2009-2010 University of Albany Athletic Highlights

2009-2010 UAlbany Team Highlights

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

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

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

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

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

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

Women's Indoor Track - Wins America East Conference Championship

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

Volleyball - WIns Regular Season Championship

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

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


2009-2010 UAlbany Individual HIghlights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Field Hockey - Sykes Named America East Coach of the Year

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2009-2010 University of Albany Highlights

2009-2010 University Highlights


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

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

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

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

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

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

Campus Sustainability Efforts Reduce Energy Costs by $319,000

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

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

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

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

UAlbany ROTC Cadet Alex Saxby Wins Prestigious USAA Scholarship

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

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

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

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

UAlbany's NYS Writers Institute Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Hugh Carey Named UAlbany Citizen Laureate

Palantir Technologies Donates $2.25 Million To UAlbany School of Business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Field Hockey Picked Second in America East Conference Preseason Poll

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

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

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

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

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2010 America East Conference Preseason Field Hockey Poll

1. Boston U. (4), 23 points

2. UAlbany (1), 20 points

3. New Hampshire (1), 17 points

4. Maine, 16 points

T5. Fairfield, 7 points

T5. Vermont, 7 points

(first-place votes in parenthesis)


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany FCS Football - Media Day August 17, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Media Day Quotes

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

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

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


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

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

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

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

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

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

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2010 America East Conference Preseason Volleyball Poll

1. Binghamton (5), 33 points

2. UAlbany (1), 31 points

3. UMBC (1), 24 points

4. New Hampshire, 22 points

5. Stony Brook, 20 points

6. Hartford, 11 points

7. Providence, 6 points

(first-place votes in parenthesis)


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Concludes First Week of Preseason Football Practice With Controlled Scrimmage

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

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

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

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

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

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

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


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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2010 Northeast Conference Football Preseason Coaches Poll

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


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Virtual Tour of the UAlbany Stadium Plans

Virtual tour showcasing the University at Albany's plans to provide a New Multi-Sports Stadium Complex on campus.

University at Albany Stadium from Max Wave Media on Vimeo.

UAlbany FCS Football's Trevor Anderson Leads Group of Five on Phil Steele's Preseason All-NEC Football Team

Cleveland, Ohio - University at Albany's Trevor Anderson and Eddie Delaney are among five Great Danes named to Phil Steele Publication's preseason All-Northeast Conference football squad. Anderson and Delaney were first-team selections. Andy Sparano, Ross Bertrand and Herb Glass made the second team.

Anderson, a 6-foot-2, 295-pound defensive tackle from Warnersville, N.Y., earned first-team all-conference honors as a junior, when he accounted for 36 tackles and 3.0 sacks. Delaney, a 6-foot-6, 245-pound defensive end from Holtsville, N.Y., totaled 33 tackles, including 6.0 for a loss, last season. Both players were key figures on a defensive unit that ranked first in rushing yards allowed (118.3 ypg) and second in scoring defense (18.3 ppg) among the NEC leaders.

Sparano (5-11, 270) will move from guard to center on the offensive line this season. A senior from Colleyville, Texas, Sparano is one of four returning starters in the trenches. He has made 29 career appearances and shared the team's 2009 top offensive lineman award. Bertrand, who hails from Stamford, Conn., is expected to start at cornerback for the third year in a row. He has 105 career tackles and eight pass break-ups. Glass, a junior placekicker from Miller Place, N.Y., led last year's team in scoring with 61 points. He made 12 field goals, the third-best single-season total in program history, and connected on 25-of-27 point-after attempts.

Paw Prints:
UAlbany was picked second by The Sporting News and third by Lindy's Sports in the national publications' preseason Northeast Conference rankings ... the Great Danes begin preseason camp on Monday, Aug. 9 with an afternoon practice ... UAlbany opens its schedule on Thursday, Sept. 2 at Maine (7:00 p.m.) ... the Black Bears are ranked in the Athlon Sports preseason national top 25 poll ... the Great Danes have won seven or more games in four consecutive seasons for the second time since the program became a varsity sport in 1973 ... the Northeast Conference champion receives an automatic NCAA FCS playoff berth for the first time in 2010.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Vice President & Athletic Director Lee McElroy Selected to MOAA Board of Directors

Westlake, Ohio - University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy has been selected to the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association Board of Directors. The MOAA, a non-profit organization formed in 2000 that holds its annual convention in conjunction with NACDA (National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics), provides opportunities to exchange ideas, and advocate increased participation and administrative opportunities for minorities in athletics.

McElroy, who served as NACDA's president in 2006-07, is in his eleventh year as UAlbany's athletic director. He provides leadership for the school's NCAA Division I 19-sports intercollegiate program for men and women. During his tenure, UAlbany has won 41 conference championships, three IC4A track titles and 15 teams have made NCAA appearances. UAlbany student-athletes have earned All-America recognition on 37 occasions, while 12 have been named to ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-America squads.

McElroy, who currently serves on the America East Conference Executive Committee, was awarded the Under Armour Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Northeast Region Athletic Director of the Year in 2008-09. He was honored with the 2004 General Robert R. Neyland Outstanding Athletic Director Award by the All-American Football Foundation. McElroy has had roles with professional organizations and NCAA committees, including a three-year term on the NCAA Division I Management Council.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Klein on NGCA All-American Scholar Squad; UAlbany Earns Team Academic Honors

Coral Springs, Fla. - University at Albany's Stephanie Klein was named a National Golf Coaches' Association Division I All-American Scholar, while UAlbany earned an NGCA team honor, as announced by the organization. Klein, a sophomore from Thornhill, Ontario, was one of 504 student-athletes recognized nationally, while the Great Danes posted the 19th-best team grade point average across Division I.

Klein, who is a member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference All-Academic Team and UAlbany Athletic Director's Honor Roll, posted a 4.00 cumulative GPA as a pre-medicine major. Klein's top finish was at the MAAC Championships, where she shot a three-round total of 254 to finish tied for 15th individually. To be chosen by the NGCA for an individual honor, student-athletes must have a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA and must have competed in at least 50 percent of the team's regularly scheduled competitive rounds.

As a five-member team, UAlbany recorded a 3.56 cumulative GPA. Indianapolis took the team award with a 3.75 GPA, while the Great Danes finished ahead of such teams as Arkansas and Stanford. UAlbany was the only MAAC team honored by the NGCA with a team academic award.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Walk-On Tryouts for UAlbany Women's Soccer to Take Place on August 11-12

Head coach Mary-Frances Monroe has announced that walk-on tryouts for the University at Albany women's soccer program will be held August 11-12. There will be a total of three training sessions over the two days for interested students to participate in.
Open try-out dates/times are as follows:

August 11th
Morning session: 7am - 9am
Afternoon session: 2pm - 4pm

August 12th
Morning session: 7am - 9am

Anyone wishing to try out MUST complete the following tasks prior to being cleared to practice:
1. Enroll in at least 12 credits for the Fall 2010 semester.
2. Obtain a signature from the coach on the walk-on form.
3. Present athletic trainers proof of personal health insurance, an approved physical within the past six months and receive sickle cell education/waiver.
4. Meet with compliance after receiving signatures from the coach AND athletic trainers.

The link for the NCAA compliance form is
https://admin.xosn.com/attachments1/84224.doc?SPSID=82359&SPID=7966&DB_OEM_ID=15800

Students should come physically prepared to take part in fitness assessments, small- and large-sided games. Participants should bring their running shoes, cleats and shin guards to all three sessions.

If interested, please contact assistant women's soccer coach Kristin Shaw by Saturday, July 31 by either phone or email to ensure housing arrangements.

Email: kshaw@uamail.albany.edu
Phone: 518-591-8653

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Announces 2010 Volleyball Schedule; Will Play in Clemson & Florida Tournaments

Albany, N.Y. - Four NCAA Tournament participants highlight the 2010 University at Albany volleyball schedule, as head coach MJ Engstrom announced today. The Great Danes, who won last year's America East Conference regular-season crown, will have eight home matches at University Gymnasium and compete in four tournaments on the road.

UAlbany kicks off the season with four consecutive in-season tournaments. The Great Danes first participate at Clemson's Big Orange Bash (Aug. 27-28), taking on the host Tigers, a 2009 NCAA participant, Tennessee Tech and Jacksonville. The following weekend, the Great Danes take on NCAA tournament teams Florida and Colorado State, along with Bowling Green, at the Gators' Campus USA Credit Union Invitational. NCAA participant Middle Tennessee State will host UAlbany and Arkansas in an invitational on Sept. 10 and 11 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The Great Danes conclude tournament play at Lamar on Sept. 17-18, as UAlbany squares off against Louisiana-Lafayette, McNeese State and the host Cardinals. UAlbany closes out a 13-match road stretch on Sept. 24 at Yale, before hosting the Bulldogs on Sept. 25 to open up the home slate.

UAlbany begins America East Conference play on Oct. 1, visiting UMBC before hosting new league opponent Providence (Oct. 8) followed by New Hampshire (Oct. 10). The Great Danes have home and home dates with the remaining conference foes, including Stony Brook, Hartford and Binghamton. The rival Bearcats, the defending America East tournament champion, visit University Gymnasium on Oct. 22, while the Seawolves come to the Capital Region on Nov. 14. UAlbany will also host non-conference opponents Colgate (Oct. 6) and visit Virginia Commonwealth (Nov. 26).

In 2009, Engstrom was named the conference's coach of the year after guiding UAlbany to a 22-9 overall record and a second consecutive undefeated conference slate. The Great Danes were the lone undefeated team in the conference and earned the right to host the America East Conference Volleyball Championship for the second straight year.

-agate-

2010 University at Albany Volleyball Schedule

August - 27 (Fri.) Tennessee Tech+, 4 p.m.; 28 (Sat.) Jacksonville+, 12 p.m.; Clemson+, 6 p.m.

September - 3 (Fri.) Florida^, 12:30 p.m.; Colorado State^, 5 p.m.; 4 (Sat.) Bowling Green^, 4 p.m.; 10 (Fri.) UAB<, 4:30 p.m.; 11 (Sat.) Arkansas<, 1 p.m.; Middle Tennessee State<, 5 p.m.; 17 (Fri.) Louisiana-Lafayette#, 5 p.m.; 18 (Sat.) McNeese State#, 11 a.m.; Lamar#, 8 p.m.; 24 (Fri.) at Yale, 7 p.m.; 25 (Sat.) Yale, 7 p.m.

October - 1 (Fri.) at UMBC*, 7 p.m.; 6 (Wed.) Colgate, 7 p.m.; 8 (Fri.) Providence*, 7 p.m.; 10 (Sun.) New Hampshire*, 1 p.m.; 15 (Fri.) at Stony Brook*, 7 p.m.; 17 (Sun.) at Hartford*, 1 p.m.; 22 (Fri.) Binghamton*, 7 p.m.; 24 (Sun.) at Binghamton*, 5 p.m.; 31 (Sun.) UMBC*, 1 p.m.

November - 5 (Fri.) at New Hampshire*, 7 p.m.; 6 (Sat.) at Providence*, 5 p.m.; 12 (Fri.) Hartford*, 7 p.m.; 14 (Sun.) Stony Brook*, 1 p.m.; 26 (Fri.) at Virginia Commonwealth, 2 p.m.

* America East Conference Opponent All Times Eastern

+ Big Orange Bash (Clemson, S.C.)

^ Campus USA Credit Union Invitational (Gainesville, Fla.)

< Middle Tennessee Invitational (Murfreesboro, Tenn.)

# Lamar Tournament (Beaumont, Texas)

Former UAlbany Standout Corey Small Plays for Team Canada at FIL World Championships

Albany, N.Y. - Former University at Albany attackman Corey Small will play for Team Canada at the 2010 FIL World Championships (Federation of International Lacrosse) in Manchester, England. Canada, the defending champion after winning the world title in 2006, begins divisional play on Friday, July 16 against Japan. Small, who was added to the Canadian roster 10 days ago, currently plays for Major League Lacrosse's Toronto Nationals and National League Lacrosse's Edmonton Rush.

A native of St. Catharines, Ontario, Small was chosen in the first round of the 2009 NLL Entry Draft by Edmonton and taken in the third round of the MLL Collegiate Draft. The 23-year old accounted for 17 goals and 22 assists during the indoor season in leading Edmonton to the NLL West Division final. He was a member of last year's MLL champion Toronto squad.

As a collegian, Small was picked to the All-America East Conference second team for the second consecutive year as a senior in the spring of 2009. He led the conference in goals at 3.1 per game and was second in points (3.6 pg). He totaled 31 goals and five assists despite playing in just 10 games due to mid-season leg surgery. His rehabilitation was assisted by a VAC (Vacuum Assisted Closure) device that assisted the healing process.

Small, who was one of the top scorers on the 2007 squad that reached the NCAA quarterfinals, finished his UAlbany career ranked sixth on the school's all-time list with 109 goals. He scored at least one point in 27 consecutive games. Small, a left-handed sharpshooter, compiled 137 career points.

The FIL World Championship's medal round begins on July 22. The championship final is scheduled for Saturday, July 24 at 11:00 a.m. (ET) and will be televised live by ESPNU.

UAlbany Men's & Women's Track & Field Programs Sign 11 Student-Athletes to National Letters of Intent

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany's Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Roberto Vives announced on Wednesday, July 14 that 11 student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to join the men's and women's programs for the 2010-11 academic year. The class, which consists of six women and five men, includes three national champions, seven all-state honorees and three student-athletes from Capital Region high schools.

Chris Burke (Tully, N.Y./Tully/SUNY Delhi), a transfer student who was recently named SUNY Delhi's 2009-10 Male Athlete of the Year, will compete in middle distance and distance events and run on the Great Danes' cross country team. On the track, he was a seven-time All-American and five-time national champion at the junior college level. Burke won the 1,500-meter run twice as well as the 800-meters once at the NJCAA Division III national championships. He also anchored the first-place 4x800-meter relay each year, including the 2010 squad which broke the national meet record (7:44.33). Burke, who has relay splits of 1:52 at 800-meters and 4:09 at 1,600-meters, also garnered All-America honors this spring by placing second in the 5,000. Indoors, the transfer anchored the second-place distance medley relay at the national meet. In addition, Burke was a two-time All-American and national champion in cross country, helping the Broncos win the national team title each year. The squad's 22 points last fall was the lowest total in the history of the NJCAA Division III championship event. His personal bests of 3:54.22 in the 1,500 and 14:45.37 in the 5,000 are school records.

Brianne Bellon (Greenfield, N.Y./Saratoga Springs), an Albany Times Union All-Star in the 800-meters and 4x800-meter relay, headlines the list of women's signees. Bellon has been crowned a national champion as a member of several relay squads and has a split of 2:08.57 at 800-meters. She recently ran on the winning 4xMile relay that hit the tape in 20:04.34 at New Balance Nationals on June 19. After winning the Class A title in the 800, Bellon broke the school record with a winning time of 2:09.93 at the state qualifier before placing eighth at states. The standard of 2:10.74 was previously established by U.S. Olympian Cheri Goddard in 1988. She also anchored the third-place 4x800 relay (8:50.70) at the state meet. Indoors, the middle distance competitor won the 1,000-meters in a personal-best time of 2:55.90 at the state qualifier. Bellon, who has career-best marks of 4:39.40 in the 1,500 and 4:58.14 in the mile, will also compete as a member of the cross country program after leading the Thunder to four Section II, Class AA titles. She garnered Albany Times Union first team all-star recognition and earned a place on the New York State Sportswriters Association's all-state third team as a harrier.

Sprinter Kareem Morris (Albany, N.Y./Albany) was recently crowned the Albany Times Union Male Athlete of the Month in addition to being named a first-team all-star by the publication in the 100- and 200-meter dashes as well as the 4x100 relay that qualified for states. In May, Morris won four events at the Colonie Relays, three events at the Eddy Meet and capped off the month with four victories at the Section II, Class A competition. The sprinter posted wins in the 100, 200 and 4x100 at the Class A and state qualifier meets. He finished second in the 200-meters at states, improving on his eighth-place performance at the meet from the previous season. Morris' personal-best marks are 10.97 seconds in the 100 and 21.76 in the 200.

Multi-eventer Kelsey Hanson (Clifton Park, N.Y./Shenendehowa) rounds out the list of Section II standouts who will wear the purple and gold. Before battling injuries throughout the spring, she ended her indoor career on a high note by placing third in the pentathlon with 3,262 points at Nike Indoor Nationals to garner All-America laurels. Hanson registered top-eight finishes with personal-best marks of 30-feet, 3-inches in the shot put, 16-10.25 in the long jump and 2:31.93 in the 800 to better her eighth-place finish in the pentathlon the previous year at the national meet in Boston.

Donald Williams (Springfield Gardens, N.Y./Midwood) is the fastest short sprinter to ever sign with the UAlbany men's program out of high school. An outstanding student and member of his school's highly competitive Gifted/Medical Science program, Williams was the Public School Athletic League (PSAL) champion in the 100-meters, the State Federation champion as a member of the 4x100-meter relay and the State Federation runner-up in the 100. His personal-best time of 10.56 in the 100-meters mirrors the school record at UAlbany, while he has also been timed at 6.40 in the 55m and 22.18 in the 200m.
Kathryn Fanning (Manlius, N.Y./Fayetteville-Manlius), a distance competitor, was a member of a cross country program that won its fourth straight national championship at Nike Cross Nationals (NXN) last fall. She placed 10th overall as her squad ran away with the Section III, Class AA title in 2009 by boasting eight of the top-10 finishers. On the track, the incoming freshman was crowned a national champion as a member of the winning 4x800-meter relay (9:02.80) at Nike Indoor Nationals. An All-Central New York honoree by the Syracuse Post Standard, Fanning's personal bests include 2:15.42 in the 800, 4:44.09 in the 1,500 and 10:21 in the 3,000. She also earned three varsity awards in soccer.

Hurdler Joseph Elijah Pardo (Huntington Station, N.Y./St. John the Baptist) and middle distance runner Patrick Murphy (Smithtown, N.Y./St. Anthony's) round out the list of men's signees. Pardo earned All-America honors in the shuttle hurdle relay by running the leadoff leg for the seventh-place squad at Nike Indoor Nationals. He was also an all-state selection for his second-place performance in the 110-meter high hurdles at states during the outdoor season and also placed third in the 55-hurdles at the meet during the indoor season. His personal-best times in the events are 7.53 and 14.66. Murphy, who will also run cross country, has career-best marks of 1:56.87 in the 800 and 2:38.61 in the 1,000.

Completing the group of women's newcomers are high jumper Ashley Grant (Highland Mills, N.Y./Monroe-Woodbury) and hurdler Renee Lewis (Brooklyn, N.Y./Midwood), who were both all-state selections this past year on the scholastic level, as well as middle distance runner Jonelle White (Brooklyn, N.Y./Midwood). Grant, who has a personal-best mark of 5-6.50, closed out her senior year by finishing fifth in her premier event at the indoor and outdoor state meets. She was a first-place finisher at both the indoor and outdoor state qualifiers and also competed at Nike Indoor Nationals. Lewis' top performances this past year included placing third at the PSAL City Championship and seventh at states in the 100m-hurdles as well as fourth in the 55-hurdles at the PSAL meet. She also ran at the National Scholastic Indoor Championships and has personal bests of 8.53 in the 55-hurdles and 14.64 in the 100-hurdles. White, who has finished as high as third in the 800-meters at the PSAL City Championship, owns career-best middle distance marks of 2:17.68 in the 800 and 3:02.49 in the 1,000.

"We are very excited about this incoming class of high quality student-athletes," said Vives, whose men's and women's programs have combined to win 19 America East titles and have produced five All-Americans at the NCAA Division I level. "They will be able to contribute to our tradition of winning championships and help propel us to our goal of becoming a national level program."

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2010-11 University at Albany Women's Track & Field Signings
Name, Events, Hometown (High School/Previous College)
*Brianne Bellon, Middle Distance, Greenfield, N.Y./Saratoga Springs
*Kathryn Fanning, Distance, Manlius, N.Y./Fayetteville-Manlius
Ashley Grant, High Jump, Highland Mills, N.Y./Monroe-Woodbury
Kelsey Hanson, Multis, Clifton Park, N.Y./Shenendehowa
Renee Lewis, Hurdles, Brooklyn, N.Y./Midwood
Jonelle White, Middle Distance, Brooklyn, N.Y./Midwood
2010-11 University at Albany Men's Track & Field Signings
Name, Events, Hometown (High School/Previous College)
*Chris Burke, Middle Distance, Tully, N.Y./Tully/SUNY Delhi
Kareem Morris, Sprints, Albany, N.Y./Albany
*Patrick Murphy, Middle Distance, Smithtown, N.Y./St. Anthony's
Joseph Elijah Pardo, Hurdles, Huntington Station, N.Y./St. John the Baptist
Donald Williams, Sprints, Springfield Gardens, N.Y./Midwood

*Cross Country


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Valete Graham & Olivia Jarem Named America East Conference Scholar-Athletes of the Year

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Valete Graham and Olivia Jarem were chosen America East Conference Scholar-Athletes of the Year in the sports of men's outdoor track & field and women's lacrosse, respectively, as announced on Tuesday, July 13 by the conference office. Graham earned the academic award for the second consecutive year.

Graham, who graduated with a 3.70 cumulative grade point average as a psychology major, was voted to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America national third team. He was honored as UAlbany's 2009-10 Co-Male Athlete of the Year. Graham made the 2008 and 2009 USTFCCCA Division I Men's All-Academic Track and Field Team and was named the 2009 America East Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year in outdoor track and the 2010 America East Scholar-Athlete of the Year in indoor track. A member of five America East all-academic teams, Graham was a 2010 ECAC Merit Medal winner as the school's top senior male student-athlete and a recipient of the Chancellor's Scholar-Athlete Award.

Graham won his third straight long jump title at the America East outdoor championship by leaping 24-feet, 7.75-inches, becoming just the second athlete to accomplish the feat in league history. The indoor and outdoor team MVP also placed fifth in the triple jump with a mark of 47-8. Graham was eighth in the long jump (23-9.50) at the IC4A Championship. His mark of 24-9.25 in the long jump at the 2009 America East championship is a school record.

A senior from Bronx, N.Y., Graham also had a fine indoor campaign, accumulating 18 points at the America East championship. He garnered all-conference laurels twice by winning the long jump with a leap of 23-6 and placing second in the triple jump with a mark of 47-10. He led the Great Danes to their second consecutive title at the IC4A Championship by registering a fourth-place mark of 23-2.75 in the long jump. In addition, Graham broke the program standard in the long jump by leaping 24-6.50 at the Great Dane Classic.

Jarem recently graduated with a 4.00 cumulative grade point average in psychology and a minor in education. She was selected to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America At-Large national second team. In 2009-10, Jarem received a NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, one of 13 females honored nationwide, and plans to study sports psychology as a graduate student at Ithaca College. Jarem was the recipient of UAlbany's Presidential Scholar-Athlete Award as the school's top senior female student-athlete and the State University of New York Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. She was chosen to both the District I Women's At-Large and America East Conference Women's Lacrosse all-academic squads.

A senior from Clifton Park, N.Y., Jarem totaled 31 goals and four assists for the nation's second-ranked scoring offense. The midfielder was 10th among the conference leaders in goals. She led the Great Danes to their first-ever top-20 national ranking, a school-record 13-3 campaign and the program's first America East Conference regular-season title. Jarem tallied two or more goals in 11 contests and posted a .534 shot percentage.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany's SEFCU Arena Home to World Team Tennis' N.Y. Buzz for Second Straight Summer

Albany, N.Y. - The New York Buzz -- led by former women's No. 1 Martina Hingis -- return to UAlbany this July for the 2010 World TeamTennis (WTT) season. This year the Buzz welcome current No. 1 women's player in the world, Serena Williams, and seven-time major winner and tennis legend John McEnroe.

SEFCU Arena will host six N.Y. Buzz home matches in 2010, highlighted by the July 13th showdown between McEnroe's N.Y. Sportimes and Hingis's Buzz squad. McEnroe and Hingis may find each other on opposite sides of the net if each competes for their team in the mixed doubles event. Each match gets underway at 7:30 p.m.

"The University at Albany and SEFCU Arena are proud to host World Team Tennis and the New York Buzz for the second consecutive summer," said UAlbany Vice President for Athletic Administration and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Lee McElroy. "Martina Hingis's presence on the team, as a former Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion, heightens the experience for area tennis fans. UAlbany's relationship with New York Buzz is another positive and successful Capital Region partnership."

The Buzz, who captured their first WTT Championship in 2008, are one of 11 teams in the U.S. and compete in the WTT Pro League's Eastern Conference. This year's NY Buzz team includes Hingis, Alex Domijan of Gainesville, Fla., Sarah Borwell of Middlesbrough, England, and Scoville Jenkins of Atlanta, Ga.

The first professional league where men and women have equal roles, WTT is known for introducing innovative elements to tennis including instant replay, cumulative and no-ad scoring, on-court coaching, Supertiebreakers, multi-colored courts and player names on back of their shirts.

The unique gender-balanced team concept for WTT was created in the early 1970s by league co-founders Billie Jean King and Larry King. Each match consists of five sets, with one set each of men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles and mixed doubles.

Hingis's showdown against Williams of the Washington Kastles will be at the Glens Falls Civic Center on July 9. (courtesy UAlbany media relations)

New York Buzz 2010 Home Schedule

July 5, 7:30 p.m., Philadelphia Freedoms (SEFCU Arena)
July 6, 7:30 p.m., New York Sportimes (SEFCU Arena)
July 9, 7:30 p.m., Washington Kastles (Glens Falls Civic Center)
July 13, 7:30 p.m., New York Sportimes (SEFCU Arena)
July 14, 7:30 p.m., Boston Lobsters (SEFCU Arena)
July 16, 7:30 p.m., Philadelphia Freedoms (SEFCU Arena)
July 20, 7:30 p.m., Boston Lobsters (SEFCU Arena)


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany & Georgia Tech Will Meet in Atlanta Regional Round of 4th Annual Legends Classic

Princeton, N.J. - UAlbany will meet Atlantic Coast Conference opponent Georgia Tech in the Atlanta Regional Round of the fourth annual Legends Classic on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at Alexander Memorial Coliseum. Syracuse, Michigan, Georgia Tech and UTEP will host Regional Round games of the 2010 Legends Classic, which has fast become one of the nation's premier early-season college basketball events.

Each institution will host two Regional Round games before heading to historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J., for the Championship Rounds on Nov. 26-27.

Matchups, game times, and television details for the Championship Rounds at Boardwalk Hall and the Subregional Rounds at Detroit and William & Mary will be announced at a later date.

In 2009-10, Georgia Tech posted a 23-13 record and advanced to the championship game of the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament and the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Yellow Jackets' NCAA trip was the 16th in school history and the 24th postseason bid. Georgia Tech head coach Paul Hewitt returns 12 players, including junior guard Iman Shumpert, who averaged 10.0 points and a team-high 4.0 assists a game. Sophomore forward Brian Oliver tallied 7.1 points per game.

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

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

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Alum Andre Coleman Joins Edmonton Esks In the Canadian Football League

(Andre Coleman during Eskimos rookie training camp at Clarke Stadium in Edmonton. Photograph by: Ryan Jackson)

While most fans are aware of the physical torture and pain football players put their bodies through, the majority are oblivious to the mental anguish and strain they experience when they leave their families behind to pursue their careers.

Andre Coleman is very much a family man, having left his wife Sali and three children — Cameron, 7; Claire, 3; and Keaton, four months — back in California to continue his dream of a career in the game he loves.

“It’s going to be hard,” said Coleman, 25, a defensive tackle signed by San Diego as an undrafted free agent in 2007 and released by the National Football League Chargers last year.

“When I first told my wife about going to Canada, she said she wanted to go. I told her it’s six months and it was probably best not to have to move the entire family, just yet.

“I was kind of depressed knowing that I would, every night, go to sleep without hearing her voice or being able to see her. She was still a little upset, but she understands this is my dream, this is my passion and she’s completely behind me, which I’m totally thankful for, for the support of family.”

Coleman himself did not receive that kind of support as a child from his father, who left the family behind in Buffalo. Coleman, the youngest of four children, was just one when his dad decided to split.

“I never had a relationship with my father. I’ve been anxious to find him — not to build a relationship with him, but to see whether I have other brothers and sisters. His abandoning me at such a young age is not the fault of my brothers and sisters,” said Coleman.

“I’m not sure why he left and I really don’t care. I’m just blessed to have a loving family. My mother was my mother and my dad, and I was blessed to have someone as strong as she was,” he said of Barbara Williams, who still lives in the Buffalo area and just earned a criminal justice degree from Hobart College at the age of 58.

“Even now, I can call her and talk to her about manly things and not be embarrassed.”

Nicole Davis, Coleman’s older sister, also acts as a second mother.

“I can always call her and talk to her as well. You need that positive feedback. If I’m wrong about something, they’ll tell me,” he said.

The six-foot-three, 300-pounder has a strong feeling he’s right about moving north. After three years of limited playing time in San Diego, the University of Albany product — who has a degree in African studies and wants to work on his master’s — knew he was at a crossroads.

“I didn’t want to go through all that again. I felt like my time there was up,” Coleman admitted. “I had my three years there. I felt like I hadn’t played that much (he played in only two games in 2009), so it was time to go elsewhere and experience a different opportunity.”

Edmonton had his Canadian Football League rights and, after a discussion with agent Mark Maren, he chose the Eskimos.

“I had an opportunity to ask Andre, ‘What do you want to do?’ ’’ said Maren. “ ‘There are a couple of NFL teams that want to fly you up for a tryout, or do you want to work and play and be an every-down player for 18 games, get your film and maybe go back down south again?’

“That was Andre’s biggest issue with NFL teams. They liked his athleticism, but they didn’t have enough solid game film on him. We thought this would be a good opportunity for Andre if he can go up, play a year, get his game film and market him back down again.”


“It was a big transition for him to leave the San Diego area, but for his career he needed to make this move,” Maren said of Coleman.

“If you’re coming to the CFL, as far as facilities are concerned, nothing beats Edmonton. Being a pro player in Edmonton rivals the NFL in all those aspects.

“Hopefully, for Andre’s sake, he gets an opportunity to get up to the NFL again. If not, I think Edmonton and Andre will be extremely happy together. He’s even talked about moving his family up there after a year.”

Coleman totalled 110 tackles, 35 for losses, and 14 quarterback sacks in his collegiate career.

“What I bring is speed and quickness, and my ability to put pressure on the quarterback,” said Coleman, who will have to concentrate on performing on the field but will be preoccupied with the separation from his family while off it.

“It’s tough. My four-month old is a wonderful baby. Wonderful. Doesn’t cry much. Has a great disposition. He sits back and observes and has this wonderful head full of hair,” said Coleman, who spends time with his family every day through the Internet and Skype.

“This is building me as a stronger person — my relationship with my wife and making me a stronger father. It’s tough, but I’m going to get through it.”

By Mario Annicchiarico, Canwest News Service

UAlbany Grad Rowland Signs With MLB's Atlanta Braves

Former UAlbany star Brendan Rowland is now a member of the Atlanta Braves organization. He signed as a free agent today and will report to the Braves Gulf Coast league team on Wednesday. The Gulf Coast Braves play their games at the Walt Disney World complex.

Rowland, an all-America East selection this past season, led the Danes in hitting (.330), doubles (11), home runs (7), RBI's (39) and slugging percentage (.521)

He was signed after his performance at the Braves try-out camp at Belizzi Field on June 12th. Former Albany High baseball coach Joey DiPiazza is an associate scout with the Braves.

Courtesy: Fox News 23