inquirer after averaging 15.2 points and 10.1 rebounds per game this past winter. She also garnered all-county and all-conference honors. As a junior, she earned honorable mention all-county and all-conference laurels while averaging 10 points and seven rebounds per contest. Cohan, who intends to major in biology at UAlbany, took all honors courses at Chichester High School and graduated with a 3.2 grade point average.

“Delaney is a highly skilled forward,” said Patterson, who is beginning her seventh season as head coach. “She has a high basketball IQ and the ability to stretch the defense with her long-range shooting.”

Coon led her high school team to a 28-1 record and the 2008 New York State Federation Class B championship. For her efforts, she earned all-tournament honors after averaging 13.5 points and 15.6 rebounds per game. Furthermore, Cohen was named league MVP and to the all-state first team. She set a sectional record by grabbing 470 boards, which also ranked fourth in the state and 19th in the country. As a junior, the forward was named fifth-team all-state, all-section and all-conference. Her team was co-league champions with an 18-2 ledger. Coon plans to major in business administration at UAlbany.

“Shelby plays the power forward position,” Patterson stated. “She is fundamentally sound, rebounds well, and is an outstanding defender.”

Kate Cronin, a 5-foot-10 forward from Amityville, N.Y., Adrienne Jones, a 5-foot-7 guard from Waldorf, Md., and Tabitha Makopondo, a 6-foot-1 forward from Gainesville, Fla., previously signed during the November period.



-agate-



2008-09 University at Albany Women's Basketball Signings
Name Pos. Ht. Hometown (High School)
Delaney Cohan F 6-1 Boothwyn, Pa. (Chichester)

Shelby Coon F 6-1 Briarcliff, N.Y. (Briarcliff)

Kate Cronin F 5-10 Amityville, N.Y. (St. John’s the Baptist)

Adrienne Jones G 5-7 Waldorf, Md. (Westlake)

Tabitha Makopondo F 6-1 Gainesville, Fla. (Buchholz)

2007-2008 UAlbany Athletics - Year In Review

2007-2008 Championships and Tournaments

Men's Lacrosse: America East Conference Championship Finals

Women's Golf: America East Champions

Men's Outdoor Track: America East Champions

Softball: America East Regular Season Champions

Men's Indoor Track: America East Champions

Volleyball: America East Champions - 2nd Round of NCAA Tournament

Football: Undefeated NorthEast Conference Champions

Field Hockey: America East Conference Championship Finals


Individual Accomplishments

Men's Track: Mike McCadney Wins IC4A Championship's Triple Jump

Softball: Amber Maisonet earns All Conference first team honors for 4th time - named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America University Division Softball Team

Softball: Chris Cannata was named America East Coach of the Year

Tennis: earned the America East Conference Coaching Staff of the Year award

Women's Track: Laura Cummings breaks UAlbany record in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 10:33.60

Men's Track: Luke Schoen breaks America East Pole Vault Record with 17ft 3in mark

Football: Michael Dungey, Sam Pagano and David McCarty were named to the 2007 Sports Network FCS All-America squad.

Football: Coach Bob Ford NEC Coach of the Year. Undefeated in Conference 2007.

Field Hockey: Michell Simpson named an All American.

Volleyball: Kamisha Kellam named to All-America East Conference Team.

Men's Basketball: Brian Lillis & Tim Ambrose on All-America East Conference Team

Women's Basketball: Trina Patterson 2008 America East Conference Coach of the Year

Indoor Track: Joe Greene breaks UAlbany record in 300 meter at 33.81 seconds;

Indoor Track: Luke Schoen sets indoor Pole Vault record clearing 16ft.- 4.75in.

Women's Indoor Track: Arina Gerasimova Sets School Record in the Triple Jump with a leap of 42-feet, 7-inches

Men's Track And Field: Daniel Avery Registers Program's Top Division I Time in the 110 Meter Hurdles

Men's Track And Field: Luke Schoen Finishes Fifth in Pole Vault at NCAA National Championships

Men's Lacrosse: Jordan Levine & Brett Queener Chosen in Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft

Baseball: Mike Konstanty Selected by Cinncinnati Reds in MLB Draft

Football: Jacob Hobbs signs with the New York Giants

MLL top goal-scorer Merrick Thomson Scores Five Goals in New Jersey's MLL Victory

Courtesy: Inside Lacrosse

Nine games into the season, make-it, take-it runs were something the Pride were used to seeing stretch close games out of reach in favor of their opponents, and never the other way around. Saturday night against Washington, they saw what they were missing as they used several face-off-powered bursts to blow open a tight game late in the second quarter, breezing to a 25-20 victory.

Rookie face-off specialist Danny Brennan saw action for the Pride for just the second time all-season and his impact was apparent. While his numbers won’t place him in the running for Defensive Player of the Week, it was a drastic increase from the sub-forty face-off percentage the Pride entered with which placed them on course for the all-time worst percentage in MLL history. The offensive bursts were a welcome change.

“It’s nice,” Jacobs said of the streaks. “Our offense has always been pretty good at getting goals when they get the ball, it’s just a matter of getting the ball and getting good possessions.

“Danny did a good job today.”

The Peyser brothers led the way for the Pride offensively. Older brother Greg had a solid game for the Pride, while Stephen scored four goals and handed out an assist to earn Bud Light MVP Honors.

“It’s really fun to hug your brother on a day where you both do well and see a smile on his face just like the one I’m probably showing him,” Stephen Peyser said.

With siblings, of course, there also comes that extra juice to match what the other is providing on the field.

“Yeah, I’m sure he has the same sentiment,” Stephen Peyser said. “We’re brothers, so we like to compete with each other - we’ve been doing it since we were little - so it’s just fun to get out there and ball with each other.”

The competition worked out for the best for the Pride, though the results don’t surprise Jacobs.

“They’re tough kids,” Jacobs said. “They play hard defensively and hard offensively. When we traded to get them we did it because we knew they were tough two-way players.”

Scott Urick also provided strong offense for the Pride, showing that he’s still “The Shot” with multiple precision strikes en-route to a three goal night.

“Scotty never went away,” Jacobs said. “It’s just a matter of getting him the ball. When we have the ball and we’re on offense, Scotty is going to get the ball and he’s going to score goals.”

MLL top goal-scorer Merrick Thomson bolstered his numbers with five goals, including some deep strikes, as opposed to his textbook crease runs.

“He’s becoming more and more of a complete attackman,” Jacobs said. “Early in the year he was labeled a ‘Canadian attackman’ who could only play off the ball and be an inside finisher, but now he’s completing his game and it’s making us a more dangerous attack.”

Washington attackman Buggs Combs was spectacular offensively in the losing effort, scoring eight goals, a Bayhawks franchise record.

“I don’t mind if one guy scores a lot of goals if the rest of the team defense is okay,” Jacobs said, ‘but we weren’t doing a good job team-wise of rotating to him, so it wasn’t that one person was guarding him and doing a bad job.

“We may have to re-evaluate our looks, because it’s one of those things where early in the year our defense was doing a great job and later in the year it’s been not so good.”

The Pride penalty kill was strong all game, but no stretch was more important than an early illegal stick violation on Chris Unterstein. With the game tied 2-2, the Pride killed the entirety of the 3:00 non-releasable penalty, ending a chance for the Bayhawks to put some space between them without so much as a scoring threat.

“It was huge for us,” Jacobs said, “that’s one of those situations where you can give up one, two or three depending on how you face-off. But we did a good job of scouting and finding their passing lanes and our guys got in them, then when our offense had the ball we used the full shot clock.”

The teams traded scores early, with neither squad able to take a decisive lead. Tim Treubig got things started for the Pride at 2:36, but Combs answered in the fourth minute to make the score 1-1. After Jordan Levine re-established the Pride lead, but Combs again knotted things up. After the successful illegal stick penalty kill and Cinosky goal, it was Kyle Dixon’s turn to again even things up, making the score 3-3.

Matt Ward gave the Bayhawks their first goal of the game at 12:48 of the first, but the Pride used a newfound advantage at face-off to tie it on a Scott Urick goal just :11 later, and take the lead back :16 after that on Merrick Thomson’s first of the game. A Stephen Peyser goal with just seven seconds remaining gave the Pride a 6-4 lead after one.

Jamison Mullen and Combs quickly tied things up again for the Bayhawks, but the Pride responded with a pair of goals of their own by Urick and Peyser to re-establish a two-goal lead before Combs’ fourth of the day cut the lead to 8-7.

After Cinosky stripped Dixon and earned a slashing penalty, Thomson used the man-up to tally his second of the day. The Pride won the resulting draw, and Urick scooped up the rebound of a Stephen Peyser shot to make the score 10-7.

Washington answered with some make-it, take-it of their own however with a pair of quick goals by Brendan Healey and Combs to narrow the margin to 10-9. Stephen Peyser continued the run of important draws however, scoring another make-it, take-it for the Pride.

While the run ended there, the scoring tear did not, as following a lone non-scoring possession of the ensuing draw by the Pride, the Bayhawks again chipped away at the lead with a Mark Richards goal. The Pride, sparked their half-ending run with, fittingly enough, a Thomson goal followed immediately with a won draw and score by Stephen Peyser. Matt Danowski added his first of the game behind his back, and Greg Peyser fired a laser in the fifteenth minute to put the Pride ahead 15-10 at the break.

Combs again tallied for Washington, but the Pride used their 6-goal run to put the game out of reach at 21-11. The Bayhawks threatened late in the third with a 5 goal run of their own, before another behind-the-back score from Danowski opened the fourth quarter scoring, and gave the Pride a 22-16 lead.

University of Albany President George Philip Makes Presentation to New York Giants at Training Camp

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Interim President George M. Philip (middle) made a presentation, on behalf of the University, to New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin (right) on the occasion of the National Football League organization’s Super Bowl XLII championship. Joining Philip for the ceremony was Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy (left). The presentation was made adjacent to the UAlbany campus’ Mara-Tisch Practice Field following the Giants’ morning workout on Monday, July 28.

Interim President Philip presented a small pewter sculpture of, “The Great Dane.” The piece was designed by sculptor Louise Peterson, of Guffey, Colo. In his remarks, Philip noted that Coach Coughlin and the Giants will always be part of the University family.

"This is in recognition of your great achievement in winning the Super Bowl," Philip said. "It is also for you to remember that you have been and will always be a part of the UAlbany family, (as well as) the coaches, the players and the management. As far as we are concerned, you are part of our organization and we value every minute."

UAlbany adopted the nickname “Great Danes” in the spring of 1965. All of the school’s intercollegiate athletic teams use the “Great Dane” as both a nickname and mascot. The Great Dane is noted for its grandeur, alertness and intelligence.

The New York Giants are conducting their NFL training camp at UAlbany for a record-setting 13th summer. Giants training camp continues through Sunday, Aug. 17.

University of Albany Releases Men's Soccer Schedule for 2008 Season

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Monday, July 28 the school's men's soccer schedule for 2008. The Great Danes will play a 17-match schedule, including tournaments in San Diego and Pittsburgh.

UAlbany kicks off its 10th season as a NCAA Division I program at the Robert Morris Invitational. The Great Danes open up against Pittsburgh on Friday, Aug. 29, at 2:30 p.m. Two days later, the team will face host Robert Morris. The following weekend, the Great Danes travel to southern California for the Courtyard by Marriott Central San Diego Tournament. UAlbany will face San Diego on Sept. 5 and San Diego State on Sept. 7.

The Great Danes stay on the road and square off against Rhode Island on Friday, Sept. 12, and Cornell on Wednesday, Sept. 17. The team’s home opener at Varsity Field will be against crosstown-rival Siena on Sunday, Sept. 21. The club will then face Marist on the road the following Sunday.

UAlbany opens America East Conference play against 2007 NCAA Tournament participant Boston University on Saturday, Oct. 4. The Great Danes will play regular-season champion Binghamton in their conference home debut on Oct. 8. Conference opponents Stony Brook, UMBC and America East Tournament Champion Vermont will also visit Varsity Field. UAlbany also matches up against New Hampshire, Hartford and Maine on the road.

Head coach Johan Aarnio enters his ninth season in charge of the Great Dane program. He will oversee a club which returns nine starters and all of its goal scoring from a year ago. Senior goalkeeper Steward Ceus, who has been the team’s regular starter in net since his freshman season, played every minute last year and finished with 83 saves, three shutouts and a 1.59 goals against average.

2008 University at Albany Men’s Soccer Schedule

August – 29 (Fri.), vs. Pittsburgh^, 2:30; 31 (Sun.), at Robert Morris^, 2:00;

September – 5 (Fri.), at San Diego+, 10:00; 7 (Sun.), at San Diego State+, 4:00; 12 (Fri.), at Rhode Island, 7:00; 17 (Wed.), at Cornell, 7:00; 21 (Sun.), Siena, 3:00; 28 (Sun.), at Marist, TBA;

October – 4 (Sat.), at Boston U.*, 7:00; 8 (Wed.), Binghamton*, 4:00; 11 (Sat.), at New Hampshire, 4:00; 15 (Wed.), Stony Brook*, 4:00; 18 (Sat.), UMBC*, 1:00; 22 (Wed.), at Hartford*, 7:00; 25 (Sat.), Bryant, 1:00; 29 (Wed.), at Maine*, 3:00;

November – 2 (Sun.), Vermont*, 1:00;

*America East Conference Opponent
^Robert Morris Invitational

+Courtyard by Marriott Central San Diego Tournament

All Times Eastern

University of Albany's Archeology Students Explore at the Pethick Archeological Site in Schoharie

At the Pethick Archeological Site in Schoharie, University of Albany students get the chance to study history through the excavation of thousands of Native American artifacts.

Indiana Jones' latest world-traveling adventure might make for box office gold, but for UAlbany's archeology field school, the excitement of field study can be found right in the Capital Region's backyard.

At the Pethick Archeological Site in Schoharie, students get the chance to study history through the excavation of thousands of Native American artifacts, some dating back to prehistoric times. For UAlbany assistant professor and site director Sean Rafferty, the first step is clearing up any misconceptions set in place by the iconic Dr. Jones.

Ultimately, the field school provides the framework for students not only to understand archeology, but to become fully engaged in the archeological process. After completing the field school, students have obtained the skill set to apply for federal and state jobs, or to pursue a myriad of other opportunities.

The Pethick Site is just one of the archeological field schools offered by the University at Albany. Other programs include sites in Belize, Cyprus and Serbia, where more adventure awaits inquisitive UAlbany students.

UAlbany Football, Field Hockey, And Volleyball Picked Preseason Favorites

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Somerset, N.J. – According to a preseason poll of Northeast Conference head coaches, the University at Albany has been chosen to defend its conference football championship in 2008. The Great Danes, who became the fifth team in NEC history to go undefeated in league play en route to last year’s title, received five first-place votes. Monmouth placed second in the voting with two first-place votes, while Central Connecticut State was third with one vote to finish first in the standings.

This year’s NEC champion will host the winner of the Pioneer Football League in the third annual Gridiron Classic, an exempted postseason football game that takes place on Saturday, Dec. 6. The Northeast Conference receives an automatic NCAA Division I FCS playoff berth, beginning in 2010. In addition, Duquesne joins the conference as its eighth football-playing member this season.

“Our school and program are respected and that’s a major reason why we were voted to win the conference,” said UAlbany’s Bob Ford, who leads all active FCS head coaches with 225 career victories. “Our offensive line has a strong nucleus returning and we have a great tailback. The defense is solid with some key players back from last year. But I tell the squad every day that we have arrived at a point where you can lose on any weekend in this conference.”

The Great Danes, who won the NEC crown for the third time since joining the league in 1999, finished with an 8-4 overall record. Coach Ford has 46 letterwinners, including 11 starters, back from last year’s championship team. UAlbany has produced seven or more wins six times as an Division I FCS program.

**********

2008 Northeast Conference Preseason Coaches Football Poll

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

*********

Somerset, N.J. – The Northeast Conference announced its 2008 preseason all-conference football team. UAlbany had six players voted to the squad by the conference’s head coaches. Nineteen of the 25 student-athletes on the preseason all-star unit earned NEC postseason honors last year.

David McCarty, who was named to the Sports Network FCS All-America team, ran for 1,503 yards, the third-highest single-season total in program history. The junior tailback ranked 10th among the nation’s rushing leaders at 125.3 yards per game. McCarty, who also totaled 1,634 all-purpose yards, gained 100 or more yards on the ground in eight games. He was a second-team All-NEC selection in 2007.

Raphael Nguti, a 6-foot-7, 330-pound right tackle, and Kevin Richards, a 6-foot-2, 270-pound center, were also voted to the league’s preseason team. Nguti, a first-team All-NEC lineman, has made 33 career appearances and may have an opportunity to play at the next level with his size. Richards anchored a line that helped the offense average 208.6 rushing yards and 362.5 total yards per game.

Defensive tackle Tom Pandolf was one of five UAlbany players who were named to last season’s all-conference first team. He accounted for 37 tackles, three sacks and 6.5 hits for a loss. Justin Brancaccio, a junior inside linebacker, was second on the UAlbany defense in tackles with 63 and added two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Dave West, a senior safety, made 60 tackles, including 44 unassisted, and had five pass break-ups and two interceptions. West earned second-team All-NEC recognition last season.

Courtesy: America East Communications

If the head coaches’ predictions hold true, a new champion will be crowned at the 2008 America East Field Hockey Championship this November. University at Albany topped the 2008 preseason coaches’ poll, voted on by all six field hockey head coaches across the conference, which would end Boston University’s three-year reign as tournament champions. The Great Danes received four first-place votes out of a maximum of five and 24 total points to edge out the Terriers who received two first-place votes and 22 points.

Albany (15-5 overall record in 2007, 4-1 America East record) fell to Boston University (18-6, 5-0) in last year’s final by a 4-1 score.

This year’s field hockey championship will take place November 7 and 9 and will be hosted by the highest seed with an artificial turf surface. The top four teams from the regular season will participate in the tournament, with the winner of the championship receiving an automatic berth to the NCAA Championship.

University of Vermont (16 points) and University of New Hampshire (14 points) were picked to finish the season third and fourth, respectively, while University of Maine (nine points) and Fairfield University (five points) rounded out the six-team poll.

The Great Danes finished runners-up to the Terriers last year in both the regular season and the tournament, and are searching for their first America East crown. Albany turned in the second-most productive offense in the league last year largely due to senior midfielder Michelle Simpson (Midlesbrough, England/University of Teesside), a second-team All-American recording 34 points, who returns with one more year of eligibility. Head coach Phil Sykes’ team also has America East first-team goalkeeper senior Ashley Ross (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley), who led America East with a 1.14 goals against average in 2007. Juniors Nicole Savage (Wilkes-Barr, Pa./James M. Coughlin) and Jess Lindsey (Norristown, Pa./Methacton) will also look to produce results after putting up 31 and 19 points, respectively, last year.

The Terriers lost a senior class that led the team to four straight regular season titles and three consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament, but head coach Sally Starr’s squad hopes to replace that experience with nine freshmen and two transfers in addition to the returning athletes. Boston U. boasts the 2007 America East Rookie of the Year in sophomore goalkeeper Kim Kastuk (Putnam Valley, N.Y./Putnam Valley) as well as senior backs Lizzie Perreault (Teaticket, Mass./Falmouth) and Holly Wiles (Harare, Zimbabwe/Arundel School), who all should make for a very strong defensive unit. Junior Gabby Hajjar (Ottawa Hills, Ohio/Ottawa Hills) is the highest-scoring returner up front with 2007 totals of nine goals, one assist and 19 points.

Vermont (12-7, 3-2) is coming off one of its most successful seasons, tying the program’s record for total wins, and will try to continue that momentum into 2008. Leading the team should be two returning first-team all-conference picks, seniors Kim Striegler (Whitney Point, N.Y./Whitney Point) and Maegan Luce (Hartford, Vt./Hartford). Luce, a forward, notched seven goals and eight assists last season, while Striegler posted 12 points on four goals and four assists from the midfield a year ago.

New Hampshire (9-12, 2-3) will feature a pair of second-team all-conference selections in junior forward Megan Shea (Melrose, Mass./Melrose) and junior back Kiera Williams (Dover, N.H./St. Thomas Aquinas), while senior Sarah Craigue (Concord, N.H./Concord) will also provide a veteran presence up front. Despite missing three games due to injury, Craigue still finished second on the team in both points (13) and assists (five) last year. The hardest decision for 18th-year head coach Robin Balducci may be at goalkeeper, where two rookies and a sophomore will be vying for the job.

Josette Babineau’s Black Bears (5-11, 1-4) also have a void at the goalkeeper position which they hope to fill with either rookie Brittany Fleck (Vancouver, British Columbia/Crofton House School) or classmate Elizabeth Anderson (Morrill, Maine/Kent’s Hill). Maine has a young squad in 2008, but has a talented sophomore class which placed back Maire Dineen (Toronto, Ontario/Michael Power-St. Joseph) and midfielders Brittney Cummings (Belfast, Maine/Belfast) and Courtney Veinotte (Canaan, Maine/Skowhegan) on the 2007 All-Rookie team.

Fairfield (3-17, 0-5) begins its second season in America East on a quest to reach its first conference championship. Senior forwards Emily Janis (East Hampton, N.Y./East Hampton) and Molly Byrnes (Greenwich, Conn./Greenwich) were consistent performers for the Stags last year, each posting a team-high eight points and playing in the starting lineup. Janis and Byrnes will be leaders on a team which welcomes nine freshmen.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – The University at Albany volleyball team was picked to finish first in the America East Conference preseason poll, as voted by the league’s head coaches and announced on Tuesday afternoon. The Great Danes, who have won three of the last four America East championships, received four first-place votes for 33 total points.

UAlbany edged out New Hampshire in the voting, as the Wildcats garnered two first-place votes and 31 points. UMBC earned the final first-place vote to finish third in the poll, followed by Binghamton, Stony Brook, Hartford and Maine.

UAlbany became the first America East program to win a match in the NCAA Tournament, defeating Cleveland State, 3-0, last season. The Great Danes return 2007 conference rookie of the year Amanda Cowdrey and the postseason championship’s most outstanding player Brooke Stanley. UAlbany will retain much of its youth from last season, with just two seniors gracing a 13-player roster. The list includes all-conference first-team middle blocker Kamisha Kellam, who was among the league leaders last season in hitting percentage (.327), kills (3.24 kpg) and blocks (1.06 bpg).

The 2008 America East volleyball championship will take place November 21-23 at the top seed’s home court. The top four teams from the regular season will participate in the championship and the tournament winner will earn an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.

UAlbany starts the 2008 season on August 29 at San Diego State’s Aztec Invitational.

First Weekend Attendance Record Established at 2008 New York Giants Training Camp

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

The New York Giants continued their 2008 training camp on the University at Albany campus with two practice sessions on Saturday, July 26. An opening two-day record crowd of 6,205 fans greeted the Super Bowl XLII champions.

The Giants, who are off on Sunday, will practice twice on Monday, July 28 with the morning workout scheduled for 8:40 a.m. The evening session begins at 6:10 p.m. Players and coaches will sign autographs following the night practice and the Super Bowl trophy will be on display.

On Tuesday, July 29, the Giants practice once in the afternoon, from 2:40-4;50 p.m. The New York Giants will hold two workouts on Wednesday (July 30), with a morning sesion at 8:40 a.m. and evening practace at 6:10 p.m.

The Giants are conducting their National Football League training camp at UAlbany for a record-setting 13th summer. The previous high for attendance on the opening two days of camp was 6,000 in 1996, the first year the Giants trained in the Capital Region

New York Giants Begin Training Camp at the University of Albany Today

The Giants, who have trained on the UAlbany campus since 1996, begin workouts today, Friday, July 25. The camp concludes on Sunday, August 17.

For the third consecutive year, Giants training camp will feature eight evening practices. The first night practice is slated for Monday, July 28, at 6:10 p.m. All eight sessions are preceded by a morning workout at 8:40 a.m. The other day-night workouts are scheduled for July 28 and 30, plus August 1, 3, 5, 10, 12 and 15. Training camp opens with morning and afternoon practices on July 25 and 26.

The Super Bowl XLII champion New York Giants will practice 19 days on the UAlbany campus, including 10 double sessions. As has been the routine in previous camps, the Giants will not practice on the days following preseason games. On the day before a preseason game, the team will hold a one-hour jog-thru session.

Giants training camp all-session parking passes will be available at UAlbany's Athletic Merchandise Store, located in the SEFCU Arena Lobby, beginning Monday, July 7. An all-session parking pass is $15.00. The daily parking fee is $5.00. Dutch (Student Gold) Lot is the primary public parking facility. The Merchandise Store is open Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. For more information, call 518-442-4522. The training camp schedule can be accessed through www.giants.com or www.ualbanysports.com.

UAlbany and the Giants are currrently in the second year of an agreement that has kept the National Football League organization's training camp in the Capital Region. The arrangement also includes the option for a third year in 2009.

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

In the 12 years that the Giants have trained at UAlbany, the preseason camp has averaged 31,032 fans per summer. The all-time mark of 45,040 was established in 2004.

2008 New York Giants Training Camp Schedule

July 25 (Fri.)
Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.
Practice #2: 3:20-5:20 p.m.
July 26 (Sat.)
Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.
Practice #2: 3:20-5:20 p.m.
July 27 (Sun.)
No Practice
July 28 (Mon.)
Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.
Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.
July 29 (Tues.)
Practice: 2:40-4:50 p.m..
July 30 (Wed.)
Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.
Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.
July 31 (Thurs.)
Practice: 2:40-4:50 p.m.
August 1 (Fri.)
Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.
Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.
August 2 (Sat.)
No Practice
August 3 (Sun.)
Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.
Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.
August 4 (Mon.)
Practice: 2:40-4:50 p.m.
August 5 (Tues.)
Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.
Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.
August 6 (Wed.)
Practice: 10:30-11:30 a.m. (Jog-Thru)
August 7 (Thurs.)
NFL Preseason Game @ Detroit, 7:00 p.m.
August 8 (Fri.)
No Practice
August 9 (Sat.)
Practice: 2:40-4:50 p.m.
August 10 (Sun.)
Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.
Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.
August 11 (Mon.)
Practice: 2:40-4:50 p.m.
August 12 (Tues.)
Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.
Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.
August 13 (Wed.)
No Practice
August 14 (Thurs.)
Practice: 2:40-4:50 p.m.
August 15 (Fri.)
Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.
Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.
August 16 (Sat.)
Practice: 2:40-4:50 p.m.
August 17 (Sun.)
Practice: 8:30-10:00 a.m. (Jog-Thru)
Camp Ends

2008 New York Giants Schedule
Preseason

Aug. 7 (Thu.) at Detroit Lions 7:00 p.m. (WNBC)
Aug. 18 (Mon.) Cleveland Browns 8:00 p.m. (ESPN)
Aug. 23 (Sat.) at New York Jets 7:00 p.m. (WCBS)
Aug. 28 (Thu.) New England Patriots 7:00 p.m. (WNBC)

Regular Season

Sept. 4 (Thu.) Washington Redskins 7:00 p.m. (NBC)
Sept. 14 (Sun.) at St. Louis Rams 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
Sept. 21 (Sun.) Cincinnati Bengals 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
Sept. 28 (Sun.) BYE
Oct. 5 (Sun.) Seattle Seahawks 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
Oct. 13 (Mon.) at Cleveland Browns 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Oct. 19 (Sun.) San Francisco 49ers 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
Oct. 26 (Sun.) at Pittsburgh Steelers 4:15 p.m. (FOX)
Nov. 2 (Sun.) Dallas Cowboys 4:15 p.m. (FOX)
Nov. 9 (Sun.) at Philadelphia Eagles 8:15 p.m. (NBC)
Nov. 16 (Sun.) Baltimore Ravens 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
Nov. 23 (Sun.) at Arizona Cardinals 4:15 p.m. (FOX)
Nov. 30 (Sun.) at Washington Redskins 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
Dec. 7 (Sun.) Philadelphia Eagles 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
Dec. 14 (Sun.) at Dallas Cowboys 8:15 p.m. (NBC)
Dec. 21 (Sun.) Carolina Panthers 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
Dec. 28 (Sun.) at Minnesota Vikings 1:00 p.m. (FOX)

Directions to UAlbany Athletic Complex

From the North: Take Interstate 87 (Northway) south to Exit 1E. Off the exit, proceed to Interstate 90 east (Albany/Boston). Take Exit 2 (Washington Avenue) which leads right into the University at Albany campus. Follow University Drive (heading south) 3/4 of mile to Dutch Quad parking lot (public) and one mile to Recreation & Convocation parking lot (Giants/VIP).

From the South: Take Interstate 87 (Thruway) north to Exit 24. After the tollbooths, proceed onto Interstate 90 east towards Boston. Take Exit 2 (Washington Avenue) which leads right into the University at Albany campus. Follow University Drive (heading south) 3/4 of mile to Dutch Quad parking lot (public) and one mile to Recreation & Convocation parking lot (Giants/VIP).

From the East: Take Interstate 90 west towards Buffalo. Leave interstate at Exit 2 (Fuller Road). Turn left at Fuller Road, and then take next left at Washington Avenue. The University at Albany campus is on your right. Upon entering campus, follow University Drive (heading south) 3/4 of mile to Dutch Quad parking lot (public) and one mile to Recreation & Convocation parking lot (Giants/VIP).

From the West: Take Interstate 90 (Thruway) east to Exit 24. After the tollbooths, proceed onto Interstate 90 east towards Boston. Leave interstate at Exit 2 (Washington Avenue) which leads right into the University at Albany campus. Follow University Drive (heading south) 3/4 of mile to Dutch Quad parking lot (public) and one mile to Recreation & Convocation parking lot (Giants/VIP).

University of Albany Offers NY Giants Fans Walking Tours of University Landmarks

The University of Albany invites visitors of the New York Giants Training Camp, in its 13th year at UAlbany, to tour the campus. The five-stop walking tour includes a stroll around the University's prominent academic podium, an architecturally-unique modernist structure featuring 13 academic buildings and two distinctive fountains on a raised platform, where students and visitors socialize, or "podiate."

The campus was designed by renowned architect Edward Durell Stone.
The self-guided tour also highlights other campus landmarks:

Minerva -- Embodying the Strong Foundation of a UAlbany Education. Goddess of wisdom and enduring symbol of the University at Albany. Seven-foot-tall statue has resided at the University since the late 1880s and symbolizes the strong foundation of knowledge offered by the University. Located in the spacious atrium of UAlbany's Science Library.








The Campus Center... Heart of campus life at UAlbany. Serves students, faculty, professional staff, alumni, and guests. Home to the University's Barnes & Noble bookstore.












Academic Podium -- Experience UAlbany's Modern Vision... Built in the 1960s, the UAlbany Uptown Campus was designed by famed modernist architect Edward Durell Stone. Features include the academic podium; the carillon -- a tower located in the fountain pool with an organ at its base; the fountain -- site of UAlbany's Fountain Day; and the University's libraries, which boast more than two million volumes and are ranked among the top 100 academic research libraries in North America.


Performing Arts Center, a jewel in the crown of UAlbany, houses the departments of Theatre and Music.












University Art Museum, one of the Northeasts leading exhibitors of contemporary art, contains three galleries and more than 9,000 square feet of exhibition space to accommodate six to eight exhibitions by renowned artists each year.




University Hall — Where a World of Opportunity Begins. Opened in fall 2006, University Hall is the University's newest structure and welcome center. Designed as "a sculpture," adorned externally with 3,500 glass panels. Inside is a diverse array of artwork from University Art Museum collections of contemporary art.
University Hall is also home to the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Walking tour brochures are available online.

UAlbany's Steve Ammann Chosen America East Lacrosse Scholar-Athlete of the Year

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – University at Albany’s Steve Ammann has been chosen America East Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year in men’s lacrosse for the 2008-09 academic year, as announced on Tuesday, July 22 by the conference office. He has a 3.83 cumulative grade point average in business administration with a concentration in finance and marketing.

Ammann, a senior from Putnam Valley, N.Y., recently was named to the ESPN The Magazine District I All-Academic Men’s At-Large Team. He earned UAlbany’s Presidential Scholar-Athlete Award as the senior male athlete with the highest GPA and received the President’s Award for Leadership. Ammann was a member of the conference all-academic squad for the second straight year and the America East Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll.

A second-team all-conference midfielder for the second year in a row, Ammann ranked fourth on the UAlbany team in scoring with 15 goals and 12 assists. He made 65 appearances and accounted for 36 goals, 35 assists and 80 ground balls as a collegian. He helped lead the Great Danes to a pair of America East championships and two NCAA berths in 2005 and 2007.

Ammann, who played alongside his brother, Mike, on the team’s second midfield line, has been active in the community with Habitat for Humanity, Walk for Juvenile Diabetes and Adopt-A-Family. Prior to graduation last May, he served internships with Morgan Stanley and Northwestern Mutual Financial Network.

UAlbany & New York Giants Announce Capital District Student Scholarship Recipient

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Monday, July 21 that Guy Robichaud will receive the Capital District Student Scholarship, sponsored by New York Giants Football, Inc. and UAlbany. Robichaud will be recognized as part of a welcome program at Giants Media Day on Wednesday, July 23.

The Giants Media Day program is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on the UAlbany campus' Dutch Quad Field. Giants head coach Tom Coughlin will meet with the media and then be part of a welcome event.

Robichaud, who will attend UAlbany in the fall and play football for head coach Bob Ford, was a consensus first-team All-Area selection by the Albany Times Union, Daily Gazette and Troy Record. Robichaud, a 6-foot-5, 290-pound offensive lineman from Rensselaer, N.Y., was named first-team All-Liberty Division. He made 67 tackles from his defensive line position as a senior. LaSalle Institute won its second Section II, Class AA championship in the last three years with a 9-2 record.

Robichaud plans to study sports medicine or sports management. His parents are Guy and Kathleen Robichaud. He has one brother, Patrick. His mother serves as Judge of the Rensselaer City Court.

The Capital District Student Scholarship provides Robichaud with a monetary award equivalent to the tuition costs of four years at the University at Albany. The Giants are training on the UAlbany campus for a record-setting 13th consecutive summer. The first practice sessions will be held on Friday, July 25 and continue through Sunday, August 17.

TRAINING CAMP NOTES: The Super Bowl XLII champion New York Giants have announced several special training camp events ... Player Autograph Night is scheduled for Monday, July 28 following the camp's first evening practice ... Giants Youth Day is Monday, Aug. 11 and Giants Albany Idol is Tuesday, Aug. 12 ... Giants training camp all-session parking passes are available through the University at Albany Athletic Ticket Office (PE 135) ... An all-session parking pass is $15.00, while the daily parking fee is $5.00 ... Dutch (Student Gold) Lot is the primary public parking facility ... For more information, call 518-442-4683 or 518-442-4522 ... The 2008 New York Giants training camp schedule can be accessed through www.giants.com or www.ualbanysports.com.

University of Albany Alum Merrick Thomson Remains Goal Scoring Leader of Major League Lacrosse

University of Albany Alum Merrick Thomson Remains Goal Scoring Leader of Major League Lacrosse after posting three more goals last night against Rochester Rattlers. Thomson added two assists in the game, boosting him to
4th among major league lacrosse's points leaders. UAlbany alum and MLL Rookie Jordan Levine saw plenty of action as well.

With the Long Island Lizards of the MLL, UAlbany legend Frank Resetarits has scored 21 goals on the season.