No. 11 Field Hockey Advances to 8-0 With 4-1 Win at Lehigh

 

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – University at Albany field hockey (8-0) kept its undefeated streak going with a 4-1 win against Lehigh (2-6) on Sunday afternoon.
“We had a good weekend,” said head coach Phil Sykes. “We played two solid teams and had a great team effort.”
UAlbany got off to a quick start in the first half, tallying six shots and two penalty corners in the first seven minutes of the game. Echo Bretz scored the first Great Danes goal in the 14th minute on a pass from Emily White.
White assisted on the second UAlbany goal in the 33rd minute to Liza Morgan. Morgan has now scored seven goals this season.
With 20 seconds remaining in the first half, Corrine McConville converted on her fifth penalty stroke of the year to give the Great Danes a 3-0 lead going into halftime. The senior is now 5-5 on penalty strokes.
The Great Danes took a season-high 23 shots in the first half.
Lehigh got on the board mid-way through the second half on a penalty corner.
Daphne Voormolen notched the final goal of the game on a breakaway from Echo Bretz. Voormolen beat the Lehigh goalie to fire a shot high into the cage.
Freshman Averill Erdody made her first start in goal, making one save.
The Great Danes took a season-high 36 shots and 25 shots on goal. UAlbany out-shot Lehigh 36-5 and held a 12-5 advantage on penalty corners.
The Great Danes return to Alumni Field on Friday, Sept. 27 at 3 p.m., to face Sacred Heart.

Former Great Dane Mike Woods Drafted 16th Overall in the NLL

OAKVILLE, Ontario - Former University at Albany standout Mike Woods was drafted 16th overall by the Toronto Rock in the 2013 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft yesterday.

"The Albany lacrosse family is thrilled that another Great Dane has been drafted into the NLL," says UAlbany head coach Scott Marr.  "We are all excited for Mike and his family that he was drafted by Toronto and will represent his home province."

Woods, a native of Newmarket, a town in the Greater Toronto area, will get to suit up for his hometown team, the defending NLL East Division champion.  Last year, the Rock was 10-6, finishing with the best record in league.

He impressed scouts before and on Draft Day.  Rated #28 among draft-eligible players by ILIndoor.com, Woods was drafted 12 spots above his projected draft status as a player who continued to improve and had impressive offensive and defensive skills.

Woods played 64 games for UAlbany from 2010-13. serving the team as a short stick defensive midfielder.  In 2013, he earned Second Team All-America East with 20 ground balls and four goals in transition, helping UAlbany win the conference title.  Woods scored the second goal of the contest for the Great Danes in the NCAA First Round game against Denver.

Several Great Danes have played box lacrosse in the professional ranks.  Most recently, Joe Resetarits was taken sixth overall by the Calgary Roughnecks in 2012.  On the 2013 draft day, Resetarits was traded to the Buffalo Bandits, his hometown team.  He along with Woods, Mike Ammann, Steve Ammann, Dave Brock, Jordan Levine, Brett Queener, Frank Resetarits, Corey Small, and Merrick Thomson are former Great Danes that have played in the NLL.

The first game for the Rock will be on January 3rd when Toronto hosts Calgary at 7:30 p.m. at the Air Canada Centre.

Men’s Soccer Stuns No. 22 Fairleigh Dickinson 2-1 in Opener at Bob Ford Field

 

ALBANY, N.Y.- The University at Albany men’s soccer team (1-4-1) opened soccer play on Bob Ford Field in spectacular fashion on Sunday night, downing No. 22 Fairleigh Dickinson 2-1. The victory is the first for UAlbany against a nationally ranked opponent since joining the Division I ranks.

“It feels great to get a win like that against a quality team,” said head coach Trevor Gorman. “Our players worked hard tonight and our fans were tremendous. It was fantastic to have so many people come out to support us in our new home.”
Both teams got off to a slow start in the first half. With much of play taking place in the midfield, the game entered the second half deadlocked at 0-0.
In the 58th minute, Philip Persson intercepted a pass in the Fairleigh Dickinson half on a poor pass by the Knights. Persson found Brandon Wilson on the 2-on-1 opportunity, and Wilson buried a shot past Fairleigh Dickinson goalkeeper Jacob Lissek.
UAlbany kept up the pressure on the Knights back line, forcing another turnover deep in Fairleigh Dickinson territory less than 10 minutes later. Jonathan Interiano made the tackle in the Knights 18-yard box, and found Phil Denara across the goal to give the Great Danes a 2-0 lead.
Two minutes later the Knights charged down the field and scored off a free kick deflection.
UAlbany overcame a 14-9 shot advantage and 5-3 corner kick edge for Fairleigh Dickinson to hand the Knights their first loss of the season. The Great Danes are also the first team to score against the Knights in 2013.
The Great Danes return to action on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at Bob Ford Field at 7 p.m., when they take on Siena. The game will be televised on Time Warner Cable Sports.

No. 13 Field Hockey Extends Record to 5-0 With 4-0 Win Over Rutgers

ALBANY, N.Y.- University at Albany field hockey (5-0) is off to its best start in the Division I era after beating Rutgers 4-0 at Alumni Field on Sunday afternoon.

“We played inspired today,” said head coach Phil Sykes. “Rutgers beat us in our first game last season, so I think that loss still stung. We played focused, and we had a good team defensive effort.”

Echo Bretz tallied the first Great Danes goal in the ninth minute off a rebound from Paula Heuser. Kelly Bonner gave UAlbany a 2-0 lead going into half time on a breakaway pass from Emily White.

Corrine McConville converted on her third penalty stroke of the season in the 50th minute. The senior assisted a goal scored by Paula Heuser in the 56th minute on a penalty corner rebound.

Freshman Maxi Primus made seven saves in the cage for the Great Danes. Primus has allowed just three goals in five games.

In a physical match-up, UAlbany out-shot Rutgers 14-10, while Rutgers held a 6-4 advantage in penalty corners. The teams combined for nine penalty corners in the second half and just one in the first period.

No. 13 UAlbany opens the season 5-0 for the first time under head coach Phil Sykes.  Sophomore Liza Morgan and freshman Paula Heuser have each tallied 12 points this season to lead the Great Danes on offense.

Next up for UAlbany is a mid-week game at Alumni Field against cross-town rival Siena on Wednesday at 3 p.m.

University of Albany Football To Open Bob Ford Field And CAA Slate With Rhode Island Saturday

 

ALBANY, N.Y. – After much anticipation, the University at Albany football program is set to kickoff its first Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) contest, as well as unveil its $19 million multi-sport complex Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at Bob Ford Field. Coaching his 44^th and final season at UAlbany, Head Coach Bob Ford will lead the Great Danes into one last new chapter, as they host the University of Rhode Island for the first time in program history.

Read more:

University of Albany Field Hockey Earns No. 13 Ranking in Latest NFHCA Poll

 

ALBANY, N.Y.- The University at Albany field hockey team received 239 votes in the latest National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) poll to be ranked No. 13 in the nation.

The Great Danes opened their season 3-0 for the first time since 2010. UAlbany ranks first in goal differential (4.67) and first in goals against average (0.33), with freshman Maxi Primus in the cage. The squad downed Bryant 8-0 and Providence 4-1 on opening weekend. The Great Danes also shut out Cornell this past weekend 3-0 at Alumni Field.
The No. 13 ranking is the highest for UAlbany since 2011, when the team was ranked No. 12 going into the America East conference semifinals.

Next up for Phil Sykes & co. is Yale on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Alumni Field at 1 p.m.

University of Albany Football's Osbourne Earns CAA Offensive Player Of The Week Honor

RICHMOND, Va. – Announced by the conference office Monday, junior running back Omar Osbourne has been named the CAA Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in the University at Albany football team’s victory over Colgate.

Osbourne, a native of Syracuse, N.Y., finished with a career- and game-high 252 yards on the ground, including a pair of touchdowns, to lead the Great Danes to their second win in as many years over the Raiders. The junior, whose 252 yards on 35 carries marks the third-best rushing performance in program history, turned in his career-high rushing total in the first half alone as UAlbany moved to 1-1 on the season with Saturday's 37-34 win.

Osbourne gave the Great Danes their first lead of the season (7-0) with a 5-yard touchdown rush on their opening drive. Out of the halftime break, Osbourne struck again, rushing for 15-yards into the end zone on a 4th-and-1 situation, stretching the lead to 30-14.

After the Great Dane defense made the key play of the game, stopping a 4th-and-goal attempt on the 1-yard line, Osbourne led the Danes to a 99-yard scoring drive. He rushed four times in the possession, including a 36-yarder that set up another UAlbany touchdown, putting the game out of reach (37-27, 1:34 4th).

UAlbany returns to action Saturday, September 14th, when they host Rhode Island for the Great Danes’ inaugural CAA contest and first game at the brand new Bob Ford Field.

University of Albany Football Holds Off Colgate, 37-34

 
HAMILTON, N.Y. – Using Omar Osbourne’s historic running performance and a few key defensive plays, the University at Albany football team overcame the hosting Colgate University Raiders, 37-34, Saturday night at Andy Kerr Stadium. With the victory, the Great Danes improve to 1-1 on the season, while the Raiders fall to 0-2.

The biggest defensive play of the game came with 4:26 remaining in the ball game.  Colgate faced fourth-and-goal on the one-yard line, trailing by three, 30-27, and chose to take a gamble. Going for it with a run play, the Great Danes’ defensive line suffocated the attempt and gave UAlbany possession on a turnover of downs.

The Danes then drove 99-yards down the gridiron on the back of Osbourne’s four carries, including a 36-yarder, as well as Presley Beauvais’ drive-capping 45-yard touchdown scamper. With Tom O’Riordan’s point-after attempt sailing through the uprights, the Great Danes held a 37-27 lead with 1:34 remaining.

While Colgate did answer with a touchdown of their own with 18 seconds remaining, UAlbany handled the on-sides kick with ease, securing their first win of the 2013 season.

Topping his career-high in the first half alone, junior running back Omar Osbourne rushed for 252 yards with 35 carries, marking the third-best rushing performance in program history. Osbourne also crossed the goal line twice and totaled 260 all-purpose yards.

Beauvais totaled 59 yards with six carries, while wildcat quarterback Jake Meek rushed the ball four times, totaling 27 yards.

Senior wide receiver Kevin Chillis also racked up the yards, recording his second straight 100+ receiving game, connecting with Will Fiacchi five times for 112 yards and a touchdown.

Fiacchi totaled 180 passing yards, completing 13-of-24 attempts with just one interception.

Defensively, junior Christian Dorsey finished with a career-high 12 tackles, including nine unassisted, as well as forced a fumble. TJ Idowu and Cody Greenhagen both tallied seven tackles, while Clay Harris brought down six, and Alex Helmer tackled five, including a sack for a loss of nine yards.

After falling behind early in the season-opener at Duquesne a week ago, the Great Danes responded with a quick spark versus Colgate. On the very first play after kickoff, Tramaine Wilson picked off Gavin McCarney’s pass, immediately putting momentum in the Danes’ favor.

Four rushing plays later, UAlbany took its first lead of the season, 7-0, on Osbourne’s five-yard touchdown rush and O’Riordan’s kick.

On the next drive, Colgate marched 72 yards down the field on eight plays and looked to tie it up. However, McCarney tried to stretch the ball one-handed across the goal line, the ball knocked loose, and rolled out of the end zone, handing UAlbany possession with a touchback.

The Great Danes took advantage, using 13 plays to set up O’Riordan’s 32-yard field goal for a 10-0 lead with 5:00 minutes remaining in the first quarter.

The defending Patriot League champions responded with their first points of the game, capping an eight-play, 80-yard drive with John Wilkins’ one-yard touchdown rush with 1:02 left in the opening stanza.

Holding a steady upper hand throughout the first half, UAlbany answered back with 14 straight points, sparked by the Great Dane defense. Dorsey stripped the ball from Wilkins and Kyle Jordan recovered. Wilkins was knocked out of the game with a knee injury on the play.

Again, UAlbany took full advantage of the Colgate miscue, as Fiacchi connected a 51-yard touchdown pass to Chillis with 8:29 to go in the half.

Forcing Colgate to punt, the Great Danes struck again on their next possession with the help of five Osbourne rushes and a 33-yard reception by Chillis. Beauvais capped the 92-yard drive with a five-yard touchdown run for a 24-7 lead with 2:44 on the clock in the second quarter.

After a defensive stop for the Raiders, Colgate made it a 10-point game, 24-14, heading into halftime as McCarney finished an eight-play, 67-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown pass to Nat Bellamy.

Out of the break, UAlbany struck again, as Osbourne rushed for 15-yards into the end zone on a fourth-and-1 situation, stretching the lead to 30-14 with 10:02 on the clock.

Still hanging around, Colgate answered with a touchdown of their own, as Jimmy DeCicco scampered 40-yards into the end zone with 3:23 left in the third quarter.

Becoming a real threat, the Raiders cut the deficit to three points after picking off Fiacchi’s pass on the 16-yard line, and then rushed for another quick touchdown, making the score, 30-27 with 14:55 left in the game.

However, that is when the Danes’ defense stepped up and held off the Raiders for the remainder of the way.

UAlbany returns to action Saturday, September 14^th, when they host Rhode Island for the Great Danes’ inaugural CAA contest and first game at Bob Ford Field.



Albany vs Colgate (Sept 7, 2013 at Hamilton, N.Y.)

Albany (1-1) vs. Colgate (0-2)

Date: Sept 7, 2013 • Site: Hamilton, N.Y.  • Stadium: Andy Kerr Stadium  •  Attendance: 5217

University of Albany Men’s Basketball Releases 2013-14 America East Schedule

  CAMBRIDGE, MASS. – The America East Conference released the league match-ups for all home-and-home men’s basketball games on Thursday for the 2013-14 season. Game times and T.V., scheduling will be revealed at a later date.
The Great Danes open their America East slate at home at the beginning of January. UAlbany hosts Hartford on Jan. 4 and UMBC on Jan. 8.

Head coach Will Brown & co. hit the road for three games beginning Jan. 11 at Vermont. UAlbany visits new league member UMass-Lowell on Jan. 15 and wraps up the three-game road trip at Maine on Jan. 18.

The Great Danes return to SEFCU Arena to face Binghamton on Jan. 20, and travel to New Hampshire for a game on Jan 23. UAlbany hosts league rival Stony Brook to conclude the month of January on the 29th.

The annual Purple Growl event will feature a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader on Feb. 1 against Vermont. UAlbany concludes a three-game homestand with UMass-Lowell on Feb. 5.

The Great Danes visit Hartford and UMBC on Feb. 5 and Feb. 8, respectively. Maine pays a visit to SEFCU Arena on Feb. 15 before the Great Danes face Binghamton on the road on Feb. 19.

UAlbany celebrates senior day on Feb. 27 against New Hampshire before visiting Stony Brook for its final regular-season contest.

The Great Danes are the defending America East champions, having claimed the title as the No. 4 seed after going 9-7 in the league. UAlbany won the conference championship by a total of seven points across three games. The Great Danes defeated Stony Brook and Vermont in the tournament despite losing to both opponents twice in the regular season.
UAlbany hosts the 2014 America East Tournament beginning on March 7.

UAlbany opens its 2013-14 season with a crosstown rivalry game against Siena at the Times Union Center on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.
 
2013-14 UAlbany America East Schedule:
January
4                     Hartford
8                     UMBC                                                                                       
11                   at Vermont                                                                               
15                   at UMass-Lowell                                                                     
18                   at Maine                                                                                   
20                   Binghamton                                                                              
23                   at New Hampshire                                                                   
29                   Stony Brook                                                                             
February
1                     Vermont (M/W doubleheader)                                                 
5                     UMass-Lowell                                                                         
8                     at Hartford                                                                               
12                   at UMBC                                                                                   
15                   Maine                                                                                       
19                   at Binghamton                                                                          
27                   New Hampshire                                                                       
March
2                     at Stony Brook
7-9                 America East Tournament

All-Time Program Records Against America East Opponents:
Binghamton: 62-29
Hartford: 19-10
Maine: 13-12
UMass-Lowell: 5-6
New Hampshire: 16-12
Stony Brook: 36-25
UMBC: 16-6
Vermont: 9-25

America East Releases University of Albany Women's Basketball Conference Schedule

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - UAlbany went 16-0 in the America East last season and will look to repeat the feat.  The America East Conference has released the league schedule today, featuring 16 games.  

The team will play the league slate from January 9th through March 1st before hosting the conference tournament.  The 2014 America East quarterfinals will be on Friday, March 8th at the SEFCU Arena, with the semifinals being on Sunday, March 10th.  The America East women's championship game is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 16th.

The Great Danes will play their first three conference games on the road, playing Vermont on January 9th.  They will follow up with with matchups at Hartford on January 12th and UMass Lowell on January 16th.
The first home game will be on January 18th as UAlbany hosts Maine at the SEFCU Arena.  The final two home games feature rivalry contests; the Great Danes host Binghamton on February 19th and will have Senior Day on March 1st against Stony Brook.

2014 UAlbany Women's Basketball America East Schedule
(times listed are tentative)

• Jan. 9 - @ Vermont
• Jan. 12 - @ Hartford
• Jan. 16 - @ UMass Lowell
• Jan. 18 - Maine
• Jan. 20 - @ Binghamton
• Jan. 23 - New Hampshire
• Jan. 28 - UMBC
• Jan. 30 - @ Stony Brook
• Feb. 1 - Vermont
• Feb. 4 - UMass Lowell
• Feb. 7 - Hartford
• Feb. 11 - @ UMBC
• Feb. 16 - @ Maine
• Feb. 19 - Binghamton
• Feb. 26 - @ New Hampshire
• Mar. 1 - Stony Brook

University of Albany Field Hockey Upends Providence 4-1 for Second Straight Win

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – University at Albany field hockey registered its second win of 2013 with a 4-1 victory at Providence on Saturday afternoon. The Great Danes start their season 2-0 for the first time since 2010.

"We played a reallu strong Providence team today," said head coach Phil Sykes. "I'm really proud of the way we played and how we kept our composure."

Junior Echo Bretz got UAlbany on the board just seven minutes into the game off a deflected pass from Laura Page. Providence responded less than a minute later with a goal of its own to even the score.

Liza Morgan gave the Great Danes a 2-1 advantage off another deflection on a shot by Paula Heuser. After 10 minutes of rapid scoring, the lead remained 2-1 going into halftime.
Morgan tallied her fifth goal of the weekend early in the second half, again on a deflected pass from Heuser. The sophomore has already accumulated more points in two games than she did in the entire 2012 season.

Senior Corrine McConville tallied her fifth point of the weekend on her second successful penalty stroke in the 60th minute to wrap up scoring.

Freshman goalkeeper Maxi Primus notched her second win in goal and made three saves.
The Great Danes held a 13-4 shot and 8-1 penalty corner advantage against the Friars. Combined with an 8-0 win over Bryant on Friday, UAlbany allowed just three penalty corners and five shots in its 2-0 start.

UAlbany returns to action on Sunday, Sept. 8 against Cornell at 2 p.m. The Great Danes open up a four-game homestand against the Big Red.

University of Albany Field Hockey Gets First Win With 8-0 Victory Over Bryant

ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany field hockey team got its 2013 season off to a good start on Friday afternoon with an 8-0 win over Bryant in Providence, R.I. “There were a lot of positives,” said head coach Phil Sykes. “We still have things to work on, but it was a good way to start the season.” Forward Liza Morgan began the scoring early and often for the Great Danes. The sophomore tallied three goals in the win, notching her first in the ninth minute on a cross from Daphne Voormolen. Morgan found the back of the cage again midway through the first half unassisted, and again on a pass from Celia D’Agostino late in the second half. Six different UAlbany players scored in the win over the Bulldogs, and two freshmen recorded their first career points. Corrine McConville converted on a penalty stroke in the 13th minute for a 2-0 lead, and fellow senior co-captain Daphne Voormolen scored on a breakaway from freshman Molly Mariano in the second half. In addition to her assist, Mariano scored on a wide open net for the final tally of the first half. Newcomer Paula Heuser also recorded three points in her first collegiate start. The freshman midfielder scored on a penalty corner from McConville in the 58th minute, and assisted on a penalty corner goal by sophomore Fiori Van Rijswijk to begin the second half. The Great Danes posted a dominant 27-1 shot advantage and 14-2 edge in penalty corners. Freshman Maxi Primus got the starting nod in goal, recording her first career win and shutout. UAlbany continues its season against Providence on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. The Friars downed No. 11 Northwestern on Friday afternoon 2-1 in overtime.

University of Albany Men’s Basketball Coach Will Brown Signs Contract Extension Through 2018

 

ALBANY, N.Y. – University at Albany Director of Athletics Dr. Lee McElroy announced Thursday that men’s basketball head coach Will Brown has signed a contract extension through the 2017-18 season.

Brown, the longest-tenured head coach in the America East Conference, led the Great Danes to a league title and NCAA appearance in 2012-13. He has won three America East titles, which is tied for the most all-time in the conference.
“‘I am pleased to announce that Coach Brown has signed a five-year contract extension,” said McElroy. “Coach Brown and his staff demonstrated that his leadership, with an emphasis on service, athletics and academic excellence reflect the core values of the University. President Jones and I are delighted that Coach Brown will continue to build character, integrity and accountability with our student-athletes for years to come.”

Brown has been at the helm of the Great Danes since the 2001-02 season. He has amassed a record of 172-191, and enters his 13th season in 2013-14

In addition to its NCAA tournament run, the 2012-13 UAlbany squad recorded the most wins in a season all-time since joining the Division I ranks. The Great Danes went 24-11 (9-7 America East) in 2012-13. UAlbany won the America East title as the No. 4 seed, marking the second time the No. 4 seed has earned the league’s automatic NCAA bid.
Brown also led four-year All-America East selection Mike Black to the all-time career scoring leaderboard in 2012-13. Black scored 1,542 points to rank sixth all-time in program history in points scored. He averaged 12.0 points per game for his UAlbany career.

UAlbany opens its 2013-14 season at the Times Union Center against local rival Siena on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. 

Men’s Lacrosse Alumni Game Set For October 5th

ALBANY, N.Y. – Defending America East Men’s Lacrosse Tournament Champions, the University at Albany, announced that it will play its alumni game on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 1 pm (time is subject to change). The Great Danes will play the game on John Fallon Field.

UAlbany finished the 2013 season by winning its fifth America East Title and reached the NCAA Tournament for the fifth time. The 13-4 Great Danes were carried on offense by three special individuals, Lyle, Miles and Ty Thompson. The Thompson Trio put on what some could have dubbed as “The Greatest Attack On Turf”. Not only was UAlbany No. 1 in offense in the NCAA at 15.94 goals per game, but the trio tallied the most points out of any other attacking group with 254 points.

Outside of the current Great Dane roster, UAlbany alum, Brett Queener, has been impressive at the pro level. Queener was named to his fourth Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game. The Penn Yann, N.Y. native was leading the majors with a .620 save percentage and was third with an 11.26 goals against average amongst goalkeepers at that point.

UAlbany will go into the 2014 seasons graduating just two of the eleven 2012 starters and push for its sixth America East Title in 12 seasons.

Coach Ford Announces Retirement Plans At Media Day

ALBANY, N.Y. – It all began in 1967 when President Evan R. Collins created an ad hoc University Athletics Counsel to study the future of athletics at the University at Albany. The Counsel suggested the addition of a football team and the President approved, leaving the task of hiring the man who personally would build and design the program. On April 27, 1970, it was announced that Dr. Robert M. Ford had been chosen to guide UAlbany’s fledging team. 

Forty-three years, 436 games, and 255 varsity wins later, Ford has announced that he will coach his final season in 2013. Ford made the announcement Tuesday at the program’s annual media luncheon.

“I want to thank Lee [McElroy] and the administration that I’ve had an opportunity to work for,” said Ford in front of a roomful of media, staff, and players. “They have blessed us with many resources. I’ve enjoyed it tremendously. I’ve been fortunate to have never gone to work a day in my life.”

Ford, who will turn 76 years old on Sept. 11th, is the longest active tenured coach in all of college football. At one time, Ford was the youngest head football coach in the nation when the 26-year-old took over the reins at St. Lawrence University in 1965. He will end his career as the nation’s oldest.

With 264 career victories, Ford ranks second among all active college football coaches and first among NCAA Division I active coaches. He has won four Northeast Conference Coach of the Year honors and led the Great Danes to six NEC titles.

Ford built the UAlbany program from the ground up, taking the Great Danes from a club team to an NCAA Division I FCS contender.

Ford laid the program’s groundwork quickly at the start of his tenure, leading the Great Danes to a 30-21 victory over the Rochester Institute of Technology in the program’s first clash on October 10, 1970 at University Field.

After three seasons at the club level, Ford steered the Danes to Division III varsity status in 1973. From there, “The Architect of UAlbany Football” led the program to a 127-88 record in 22 Division III seasons, and continued to carry the Danes through the college ranks, moving to Division II in 1995. UAlbany went 31-12 in the DII era and won back-to-back Eastern Football Conference championships in 1997 and 1998.

Nearing the new millennium, UAlbany moved up the ladder again to the NCAA Division I FCS level in 1999, becoming an associate member the Northeast Conference. In 2002, UAlbany captured its first of six NEC titles and wrapped up the 14-season era with its last in 2012. Ford also led the program to their first NCAA FCS playoff appearance in 2011.

For the past 43 years, head coach Bob Ford and University Field have been the program’s two constant fixtures. However, this fall the two will become one when the Great Danes settle into their new home -- Bob Ford Field. The deservingly named pristine on-campus 8,500 seat stadium features a lighted turf playing surface, state-of-the-art video board, and luxury suites.

In addition, Ford will once again lead the Great Danes into a new competitive era this fall, as they play their first season in Colonial Athletic Association – one of the nation’s premier FCS power conferences. UAlbany opens Bob Ford Field, as well as kicks off its inaugural CAA contest on Sept. 14th at 7:00 p.m. versus Rhode Island.

UAlbany Women’s Basketball’s Megan Craig Makes Her Mark at New Zealand National Team Trials

ALBANY, N.Y. – University at Albany junior center Megan Craig has caught the eye of New Zealand national team head coach Kennedy Kereama in his efforts for a 2014 FIBA World Championship berth.

Craig is competing for a spot on the New Zealand national team that must first win the FIBA Oceania Championship. The Tall Ferns will tip off on August 14 against Australia for a spot in the world championship.

According to FIBA, “One of the intriguing centers in the Tall Ferns set-up is Megan Craig.”

"I remember seeing Megan play when she could hardly get up and down the floor," Kereama said. "But I think she's really embraced the culture of basketball and the way of living in the United States. Most of our female athletes are very reserved and don't show their emotions too often, but you can see Megan has really embraced that style of basketball."
A native of Whangarei, New Zealand, Craig Played in all 29 games for the Great Danes in 2012-13. The 6’8’’ center was named third team All-America East and was the second leading scorer on the squad, averaging 10.4 ppg.

“We’re very excited for Megan,” said UAlbany women’s basketball head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson. “She’s really embracing the experience and we couldn’t be more proud.”

University of Albany Welcomed At Inaugural CAA Football Media Day

BALTIMORE – Represented by head coach Bob Ford and quarterback Will Fiacchi, the University at Albany football program made its inaugural appearance at the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Football Media Day Wednesday at M&T Bank Stadium.

Ford and Fiacchi met and mingled with the conference’s 10 other head coaches and select student-athletes, as well as spoke with a large turnout of media members.

The CAA also announced the preseason all-conference teams and the predicted order of finish. The Great Danes were picked 10th in the preseason poll, while Villanova was chosen as the league’s preseason favorite in a vote of the conference’s 11 head coaches and communications personnel.

UAlbany wrapped up a 14-year tenure in the Northeast Conference with six championships, including a share of the title in 2012. The Great Danes also boasted the best record the program has ever seen at the Division I FCS level, going 9-2 overall last year and ranked as high as No. 18 in the FCS Coaches Poll and No. 20 in the Sports Network Top-25.

The Great Danes open their 2013 CAA slate on Sept. 14th at 7:00 p.m. against Rhode Island. UAlbany will face the Rams in front of NBC Sports Regional Network cameras, while also clashing on Bob Ford Field, a brand new 8,500 seat stadium for the first time. To purchase season tickets click here. Individual game tickets go on sale August 1st.


2013 CAA Football Predicted Order of Finish
1. Villanova (11)
2. Towson (3)
3. New Hampshire (3)
4. Richmond (1)
5. James Madison (4)
6. Delaware
7. Stony Brook
8. Maine
9. William & Mary
10. UAlbany
11. Rhode Island  

CAA Football Announces 2013 TV Schedule

CAA Football Announces 2013 TV Schedule

RICHMOND, Va.  -- Announced Monday by the league office, the University at Albany football program will take on Rhode Island and Delaware in front of NBC Sports Regional Network cameras as part of the Colonial Athletic Association’s television schedule.

The Great Danes’ NBC Sports Regional Network game on September 14th at 7:00 p.m. will feature a plethora of firsts for the program, including the inaugural game at Bob Ford Field – UAlbany’s brand new 8,500 seat stadium. The Danes will also kick off their first CAA contest as a member of the league, facing Rhode Island for the first time in program history. To purchase season tickets click here. Individual game tickets go on sale August 1^st.

Also on NBC Sports Regional Networks, UAlbany will clash with the Blue Hens at Delaware Stadium October 12th starting at noon. The meeting will mark the program’s third against Delaware, as the series is tied, 1-1.

CAA Football enters its second year of a five-year broadcast agreement with the NBC Sports Network this fall. The network is the 24/7 cable platform for NBC Sports and is available in nearly 80 million homes. NBC Sports is also now live streaming NBC Sports Network’s live-event coverage to digital, mobile and tablet users via its NBC Sports Live Extra platform.

NBC Sports Regional Networks, part of the NBC Sports Group, consist of 13 regional networks that deliver more than 2,400 live sporting events annually, along with breaking news, comprehensive analysis, digital content and original programming, to more than 50 million homes. The NBC Sports Regional Networks are: Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, Comcast SportsNet California, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Comcast SportsNet Houston, Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, Comcast SportsNet New England, NECN, Comcast SportsNet Northwest, The Comcast Network, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, CSS and SNY.

Throughout the 2013 season, every game televised on NBC Sports Regional Networks will also be simulcast digitally to out-of-market areas for free on CAA.TV. A select number of these specific games may also be featured in high definition and available live for free on the CAA iPad app. Digital broadcasts will be blacked out in areas where the telecast is available via fans’ cable provider. A free login will be required to view the games both via CAA.TV on a computer or using the CAA's iPad app. More information on the CAA.TV login requirement will be available closer to the season and promoted via CAA Football’s online presence.

CAA Football is on Twitter @CAAFootball and uses the official hashtag #CAAFB. They can also be found on Facebook, Instagram and blogging on their official Every Day Is Saturday blog at caafootball.wordpress.com.

University of Albany Alumnus Brett Queener Named To The 2013 Major League Lacrosse All-Star Team

 For the fourth time in his career and for the second consecutive year, Brett Queener has been named a 2013 Major League Lacrosse All-Star, announced Monday, June 24.
Queener, a 2007 United States Inside Lacrosse Association All-America Honorable Mention selection at UAlbany, is having one of his best seasons at the major league level since being drafted in 2008. The Penn Yann, N.Y. native leads the majors with a .620 save percentage and is third with an 11.26 goals against average amongst goalkeepers.

In his six-year major league career, playing for the Hamilton Nationals for the last three, Queener is one of four Major League Lacrosse goalkeepers named to the all-star squad. He is accompanied by Drew Adams (New York Lizards), Jesse Schwartzman (Denver Outlaws), and Kip Turner (Chesapeake Bayhawks).

The 38 players named as all-stars will be divided into two teams, as selected by the winners of the MLL Ultimate Fan Fantasy contest. Cameron MacKenzie and Frank Ranfone will pick their teams playground-style to form their very own All-Star squads to compete in the game. Several All-Stars will also participate in the Half-Time Skills competition which will include Fastest Shot, Accuracy and Freestyle contests. The All-Stars will wear specially designed jerseys that will be auctioned off following the game to benefit JDRF, the 2013 All-Star Game’s charity.

The MLL All-Star Game, presented by Moe’s Southwest Grill, takes place on Saturday, July 13, at 7:00 pm in Charlotte, N.C., at American Legion Memorial Stadium, and will be broadcast live on ESPN2.

University of Albany's Jones Places Fifth At USA Junior Championship 400m Finals

DES MOINES – University at Albany freshman Taariq Jones placed fifth in the 400m dash finals Saturday afternoon at the USA Track and Field Junior National Championships.

Running in the outside lane at Drake Stadium, Jones recorded a time of 47.80, as Marcus Chambers from the Seatown Express Track Club won the event with a mark of 46.55.

With the top eight finishers in each event earning All-America honors, Jones became UAlbany’s 12th Junior All-American since 2004, joining teammate James Sommer, who earned the accolade Thursday for his seventh-place 3,000m steeplechase performance. The pair also joins Alexander Bowen, Matthew Catera, Sean Halpin, Tyler Fogarty, John Moore, Joe Greene, Alyssa Lotmore, Ryan Gaedje, Jessica Ortman, and Jenna Ortman in the Great Dane archives.

The USA Junior Championships feature athletes between 16 and 19 years of age and serve as the selection for the Pan American Junior Championships in Medellin, Colombia in August. The top two finishers with a world standard in each event are invited to compete as members of Team USA.

University of Albany's Bowen Ties For 11th At NCAA Championships, Earning Second-Team All-America Honors

EUGENE, Ore. – Competing in the high jump Friday at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Ore., sophomore Alexander Bowen cleared 7-2.50 (2.20m), tying for 11th place in the 24-athlete field. The performance garnered Bowen second-team All-America honors by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

Starting with the 6-8.75 (2.05m) mark, Bowen cleared the first three heights with ease. In his first attempts, Bowen leapt over 6-8.75 (2.05m), 6-10.75 (2.10m), and 7-0.50 (2.15m). The Beacon, N.Y. native missed his first two shots at the 7-2.50 mark, before conquering the feat to move on to the 7-4.25 (2.20m) stage.

Already the program record holder (7-3.25), Bowen looked to set the bar even higher, but his Championship journey came to a close at the new height.

Bowen, a four-time America East high jump title-winner, 2013 IC4A champion, and 2012 USA Junior National Champion, along with select University at Albany teammates will have one last opportunity to pick up hardware this season when they compete June 20-23rd at the USA Junior and Senior National Championships in Des Moines, Iowa.

UAlbany Claims Second Stuart P. Haskell, Jr. Commissioner’s Cup

PORTLAND, Maine -- Winning eight America East championships during the 2012-13 season, the University at Albany has claimed the conference’s Stuart P. Haskell, Jr. Commissioner’s Cup for the second time in school history, announced by the league office Tuesday evening at its annual awards dinner in Portland, Maine.

The Commissioner’s Cup annually recognizes the strongest athletic program in the America East Conference as determined by a scoring system, which rewards a school for success both during the regular season and championship competition in the conference’s 20 sports.

"The Commissioner's Cup symbolizes broad-based excellence which is defined by the dedication and commitment of our student-athletes, coaches and staff,” said Vice President of Athletic Administration and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Dr. Lee McElroy. “This significant distinction reflects the mission and values of the University."

The Great Danes tied an America East record by winning eight league titles and also captured four regular-season crowns with as many runner-up finishes to help net 390 points -- 90 more than any other school, marking the largest margin of victory since 2002.

Stony Brook came in second place for the second time in four years, earning 300 points, followed by UMBC (246 points) in third, University of New Hampshire (227) in fourth, Binghamton University (220) in fifth, University of Vermont (216) in sixth, University of Hartford (191), University of Maine (169) and Boston University (162).

UAlbany 2012-13 Highlights
• Won second America East Commissioner’s Cup in program history (2004-05).
• Captured conference championships in field hockey, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track & field and men’s lacrosse.
• Regular-season champions in volleyball, women’s basketball, men’s lacrosse and softball.
• Runners up in volleyball, women’s tennis and softball.
• Reached championship final in 8-of-11 America East sponsored sports.
• Won both basketball championships in the same year -- just the sixth occurrence in league history.

The scoring system for the Stuart P. Haskell, Jr. Commissioner’s Cup is as follows: In sports where regular-season round robin competition is conducted, the first-place institution in the final standings receives four points times the total number of teams involved in conference play. The second-place institution receives four less points; third place receives eight less points, and so on. Additionally, the America East (tournament) champion receives two points times the total number of teams participating in the championship. The second-place institution receives two less points; third place receives four less points and so on down to the last-place institution which receives two points.

In sports where regular-season round robin competition is not conducted (cross country, tennis, track & field, swimming & diving), the first-place institution at the America East championship receives two points times the total number of teams participating in the championship. The second-place institution receives two less points; third place gets four less points and so on down to the last place team which receives two points.