Major League Lacrosse's Toronto Nationals, Stock Full Of University of Albany Lacrosse Alum, Head Into Playoffs Today - UAlbany Sports 2009

Although the Toronto Nationals may reside north of the border, the team has taken this nation by storm. In their inaugural season, the Nationals have notched a 7-5 record, clinched a spot in the playoffs, and have taken down the number one team in the league. From boasting the league’s leading goal scorer to housing a Thriller goalie between the pipes, the Nationals have become increasingly popular, making headlines all season long.

Obtaining 10 players from last year’s MLL Championship team, the Rochester Rattlers, Toronto hoped to start its first season with a win. The team’s powerhouse of attackers consisted of Merrick Thomson, Joe Walters, Jeff Zywicki, and Colin Doyle. Newly acquired Geoff Snider assumed his position at the X. The defensive core was to be lead by none other than Brodie Merrill, who has been named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year for the past three years. Flanking Merrill on defense was New Jersey Pride’s Joe Cinosky and former Duke Blue Devil, Nick O’Hara. On paper, the team was stacked—full of raw talent and sheer athleticism. But how would this fledgling Canadian team fare against some of the veteran teams in the league? Let’s take a quick look back…

Season Recap:

Off to a Hot Start
“Explosive, temperamental, and hilarious.”

These are three adjectives that face-off specialist Geoff Snider used to describe his team at the beginning of the season. If Toronto’s penalty minutes are any reflection of the first two traits, then Snider hit the nail on the head. The Nationals currently lead the league in penalty minutes, with 69.5, and have led for a majority of the season. However, this attitude also fueled an incredibly hot start to the Nationals’ season, establishing them as one of the league’s teams to beat.

In the first two games of the season, the Nationals won their first game in franchise history as well as their home opener. Thomson, who netted a career high seven goals in the first and tallied three goals and an assist in the second, earned back-to-back Bud Light MVP honors for his performances. It was clear from the start who Toronto’s leading man would be. His initial supporting cast on attack included Zywicki, Walters, Doyle, as well as defender Brodie Merrill. In the net, former championship goalie for the Rattlers, Brett Queener, had an outstanding opening night against Washington, only letting in six of 19 shots. From the beginning, these players set out to prove that the Nationals were going to be a force to be reckoned with, and it appeared as though a winning streak was in the making.

The streak was short-lived, however, as the Lizards handed Toronto its first loss. The Nationals added newly acquired rookie Sid Smith to their defensive lineup for this game. On attack, Walters, Doyle, Stephen Hoar, and Delby Powless led the charge for the Nationals. Unfortunately, it was not enough to overcome Long Island’s newest weapon, Zack Greer. Despite this 13-9 loss, the Nationals remained undaunted and only looked ahead.
Regaining composure, the Nationals entered rounds two and three with the Bayhawks. Walters earned game MVP honors by netting five goals in the nail-biting, round two match-up. With this win, the Nationals regained momentum and got their confidence back. Advancing to 3-1, Toronto was at the top of league standings alongside the Denver Outlaws. Next on the to-do list? Sweep the Bayhawks.

The Nationals returned home to host the Bayhawks for round three and for some light housekeeping. Was it Walters’ two two-pointers, Thomson and Zywicki’s combined five goals, or Merrill’s two goals and 10 ground balls? Regardless, the Bayhawks could not keep up. Toronto dictated the pace the entire game, eventually handing Washington a 19-12 loss. New to the mix that week was recently acquired goalie, Doc Schneider. Fresh from the MLL Draft, Doc delivered a stunning 11 saves on 15 shots. Making it look easy, the Nationals advanced to 4-1 and were headed to Denver to duke it out for the top spot.

Rocky Road Ahead
After a sizzling start, the Nationals looked to keep on rolling. However, in what was supposed to be one of the top games of the season, the Outlaws jumped to an early lead over Toronto and never looked back. Despite a combined 20-save performance from Docand Queener, the Nationals could not tame the Outlaws’ assault on the cage. In their first head-to-head battle with the other top team in the league, the Nationals failed to get a rhythm going, and it came back to bite them in the end. It was time to regroup, rebound, and head to Beantown to take on the Cannons.

Although the score may not reflect it, the game against Boston was much closer than the scoreboard read. Snider led the charge with four goals, including a two-pointer, and defender Brodie Merrill held Boston’s Paul Rabil to a mere two goals and an assist for the entire game. Despite such performances, Toronto fell short for the second week in a row. With Denver next on the schedule, Toronto needed to rethink its game plan.

The score was closer this time around, but the Outlaws still managed to edge out Toronto 20-16. Rookie Corey Small was activated that week and suited up for his MLL debut against Denver. Thomson was back in full force, putting up five goals and one assist, and at his side were Walters, Powless, and Doyle, who combined for 10 points. Toronto had the firepower, just not enough hits to overcome the Outlaws. With an overall record of 4-4, the Nationals wearily looked ahead to their July 4th game against the Machine.

In a high intensity, high-scoring contest, the Nationals lost their fourth straight game. Despite seven goals from Thomson, six points from Doyle, five points from Walters, and multi-point games from several others, the Leveille brothers, who combined for 16 points, could not be contained. In a heartbreaker, the Machine walked away with the win.

Now at 4-5, the Nationals had everyone wondering, what happened to Toronto?

“We started out 4-1 after five games and we were feeling pretty good about ourselves, maybe a little too good,” comments Toronto attacker Joe Walters. “We hit rock bottom after losing the next four in a row. At that point I think the coaching staff did a great job figuring out who we were as a team and placing people in the right positions to give our team the best chance to win.”

“The biggest thing was figuring out how to play with each other and what everyone’s roles would be,” adds Toronto Head Coach Dave Huntley. “I think we know that now.”

And the outcome…?

Back in the Saddle Again
Looking for redemption and for a chance to get their season back on track, the Nationals traveled to Long Island. New to the lineup this week was rookie defender Brad Ross. From the starting whistle, the Lizards didn’t even know what hit them. Doc and Queener combined for 15 saves on 23 shots, Snider went 21-31 at the X, and the usual suspects were firing on all cylinders on attack. With 10 different players scoring against the Lizards, Toronto had a field day at Shuart Stadium, routing the Lizards 19-9. Next stop? Back home to Toronto to host the Cannons. And this time, playoffs were on the line.

In week 11, the Nationals not only beat the Cannons, but they secured their spot in the playoffs. Game MVP Thomson led the attack with five goals and three assists. This time, his supporting cast added some fresh talent. While Walters and Zywicki scored four points apiece, Powless, Shawn Williams,and Gavin Prout each had three. Rookie defender, Brad Ross also netted two goals. With every single player delivering on the field, the Nationals fought to the end, when Walters netted the game winner in OT. Back on track, Toronto had now reached the climax of their regular season: the final showdown against Denver.

The Toronto Nationals made a strong bid in the campaign for the post-season Steinfeld Cup by dominating the Denver Outlaws in week 13. After months of watching from the sideline due to injury, lacrosse prodigy John Grant Jr. took the field, and he took it by storm. The game MVP notched five goals in his first game back, complementing Thomson’s four goals and one assist quite nicely.

“They are both great players who don't miss when their hands are free,” says Huntley. “I think our other guys did a great job of getting them the ball in good spots.”

Leading from the first quarter, Toronto shifted into overdrive and never looked back. At the end of regulation, the Nationals had dethroned the Outlaws 16-10.

“We all agreed to just play the game of lacrosse the way we know how to, and the outcome has been pretty amazing,” says Walters. “We are playing well at both ends, and now we have two more games to win to go 5-0 like we talked about.”

Coach Huntley adds, “We were solid in all areas of the game. In order to compete with a balanced team like Denver you can't have any weak links, and we were pretty strong in all aspects.”

One aspect that deserves recognition is the fact that 12 of Toronto’s 16 goals were assisted—by seven different players. The Nationals have been successful when they stick to the selfless style of team attack that they do best and don’t fall into a selfish style of play. It clearly paid off in this game.

“Toronto Nationals lacrosse is not a one-on-one style,” admits Walters. “We are best when we move the ball, find the open man, and make that extra pass for easy shots close to the goal. Personally, I have tried using my athleticism to draw slides and move the ball, creating offense for our team. I am much more proud of my assist total this year than my goals.”

Spoken like a true team player, Walters leads the team in assists for the season with 17 thus far. The Nationals lead the league in assists with 110 total; the second closest team, Boston, only records 82. In addition to team attack, Toronto’s game has changed for the better in other ways as well.

Keys to Success

Focus and Finish
These are two things that Coach Huntley mentioned back in week eight when Toronto lost to the Machine. Since then, the Nationals have not lost a game. Looking at the box scores and stats on Point Streak, it is clear that the Nationals have remedied their problem with finishing. Toronto also currently leads the league in goals, with 184. So, could focus have been the missing link?

“We became more and more used to playing together and focused on doing the little things right,” says standout goalie Doc Schneider. “Also, Coach Huntley talked about focus and trust. We really trust each other out there now, and have been focusing on doing the little things in a game that makes or breaks a team.”

It seems that many of the players would agree with Doc on this point. Interestingly, when asked for three new words to describe the Nationals as a team now, Snider states, “Focused, motivated, hilarious.” With playoffs on the line, the Nationals quickly turned their season around and finished on a winning streak. Championship Weekend was all the motivation they needed. The focus and trust, however, came from the coaches and, most importantly, from each other.

Great Players, Better Chemistry
When given the opportunity to brag about his own personal play this season, Doc humbly refrains and replies, “Guys like Geoff Snider and Brodie Merrill are players that you can’t find all over the league—a face off guy [Snider] that is excellent at what he does but has over 20 points and is not a liability on defense, and a long pole [Merrill] who is the best cover guy and creates more offense then any defensive player in the league by far. I feel we have a great attack and defensive unit, but these special types of players are really big game changers.”

In addition to Merrill’s physical presence all over the field, he is also a steadfast leader. Thomson recently commented that Merrill was one of the best leaders that he has ever encountered. Is it his playing style? His dedication? His personality? Perhaps a little of each.

“I just try and lead by example and help support my teammates,” says Merrill. “It’s not something you are really conscious of. We have a great group of guys on the team, so it is an easy environment to lead; everyone is on the same page.”

Although these are just two examples, the Nationals are far from modest when talking about each and every one of their teammates. With such admiration and respect for each other as players, it’s no wonder why the Nationals are doing so well. Lacrosse is a team sport, and a team is only as strong as its weakest link. The Nationals have worked together the second half of the season to ensure that there are no weak or missing links, and that the team is striving for a common goal—the Steinfeld Cup.

The Road To Annapolis:
With the top four teams in the league heading to Naptown, fans are guaranteed an electrifying weekend full of hard hits and high scores. And with just two games in two days, the Cup is anyone’s for the taking. Is Toronto up to the challenge?

Looking ahead to next weekend, Merrill comments, “I think it was important for us to experience the highs and lows. I think we will be a little more prepared to handle adversity because of the nature of our season.”

For many of Toronto’s players, this will not be their first trip to Championship Weekend; however, for the Nationals as a team, it is a first. Rookie Doc Schneider is very excited to play in Navy’s stadium.

“I am very excited for Championship Weekend. The idea of winning a championship at this level is all the motivation I need,” Schneider adds.

Goals
In the battle for the championship, the team hopes to grow further as a cohesive group and come together for an intense weekend. “Our goal is to play well as a team and as individuals on every shift,” remarks Huntley. “If we do that, winning will take care of itself.”

Aside from the main objective to win the MLL title, the team also talks personal goals. Each player has high hopes and even higher standards when it comes to individual play.

“My personal goals for the weekend are to continue to play my role, lead, get our offense the ball, and do whatever it takes to win,” lists Snider.

Aiming even higher, Walters adds, “I want to win back-to-back titles. Last season I was fortunate enough to have a good weekend. I will do everything I can to duplicate that effort and help our team in any way to hoist the Cup on Sunday.”

But to get to Sunday, the Nationals must get through the Long Island Lizards on Saturday.

The One-Two Punch
Of the four teams, Toronto and Long Island are the only two to win their last regular season game. The history between the two includes a split series, lots of goals, and several hard hits; Saturday’s match-up should be no different. Looking to keep their season alive, the Nationals welcome the challenge.

“We are definitely prepared to take on Long Island,” states a confident Walters. “We have a great group of guys and keep getting better every game. Long Island has a very tough defense and the best goalie in the league. We know what we are up against and look forward to the challenge.”

In the other semifinal game on Saturday, the fourth-seeded Boston Cannons take on the top seed, the Denver Outlaws. Many expect to see Denver in the finals. However, given the format of the weekend, anything is possible.

“Much like the NCAA Tournament, you kind of have to expect the unexpected,” admits Merrill.

A quick turnaround, with two games in two days, levels the playing field. With less than 24 hours of rest, two teams will meet on Sunday to battle for the Steinfeld Cup. With typically one game each week, none of the MLL teams encounters such a turnaround during the season, so it may be tiring for some. However, many of the Nationals also play in Canada’s Major Series Lacrosse, which shares a season with the MLL. With MSL playoffs coming to a close this week, players have played back-to-back games during their two-week respite with the MLL. This may be the factor that gives Toronto the edge in Annapolis.

“Championship Weekend will come down to endurance,” says Snider. “The majority of our team is playing summer indoor lacrosse as well. We are all in incredible shape. I think the format for the weekend caters to our athleticism.”
With such a strong, close-knit team, the Nationals likely will go far next weekend. Fans will see the formidable tandem of Thomson and Grant Jr. running circles around their defenders while Merrill commands his defensive unit on the other end; and Schneider and Queener will deliver great saves as they always do. One thing is for sure though: regardless of the weekend’s outcome, the Nationals will play their game and leave it all on the field. Coach Huntley said it best when he spoke of his team regarding Championship Weekend:

“I expect everyone who suits up to be a standout player for us.”

By Lindsay Gaesser

University of Albany FCS Football All-American Plans On Career In U.S. Marine Corps - UAlbany Sports 2009

ALBANY — David McCarty, First Team All-American.

David McCarty, United States Marine.

“I’d love to be both,” University at Albany’s battering ram running back said at the Great Danes’ Media Day earlier this week.

If it’s a choice of one?

“No contest,” the former La Salle Institute two-way star said. “Being in the military is something I’ve wanted to do all my life. I’m a big history buff and a big military buff and I’ve been anxious to serve my country ever since 9/11.”

First, though, is the 2009 season.

McCarty is among 14 starters back from last season’s team that won all seven Northeast Conference games, went 9-3 overall and routed Jacksonville (28-0) in the Gridiron Classic.

McCarty rushed for a school-record 1,852 yards and 13 touchdowns and set another mark with 2,208 all-purpose yards. His 357 carries was four short of a 30-carry per game average. His rushing total breaks down to 154.3 yards per contest. He was second on the team in receiving with 27 catches for 356 yards and four TDs.

“Just an amazing season,” UAlbany coach Bob Ford said.

McCarty’s humility always precedes him.

He capped off his standout junior season with one of the best individual performances of the college football season — all divisions. He carried the ball 33 times for 271 yards and scored all four touchdowns on runs of 16, 1, 3 and 77 yards in the Gridiron Classic.

His reaction?

“It just felt good to make a contribution to my team’s victory,” he said.

Ford says McCarty “has been an interesting commodity at UAlbany.

“When we recruited him, he was a 167-pound, two-time runner-up in the state wrestling title,” Ford said. “He was just a real good high school back with great determination, average speed, good balance, great vision.

“Now he’s a 217-pounder with those same qualities,” Ford added. “Still above average speed, but not blazing speed. But a very, very tough kid. He’s a horse by coach’s terminology. He gets better as the game goes along, he has great endurance. So, he’s been a pleasure to have here.”

The Great Danes are a unanimous choice of Northeast Conference coaches to win the league championship again this season. That puts pressure on the team to win and McCarty knows much of that pressure is squarely on his shoulders.

“It is,” he said. “Because I take winning very seriously. I’ve been raised to be a very competitive person. When we lose, it sucks. When I lose, it sucks. I get down on myself (but) I try to figure out what we have to do to come back and win. Since I was a little kid, I’ve always been competitive. Playing anything. I just hate losing. I don’t take it very well. So, I do take winning this season, I do put it on my shoulders.”

McCarty is one of the Great Danes’ four captains; a quiet one.

“I’m not one to start yelling at kids to step it up,” he said. “I take in myself to do it (be example) and (expect) it of the other captains. They know what they have to do. I liked seeing my teammates picking me as a leader. That’s more of an honor to me to be a captain on this football team that any record, or any other award. These are my peers, my family, my friends. I’m more excited about that than anything else.”

McCarty doesn’t like talking about individual achievements, doesn’t think much about them. And he doesn’t have any numerical goals for his final collegiate season.

Has anyone mentioned “2000 yards” to him, he was asked.

“When I got interviewed by channel 9 or channel 23, they said, ‘is 2,000 in view?’ I told them the same thing I tell everybody:

“I don’t care about numbers,” he said. “I really don’t, as long as win and we get another ring, I couldn’t care less. I could get 200 yards in all 11 games, I don’t care. I just want to win.”

McCarty, a three-time All-American wrestler at La Salle Institute, was a Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly 1-AA) Third Team All-American last season.

Would he like to hear “First Team” this season.

“It’s always a good thing,” he said. “But as I said, it really doesn’t matter. I just want to win football games.”

In recent pictures, McCarty looks as much like a body-builder as a football player. How much bigger is he?

“Last year at this time, I was right around 200 (pounds),” he said. “Right now, I’m about 215 (217, Ford says). This summer I had an opportunity to work out every day and run every day, so I’ve been training pretty hard. I didn’t stop after the season ended. I was still lifting, still working out. All spring, same thing. It’s been a non-stop thing.”

Will his mobility be affected by the ripped upper body, some might ask, if he had to make an open-field tackle on an interception, or on a difficult pass reception.

“Not at all, not at all,” he laughed. “Am I gonna fall over, is that what you’re asking? I’ll be fine.”

McCarty has good speed for a college football running back. That kind of speed, despite his great balance and strength, means he’d likely be just a special teams player for a National Football League team. He could possibly be asked to carry the ball for a Canadian Football League team, which could delay his trip to Parris Island, S.C. — where the Marine Recruit Depot is located.

“If it comes down to it, yeah. I know times are hard right now, the economy is the lowest it’s ever been. When I graduate, that’s going to have to be one of the main concerns; am I going to be able to provide for a family down the road. If the money’s there, I’m going to take it. Nobody’s going to turn down money. We’ll see.”

That said, McCarty says it’s about “90 percent sure I’m going into the Marines. It’s not set in stone but that’s something I’ve always wanted.”

McCarty will leave as the Great Danes best offensive player ever.

He wouldn’t word it that way, though.

“My main goal when I first came in here was to put UAlbany on the map athletically and I think by the end of this season, hopefully, I’ve done that.”

By Ed Weaver
The Record

Defending Champion University of Albany Field Hockey Chosen Third in America East Preseason Coaches' Poll - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. - Defending conference champion University at Albany has been chosen third in the 2009 America East Conference Field Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced by the league office on Thursday afternoon. New Hampshire, which last won the conference championship in 1998, garnered three of a possible five first-place votes and a total of 23 points to earn top billing in the poll.

Boston University had one first-place vote and totaled 20 points to finish second, while UAlbany garnered the final two first-place votes for 18 points. Maine (15 points), Vermont (nine points) and Fairfield (five points) rounded out the six-team ranking.

The Great Danes return seven starters from a team that claimed the program's first-ever America East title and NCAA Tournament berth last season. Senior midfielder Nicole Savage, a two-time all-conference selection, returns as the team's top scorer after tallying nine goals and two assists last season. Senior defender Jess Lindsey has already worked her way to the top of the UAlbany career assists chart, entering her final season with 39 helpers over the past three years. The Great Danes also return a strong corps of juniors and sophomores, led by all-rookie team member Christina Patrick, along with seven freshmen.

The top four teams during the regular season will compete at the 2009 America East Conference Field Hockey Championship on either November 6-8. The top seed will host the tournament, with the winner earning an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.

2009 America East Conference Field Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. New Hampshire (3) 23 points; 2. Boston U. (1) 20 points; 3. UAlbany (2) 18 points; 4. Maine 15 points; 5. Vermont 9 points; 6. Fairfield 5 points. () - first-place votes

New York Giants Coach Tom Coughlin Helps Prepare University of Albany FCS Football For NEC Title Defense - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. - New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin spoke to the University at Albany football team following the Great Danes' morning practice on Wednesday, Aug. 19. Coughlin, who coached the Giants to the 2008 NFC East crown and the previous year's Super Bowl championship, addressed the UAlbany squad as they prepare to defend back-to-back Northeast Conference titles.

UAlbany will scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 22 during the morning practice session to conclude the second week of preseason camp. The Great Danes have 14 starters returning from a team that also won the Gridiron Classic against Pioneer Football League champion Jacksonville. The New York Giants end their record-setting 14th summer training at UAlbany on Aug. 25.

Transcript from Giants Coach Tom Coughlin's Speech to UAlbany Football Team
"The first thing I want to say to you today is a year ago when we were practicing we had a young man named Aaron Ross. His fiancée is Sonya Richards. Some of you may not know who Sonya Richards is. She was the gal who was supposed to win the gold medal in the 400 (meter dash) a year ago (in the OIympics). She did not win it. She was third. She got out to a heckuva of a start and then did not win the thing. You cannot imagine what the world press did to her. They just pounded her butt unbelievably.

"Yesterday, I pick up the paper in the morning and read that Sonya Richards goes to the World Games in Berlin, and she wins the gold medal. She is the world champion in the 400-meter dash, and she runs it in 49 (seconds) flat.

"What does that mean to any of us? We know our game and we know our business. Perseverance is huge. This gal demonstrated that she is a great example for all of us. You don't let other people tell you who you are. You believe in yourselves, you believe in each other, you fight for each other, you demand for each other and make sure that you are all on the same page. This is what our great game is all about.

"You guys are two-time conference champions and a bowl champion ... so I should have you speak to us (the Giants). But let me just say this to you. Two years ago when we won the world championship and the ink was not even dry, what do you think the media wanted to know? ‘Coach, what are you going to do with your team? Are you going to be satisfied? Are they going to be fat catish? They aren't going to be preparing themselves. It's going to be a short offseason program...'

"Well, you know what we did about that. We held that up in front of ourselves and we challenged ourselves to be better than we had been the year before. We went out and we were 11-1 right out of the starting gate. We were 11-1. Now we didn't finish as well, and I'll argue with anybody about the quality of our team at the end of the year, but that's not the point. The point of the matter is, yeah, you have to set high goals and, yes, you have to deny the fact that you are satisfied. You are never satisfied in this business. You've got to finish.

"The great John Wooden says what you did yesterday does not necessarily mean that is going to take place today unless you apply the principles, the values and the great work ethic which you have here, and I have watched you work. Unless you apply those principles, it doesn't mean that you are going to be able to be successful again. Every year is a new year. Every team is a new team. The fiber of that team is the most important thing, and that's what you are putting together right now.

"(Army Lieutenant Colonel) Greg Gadson spoke to our team the other day. Greg lost his legs in Iraq, and he has been a great, great friend of the New York Giants. I have told you his story before. I asked him to speak to the team the other day because he and I were having a conversation about focus and concentration. I have spent a lifetime trying to learn how to make people focus better and concentrate better.

"It's interesting how there is a parallel in terms of the military and our game. The military goes to what might as well be a training camp before they deploy for 30 days as they train and get ready to be deployed. So it's a lot like our game. There are stages in that game as well.

"I was in Iraq this summer, and I will tell you one thing which I also sent out to our players in bold letters. When you think you've got it tough... It was 125 degrees in Iraq. I went to Mosul, which is a hot spot, believe me ... 125 degrees and soldiers with full battle armor. Sixty pounds of battle armor, helmets, the whole bit, and the attitudes were incredible. The attitudes were as positive as you could possibly imagine under those circumstances, and I think that sets a great example for all of us.

"I ran into a guy who was a sergeant major over there and was a part of the group that captured Saddam Hussein. He gave me a medal. They call them coins over there, but it had the warrior ethos on it.

"The number one thing is the mission ... the mission. If every guy is on the same page, if every guy believes in what we're doing, and if every guy hangs in there together and fights their way through the tough times ... and you're going to have them ... you can accomplish that and be very proud of the group that you have.

"So I wish you guys luck with your season. Keep working hard and Coach (Bob) Ford, congratulations on this group of guys and good luck to you."

University of Albany Men's Soccer Chosen Fourth in America East Conference Preseason Poll - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. - The University at Albany has been chosen to finish fourth in the 2009 America East Conference Men's Soccer Coaches' Preseason Poll, as announced by the league office on Wednesday, Aug. 19. The Great Danes, who received 30 points in the poll and one first-place vote, kick off their season on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 4 p.m. when they host Northeastern of the Colonial Athletic Association at Varsity Field.

Boston University, which advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament last year, was unanimously picked to win the conference title. The Terriers earned the maximum seven first-place votes and 49 points. Binghamton, which has made six straight appearances in the conference championship match, was tabbed to finish second with 39 points. Vermont was picked third with 34 points, followed by UAlbany, Hartford, New Hampshire, Stony Brook and UMBC.

UAlbany returns five starters, including 2008 America East Striker of the Year Claudio Dantas, from a squad which proved to be the surprise team in the league last year. The Great Danes finished second in the regular-season standings and matched the program's best Division I record of 12-4-2 despite being picked to finish eighth in the preseason poll. In addition, the squad's nine-win improvement tied for third in the nation. Konner McNamara, a 2008 all-rookie squad selection who will anchor the defense, along with midifelders Milos Jankovic and Ian Peach, and forward Shaun Kane, are also returning starters. Adrian Foncette, who posted three shutouts in four starts as a freshman last fall, will take over the goalkeeping duties.

The top six teams in the conference will advance to the America East Conference Championship. All of the matches in the conference's postseason tournament will be played at the higher seed, with the winner receiving an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. In 2007, the league sent two teams to the NCAAs.

-agate-

2009 America East Conference Men's Soccer Preseason Poll

1. Boston University (7) 49 points; 2. Binghamton 39 points; 3. Vermont 34 points; 4. UAlbany (1) 30 points; 5. Hartford 25 points; 6. New Hampshire 20 points; 7. Stony Brook 15 points; 8. UMBC 12 points.

() - first-place votes.

Hamburg's Ryan Feuerstein Verbally Commits To University of Albany Men's Lacrosse Program To Begin In 2011 - UAlbany Sports 2009

Ryan Feuerstein firmly supplanted his name onto the recruiting registry of many college lacrosse scouts this spring with a breakout junior high school season.

Surprisingly, though, it was his play at tournaments and camps before the spring of 2009 then again this summer right after becoming the only junior midfielder to be named All-Western New York that made Feuerstein a must have prospect for the University of Albany.

On July 14, Feuerstein, who will be a senior this coming school year at Hamburg High School, quickly ended any thoughts of going anywhere else, verbally committing to play lacrosse at Division I Albany.
While the university just announced its commitments for the 2010 season, it already has Feuerstein in the bank as one of the first to announce he’ll be playing at Albany starting in 2011.

“The first time Albany saw me was at the Tully Tournament in October and ever since, I had kept in touch with them a few times per month,” Feuerstein said. “Once July 1 hit and they could call me, they gave me an offer right away. I had visited the Albany campus at the end of March — it was the first school I saw — and I fell in love with it.”

The two-way standout followed up a stellar showing at the premier fall lacrosse invitational in Central New York by helping Hamburg to a third straight sectional championship then showing off his skills at the well-known 205 Lacrosse Camp at the University of Maryland in June.

“He had a very successful summer season and was seen by a lot of coaches, so his phone was really ringing,” his high school head coach, Jerry Severino, said. “He was already a hot commodity but the Maryland 205 trip was the clincher for a lot of college coaches.”

Indeed, there was a long list of callers. Scholarship offers also came in from Siena, UMBC, Binghamton and Hobart, while additional interest came from Sacred Heart, Mount St. Mary’s (Maryland), Hartford, Army, Colgate and Bellarmine.

Feuerstein coveted being at Albany despite seeing the lacrosse team routed in a game last season during his only visit. Still, the Great Danes have won the America East Conference tournament championship and made a trip to the NCAA Tournament as a Division I program four times.

He believes the program is only getting better, especially with 2008 Hamburg High School graduate and friend Joe Resetarits, who was one of the best high school offensive players ever to come out of New York, also playing there. Albany finished 7-7 and lost in the semifinals of the America East Conference Championships in 2009.

“I knew from the get-go that I love Albany and would have the opportunity to be a good player there, so I just wanted to get the recruiting process over with,” said Feuerstein, who comes from a family with a wealth of lacrosse talent, including father, Jerry, who played for Hamburg High and University of Buffalo, older bother, Jerry, who was a highly recruited standout at Hamburg but decided to attend Michigan State as just a student, and twin brother, Chris, who is also being looked at by high-level colleges and could even end up at Albany. “I absolutely didn’t take that game too seriously. What I saw was that they’re up-tempo style of play was just for me. I see myself helping and them improving a lot.”

Severino, who has been around the coaching ranks for quite some time and seen some of the best talent across the area and state, has called Feuerstein one of the most complete midfielders he has seen in years. Feuerstein has exhibited a knack for dodging opponents and explosive burst to the net.

He is best in fast break situations, many of which he starts himself by aggressively picking up ground balls. But as good as he has been offensively, Feuerstein’s defensive skill and effort are quite comparable.

“We’re not afraid to leave him out there on defense and his offensive skills are certainly second to none,” Severino said. “And he’s not afraid to be the guy. You can see it in his eyes.”

In his sophomore season, Feuerstein played at the varsity level and eventually became a significant contributor on a state-semifinalist team. He hit two cross bars in Hamburg’s one-goal loss to Carthage in a bid for a Class B State final berth in 2008, which Severino said showed his willingness to be in the middle of the action in a big spot.

Feuerstein, also a key offensive player for the Hamburg High School hockey team, built off that momentum with the big offseason and committed solely to lacrosse. But it wasn’t until this spring that he would become a force well-known around the high school lacrosse region. After enjoying a high-scoring regular season, Feuerstein netted five goals in Hamburg’s 13-6 win in the Section VI championship game.

With one of the finest and deepest senior classes leaving after the 2008 season, Feuerstein said he knew he would have a big opportunity. He felt the need to step up his game yet again as lead middie, senior Jon Crean, fought injuries all season long.

“I knew I’d have to be one of the guys to move up there and take over for all the seniors that graduated, so I figured I’d have to step it up,” said Feuerstein, who will be a captain next season. “I want to be one of the go-to-guys. I like the pressure.”

Feuerstein will join what is becoming a “Thruway Pipeline,” as Severino referred to it, from Hamburg to Albany, that also includes brothers, Frank and Joe Resetarits. Frank earned first team All-America honors in 2007 and is now playing professionally in the indoor National Lacrosse League and outdoor Major League Lacrosse, while Joe just completed an outstanding freshman year by being named an America East Conference first team all-star.

“I knew I really wanted to play with Joe again,” Feuerstein said. “It was a great experience to play alongside him for that one year at Hamburg. I know I’ll learn so much more from him and become a much better player learning from him again.”

Severino said recruitment by Albany won’t stop with Feuerstein. The college is fully aware of the talent Hamburg produces and Severino has a great deal of respect for the college’s coaching staff, which includes ninth-year head coach Scott Marr.

“The Hamburg program is into furthering and continuing the careers of its athletes at the collegiate level,” Severino said. “Ryan’s family has been tremendous and Ryan has certainly done his job with performing in school, sports and being a terrific kid.”

By Michael J. Petro

UAlbany Chosen to Win NEC Football Crown; Six Players Named to Preseason All-NEC Team

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Somerset, N.J. - According to a preseason poll of Northeast Conference head football coaches, the University at Albany is the unanimous favorite to win its third consecutive conference championship. The Great Danes, who became just the second team in NEC history to go undefeated against league opponents in back-to-back seasons, received eight first-place votes. Monmouth, the 2008 conference runner-up, picked up one first-place vote and is second in the poll. The results were announced during the NEC media teleconference on Tuesday, Aug. 18.

"The coaches (in our conference) respect our talent," commented UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose program has won or shared four NEC titles since joining the league in 1999. "If you have talent, you are going to be picked one, two or three. Our defense has depth at most positions and has many returning starters. Our offense has a tailback that has run for nearly 2,000 yards, a quarterback with great numbers and a quality receiver."

UAlbany put together its most celebrated campaign at the NCAA Division I FCS level last year by becoming the first NEC program to be crowned Gridiron Classic champions. The Great Danes capped a 9-3 campaign, the most victories at the Division I FCS level, with a 28-0 triumph over Pioneer Football League champion Jacksonville.

This year's NEC champion will travel to the PFL winner in the fourth annual Gridiron Classic, an exempted postseason football game, on Saturday, Dec. 5. The Northeast Conference receives an automatic NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoff berth, beginning in 2010.

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2009 Northeast Conference Football Preseason Coaches Poll

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

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Somerset, N.J. - All-America tailback David McCarty leads a group of six UAlbany players who have been chosen to the Northeast Conference preseason all-conference football team, as announced on Tuesday, Aug. 18 by the league office. The Great Danes and Sacred Heart led all NEC teams with six preseason all-league selections. In addition to McCarty, Tim Bush, Kevin Richards, Dave Casale, Justin Brancaccio and Eddie Delaney were named to the squad.

McCarty, a Walter Payton Award candidate, rushed for a school-record 1,852 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. He was named to the Sports Network Division I FCS All-America first team and earned first-team all-conference honors. McCarty ranked second among the nation's FCS rushing leaders at 154.3 yards per game.

Bush, a senior wide receiver, established the program's single-season receptions mark last year when he caught 67 passes for 794 yards and five touchdowns. He was chosen to the All-NEC first team. Richards, a 6-foot-2, 270-pound center, has anchored the offensive line the last two seasons. He twice has been picked to the all-conference second team.

Casale was named to the All-ECAC and All-NEC squads one year ago. From his free safety position, Casale recorded the most interceptions by a UAlbany defender since 1990 with seven. He was second on the team in tackles (74) and first in pass break-ups (7).

Brancaccio, a senior inside linebacker, led the Great Danes in tackles with 91, including 35 unassisted and four for a loss. He spearheaded a unit that ranked 13th in scoring defense and 18th in total defense among the national leaders. Brancaccio is among the program's career FCS tackles leaders with 167. Delaney, a 6-foot-6, 235-pound defensive end, earned second-team All-NEC recognition as a redshirt freshman. He totaled 37 tackles, 1.5 sacks and six pass deflections despite playing without a left hand.

3Peat Champion University of Albany Volleyball Chosen 2nd in America East Preseason Coaches' Poll - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Three-time defending champions University at Albany have been chosen second in the 2009 America East Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced by the league office on Tuesday afternoon. Binghamton, the 2008 runner-up, garnered four of a possible five first-place votes and a total of 26 points to earn top billing in the poll.

UAlbany earned the remaining two first-place votes and totaled 19 points. New Hampshire finished third with 17 points, while UMBC was close behind in fourth with 16 points. Stony Brook (nine points) and Hartford (five points) rounded out the six-team poll.

The Great Danes posted the first undefeated conference slate by a league team since 2001, going 12-0 in league play with a 23-9 overall record. UAlbany, which has won four of the past five America East championships, returns 2008 setter of the year Brooke Stanley, a junior who led the league in assists with 10.47 per set. Sophomore libero Laurie Gonzalez earned the conference's defensive specialist of the year award after leading the America East with 4.34 digs per set against conference opponents. Second-team honoree Hillary White and all-rookie hitter Kalyn Mostert also return.

The top four teams during the regular season will compete at the 2009 America East Conference Volleyball Championship on either November 20-21 or 21-22. The top seed will host the tournament, with the winner earning an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.

University of Albany & NY Giants Announce Paul Layton as Capital District Student Scholarship Recipient - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Tuesday, Aug. 18 that Paul Layton has been awarded the Capital District Student Scholarship, sponsored by New York Giants Football, Inc. and UAlbany.

Layton, a freshman placekicker and punter on the UAlbany football team, was selected Class A first-team all-state by the New York State Sportswriters Association. He made 68 of 69 point-after attempts and three field goals, plus averaged 42 yards per punt. He ranks third on the all-time Section II kicking list with 77 points.

A consensus first-team All-Area quarterback by the Albany Times Union, Daily Gazette and Troy Record, Layton passed for 1,302 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior. He also rushed for 1,186 yards and 20 TDs. In 2008, Layton led Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School to its second sectional title in the last three years and a trip to the state championship game. The Spartans finished with a 12-1 record.

A National Honor Society student, Layton plans to study business administration. His parents are Jim and Karen Layton. He has two sisters, Jessica and Lauren, and one brother, Steve.

The Capital District Student Scholarship provides Layton 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 14th consecutive summer. Training camp continues through Tuesday, Aug. 25.

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TRAINING CAMP NOTES: The New York Giants will practice twice on Aug. 19 and 20 on the UAlbany campus ... Wednesday's practice times are 9:15-10:25 a.m. and 6:05-8:05 p.m. ... Thursday's morning jog-thru session begins at 8:55 a.m. and is followed by a regular workout, from 2:35-4:35 p.m. ... The Giants will hold another jog-thru on Friday morning at 10:25 a.m. prior to Saturday's second preseason game against the Chicago Bears ... An all-session training camp parking pass is $15.00, while the daily parking fee is $5.00 ... Dutch (Student Gold) Lot is the primary public parking facility.

University of Albany FCS Football Tabbed NEC Favorite for Fourth Year Running - UAlbany Sports 2009

UAlbany stands as the unanimous favorite to capture the 2009 Northeast Conference football crown, which would be its third straight. The Great Danes received eight first-place votes to finish atop an annual survey of league’s head coaches for a fourth consecutive season. Monmouth, the 2008 NEC runner-up, garnered the lone remaining first-place nod to finish second in the preseason poll, the results of which were announced during a media teleconference Tuesday morning. The Conference also unveiled its Preseason All-NEC Team during the media session, which served as a prelude to the NEC’s 14th season on the gridiron.

Central Connecticut State, which has posted a winning conference record in each of the past five seasons, claimed third in the poll ahead of Sacred Heart in fourth and Robert Morris in fifth. Embarking on its second NEC season, Duquesne was chosen sixth while new league member Bryant took seventh. Wagner, in eighth, and Saint Francis (PA), in ninth, round out the preseason selections. 2009 Northeast Conference
Football
Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Albany (8)
2. Monmouth (1)
3. Central Conn. St.
4. Sacred Heart
5. Robert Morris
6. Duquesne
7. Bryant
8. Wagner
9. Saint Francis (PA)

First place votes in parentheses ( ).

The Northeast Conference kicks off the 2009 campaign on September 5 when all nine of its members take the field. Monmouth will host Duquesne to open the league schedule on September 19 in front of a NEC-TV audience, but it is not until October 3 that the NEC slate steps into full swing.

No program in Northeast Conference history has secured three consecutive outright league crowns, let alone three straight undefeated seasons. Not having lost a conference game since the 2006 season finale, Albany (9-3, 7-0 NEC) has the opportunity to accomplish both feats in 2009 and reigning NEC Coach of the Year Bob Ford welcomes back six preseason all-NEC performers to help in the effort. Walter Payton Award candidate David McCarty (Gansevoort, NY/LaSalle Institute), the league’s all-time single-season rushing leader (1,852), returns for his senior season at tailback. After moving from flanker into the backfield prior to the 2007 campaign, McCarty has rushed for a program-record 3,355 yards and 26 touchdowns in 24 games as the starter.

The Great Danes enjoy continuity at the other offense skill positions as well. All-NEC receiver Tim Bush (Saratoga Springs, NY/Saratoga Springs), who gained a fifth year of eligibility due to medical hardship, owns Albany’s single-season receptions record (67). Senior quarterback Vinny Esposito (Demarest, NJ/Northern Valley Regional) has a 17-7 career record as a starter and has thrown for 25 touchdowns to only 16 interceptions during that span.

Despite opening the 2008 season with three of four games against top-10 teams in FCS, Albany managed to lead the NEC in both scoring defense (18.2 ppg) and rushing defense (119.1 ypg). The Great Danes’ three preseason all-NEC selections had much to do with that. Sophomore defensive end Eddie Delaney (Holtsville, NY/Sachem East) made 37 tackles and broke up six passes. Senior captain Justin Brancaccio led the linebacking corps with 91 tackles. Meanwhile, senior Dave Casale (Troy, NY/Troy) was all over field in making 74 tackles and seven interceptions.

Monmouth (7-4, 6-1 NEC) has not finished lower than third in the Northeast Conference standings since 2002. The perennial title contender was the league’s runner-up in 2007, falling only to NEC champion Albany on the road. Selected second in the preseason poll for the third straight season, Monmouth sets out in search of its sixth conference crown, and first since 2006. The last time the Hawks sunk their claws into the NEC crown, Dave Sinisi (Cedar Grove, NJ/Cedar Grove) was in his first year of duty as the starting tailback. Three seasons, 3,612 rushing yards, and one NEC Offensive Player of the Year award later, Sinisi would love to close his collegiate career in the same fashion he started it. The three-time all-NEC tailback, who rushed for 1,674 yards and a NCAA-best 22 touchdowns in 2008, is one of five returning starters on offense. The four others are on the offensive line. Senior captains Kevin Sterling (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) and Shawn Wright (Fort Washington, MD/Dematha) return to a unit that not only paved the way for 192.7 yards per game rushing, but also provided premium protection for the passer. Monmouth ranked eighth amongst Division I FCS teams in surrendering only nine sacks in 11 games. Monmouth will miss 2008 NEC Defensive Player of the Year Kevin Walsh, but the former defensive end is only one of three starters lost from the NEC’s second-ranked scoring defense (20.5 ppg). Fifth-year senior David Kennedy (Fort Lee, NJ/Paterson Catholic) returns to his interior line position from which he recorded 10.0 tackles for loss, including 5.5 sacks, last season. Starting free safety Jose Gumbs (Queens, NY, Hebron Academy) is the reigning NEC Defensive of the Year after making 60 tackles (43 solo) in 10 games last season.


The rushes and wins have piled up since Jeff McInerney’s arrival in New Britain. Central Connecticut State’s (7-4, 4-3 NEC) ground attack has ranked amongst the nation’s top 10 in each of the head coach’s three seasons at the helm, a span during which the Blue Devils own a 21-12 record. One of the NEC’s three 1500-yard rushers last season, running back James Mallory (Buffalo, NY/Kenmore West) will be the focal point of a run game that features a mobile quarterback as well. Seniors Aubrey Norris (Staten Island, NY/Hargrave Military) and Hunter Wanket (Rancho Santa Fe, CA/Palomar JC), both dangerously athletic, shared the snaps last season.

After earning 2007 all-NEC honors at tight end, Greg Grochowski (Bristol, CT/Bristol Eastern) made a successful transition to tackle where he played eight games in 2008 and will likely start again as a senior. Senior Anthony Pineiro (Brooklyn, NY/Xaverian) earned all-league honors as a sophomore guard and will attempt to the repeat the feat as a senior center. The defensive front will miss former all-NEC end Ernie Greywacz, but the conference’s sacks leader returns in the form of Ray Saunders (Temple Hills, MD/Oxon Hill). The vaunted pass rusher earned first team all-NEC accolades along with junior cornerback Alondre Rush (Middletown, CT/Xavier).

Sacred Heart (8-3, 4-3 NEC) was the NEC’s most improved team a year ago. Following a 3-8 record and winless conference showing in 2007, the Pioneers won seven of their first eight games of 2008 to surge up the standings. Possibly even more impressive was that Sacred Heart did not surrender a quarterback sack for the season’s first seven games. Four of the five offensive linemen who provided premium protection to all-NEC quarterback Dale Fink (Swansea, IL/Althoff Catholic) are back, including second team all-league tackle Justin Smith (Binghamton, NY/Binghamton).

Now a seasoned signal caller heading into his third season as a starter, Fink will lead an offense that scored 29.1 points per game a year ago. The league’s most-efficient passer (140.3 rating) is fortunate enough to have one of the league’s most-accomplished receivers on his side. Senior Steve Tedesco (Mission Viejo, CA/Trabuco Hills) set the conference single-season record for receptions (77). Sixth-year head coach Paul Gorham also welcomes back senior defensive leaders, and preseason all-NEC selections, Bill O’Brien (Lafayette, NY/Lafayette) and Andre Isla (Brookhaven, NY/Bellport). O’Brien made 61 tackles, 8.0 for a loss, from his lineman spot while Isla made 50 tackles and four interceptions at safety.

The growing pains were evident for Robert Morris (5-6, 4-3 NEC) during its 1-4 start to the 2008 season, but the Colonials congealed on their way to finishing in a tie for third place in the NEC standings. RMU won four of its final six games to finish with a winning NEC record for the ninth time in 13 seasons under legendary head coach Joe Walton. The second-half surge and the return of its numerous culprits have Robert Morris thinking about its first NEC title since 2000. The Colonials welcome back 17 starters (not including specialists), including second team all-NEC tailback Myles Russ (Boca Raton, FL/West Boca), who totaled 1,255 yards and six touchdowns on 215 carries as a sophomore. Amongst Robert Morris’ 10 returning defensive starters are a trio of all-NEC performers, one in each line of defense. Senior defensive end Mark Szymanksi (Cadogan, PA/Ford City) has made 24.0 tackles for loss over the past two seasons as a starter. One year after transferring from Temple, junior linebacker Alex DiMichele (Pittsburgh, PA/Sto-Rox) made 116 tackles to rank fourth amongst NEC leaders. Senior safety Michael Landers (Springdale, PA/Springdale) defended a league-high 15 passes last season and recovered three fumbles.

One season after bringing its tradition-rich program into the Northeast Conference, Duquesne (3-7, 2-5 NEC) looks to establish itself as a contender. The Dukes won their inaugural league game, a 21-7 decision over western Pennsylvanian rival Saint Francis, but triumphed only once more during the remainder of the seven-game NEC slate. Duquesne, which captured an unprecedented 11 league titles as a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference member, has an early opportunity to make a statement when it opens the 2009 NEC schedule, and television package, at five-time league champion Monmouth on September 19.

Junior quarterback Connor Dixon (South Park, PA/South Park) led the NEC in passing yards per game (211.0) during his first season after transferring from Michigan State. Dixon, who threw a single-game program-record six TD passes in last year’s opener at Bucknell, became more familiar with senior tight end Sean Bunevich (North Ridgeville, OH/North Ridgeville) as the season progressed. The Dukes’ top returning receiver averaged 64.9 yards per game. Junior linebacker Nathan Totino (Pittsburgh, PA/Seton-LaSalle) is the leader on the defense. The hard-hitting Totino was a first team all-NEC pick after making 110 tackles in nine games.

Bryant (7-4) enters its first season as a Northeast Conference member not far off from being a contender. Competing as an independent in 2008 when they began the NCAA reclassifying process, the Bulldogs defeated four of the six NEC members they faced. Head coach Marty Fine welcomes back 17 of 22 starters, 10 of whom played for one of the stingiest run defenses (99.4 ypg) in Division I FCS. Senior linebacker Pat Polomski (Franklin, MA/Franklin) made a team-high 67 tackles in his third season as a starter while classmate Don Smith (Attleboro, MA/Attleboro) tallied 8.5 sacks, broke up seven passes, and was credited with nine quarterback hurries from his defensive end position. Senior tailback Jerrell Smith (Brooklyn, NY/St. Francis Prep), who takes aim at a second consecutive 1,000-yard season, highlights a list of seven returning starters on offense. Smith posted averages of 6.2 yards per carry and 114.0 yards per contest, while Lindsey Gamble (Boston, MA/Reading Memorial) added 79.2 yards per game and scored a team-high seven touchdowns in 2008.

Wagner (3-8, 1-6 NEC) hasn’t stumbled very often under long-time head coach Walt Hameline. The few times the Seahawks have stubbed their toe, they’ve rebounded rather quickly. Wagner’s uncharacteristic 3-8 record last season marked only the third sub-.500 campaign in Hameline’s 28 years at the helm. The Seahawks had no shortage of injuries, one of which ended offensive lineman Matt Martin’s (Pennsauken, NJ/Pennsauken) season in September. The sight fifth-year senior, who has proven effective at both guard and tackle, in the trenches will be a welcomed one by Hameline.

Martin and his line mates will be protecting either Adam Farnsworth (Ogden, UT/Weber) or Tyler Newberry (Germantown, MD/Mercerburg Prep) in the pocket. The former was hampered by a bad shoulder, which required offseason surgery, during his first season after transferring from Iowa. Meanwhile, Newberry has seen limited action in two seasons as a reserve, but impressed during last season’s spring game. Bruising back Shane Smith (Susquehanna, PA/Honesdale), a senior, was the team’s top rusher (79.9 ypg) during what was his first season after transferring from Central Florida. Wagner lost two-time all-NEC selection Robert Brown, who graduated, from its defensive front, but returns all-league talent to its backfield in the form of Stefan Gage (Syracuse, NY/Henninger). The 2008 second team all-NEC pick made 95 tackles and defended four passes from his safety spot.

From facilities to performance, Saint Francis (PA) (0-11, 0-7 NEC) has made great gains as a program under eighth-year head coach Dave Opfar. The Red Flash enter the 2009 season with a new weight training facility, one of numerous upgrades the athletic department has made in recent years, and a number of all-NEC performers to use it. Injuries, mistakes, and bad breaks prevented the Red Flash from taking another step forward and were key culprits to a winless 2008. Still, optimism remains for the Flash.

The Red Flash defense features a feared linebacking corps headed by two-time first team all-NEC selection Scott Lewis (South Fork, PA/Bishop McCort). The Keystone State native followed up his 2007 NEC Rookie of the Year award by setting the conference’s single-season tackles record (142). Fellow sophomore Matthew Parker (Darlington, PA/Blackhawk) made 122 stops, ninth-most in league history, en-route to second team all-NEC accolades. After all-league receiver Antoine Rivera (Willingboro, NJ/Willingboro) went down with a season-ending knee injury in week three, Omar Winston (Cleveland, OH/Cleveland) stepped up to catch 56 passes. The sure-handed Winston impressed enough to win all-league second team honors and now returns for his junior season alongside a healthy Rivera. In 2007, his last full season, Rivera made 48 catches for a NEC-best 885 yards and seven touchdowns.

University of Albany Named 1 of 8 "Gateway" Universities By Department of State And Hosts 40 International Fulbright Students - UAlbany News 2009

UAlbany was one of eight universities selected by the Department of State and the Institute of International Education (IIE) to assist in preparing students for their graduate studies in the U.S.

The University at Albany is introducing about 40 international Fulbright graduate students to U.S. culture and academic life as a host for the 2009 Fulbright Gateway Orientation Program. UAlbany was one of eight universities selected by the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education (IIE) to assist in preparing students for their graduate studies in the U.S. Students will pursue master's and doctoral degrees at universities across the country at the end of the UAlbany orientation, which runs August 2-6.

"We are honored to be selected as a Fulbright Gateway site and pleased to welcome these bright, engaged students to our campus," said President George M. Philip. "This is an important opportunity for the University community, as well as our visitors, to interact with and learn from contemporaries with different backgrounds and perspectives."

"This is the first time UAlbany has been selected as a Fulbright Gateway site, and they're doing a great job," said Carl DeAngelis, Director of Enrichment at the Institute of International Education and 1985 UAlbany alumnus.

Through lectures, workshops, panel discussions, group projects and tours, UAlbany will provide students with a head start on American culture, including its academic and governmental systems. Orientation sessions will discuss graduate student life, focusing on stress management, legal rights of non-citizens, physical and mental health and wellness, practical matters such as banking and housing, and engaging in the community. Students will also learn about the U.S. higher-education system, academic integrity and research techniques.

UAlbany will also introduce students to the city of Albany, New York's state capital, fostering further understanding of American culture and government. UAlbany’s Office of International Education is coordinating the local arrangements for the Gateway Program.

“Hosting a Fulbright Gateway Orientation gives us a wonderful opportunity to contribute to national educational outreach efforts, and to show representatives of many different countries the attractions of our university, city and region,” said Ray Bromley, UAlbany's Vice Provost for International Education.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) as part of its flagship Fulbright Program, the Fulbright Gateway Orientation provides an overview of Fulbright goals and traditions and aims to instill a Fulbright identity among grantees. The program also cultivates survival skills for graduate study and an understanding of current U.S. social issues to assist grantees in developing successful intercultural communication in their host communities.

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international exchange program and is supported by the people of the United States and partner countries around the world. Since 1946, it has provided more than 294,000 participants from over 155 countries with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, to exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.

University of Albany's School of Business Hosts Leading Scholars From Duke, Harvard, UCLA... To Analyze Green Management Practices - UAlbany News 2009

UAlbany School of Business Dean Donald Siegel is organizing a conference on corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability. (Photo Mark Schmidt)

With the new Chevy Volt plug-in car, GM is looking to turn this environmentally-friendly vehicle into a profit-making machine. Melding social responsibility with sound corporate strategy is at the heart of a UAlbany conference Sept. 25-26, organized by the School of Business.

For General Motors, the number 230 holds great significance. It’s at the heart of their marketing strategy for the new Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in electric car, expected to get 230 miles per gallon in city driving. The task for GM is to turn this environmentally-friendly vehicle into a profit-making machine. This concept is at the heart of School of Business Dean Donald Siegel’s research on the consequences for businesses engaged in corporate social responsibility.

"Firms are encountering strong pressure from consumers, employees, suppliers, community groups, government, and shareholders to be socially responsible," said Siegel. "But firms also have an obligation to generate a profit, by implementing sound business practices. The key is to adopt environmental practices that complement the firm's business and corporate-level strategies."

Dean Siegel has organized a major academic conference (with Marc Orlitzky of Penn State University and David Waldman of Arizona State University) on "Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Sustainability," which will be held on September 25-26, 2009 at UAlbany. The purpose of the conference is to produce a special issue of Business & Society, the leading academic journal in the field of ethics and social responsibility. It will convene experts from leading academic institutions such as Johns Hopkins, Duke, Harvard, Rice, Penn State, Arizona State, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, UCLA, UNC-Chapel Hill, and the University of Michigan.

Siegel recently published a provocative article in the August issue of Academy of Management Perspectives, "Green Management Matters Only if it Yields More Green: An Economic/Strategic Perspective."

"Managers face many difficult choices in terms of green management," said Siegel. "My recent research suggests that firms are engaging in 'strategic' environmental social responsibility, in the pursuit of profit. Multinational corporations, such as Wal-Mart and BP, have found ways to reduce their carbon footprint, while simultaneously enhancing their profitability."

James Walsh, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor and Gerald and Esther Carey Professor of Management at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, will deliver the keynote address at the conference. Walsh, a University at Albany graduate (1975), is the incoming president of the Academy of Management, the premier association of management scholars, with over 19,000 members from 108 nations.

Siegel has written numerous articles on the antecedents and consequences of corporate social responsibility in leading academic journals, such as Academy of Management Review, Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Perspectives, Strategic Management Journal, Journal of Management, and Journal of Management Studies. He also recently served as an editor of the Oxford Handbook of Corporate Social Responsibility. Siegel was also appointed by Governor David A. Paterson to the newly-created New York Small Business Task Force, and was re-appointed to serve on the National Academy of Sciences Committee evaluating the Small Business Innovation Research Program.

"It isn’t just large, multinational firms that face pressure to develop green strategies," said Siegel. "Small businesses also need to determine how to incorporate environmentally responsible activities into their business strategies."

At the conference, UAlbany School of Business associate professor Paul Miesing will present a research paper based on evidence collected from the 'Going Green Globally' sustainability module in the School’s MBA program, where graduate students evaluate sustainability strategies and opportunities for companies both small and large. The G3 program places MBA students in real-world situations where they can help companies implement innovative sustainability strategies, while simultaneously improving organizational performance.

University of Albany Class of 2013: Talented and Diverse - UAlbany News 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany News

The University at Albany is enrolling one of its most academically accomplished and ethnically diverse freshman classes in recent history, featuring an average high school GPA of 91, 140 Honors College students, and nearly one-third students of color.

From a record 22,286 applications, the University will enroll and likely exceed its target of 2,250 freshmen at a 47 percent admit rate. The lower admit rate, when compared with the 50.4 percent rate of 2008, is indicative of the University's increased selectivity for high-achieving students.

Twenty-two percent of the Class of 2013 graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class, compared to 16 percent of 2008's freshmen. The mid-range of the class's SAT scores is 1090-1220, a full ten points higher than last year's range of 1080-1210. The University will enroll 241 Presidential Scholars, a 64 percent increase over last year, and the Honors College will enroll 140 high achieving students, 73 percent more than last year's class of 81. The Honors College is a vibrant learning community where students and faculty work together in challenging environments to stimulate the highest levels of academic achievement.



Popular intended majors of the Class of 2013 include atmospheric and environmental science, public policy, journalism, criminal justice, computer and information science, and mathematics. (Photo Mark Schmidt)


"The strength of our entering class is a reflection of the quality of our academic programs and the breadth of opportunity students find at UAlbany," said President George M. Philip. "We welcome this talented and motivated freshman class, and urge them to take full advantage of all we have to offer.”

The class is UAlbany's most ethnically diverse -- 30 percent of incoming freshmen are students of color. With a campus-wide number of minority group students that traditionally hovers around 25 percent, the incoming class represents a significant leap in increased interest by all students, including students of color.

Incoming freshmen are almost evenly split between the sexes: 50.3 percent are men, 49.6 percent, women.

Popular intended majors of the Class of 2013 include business and accounting; the sciences, including biology, chemistry, atmospheric and environmental science, and physics; psychology; political science and public policy; English; communication; journalism; criminal justice; computer and information science; history; and mathematics.

UAlbany projects a total enrollment of 12,800 undergraduates and 4,900 graduate students for the 2009 school year.

University of Albany FCS Football Receiver Tim Bush Continues to Make Most of Extended Football Life at Saturday's Scrimmage - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. - When Tim Bush left the playing field after the University at Albany's 28-0 win in the Gridiron Classic last December, he thought his college football career was complete. During the offseason, Bush was granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA due to a medical hardship. Following Saturday's first preseason scrimmage, the diminutive wide receiver is clearly taking advantage of the new-found opportunity.

"I can't picture not playing football," said Bush, who caught four passes for 51 yards and one touchdown during the scrimmage. "Two days after the season, I started the paperwork and taking the proper steps to file an appeal (for an extra year)."

Bush, who followed through with a good spring after gaining a new football life, is now ready to improve upon his numbers that made him a first-team All-Northeast Conference standout one year ago.

Senior quarterback Vinny Esposito is the glad to have back the best receiver he has ever worked with. "We have played 24 games together and have that consistency and familiarity that you can't underestimate," he said. "I am comfortable with the way he runs his routes."

The tandem looked in mid-season form, despite just one week of preseason camp, when Esposito delivered a 21-yard strike to his favorite target on the left hash. Bush capped off the nine-play scoring drive when he hauled in a play-action pass in the back of the end zone on second-and-goal from the 4-yard line.

"We have always had it (a bond) since I came here and he was the back-up quarterback," offered Bush, who originally attended Hudson Valley Community College before transferring. "When things break down he looks for me. We see the defense in the same aspect."

Paw Prints:

The Great Danes ran 77 offensive plays in a scrimmage that began at 9:15 a.m. ... the morning fog burned off and temperatures hovered in the low 80's ... QB Vinny Esposito completed 8 of 11 passes for 99 yards and one touchdown ... TB Duane Harper scored on a 1-yard run and QB Buddy Leathley reached the end zone on a 2-yard run ... OLB Dave Nicomini, who is returning after missing last season with a knee injury, made his presence felt when he came on a blitz from the right side that led to CB Daniel Avery's interception at the 40-yard line ... DE Tony Sparano had a sack, while OLB Jon Morgan and DE Wil Moushey each recovered a fumble ... FS Dave Casale, who earned All-ECAC and All-NEC honors as a junior, blocked a field goal ... WR Luke Weaver caught four passes for 44 yards ... UAlbany begins its season at Georgia Southern on Sept. 5

University of Albany Alum Merrick Thomson Top Goal Scorer In Major League Lacrosse Regular Season

University of Albany Alum Merrick Thomson Top Goal Scorer In Major League Lacrosse Regular Season.


Major League Lacrosse Goal Scoring Leaders

1 Thomson, Merrick - TOR - 44
2 Leveille, Kevin - CHI - 35
3 Mundorf, Brendan - DEN - 34
4 Rabil, Paul - BOS - 33
5 Westervelt, Drew - DEN - 27

University of Albany FCS Football Opens Preseason Practice - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- One of the hottest and most humid days during an unseasonably rainy summer greeted the University at Albany football team as preseason camp opened on Monday, Aug. 10 with an afternoon practice. The Great Danes began their first workout with some special teams work before breaking up into offensive and defensive drills throughout the two-hour session in temperatures that hovered around the 87-degree mark.

Kevin Richards, a two-time All-Northeast Conference center, is hoping to take the heat off some of the younger offensive linemen, as that unit goes through a transformation after having graduated an All-America left tackle and an All-ECAC standout at right tackle. "The offensive line sets the tone in the first week," he says. "We graduated some big-time players, but we have a chance to create an identity."

Richards, a 6-foot-2, 270-pounder from Clifton Park, N.Y., is a grizzly veteran as a fifth-year senior when it comes to the preseason. "You look around and you know the young guys have long way to go," he offers. "As a senior, it's about helping them with technique. It's about feet and hands and learning terminology. The plays are comparatively easy when you are talking about getting the little things down right."

The little things have helped the Great Danes capture two consecutive NEC championships and a pair of unbeaten campaigns against conference opposition. Richards is hoping his team stays hot.
Paw Prints: Head coach Bob Ford begins his 37th varsity campaign at UAlbany ... he has a 225-143 career record at the school ... Ford offered this about the first day, "I always have mixed emotions. I can't wait to see the kids, but then I wonder what happened to the summer. It is imperative that we forget about the past. It appears we have balance on both sides of the football." ... UAlbany's season finale at Wagner on Saturday, Nov. 21 will be televised as part of the Northeast Conference package, and will air on Fox College Sports and Time Warner Albany at 1:00 p.m. Eastern ... Paul Dottino and Dave Popkin will handle the play-by-play coverage.

University of Albany Men's Basketball Non-Conference Schedule Includes National Champion North Carolina And Syracuse - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation Lee McElroy announced on Monday, Aug. 10 the school's men's basketball non-conference schedule for the 2009-10 season. The list of opponents includes defending national champion North Carolina and Big East Conference member Syracuse. UAlbany will also host the 2K Sports Classic, benefitting Coaches vs. Cancer, Sub-Regional on November 20-22.
The Great Danes faces North Carolina at the Dean E. Smith Center, the fifth-largest college basketball facility with 21,750 seats, in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Wednesday, Dec. 30. The Tar Heels won their fifth NCAA championship last April with an 89-72 win against Michigan State. Deon Thompson, a 6'8" senior, returns for the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season champions. UAlbany will be playing a defending national champion for the second consecutive year.
UAlbany opens its schedule on Tuesday, Nov. 10 against Syracuse, a squad that posted a 28-10 record and reached the NCAA regional semifinals last season. The Great Danes' first meeting with Syracuse since December 2004 is part of the 2K Sports Classic. The opener will be played at the 33,000-seat Carrier Dome and televised by ESPNU. Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim, who led the program to the 2003 national title, has a 799-288 career record. In a continuation of the 2K Sports Classic, UAlbany will host Alcorn State, Robert Morris and Detroit in a sub-regional at SEFCU Arena ten days later.
Morgan State, one of six opponents to play in last year's NCAA Tournament, travels to the Capital Region for the Great Danes' home opener on Friday, Nov. 13. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champions are coming off their first-ever NCAA appearance. Ivy League member Yale will also come to SEFCU Arena on Sunday, Jan. 3.
The Great Danes will tangle with Siena in the crosstown-rivalry's 49th meeting on Saturday, Dec. 5 at Times Union Center. In addition, UAlbany makes a two-game swing to the Sunshine State in late November to play first-time opponents Central Florida and Florida Atlantic. UAlbany also meets American, Pennsylvania, Iona, Loyola (Chicago) and Central Connecticut State in non-league road games.
UAlbany returns a pair of third-team All-America East Conference players in Tim Ambrose and Will Harris. Ambrose averaged 14.3 points which ranked ninth among the league leaders. Harris, a 6-foot-6 senior, accounted for 12.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
*********
2009-10 University at Albany Men's Basketball Non-Conference Schedule
Date, Day, Opponent, Site
Nov. 10, Tuesday, at Syracuse, Syracuse, N.Y.
Nov. 13, Friday, Morgan State, SEFCU Arena
Nov. 16, Monday, at American, Washington, D.C.
Nov. 20, Friday, 2K Sports Classic, SEFCU Arena
Nov. 21, Saturday, 2K Sports Classic, SEFCU Arena
Nov. 22, Sunday, 2K Sports Classic, SEFCU Arena
Nov. 28, Saturday, at Central Florida, Orlando, Fla.
Nov. 30, Monday, at Florida Atlantic, Boca Raton, Fla.
Dec. 5, Saturday, at Siena, Albany, N.Y.
Dec. 8, Tuesday, at Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
Dec. 12, Saturday, at Central Connecticut State, New Britain, Conn.
Dec. 17, Thursday, at Iona, New Rochelle, N.Y.
Dec. 22, Tuesday, at Loyola (Chicago), Chicago, Ill.
Dec. 30, Wednesday, at North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C.
Jan. 3, Sunday, Yale, SEFCU Arena

State University of New York Chancellor Nancy Zimpher Visits New York Giants Training Camp

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor Nancy Zimpher made her first visit to New York Giants Training Camp on Saturday, Aug. 8. Chancellor Zimpher and some of her family members attended the morning session on the University at Albany campus. Following practice, Giants coach Tom Coughlin presented her with an autographed helmet.

Pictured in the post-practice presentation are: UAlbany Director of Athletics Lee McElroy, New York State Senator Eric Adams (D-Brooklyn), Coach Coughlin, Chancellor Zimpher and UAlbany President George Philip.

More than 4,600 fans attended Saturday's two practice sessions The Giants have shattered the five-day attendance record, as 20,085 have viewed practices since training camp opened last Monday. The previous mark had stood since 1996.

The Giants are scheduled for one workout on Sunday (Aug. 9), from 2:35-4:35 p.m. The team will take the field twice on Monday (Aug. 10) at 8:35 a.m. and 6:05 p.m.

The Giants have traveled to UAlbany for the fourteenth consecutive summer, establishing the longest period at one site in the team's training camp history. Admission is free to attend practices. An all-session training camp parking pass is $15.00. The daily parking fee is $5.00. UAlbany's Dutch Quad Lot is the primary public parking facility.

University of Albany Football Alum Rashad Barksdale At Cornerback In New York Jets Training Camp - UAlbany Sports 2009

Jim O'Neil, a University at Albany assistant at the start of his coaching career back in 2001, grabbed Rashad Barksdale by the back of the shoulders pads, yanking him to his left just before the snap.

O'Neil is now the New York Jets' quality control coach for defense. Barksdale, the first player from UA to appear in an NFL game, is now a Jets cornerback. And, for at least the time being, safety.

Barksdale got thrown into the mix at safety two days before Thursday's Green & White Scrimmage at SUNY Cortland. Playing with the third-team defense, he had yet to get down the assignments -- prompting physical cues from the fellow former Great Dane.

"I kind of got thrown into the fire," Barksdale said afterward. "I began safety and corner work. The more I can do, the better it is. I'm not complaining."

Whatever it takes. Wherever it takes.

Rashad Barksdale has always been an NFL long shot. Now he may be down to his last shot.

That means he still has a shot. Which is a good thing, the best of things.

Barksdale, a Hudson native, expected to be practicing at his alma mater this summer, trying to earn a spot on the New York Giants. The Giants picked up the 6-foot, 208-pound cornerback last year after he was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs. He rode the practice squad for the season, only to be activated for the postseason. He didn't play.

Barksdale didn't get his shot. This year could be different. He looked forward to competing in front of family and friends back on his old campus.

But the Giants, who selected a pair of cornerbacks late in the draft, cut Barksdale in June. He found out via a text from teammate Terrell Thomas.

"I heard you got released," he wrote. "Sorry about that."

That's a cold way to find out. Barksdale says he's over it. But he also says he looks forward to the third preseason game: Jets at Giants.

It took less than a week for the New York Jets to claim Barksdale off waivers, so he's summering Upstate after all, even if it's 170 or so miles west of where he expected.

A sixth-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2007, Barksdale saw action in six games on special teams for the Chiefs his rookie year. Then he got cut again, and picked up again, and cut again, and picked up again. He says he may have some cat in him -- a lot of lives.

Now he is on his fourth team in three seasons. There's always been a team that believes Barksdale deserves another shot.

"The bad side is getting cut," he said. "The good is getting picked up, and teams continually giving me a shot. They must see that I can play football. I just want a clear opportunity to get out there."

The biggest competition here at the Jets' training camp is at quarterback, where veteran Kellen Clemens is trying to hold off top-five first-rounder Mark Sanchez for the starting job. Every pass, every cadence, every mannerism is being scrutinized by coaches and onlookers trying to divine who will get the gig.

Meanwhile, there are numerous other battles going on for starting and backup roles, and even a place on the team. With the off-season acquisitions of veterans Lito Sheppard and Donald Strickland, not to mention potential Pro Bowler Darrelle Revis and other returnees, the Jets seemed stocked at corner.
And Barkdale got a late start with the Jets. That's the pattern: Remember that this former all-state high school football player was a baseball guy in college, not playing UA football until his senior season. Taken together, coach Rex Ryan said, Barksdale faces long odds to make the team.

"It's going to be tough," Ryan said after Thursday's scrimmage. "The thing that I like about him is he's playing safety, corner -- he's trying to fit in where he can. That's a good thing. It definitely gives him a shot."

Maybe his last one. Then again, maybe not. There always seems to be a team that thinks Barksdale is a player. All he wants to do is prove them right.

Courtesy: Mark McGuire