The University of Albany Places 198 Student-Athletes on America East Academic Honor Roll

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

The University at Albany had 198 student-athletes named to the 2007-08 America East Conference Winter/Spring Academic Honor Roll, as announced by the conference office on Thursday afternoon. Students had to earn grade point averages of 3.0 or above for the fall semester to receive this recognition. Students earning a 3.5 GPA or better were named to the Commissioner’s Honor Roll. America East honored 1,639 winter and spring student-athletes from around the conference.

The UAlbany women’s track and field team featured the highest number of honorees for the Great Danes, with 28 student-athletes earning recognition for both the indoor and outdoor seasons. The men’s track and field program featured 26 student-athlete honorees in both seasons.

For the winter season, five members of the men’s basketball team earned academic accolades, led by 2007-08 Men’s Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year Brian Lillis. Women’s basketball had nine representatives, including six Commissioner’s Honor Roll members.

For the spring season, the UAlbany women’s lacrosse team had 25 team members recognized, with 15 student-athletes earning Commissioner’s Honor Roll status. Men’s lacrosse placed 19 student-athletes on the honor roll, with nine members named to the Commissioner’s Honor Roll. Twelve members of the baseball team earned the academic honor, while the softball and tennis teams placed eight student-athletes each on the list. The America East Conference Championship women’s golf team had four honorees.

Binghamton had the most honor roll members, with 251 student-athletes earning the award. New Hampshire and Vermont followed with 201 and 197 honorees, respectively, with New Hampshire placing a league-high 121 student-athletes on the Commissioner’s Honor Roll. Stony Brook (188), Maine (168) Boston U. (159), UMBC (140) and Hartford (137) rounded out the nine member schools.



2007 America East Conference Winter/Spring Academic Honor Roll

Baseball: Toby Adeyemi, Ryan Breier, Pete Eichner, Jim Gaudet, Sean Gregory, Zachary Halloran, Dan Koegel, Dave Noble*, Chris Ott*, Marco Rivera, Brendan Rowland, Nate Toussaint.

Men’s Basketball: Billy Allen, Reid Anderson, Brian Connelly*, Jon Iati, Brian Lillis*.

Golf: Sun Kim*, Becky Lukac, Jessica Signorelli*, Maggie Taylert.

Men’s Lacrosse: Mike Ammann*, Steve Ammann*, Andrew Babnik, Anthony Behling, Makr cometti, Kyle Crotty*, Andew Dicioccio, Paul Guzzone*, Matt Johnson*, Mark Kelly, Derek Kreuzer, Mattew Novosel*, Trevor Ortolano, Garrett Pedley*, Makr Phelan, Joseph Pompo*, Corey Small, Derek Speziale*, Nathan Sullivan.

Women’s Lacrosse: Jodi Battaglia*, Kayla Best, Nicole Branchini*, Stacey Brown*, Jane Bush*, Julie Bush*, Samantha Fontanella*, Taylor Frink, Christine Greuniger*, Tricia Hurley*, Stephanie Kempf, Theresa Ladouceur, Renee Levitin*, Meghan Merriam*, Emily Miller, Caitlin Nevins, Molly Ortolano, Tricia Primomo*, Rory Redmond*, Mel Rorie, Brittany Scott*, Teresa Strano*, Sam Strebel, Kimberly Sumcizk*, Sara Wolf.

Softball: Kristine Bill, Meagan Butsch, Tara Dalton*, Nicole Kothe*, Amber Maisonet*, Gina Mason, Julianne Petraitis, Bailey Van Deest*.

Tennis: Melissa Coughlin*, Caitlin Crowley*, Alexa Etkin, Amanda Hall*, Aimee Kern*, Susan Ma, McKenzie Mackey*, Kim Weltman*.

Men’s Indoor Track & Field: Nick Assini*, Joe Belokopitsky, Fred Casimo, Wilfredo De Jesus, Michael Dempsey, Ricardo Estremera*, Tyler Fogarty, Valete Graham*, Jonathan Hilbert, Mattew Hertz, Raphael Jean-Baptiste, Chris Jimenez*, Nicholas Jones, Mohamed Kanu*, Bryan Lasky*, Kevin Lee, Michael Lynch, Kyle Nadler, Kevin O’Reilly, Andrew Overbaugh*, Charles Ross, David Rothman*, Luke Schoen, Mitchel Troise*, Pat Weider, Freddy Wills.

Women’s Indoor Track & Field: Tashia Alexander, Sandy Antenor, Esperanza Blanco, Danielle Broeker, Octavia Clarkson*, Meghan Crowe, Laura Cummings, Bausha Elliott, Zuliana Fontanez, Arina Gerasimova, Kristine Grab*, Jenn Gurrant, Quante Harris, Jessica Hunter, Isabella Katsarelis*, Rebecca Kelly, Sarah Lapierre, Melissa Lee*, Ashley Lewis, Candice Mann*, Briana McNamee, Kamilah McShine*, Amy Morrison*, Kristine Mun, Alexandra Panos*, Jessica Panos*, Laine Sefick, Corrine Porter Stepney*.

Men’s Outdoor Track & Field: Nick Assini*, Joe Belokopitsky, Fred Casimo, Wilfredo De Jesus, Michael Dempsey, Ricardo Estremera*, Tyler Fogarty, Valete Graham*, Jonathan Hilbert, Mattew Hertz, Raphael Jean-Baptiste, Chris Jimenez*, Nicholas Jones, Mohamed Kanu*, Bryan Lasky*, Kevin Lee, Michael Lynch, Kyle Nadler, Kevin O’Reilly, Andrew Overbaugh*, Charles Ross, David Rothman*, Luke Schoen, Mitchel Troise*, Pat Weider, Freddy Wills.

Women’s Outdoor Track & Field: Tashia Alexander, Sandy Antenor, Esperanza Blanco, Danielle Broeker, Octavia Clarkson*, Meghan Crowe, Laura Cummings, Bausha Elliott, Zuliana Fontanez, Arina Gerasimova, Kristine Grab*, Jenn Gurrant, Quante Harris, Jessica Hunter, Isabella Katsarelis*, Rebecca Kelly, Sarah Lapierre, Melissa Lee*, Ashley Lewis, Candice Mann*, Briana McNamee, Kamilah McShine*, Amy Morrison*, Kristine Mun, Alexandra Panos*, Jessica Panos*, Laine Sefick, Corrine Porter Stepney*.



* Denotes America East Commissioner’s Honor Roll

University of Albany Men's Lacrosse Receives Commitments from 14 Student-Athletes for 2009 Campaign

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany men's lacrosse coach Scott Marr announced on Wednesday, July 9 that fourteen student-athletes have made commitments to play for the Great Danes in the 2008-09 academic year. The list includes three U.S. Lacrosse High School All-Americans and one junior college All-America player.

"It's a very athletic and intelligent group of lacrosse players," offers Marr, who has a 73-51 career record in eight seasons with the UAlbany program. "This class is well-rounded and brings both excitement and passion to the game. We have increased our scoring ability with high-caliber attackmen like Dave Brock and Joe Resetarits, and the midfielders should make us solid at those positions for the next couple of years. We just continue to build with student-athletes from winning programs who are motivated to excel."

Joe Resetarits was named to the U.S. Lacrosse High School All-America squad for the second straight year. Resetarits, whose brother Frank earned first-team All-America honors as a collegian at UAlbany in 2007, was selected to play in the Under Armour All-Star Game, as one of the nation's top 46 scholastic boys' players, and the U.S. Lacrosse National Senior Showcase. He set New York's Section VI record with 98 goals in leading Hamburg High to the Class B state semifinals. Luke Cometti totaled 51 goals and 36 assists as a senior when West Genesee High won the 2008 New York Class A state championship. A U.S. Lacrosse All-American, Cometti was chosen Central New York Co-Player of the Year by the Syracuse Post-Standard. His brother, Mark, is a midfielder on the current UAlbany team.

Rocky Bonitatibus is the third high school All-American in this year's class. Bonitatibus, an All-Section I midfielder, accounted for 39 goals and 22 assists as a member of New York's fifth-ranked Class A squad. A native of Burlington, Ontario, Dave Brock was selected second-team NJCAA All-America for the second consecutive year at Herkimer County Community College. A first-team All-Region III player on two occasions, Brock (6'4", 210 pounds) amassed 115 goals and 51 assists in his two-year HCCC career.

UAlbany picked up two players named to the Ohio High School Lacrosse Association all-state team. Keith Olson, a first-team selection, led Upper Arlington H.S. to its fifth consecutive state championship. A Division I All-Region I choice, Olson was voted the 2008 OHSLA Midfielder of the Year. Daley Baker earned honorable mention all-state and first-team all-region recognition at Cleveland Heights High. In addition, Baker was second-team all-league as a ice hockey goalkeeper.

Shenendehowa High's John Olsen was tabbed All-Area by the Albany Times Union and Troy Record. Olsen, an All-Suburban Council attackman who piled up 185 career points, tallied 49 goals and 42 assists as a senior. Tim Monahan, an Amherst Central High defenseman and long-stick midfielder, was named All-Western New York for the third straight year. Matt Cushing, who also competed in football and wrestling at East Syracuse-Minoa H.S., had 25 goals and 17 assists from the midfield last spring.

Long Island scholastic standouts are well represented among this group. Dwayne Stewart, an All-Suffolk County performer, scored 38 goals and 42 assists at Copiague High. Jack Reynolds, a 6-foot-3 midfielder who attended Bridgton Academy last year, established Holy Trinity's single-season record with 43 goals in 2007. Dean Steinmann and John Carroll led Smithtown East to the Suffolk County Class A quarterfinals. Steinmann had 32 goals and nine assists from his midfield position, while Carroll made double-figure saves against six opponents, including 16 vs. Smithtown West in the quarterfinals. Travis Lyons, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound defenseman, was also a quality wide receiver for the Farmingdale High football program.

UAlbany returns 24 letterwinners from a team that reached the America East Conference championship final for the seventh consecutive season. The Great Danes have made four NCAA tournament appearances in that period.

***********

2009 University at Albany Men's Lacrosse Commitments

Name, Pos., Hometown (High School)

Daley Baker, Mid., Cleveland Heights, Ohio (Cleveland Heights)

Rocky Bonitatibus, Mid., Yorktown Heights, N.Y. (Yorktown)

Dave Brock, Att., Burlington, Ontario (Nelson / Herkimer County C.C.)

John Carroll, Glk., Nesconset, N.Y. (Smithtown East)

Luke Cometti, Mid., Syracuse, N.Y. (West Genesee)

Matt Cushing, Mid., Minoa, N.Y. (East Syracuse-Minoa)

Travis Lyons, Def., Farmingdale, N.Y. (Farmingdale)

Tim Monahan, Def., Williamsville, N.Y. (Amherst Central)

John Olsen, Att., Clifton Park, N.Y. (Shenendehowa)

Keith Olson, Mid., Upper Arlington, Ohio (Upper Arlington)

Joe Resetarits, Att., Hamburg, N.Y. (Hamburg)

Jack Reynolds, Mid., Farmingdale, N.Y. (Holy Trinity / Bridgton Academy)

Dean Steinmann, Mid., Nesconset, N.Y. (Smithtown East)

Dwayne Stewart, Mid., Copiague (Copiague, N.Y.)

The University of Albany rolls out its new advertising campaign

The University of Albany rolls out its new advertising campaign at the Albany-Rensselaer train station, reminding visitors that UAlbany puts "The World Within Reach." Photo Courtesy: Mark Schmidt

Matt Chmura Hired as Assistant Director of Athletic Media Relations at the University of Albany

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced today the hiring of Matt Chmura as the assistant director of athletic media relations.

Chmura comes to UAlbany after a 10-month stint as sports information director at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He was responsible for the publicity of 23 varsity sports and worked to enhance the department’s publications and web site. He spearheaded the implementation of live web casts for a variety of sports at the Merchant Marine Academy and developed increased media coverage for the department.

Prior to his position at the Merchant Marine Academy, Chmura spent two years as a graduate assistant at Quinnipiac University. He served as the school’s primary contact for nine NCAA Division I programs, while working to gain media coverage on the local, regional and national levels. He was also involved in the planning and implementation of media relations efforts for the opening of the TD Banknorth Sports Center, which opened in January 2007.

Chmura also gained Division I experience through internships at Northeastern University and the College of the Holy Cross. While at Northeastern, Chmura was the lead contact for the women’s ice hockey team and assisted with publicity of the men’s ice hockey team.

Chmura is a 2005 graduate of Springfield College, where he earned six letters in track and field while pursing a B.S. in sports management. He also received his M.S. in journalism from Quinnipiac in 2007.

New York Giants: Superbowl Champions Return to the University of Albany

NY Giants Training Camp Preview

12 years @ UAlbany. Average 30,890 fans per summer.
In, 2007, 40,000+ attended.

UAlbany Lacrosse Adds Another Attack to the Already Impressive List

Dwayne Stewart, the Copiague senior is the third oldest of six children, four of whom live with their single mother. Stewart balances schoolwork, practice, and a job at McDonald's and still finds time to practice with his siblings, hoping to give them an earlier start than he had.

A college scholarship is the reward.

"Once I told my mom I had [colleges] looking at me, she told me you have to get your little brothers to play," Stewart said.

His brother Justin is a sophomore on the varsity and Isiah, a seventh-grader, is just starting to pick up the sport.

Dwayne Stewart, who started playing in eighth grade, is a senior All-County attack was looking for the right local college scholarship offer at the Division I level.

The family could not afford a home phone when college coaches began trying to contact Stewart. His job helped him recently to buy a prepaid cell phone for the family.

"I almost get tears in my eyes thinking about how this kid's life has grown and what he has overcome," Copiague lacrosse coach Jim Konen said. "He does it every day with a smile on his face. He has younger brothers and he brings them around and he is a leader for them."

Stewart, who started on the varsity as a sophomore, has used his quick first step, hard shot and feeder mentality to score 24 goals and pass for 31 assists this season for Copiague (3-7).

"His best days of lacrosse are ahead of him. I think he is a hidden gem," said Paul Carcaterra, a lacrosse analyst for CBS College Sports and co-founder of No Limit Lacrosse camps, which Stewart has attended the last three summers. "If I was a Division I coach, I would take a chance on Dwayne Stewart. I don't even know if I'd call it a chance."

Stewart is also an All-County quarterback who led Suffolk with 19 touchdown passes last season, but lacrosse is where his heart is and where his best chance for a Division I scholarship lies. He quit the basketball team this season to focus on lacrosse.

"The kids have to be big in basketball and football. Division I schools are looking for the 6-2 to 6-4 kid," Copiague football coach Bruce Muro said. "He's a really good athlete. Being a 6-foot kid, he falls more into where the lacrosse kids are."

Stewart realizes this and that the same could be true for his brothers. "My brother in seventh grade, he kind of loves the sport like me," Stewart said. "He could excel right past me." That's the plan.
Courtesy: Newsday

AAU National Karate Championships at the University of Albany

Some 2,100 martial arts competitors from across the nation are gathering at University of Albany's SEFCU Arena for the AAU national karate championships.

The time of year has come when karate athletes from across the country meet to participate in the AAU Junior and Senior Karate Championships. This year, more than 2,000 competitors are expected to participate in the tournament, which will take place June 23 through July 5 at the University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY).

Athletes ages five to 35 and up will contend for first place in beginner, novice, intermediate, and advanced divisions. The event will showcase those who placed at their district championships and qualified for the Regional or Super Regional Championships. Winners from each division will be awarded AAU National Championship medals.

Opening ceremonies will be held July 2 beginning at 8 a.m. in the SEFCU Arena of the university. The ceremonies will feature guest speakers Gerald D. Jennings, mayor of the city of Albany, and George Philip, Interim president of SUNY.

This event is open to the public. Discounted spectator tickets may be purchased during registration on July 2 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Otherwise, spectators can purchase their tickets at the door. For more information and complete results from this event, log on to www.aaukarate.org.
Courtesy: AAUNews

The University of Albany's College of Nanoscale Science, Albany city school district partner to launch Nanoscale Science Summer Institute

Twenty-five middle-school students from the Capital Region will spend their summer vacation immersed in nanotechnology as they attend the first-ever Excelsior Scholars Nanoscale Science Summer Institute, a partnership between the City School District of Albany ("CSDA") and the University at Albany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering ("CNSE") that builds on the success of the groundbreaking "NanoHigh" program developed jointly by CSDA and CNSE.

Students from the Bethlehem Central School District, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central Schools, Mohonasen Central School District and Shenendehowa Central School District will join CSDA students in the six-week program, which begins on Monday, July 7 and is funded through the New York State Education Department's Excelsior Scholars Program for Grade Seven Mathematics and Science Students.

Each week, students will attend two days of introductory nanoscience courses taught at Albany High School, and then bring those classroom lessons to life with hands-on, interactive laboratory activities conducted at CNSE's world-class Albany NanoTech Complex. The curriculum is modeled on the NanoHigh program, a joint effort between CSDA and CNSE to enhance students' opportunities to take advantage of new nanotechnology-related careers being created in the Capital Region, New York State and around the globe, which this year graduated its first 20 students.

The Nanoscale Science Summer Institute will provide students with a foundational understanding of the fundamental principles and applications of nanoscale science and engineering, including an up-close look at several cutting-edge areas of nanotechnology, such as nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, nanobioscience and solar-powered devices.

"We are pleased to be able to build on our great partnership with the UAlbany NanoCollege to expand the opportunities available to our students in nanoscience, and to provide opportunities for students in other Capital Region school districts to benefit from the great resource that the NanoCollege is to our community," said CSDA Superintendent Eva C. Joseph, Ed.D.

Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of CNSE, said, "The UAlbany NanoCollege is pleased to host eligible students from across the Capital Region who will receive a unique and unparalleled look at the exciting world of nanotechnology through the inaugural Excelsior Scholars Nanoscale Science Summer Institute. Through the strategic partnership between CNSE and the City School District of Albany, school districts from across the region will have the opportunity to share in this pioneering educational paradigm that gives students a firsthand look at nanoscale science and engineering, the field that will shape their careers in the future."

Students participating in the Excelsior Scholars Nanoscale Science Summer Institute have been selected by their home school districts based upon distinguished work in mathematics and science. Each student will receive a certificate at the completion of the program identifying them as a New York State Excelsior Scholar.

UAlbany Alum Thomson Scores 7 goals as New Jersey upsets Long Island in high-scoring showdown

If there is one thing that is guaranteed about Major League Lacrosse, it is the fact that fans can be sure they will see plenty of scoring. The game between New Jersey and Long Island was no exception as the teams combined for a season-high 46 points in the Pride's 26-20 victory over the Lizards at Mitchel Athletic Complex, snapping Long Island's five-game win streak.

It was the highest-scoring game in the MLL this season and tied for the third-highest scoring game in the league's eight-year history. The 46 points are also the most since Rochester and Denver combined to score a league-record 53 points last year at INVESCO Field at Mile High.

Merrick Thomson led the offensive explosion with a career-high nine points, matching the most by a player in the league this year. He scored a career-high seven goals and had two assists, barely missing the New Jersey single-game points record set by former Pride attackman Jesse Hubbard. Thomson, who was named as the Bud Light MVP, tied a team record with the fourth seven-goal effort in the Pride's eight-year history. Hubbard had recorded the other three seven-goal efforts.

Rookie attackman Matt Danowski also had the best night of his brief professional career. He recorded a season-high nine points, scoring four goals with three assists. Of his four goals, two of them were from two-point range.

While New Jersey was busy setting team records, Long Island midfielder Peter Vlahakis was busy chasing the MLL record book. The three-time MLL Defensive Player of the Week honoree set a league record by winning 35 of 48 face-offs while adding 17 ground balls with a goal.

Keith Cromwell and Chris Fiore took advantage of Vlahakis' success at the face-off "x" by each scoring four goals with three assists. Meanwhile, Spencer Ford scored twice and also had three assists, upping his MLL-leading total to 23 on the season.

The Pride, who have won two of their last three games, snapped a two-game losing streak against the Lizards. Long Island still leads the series by a 12-7 margin.

University of Albany Set to Meet National Champions Kansas in 2008-09 Season

For years it worked for Denny Crum at Louisville, play a brutally hard out of conference schedule, reap the benefits at tournament time. It's a strong schedule philosophy ualbany is following.

While the signatures still have to go on contracts, the Danes are set to play the defending national champions Kansas early on in the 2008-09 season.

The Danes will visit Phog Allen fieldhouse, likely a december date. the Bill Self coached Jayhawks are expected to see 5 players drafted in this seasons NBA draft. Don't worry, they'll still be ranked come start of next season.

The Kansas trip comes a year after the Danes played at Duke. Also on the dance card this year, Big East DePaul with one other Big East school still possible.
Courtesy: Fox23

Dates:
11/14 @Nova
11/17 @Depaul
12/6 @Siena
12/30 @Kansas

UAlbany Women's Lacrosse Receives Three Commitments for 2008-09 Academic Year

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University at Albany women's lacrosse coach Lindsey Hart announced on Wednesday, July 2 that three student-athletes have made commitments for the 2008-09 academic year. Brianna Day, a defender/midfielder from North Masspequa, N.Y. (Plainedge H.S.), Jenn Primeau, a midfielder from Niskayuna, N.Y. (Niskayuna H.S.), and Melanie Sosnowski, an attacker from Massapequa Park, N.Y. (Massapequa H.S.), will enroll as freshmen in the fall semester.

"Jenn Primeau is a midfielder who can play both ends of the field," stated Hart, whose program has made two consecutive America East Conference postseason tournament appearances. "She is incredibly fast and extremely athletic. (Melanie) Sosnowski is a skilled attack who is great in transition and can finish. (Brianna) Day is an aggressive defender who has the ability to carry the ball into the midfield and scoring area."

Primeau was named to the Albany Times Union All-Area squad after accounting for 38 goals and 11 assists as a senior. A first-team All-Suburban Council selection, she scored four goals against both Saratoga Springs and Saugerties. Primeau led the Silver Warriors, who finished with a 15-6 record, to the 2008 Section II championship and the Class B state semifinals.

Day, who has been a starter since her freshman year at Plainedge High, earned all-conference honors last season. She had 37 goals and six assists for the Red Devils, including a seven-goal, one-assist performance against Port Washington. Day, who most likely will play defense at the collegiate level, was named to the 2008 U.S. Lacrosse High School Academic All-America Team.

Sosnowski, who has an accurate shot, was an All-Conference I standout. She totaled 35 goals and 18 assists from her attack position as a senior. Sosnowski, who led her team to an 11-5 record, was named the Nassau Player of the Week by Newsday on April 17. She tallied five goals against St. Anthony's and four goals and two assists versus Seaford. Sosnowski was also an All-Nassau County gymnast.

UAlbany returns 19 letterwinners, including nine starters, off a squad that posted eight victories for the third consecutive season against a schedule that featured six national top-20 programs.

2009 University at Albany Women's Lacrosse Commitments

Name, Pos., Hometown (High School)Brianna Day, D/M, North Massapequa, N.Y. (Plainedge)Jenn Primeau, Mid., Niskayuna, N.Y. (Niskayuna)Melanie Sosnowski, Att., Massapequa Park, N.Y. (Massapequa)

The University of Albany Will Host New Energy Symposium - 2008

New Energy New York and the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering are hosting the Third Annual New Energy Symposium July 9-10, 2008, attracting prominent players in the energy field from the academia, government, and industry sectors.

The event will feature a Solar Expo and is held at the world-class Albany NanoTech complex in Albany, NY. Co-chairs for this event are Vincent A. Delorio, Chairman of the Board of Directors for NYSERDA; and Tom Birdsey, President & CEO of Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture & Engineering.

The New Energy Symposium offers a unique chance to share industry trends, threats, and opportunities as they relate to emerging energy technologies. The Symposium also provides the opportunity to meet with executives who take an interest in the future of energy in the United States.

Technology Demonstrations
The New Energy Symposium will again highlight clean energy technologies, and invites your organization to showcase emerging technology and research you are developing. Some of the confirmed demos include:

BMW Hydrogen 7 Series
Honda Fuel Cell Car
SmartCar
MiniCooper
Plug Power Fuel Cell Forklift
To showcase your company's technology, please contact Ms. Kate Dooley at kdooley@uamail.albany.edu with an abstract.

Former Football Star Lee McElroy and His Journey to University of Albany

When others saw risk, Beaumont native Lee McElroy found opportunity. The oldest of 12siblings, the former Hebert High School football star became the first to go as far from home has he did.
Years later, an unexpected career shift took him from home again, this time on a journey that has allowed him to make as bigger a difference off the field than he ever did on it.

Through it all, McElroy points to a racially segregated upbringing that shaped his values today, as he is one of few African-Americans to run an athletic program at a non-traditionally-black school. "I've had a lot of success everywhere I've been, and that's because I learned to go in and look at an environment and then develop the pieces to make it fit," said McElroy, the director of athletics at New York's University of Albany since 2000.

McElroy, 60, is an older brother to former National Football League players Reggie and Leeland McElroy. Their greatest impacts came on the field, Reggie through 15 years as an offensive lineman and Leeland through three years as a running back.
Although a good enough football player to be a linebacker at UCLA, Lee McElroy's impact came in the classroom. His father the mail carrier and his mother the teacher's aide stressed getting an education. They said his six brothers and five sisters looked to him as an example."Very early on you learned responsibility and accountability," said McElroy, expected to be the first to the dinner table and to make sure the doors were locked for the night.

Branching out
McElroy's responsibilities today include overseeing an expanding athletic department and trying to get financing for an on-campus football stadium. Those tasks, however, were far beyond McElroy's horizon when he left Beaumont for what he called the "culture shock" of UCLA in 1966."Lee wasn't afraid to branch out," said one of McElroy's former Hebert teammates, Bob Pollard, who played 11 seasons in the NFL.
Pollard recalled that he and other Hebert teammates didn't stray beyond Texas Southern University in Houston at a time when McElroy made his cross-country leap.
"There were four or five guys that went to Texas Southern, but he was going all the way to UCLA," said Pollard, who transferred after one season at Texas Southern to Weber State in Utah. "He wanted to branch out and prove that he could compete, not just athletically, but academically as well."

Although McElroy took academics seriously, he felt he had more to prove in the segregated setting that surrounded Hebert."We had to overcome the stigma and perceptions that our school wasn't as good academically (as schools with mostly white students)," McElroy said of Hebert, housed on the site that is now Ozen. "We had to overcome the perception that our school was inferior and that the experience was inferior." With a bachelor's in political science from UCLA and a master's in education from Southern California, McElroy returned to Beaumont to be a teacher and coach at South Park High School in 1975. He became an assistant principal at Forest Park in 1979 and envisioned a future in academic administration before his career took an unexpected turn in 1981.

"My original intention was to remain in Beaumont," said McElroy, who had completed courses at UH to become a school superintendent. But, at the behest of then-UH athletic director Cedric Dempsey, McElroy joined the school's athletic department and started what he said was the first academic support program for athletes in the now-defunct Southwest Conference.

Pride and scorn
McElroy spent eight years at UH and went to three other universities, including Albany. He also served as athletics director for four years at American University in Washington D.C., seven years at California State University-Sacramento and one year at the University of District of Columbia. With McElroy, Albany is among four percent of universities with mostly white students to have an African-American athletic director; a statistic McElroy declares "a source of pride and a source of scorn." The pride comes with an achievement that has allowed him to stand tall, as he was recognized enough to have served as the president of the National Association of Athletic Directors for the 2007-07 academic term. McElroy's scorn that lies in his desire that blacks be given as much opportunity as whites.

"I'm a little tired of hearing from people in the industry who are saying that the only people who can make a change are the university presidents," McElroy said.

To McElroy, raising the number of black administrators and coaches to reflect the amount of black athletes - close to 60 percent in Division I basketball and 45 percent in Division I football, according to NCAA data - must be an industry-wide effort.

"Look at the way the NFL has worked," McElroy said of the "Rooney Rule," which requires all teams to interview at least one minority for all head coaching positions. "Why can't we do the same thing in the NCAA? You interview quality people of color." At most schools, the athletic director and football coach are often the public face of a university, McElroy said. "In the south, if a person of color is the point person, he may not be able to raise enough money," McElroy said. "That's got to change."

Changes at home
Yet, for as much change McElroy would like to see in the NCAA, he has seen more change in his home town. Gone is the segregated environment in which whites had "no contact athletically and educationally with anyone who was African-American."
McElroy pointed to the merger of all-black Hebert and all-white Forest Park to create West Brook and its Class 5A football state title that followed in 1982 as an eye opener. "That showed what integration could do," he said.

McElroy returns home for annual visits with his mother, where he continues to bump into those whose lives he touched during his brief return to Beaumont. "He's always been highly academically oriented," said Arthur Louis, who was coached by McElroy at South Park and is now an assistant football and track coach at West Brook. "He always talked with me about being the complete student athlete, which is what I talk about today." Although McElroy said he is happy to live in Albany - he recently took dance lessons with his wife, Karen, to prepare for a local charity "Dancing with the Stars" event - he might be open to another move, but only under proper circumstances. "I'm having so much fun here," he said. "The community is behind us and the state of New York is getting behind what we've done. What I want to do now is build a (football stadium), so I can't say what tomorrow will bring."

By CHRISTOPHER DABE

Birdsey to head alternative energy consortium led by UAlbany NanoCollege

Tom Birdsey, president and CEO of Einhorn Yaffee Prescott ("EYP") Architecture & Engineering of Albany, has been elected as chair of New Energy New York ("NENY"), a statewide consortium of alternative energy companies and organizations led by the Energy and Environmental Technology Applications Center ("E2TAC") at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering ("CNSE") of the University at Albany.

Birdsey will guide NENY's mission of promoting energy technology excellence in New York State through a series of initiatives that assist energy-related companies in pursuing common technology challenges, addressing critical policy issues and receiving the benefits of collaborative marketing and promotion. Through its strategic and coordinated approach, NENY has been successful in drawing international attention to New York's growing leadership in clean and renewable energy technologies.

At EYP, Birdsey heads a 300-person, leading global architectural and engineering firm with a 30-year history of designing energy efficient and "green" facilities around the world. EYP has also partnered with CNSE to create the National Institute for Sustainable Energy ("NISE") - a world-class center for zero energy and sustainability research and development at the UAlbany NanoCollege - designed to convert zero energy concepts and innovations into actual business opportunities and revenue-generating initiatives in established markets, including integrated building modeling and energy simulation, energy efficiency, new energy technology, and monitoring and control.

Birdsey said, "It is both a pleasure and a privilege to serve as Chair of New Energy New York, which is playing a vital role in addressing critical challenges and opening up new opportunities in the alternative energy sector for companies throughout New York State. With interest in clean and renewable energy technologies at an all-time high, I look forward to working with the pioneering leaders at the UAlbany NanoCollege to expand and grow the mission and impact of NENY at this critical time in our nation's history."

Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of CNSE, said, "As a recognized leader in ‘green' energy through his work on the design and engineering of energy-efficient, high-tech buildings around the world, Tom Birdsey is a superb choice to lead New Energy New York. Tom's expertise in clean and renewable energy technologies, combined with his global leadership and vision, will provide outstanding direction for NENY that will serve to benefit alternative energy companies and organizations throughout New York."

Dr. Pradeep Haldar, Director of CNSE's E2TAC and Executive Director of NENY, said, "Tom Birdsey has already made significant contributions to the New Energy New York consortium through his active involvement with several key initiatives. I look forward to working with him to further enhance NENY's efforts to bring together the growing number of renewable energy organizations across New York State."

NENY has played a leading role in a number of important alternative energy technology initiatives, including development of a Solar Roadmap for New York State; creation and coordination of numerous events, such as the New Energy Symposium and Tech Valley Energy Forums; and, promotion of New York's alternative energy capabilities at trade shows and through the "New York Loves Energy" campaign.

University of Albany Entry Plaza Update

Courtesy: UAalum72

UAlbany Men's Soccer Announces Nine Incoming Players for the 2008 Season

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany head men’s soccer coach Johan Aarnio announced on Tuesday that the program has received commitments from nine incoming players for the 2008 season. The incoming class includes three transfers and six freshmen.

“We have recruited to add depth to our roster and affect the areas we fell short in last year,” Aarnio said. “With an incoming class of three recruited transfers and six recruited freshmen we have added experience and talent in both offense and defense to our group.”

The class is led by junior transfer Claudio Dantas, who joins the Great Danes from Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Mo. A native of Deerfield Beach, Fla., Dantas was a two-time adidas Junior College Division I All-American and also earned consecutive All-South and Regional XVI honors in 2006 and 2007. Last season, Dantas led Jefferson to a fifth-place finish in the NJCAA National Tournament and was ranked eighth nationally in scoring with 27 goals and eight assists. He led the Vikings to consecutive Region XVI and Plains District championships. Dantas, a 5-foot-8 striker, was ranked fourth nationally in points as a freshman in 2006, scoring 28 goals and adding eight helpers.

Junior forward/midfielder William Vasquez joins the UAlbany program after two seasons at SUNY Delhi. In 2007, Vasquez was voted to the NSCAA adidas Junior College Division III All-America first team, as well as earning Division III All-East Regional and All-Region III honors. A native of Peeksill, N.Y., he was ranked ninth nationally in points, with 15 goals and eight assists.

Defensive midfielder Mike Peters comes to UAlbany from Hogeschool Apeldoorn in the Netherlands. A 6-foot-2 senior who hails from the town of Westervoort, Peters was a member of the senior first-team AVW’66 Arnhem Divisional Champions in 2007.

Leading the group of five freshmen is Lawrence Papaleo, a 6-foot-2 forward from Manlius, N.Y. Papaleo earned NSCAA all-state honors and was a member of the Syracuse Under-18 New York State West championship team. A high honor roll student at Christian Brothers Academy, Papaleo competed in the Red Bull High School Cup, presented by adidas, which brings together the top New York and New Jersey high school seniors.

Konner Julian McNamara comes to the program from Iona Catholic Central High School in Mississauga, Ontario. A 6-foot-2 defender, McNamara was a member of the Toronto Lynx 20-under Super-Y League finalist squad and was a two-time winner of the Ontario Cup with the Mississauga Falcons in 2005 and 2006. McNamara is the younger brother of UAlbany senior Taylor Mikael McNamara.

Jordan Zaprowski joins the Great Danes out of Clarence Central High School. A 5-foot-9 defender from Williamsville, N.Y., Zaprowski was a bronze medal winner at the 2007 Empire State Games with the Western Scholastic soccer team and was a member of the Delaware SC Internationals.

Aarnio continues to bring in high-performing international students, including Adrian Foncette, Bjorn Bekkers and Luuk Collou. Foncette, a 6-foot-2 goalkeeper, is a native of Arima, Trinidad and Tobago and was a member of the 2007 Under-23 national team. Foncette, who attended Fatima College High School, was also a member of the St. Ann’s Rangers Futbol Club. Bekkers is a 6-foot-2 forward/midfielder from Enschede, Netherlands. He was a member of the Senior First Team Sparta Enschede and attended Stedelijk Lyceum in Enschede. Collou also hails from Enschede, Netherlands and was a member of the Tubanters Enschede Senior First Team last year and attended ROC Twente.

-agate-

Hilco Beeks Sr. D Arnhem, Netherlands/Hogeschool Arnhem-Nijmegen

Bjorn Bekkers Fr. M/F Enschede, Netherlands/Stedelijk Lyceum

Luuk Collou Fr. M/F Enschede, Netherlands/ROC Twente

Claudio Dantes Jr. F Deerfield Beach, Fla./Jefferson College

Adrian Foncette Fr. GK Arima, Trinidad and Tobago/Fatima College HS

Konner Julian McNamara Fr. D Mississauga, Ontario/Iona Catholic Central

Lawrence Papaleo Fr. F Manlius, N.Y./Christian Brothers Academy

Mike Peters Sr. D/M Westervoort, Netherlands/Hogeschool Apeldoorn

William Vasquez Jr. F/M Peekskill, N.Y./SUNY Delhi

Jordan Zaprowski Fr. D Williamsville, N.Y/Clarence

UAlbany Alum Met in Major League Lacrosse MLL Action Saturday

With 3 goals and 1 assist, University of Albany Alum Merrick Thomson of the New Jersey Pride is tied for 3rd on the goals scored league leaders list.

With heavy rain pounding Yurcak Field on Saturday afternoon, the New Jersey Pride entered their game against the Long Island Lizards hoping that the soggy surface would prove to be a neutralizer. However, the Lizards came out firing on all cylinders and jumped out to a 10-1 lead en route to a 16-9 victory over the Pride on Saturday night.

Stephen Berger was named as the Bud Light MVP for the second straight game after leading the Lizards with four goals and an assist.

Led by three Berger markers, the Lizards jumped out to a commanding 10-1 advantage in the first half. They held New Jersey scoreless for the final 16:33 of the first half and scored six straight goals following a 4-0 start.

After Chris Unterstein opened the scoring for New Jersey in the third quarter, Berger and Tim Goettelmann scored back-to-back goals less than a minute apart. But, the Pride held tough and ignited a six-goal run, including a pair of goals from Scott Urick and Conor Ford, to close within 12-8 less than two minutes into the fourth quarter.

The teams traded goals after the Pride’s run before Long Island ended the game with three straight goals to secure their fifth straight win.

While Berger led the Lizards with five points, University of Albany Alum Frank Resetarits added a four-goal effort. Midfielder Peter Vlahakis won 20 of 29 face-offs and had eight ground balls.

Unterstein added two goals with two assists for the Pride.

The Lizards outshot New Jersey by a 40-37 margin.

Courtesy: Inside Lacrosse

Eugene 2008 Track and Field Olympic Trials: UAlbany's Joe Greene

Friday, June 27, 2008

1:00 p.m. 100m Hurdles women heptathlon
1:55 High Jump women heptathlon
4:20 Shot Put women heptathlon
5:00 Opening Ceremony
5:30 100m women qualifying
5:40 Triple Jump women qualifying
5:50 Pole Vault men qualifying
6:00 200m women heptathlon
6:30 400m Hurdles women quarterfinal
7:05 400m Hurdles men quarterfinal

Saturday, June 28, 2008

12:45 p.m. Javelin Throw women qualifying
2:00 Long Jump women heptathlon
2:30 100m men qualifying
3:05 Wheelchair 1500m men exhibition
3:20 Javelin Throw women heptathlon
3:25 100m women semifinal
3:45 Paralympics Ambulatory 100m men exhibition
3:55 400m Hurdles men semifinal

Sunday, June 29, 2008

10:00 a.m. 100m men decathlon
10:50 Long Jump men decathlon
12:00 p.m. Shot Put men decathlon
1:15 High Jump men decathlon
2:25 Triple Jump women final
2:30 100m men semifinal
2:40 Pole Vault men final
3:00 400m women quarterfinal
3:15 Discus Throw women final
3:15 Long Jump men final
3:35 400m men decathlon
4:02 400m Hurdles women final
4:17 400m Hurdles men final

University of Albany expecting big crowds For Superbowl Champion NY Giants Training Camp

When the Super Bowl champion New York Giants set up training camp for the 13th consecutive year at University at Albany next month, more fans than ever are expected to get up close and personal with the the likes of Eli Manning, Plaxico Burress and Osi Umenyiora.

The Giants, who defeated the New England Patriots, 17-14, in Super Bowl XLII, open summer training camp on Friday, July 25. The camp concludes Sunday, Aug. 17. The Giants will practice 19 days on the UAlbany campus, including 10 double sessions. The first night practice will be July 28 at 6:10 p.m.

In 12 previous seasons at UAlbany, preseason camp has averaged 31,032 fans. The all-time mark of 45,040 was set in 2004, but UAlbany officials are expecting that

record to be shattered this summer.

“Giants camp has become a real family affair,” said UAlbany sports information director and assistant athletic director Brian DePasquale. “What a lot of people have done in recent seasons is to come for both sessions on a double practice session day. They set up their parking at Dutch Quad, go to the early practice session, go back to the parking lot to tailgate and grill out, and then go out at night to see the 6:10 p.m. session. Since the track [Saratoga Race Course] is going on at the same time, some people go to a morning practice and then go to the track in the afternoon. There are lots of ways to enjoy both

Giants camp and the rest of the things that are going on in the Cap­ital Region this summer.

“There are some special things planned this year, but we’re not exactly sure just what is going on yet. One thing that may happen is that the Super Bowl trophy could be brought to training camp for everyone to see.”

Admission is free, but there is a daily parking fee of $5 at Dutch Quad. An all-session parking pass is available for $15 and can be purchased beginning July 7 in the

SEFCU Arena lobby.

According to Kevin Galuski, who is both the UAlbany athletic equipment manager as well as the director of operations for Giants training camp, large crowds are anticipated.

“I would think that in the first five to seven days of the first week, there will definitely be a dramatic increase in attendance,” said Gal­uski. “We’re expecting maybe a 100 percent increase to what we usually have on a daily basis. Our university police department did some research with other teams that have won the

Super Bowl, and they found out that there was usually a 200 to 300 percent increase in attendance at the Super Bowl winner’s training camp that next summer. I’m not saying we will get that many people, but it’s a possibility.”

Galuski said that there are concerns about the crowds becoming too large.

“It’s a unique situation the way we have the practice fields set up,” he said. “It’s such a wide-open area. Our No. 1 priority is security. We want the players to get on and off the field without any issues. We want to make sure that everything flows like a normal training camp day, regardless of whether the team won the Super Bowl or not.”

But Galuski admitted that hosting the Super Bowl champs changes the way his staff will treat this year’s camp.

“The Super Bowl is past us, but we have hurdles to climb with the everyday stuff because we have the Super Bowl champions coming here,” Galuski said. “We’re just hoping that everything settles down after the first week or so.

“There is definitely excitement all over campus in preparation for this event. We are trying to be proactive in making sure that

everyone is on board with how we are handling security. We’ve even hired extra security that we’ve outsourced just for training camp. We did the same thing last year, but this year we’re going to put the extra guys on for longer hours the first couple of days.”

UAlbany’s athletic staff has been planning for Giants training camp for several months.

“We’ve had a group that’s been meeting every month since Feb­ruary, and as the camp gets closer, they’ve been meeting every two weeks. A lot of the preparation work has already been done,” said DePasquale.

“We’ve been trying to treat this as business as usual, but we have had a lot of meetings on campus with the housing, food and security departments to make sure everyone is on the same page,” said Galuski. “I have a staff of 25 kids that I’ve hired to help out.”

Galuski’s focus on training camp started several months ago.

“For me, Giants training camp really started in April,” he said. “I started meeting with the people on campus, and I got on the phone with the Giants director of oper­ations. [Giants media director] Pat Hanlon came up here and did a walk-through with me and my staff. We just tried to finalize a few things.”

When the Giants come to town, they literally take over all of UAlb­any’s athletic offices.

“On July 10, basically everyone in SEFCU Arena and the Physical Education building gets moved out to other offices,” said Galuski. “We come in and move the computers and the telephones. We set up some partitions, and then we set up new desks and work stations. When the Giants come in, head coach Tom Coughlin gets [head basketball coach] Will Brown’s office, and the offensive and defensive coaches move into the other basketball offices. The men’s soccer coaches get moved to the crew office, as do the women’s basketball coaches.

“It usually takes six or seven hours to complete the move. This is my seventh year doing this, and luckily, we have enough staff around to help out. Everyone understands why we have to do this. The Giants take over the whole campus. It does disturb our coaching staff, because our football team starts practice Aug. 2, and then field hockey starts their season right

after that.

“Everybody’s practice sessions get moved to accommodate the Giants, but it’s worth it. They bring a lot of attention to campus when they come here, and this year will be very special.”

Galuski said fans who come to Giants camp will receive the service they expect.

“Parking should be no problem, because there is plenty of space in Dutch Quad, and it’s never been an issue before,” he said.

“Boscov’s has an agreement with us, and they set up a merchandising tent with Giants T-shirts, jerseys and hats. The players are great about giving autographs, and our food service provides hot dogs, lemonade and other snacks. There are even special things, like a field-goal kicking area and an obstacle course for the kids. It’s very fan- friendly.”


By Bob Weiner
Gazette Reporter

PRACTICE SCHEDULE

July 25 — 8:40 to 10:40 a.m.; 3:20 to 5:20 p.m.;
July 26 — 8:40 to 10:40 a.m.; 3:20 to 5:20 p.m.;
July 27 — no practice;
July 28 — 8:40 to 10:40 a.m.; 6:10 to 8:10 p.m.;
July 29 — 2:40 to 4:50 p.m.;
July 30 — 8:40 to 10:40 a.m.; 6:10 to 8:10 p.m.;
July 31 — 2:40 to 4:50 p.m.;
Aug. 1 — 8:40 to 10:40 a.m.; 6:10 to 8:10 p.m.;
Aug. 2 — no practice;
Aug. 3 — 8:40 to 10:40 a.m.; 6:10 to 8:10 p.m.;
Aug. 4 — 2:40 to 4:50 p.m.;
Aug. 5 — 8:40 to 10:40 a.m.; 6:10 to 8:10 p.m.;
Aug. 6 — 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (jog-thru);
Aug. 7 — NFL preseason game at Detroit, 7;
Aug. 8 — no practice;
Aug. 9 — 2:40 to 4:50 p.m.;
Aug. 10 — 8:40 to 10:40 a.m.; 6:10 to 8:10 p.m.;
Aug. 11 — 2:40 to 4:50 p.m.;
Aug. 12 — 8:40 to 10:40 a.m.; 6:10 to 8:10 p.m.;
Aug. 13 — no practice;
Aug. 14 — 2:40 to 4:50 p.m.;
Aug. 15 — 8:40 to 10:40 a.m.; 6:10 to 8:10 p.m.;
Aug. 16 — 2:40 to 4:50 p.m.;
Aug. 17 — 8:30 to 10 a.m. (jog-thru); camp ends;
Aug. 18 — NFL preseason game vs. Cleveland, 8.

UAlbany to Olympics - A Real Possibility

Joe Greene, a UAlbany junior, will compete Friday in the quarterfinals of the 400-meter hurdles at the U.S. Olympic team trials at the University of Oregon.

Greene, a two-time All-American, becomes the first track athlete to compete in the U.S. trials while enrolled at UAlbany.

"Oh, man, it feels awesome," he said. "This is a Division I program on the rise, and I knew from day one my freshman year that I was going to do something great with this program."

It's a satisfying conclusion to a frustrating season for Greene, who was slowed by a hamstring injury that kept him from reaching the NCAA championships for the third consecutive year.

He only qualified for the U.S. trials because of the school record time of 49.92 seconds he ran in last year's NCAA championships. He finished fourth.

"For me to still have the chance to go to the Olympics is awesome," he said.

But it's unlikely this year. Greene's best time is ranked 30th among those who are entered in the 400 hurdles this weekend.

Only the top three finishers, who also meet the Olympic qualifying standard, will make the U.S. team and travel to the Summer Games in Beijing.

The top seed, two-time Olympian James Carter, has a trials qualifying time of 47.72, more than two seconds faster than Greene.

Even Greene said he's just focused on being one of the 16 finishers to advance to the semifinals on Saturday. The final is on Sunday.

UAlbany track coach Roberto Vives, accompanying Greene to Oregon, said the experience can serve as a building block to win an NCAA title as a senior next year.

"He's been training consistently for the past seven weeks," Vives said. "He's capable of doing some good things."

Greene said he feels his balky hamstring is "close to 100 percent."

"I feel pretty good right now," he said. "I feel I can go out there and do something special."

Greene does have international experience, having run at the junior world championships in China two years ago. Still, his best chance of an Olympic bid could come at the 2012 Games in London. He said he wants to go professional after college.

"He's competing (this week) with some very experienced guys in their 30s and late 20s who have been out of college," Vives said. "The next (Olympics) is really his best shot."

Courtesy: MARK SINGELAIS

UAlbany Finishes Second in America East Conference Commissioner's Cup Standings

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Orlando, Fla. -- For the third straight year, the University at Albany placed second in the America East Stuart P. Haskell, Jr. Commissioner’s Cup, the league announced on Tuesday, June 24 at Wolfgang Puck Cafe in Downtown Disney as part of the conference’s annual meeting. The Commissioner’s Cup annually recognizes the strongest athletic program in America East as determined by a scoring system which rewards a school for success both during the regular season and championship competition in the conference’s 21 sports.

Boston U., which won six league titles, three regular-season crowns and had four runner-up finishes, tallied 378 points, the most in three years under the current nine-member configuration, won win the Commissioner’s Cup. UAlbany totaled 318 points just ahead of UMBC (314) and Binghamton University (291). University of New Hampshire and Stony Brook University tied for fifth with 278 points, followed by University of Vermont (250), University of Hartford (206) and University of Maine (147).

The Terriers won regular-season and tournament championships in field hockey, women’s soccer and women’s lacrosse, while also capturing titles in women’s indoor track & field, women’s outdoor track & field and women’s tennis. Boston U. was also the runner-up in women’s cross country, women’s basketball and men’s and women’s swimming and diving.

The Great Danes, who won the Commissioner’s Cup in 2004-05, took home four titles, including their second straight in volleyball, third in a row in men’s indoor track & field and fourth consecutive in men’s outdoor track & field. Albany also won the women’s golf championship, its first since 2004, captured the regular-season crown in softball and was runners-up in field hockey, men’s lacrosse and softball.

The Retrievers, whose third-place finish is their best since joining the league prior to the 2003-04 season, won regular-season and tournament titles in men’s basketball and men’s lacrosse. In addition, UMBC swept the 2008 America East Swimming and Diving Championship and was runners-up in men’s tennis.

The Bearcats captured the men’s tennis championship and earned regular-season titles in men’s soccer and baseball. Binghamton also was runners-up in four sports (men’s soccer, men’s indoor track & field, women’s tennis and baseball).

The Wildcats, who improved two spots from a year ago, won the men’s cross country title and were co-regular-season champions in women’s soccer. UNH also finished second in five other sports (women’s soccer, women’s indoor track & field, women’s lacrosse, and men’s and women’s outdoor track & field), the most runner-up finishes of any conference member.

Vermont won its first men’s soccer championship since 2000 and also received significant points in women’s basketball by earning the No. 2 seed for the America East Championship.

Hartford won regular-season and tournament titles in women’s baskeball and was runners-up in men’s basketball and golf.

Maine earned significant points in women’s soccer, earning a spot in the league tournament for the fifth straight season.

The Stuart P. Haskell, Jr. Commissioner’s Cup is named in honor of the first commissioner of America East. Haskell served as commissioner of the conference from 1987 until his retirement in 1997.

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, golf, tennis, track and field, swimming and 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.

University of Albany Announces 2007-08 Male and Female Athletes of the Year

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- Brian Lillis, an all-conference performer in basketball, and Amber Maisonet, an all-region outfielder in softball, have been chosen as the University at Albany's 2007-08 Male and Female Athletes of the Year, as announced on Monday, June 23. The athletes were selected in voting by the head coaches of the school's Division I 19-sport intercollegiate athletic program.



Lillis, a senior guard from Urbandale, Iowa, earned first-team All-America East Conference honors and made his second consecutive appearance on the conference's all-defensive team. He was voted the 2008 America East Fans' Choice Player of the Year. Lillis, who was one of 10 players at the NCAA Division I level to lead his team in points, rebounds and assists, ranked among the league leaders in several categories. He averaged 16.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.6 steals.



Lillis, who helped the Great Danes tie for second in the America East regular-season standings, scored 20-plus points on five occasions, including a career-high 29 against Vermont in early January. His reverse slam dunk made ESPN SportsCenter's Top 10 Plays of the Day on Feb. 11. He posted a 26-game, double-figure scoring streak and became the first UAlbany player in the program's Division I history to register back-to-back double-doubles in points and rebounds. He finished his career ranked among UAlbany's all-time leaders in assists (269), steals (169) and blocked shots (59).



Maisonet, a senior from Newburgh, N.Y., was voted first-team All-America East Conference for the fourth straight season. She made her first appearance on the All-ECAC squad and was picked second-team All-Northeast Region by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Maisonet was named to the America East all-championship team after leading her squad to the tournament final for the fourth year in a row. The Great Danes won the conference's regular-season title with a 34-17 record.



A left fielder who ranked 21st nationally in triples and 24th in stolen bases, Maisonet batted. 379 from her lead-off spot in the order with 61 total hits, 33 runs and 16 RBI. She added 27 stolen bases, six doubles, five triples and three home runs. Maisonet completed her career as UAlbany's all-time leader in hits (233) and runs (151), plus finished second in stolen bases (96) and fourth in hitting (.360 BA).



Maisonet and Lillis were also accomplished in the classroom. Maisonet became the first UAlbany female in the Division I era to receive national first-team Academic All-America recognition. She was chosen to the ESPN The Magazine University Division Softball Academic All-America Team. Lillis, an ECAC Merit Medal recipient, was named the America East Scholar-Athlete of the Year in basketball.

**********

University at Albany Athletes of the Year (Division I)

2007-08: Male: Brian Lillis (Basketball), Female: Amber Maisonet (Softball)

2006-07: Male: Frank Resetarits (Lacrosse) & Jamar Wilson (Basketball), Female: Casey Halloran (Softball)

2005-06: Male: Jamar Wilson (Basketball), Female: Blair Buchanan (Volleyball) & Casey Halloran (Softball)

2004-05: Male: Luke Daquino (Lacrosse), Female: Blair Buchanan (Volleyball)

2003-04: Male: Gary Jones (Football), Female: Andee Lindgren (Softball)

2002-03: Male: Gary Jones (Football), Female: Teresa Covert (Track & Field)

2001-02: Male: Chris Phillis (Football), Female: Amy Di Micco (Field Hockey)

2000-01: Male: Michael Oliva (Baseball), Female: Dawn Di Micco (Basketball/Lacrosse)

1999-00: Male: Todd Cetnar (Basketball), Female: Megan Buchanan (Basketball)

Thomson and Levine both score 2 goals, as the New Jersey Pride beat San Francisco in MLL action

SCORING SUMMARY
1st Quarter
San Francisco - Jake Byrne (Tim Booth) 1:06
New Jersey - Merrick Thomson (Matt Rewkowski) 3:56
San Francisco - Ryan Cranston (Jake Byrne) 5:10
New Jersey - Merrick Thomson (Chris Unterstein) 10:44

2nd Quarter
San Francisco - Greg Gurenlian (unassisted) 0:08
San Francisco - Brendan Loftus (unassisted) 5:49
San Francisco - Tim Booth (unassisted) 14:42

3rd Quarter
New Jersey - Matt Rewkowski (Greg Peyser) 1:50
New Jersey - Jordan Levine (unassisted) 2:27
San Francisco - Brendan Loftus (unassisted) 3:17
New Jersey - Jordan Levine (unassisted) 3:37
New Jersey - Joe Cinosky (unassisted) 4:28
New Jersey - Greg Peyser (unassisted) 7:54
New Jersey - Conor Ford (Matt Rewkowski) 8:35
New Jersey - Matt Rewkowski (Jordan Levine) 11:33

4th Quarter
New Jersey - Matt Rewkowski (Stephen Peyser) 4:02
San Francisco - Matt Lalli (Eric Martin) 12:43

UAlbany's Tyler Fogarty Fourth in 800-Meters at USA Junior Track & Field Championships

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Columbus, Ohio – University at Albany’s Tyler Fogarty placed fourth in the 800-meter run final at the 2008 USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships on Saturday, June 21 at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium, on the Ohio State University campus. The junior national competition, with athletes ranging from 14 to 19 years-old, is the qualifying meet for the World Junior Championships in Poland on July 8-13.

Fogarty, a 19-year-old who just completed his freshman year as a collegian, came off the pace with 200 meters left to finish behind champion Elijah Greer, a junior from Lake Oswego High School in Oregon. Fogarty, who earned junior All-America status, recorded a personal-best time for the second straight day by crossing the tape in 1:48.83 after the race was delayed nearly two hours due to a thunderstorm. Gered Burns is the lone Great Dane to have a better time at 800-meters when he went 1:48.20 in 2007.

Greer, who won the Oregon state scholastic championship three weeks ago with a record performance, posted a winning time of 1:47.68 and was 14-hundredths of a second off the USA Junior meet standard. Zachary Mellon, the Minnesota state high school winner, was second in 1:48.64, and will join Greer on the U.S. squad at the World Junior Championships. Donte Holmes, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion from Delaware State, took third in 1:48.83.
“I was sitting back in sixth at 600 meters and started to make my move,” said Fogarty, who ran the second-fastest time in Friday’s preliminary round when he was clocked in 1:50.72. “I tried to go with (Elijah) Greer and got caught up in traffic when they went four-wide in the turn. I am still satisfied with my performance and happy that I was able to shave nearly three seconds off my personal-best.”

A native of Clifton Park, N.Y., Fogarty anchored Shenendehowa High to last year’s state championship in the 4x400-meter relay when that group registered the third-best mark (3:18.50) in Section II history. In his first year with the UAlbany program, Fogarty was second in the 800-meter run at both the America East Conference indoor and outdoor championships.

Fogarty becomes the seventh UAlbany athlete to earn junior All-America recognition over the past five years. Joe Greene (400-meter hurdles) and John Moore (800m) placed second in their events at USA Juniors in 2006 and 2007, respectively.

***********

2008 USA Junior OutdoorTrack & Field Championships

Men’s 800-Meter Run Final

1. Elijah Greer (Lake Oswego H.S., Ore.), 1:47.68, 2. Zachary Mellon (Buffalo H.S., Minn.), 1:48.64, 3. Donte Holmes (Delaware State), 1:48.66, 4. Tyler Fogarty (UAlbany), 1:48.83, 5. Dylan Ferris (East Forsyth H.S., N.C.), 1:49.49, 6. Blake Shaw (Cypress Falls H.S., Texas), 1:50.32, 7. Chris Bilbrew (Arkansas), 1:51.19, 8. Jeff Moriarty (Columbia), 1:52.22, 9. Russell Dinkins (Wilbraham & Monson Academy, Mass.), 2:01.39.

University of Albany's College of Nanoscience and Engineering: $1 million earmarked by Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Charles Schumer

The University of Albany's College of Nanoscience and Engineering is in line for a $1 million grant under legislation pending with the U.S. Senate.

The money is part of a larger funding package approved today by the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) said.

The legislation must pass the Senate and then move to the House of Representatives before it is considered by President George Bush.

In April, Schumer helped broker an agreement between Albany NanoTech, the research site where UAlbany's NanoCollege is located, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that would develop universal measurements for computer chips and other nano-sized products.

At the time, Schumer said the agreement could lead to government funding. The $1 million grant will go toward the NIST project.

UAlbany and NIST will work together at Albany NanoTech to develop the universal standards. The parties will share research, staff and equipment.

"These federal dollars will not only underscore the university's position at the forefront of nanotechnology across the globe, but also show the federal government's commitment to ensuring it stays there," Schumer said.

University of Albany's Amber Maisonet Named ECAC Division I Softball All-Star

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Centerville, Mass. - University at Albany’s Amber Maisonet earned ECAC Division I Softball All-Star Honors, as announced by the conference office on Wednesday afternoon.

Maisonet, a senior outfielder on the UAlbany softball team, was named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America University Division Softball Team, becoming just the fifth UAlbany student-athlete to earn national first-team honors, and is the first female athlete chosen to a national first team at the Division I level. Maisonet, a native of Newburgh, N.Y., earned All-America East Conference first-team recognition for the fourth straight season after finishing second in the league with a .379 batting average and first in stolen bases (27).

Maisonet, who was nominee for the America East Woman of the Year award, also received an ECAC Merit Medal as the school’s top senior female student-athlete during the current academic year. She was named to the NFCA All-Region second team and finished as the UAlbany career leader with 233 hits and 151 runs. Maisonet is also ranked second in career stolen bases with 96 and is fourth with a .360 batting average.

2008 New York Giants Training Camp Schedule at the University of Albany

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

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

2008 New York Giants Training Camp Schedule

July 25 (Fri.)
Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.
Practice #2: 3:20-5:20 p.m.

July 26 (Sat.)
Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.
Practice #2: 3:20-5:20 p.m.

July 27 (Sun.)
No Practice

July 28 (Mon.)
Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.
Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.

July 29 (Tues.)
Practice: 2:40-4:50 p.m..

July 30 (Wed.)
Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.
Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.

July 31 (Thurs.)
Practice: 2:40-4:50 p.m.

August 1 (Fri.)
Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.
Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.

August 2 (Sat.)
No Practice

August 3 (Sun.)
Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.
Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.

August 4 (Mon.)
Practice: 2:40-4:50 p.m.

August 5 (Tues.)
Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.
Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.

August 6 (Wed.)
Practice: 10:30-11:30 a.m. (Jog-Thru)

August 7 (Thurs.)
NFL Preseason Game @ Detroit, 7:00 p.m.

August 8 (Fri.)
No Practice

August 9 (Sat.)
Practice: 2:40-4:50 p.m.

August 10 (Sun.)
Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.
Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.

August 11 (Mon.)
Practice: 2:40-4:50 p.m.

August 12 (Tues.)
Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.
Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.

August 13 (Wed.)
No Practice

August 14 (Thurs.)
Practice: 2:40-4:50 p.m.

August 15 (Fri.)
Practice #1: 8:40-10:40 a.m.
Practice #2: 6:10-8:10 p.m.

August 16 (Sat.)
Practice: 2:40-4:50 p.m.

August 17 (Sun.)
Practice: 8:30-10:00 a.m. (Jog-Thru)

Camp Ends

August 18 (Mon.)
NFL Preseason Game vs. Cleveland, 8:00 p.m.

Ashlee Reed and Kimi Freeburg Named UAlbany Assistant Volleyball Coaches

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University at Albany interim head coach MJ Engstrom announced today the hiring of Ashlee Reed and Kimi Freeburg as assistant volleyball coaches.

Reed joins the Great Danes’ coaching staff after a four-year career with the UAlbany program. Reed, a three-time all-conference first team member, graduated with B.S. in human biology and psychology from UAlbany in 2006. She earned the ECAC Merit Award as the top senior female student-athlete and was the America East Conference Woman of the Year as a senior. Reed, a two-year team captain, was a four-time academic honor roll member and helped lead the Great Danes to two consecutive America East Conference championship titles. Reed, a native of Round Rock, Texas, ranks in the top ten on several of UAlbany’s career records charts, including kills (5th, 1,173), digs (6th, 1,101) and total blocks (tied for 2nd, 282).

Following graduation, Reed worked as an assistant athletic trainer at UAlbany and also served as a medical assistant at Captial Region Orthopaedic Group. Reed also assisted in coaching at several UAlbany volleyball camps and participated in numerous community service activities during her collegiate career. She was a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and earned the President’s Award for Leadership in 2005-06.

Freeburg comes to UAlbany after a four-year career at the University of Southern California, where she was a two-time co-captain. Freeburg, a native of New Castle, Ind., was a Pac-10 Conference All-Freshman Team Honorable Mention in 2003, the same season the Trojans claimed the NCAA Division I National Championship Title. She also helped USC reach the NCAA Final Four in 2004.

Freeburg, a three-time Indiana All-State honoree, graduated in May with a B.S. in kinesiology from USC. She participated in a two-week summer tour of Turkey in 2006 with Athletes-in-Action and has worked at numerous volleyball camps, including the Purdue University summer camp and the Steve Pickering All-American Volleyball Camp.

2008 University of Albany Summer Camps: UAlbany Sports

2008 University of Albany Summer Camps

Men's Basketball
Session I - July 7-11
Session II - July 14-18 (Day Camp, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)

Field Hockey
High School Camp - July 21-24 (Day Camp, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.)
Middle School Camp - June 30-July 3 (Day Camp, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.)
One-Day Clinic - June 29 (10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.)
6 Aside Summer Tournament - June 28 (8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.)
open Play - June 10-July 3 (Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30-6:00 p.m.)
East West Field Hockey - July 17 (2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.)
July 18-19 (9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 2:15 p.m.-4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.)
July 20 (9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.)
Contact Bill Davidson - bill@eastwestfhc.com

Football
Air Assault - July 12-13 (Day Camp, 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Lineman Challenge - June 8 (8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.)
Dog Pound Lineman Challenge - July 14-17 (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.)
Team Camp - July 21-25 (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.)
July 28-August 1 (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.)

Men's Soccer
Residential/Commuter Soccer Camp, July 13-18, 2008
Youth Preseason Camp, August 4-7

Women's Soccer
Prospect Camp, April 20, 2008
July 7-9 (Evening Camp, 5:30-8:00 p.m.)

Softball
Pitching & Hitting Clinic - June 16-19 (Evening Camp, 6:00-8:00 p.m.)
July 14-16 (Day Camp, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.)

Tennis
July 7-11 (9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)
Contact Darcie & Joe Trapasso (518-438-0870)

Volleyball
Lil' Danes/Volley Tots Camp - July 24-26 (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)
Hitter/Libero/Setter Camp - July 26-29 (9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.)
Elite Camp - July 30-August 2 (7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.)

University of Albany Releases 2008 Field Hockey Schedule

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced the school’s 2008 field hockey schedule on Monday, June 16. The Great Danes, who finished the season ranked 19th nationally in 2007, will play a 19-game schedule, including contests against five opponents who finished last season ranked in the top 20.

UAlbany begins its 10th year at the Division I level on August 30 and 31 taking on Radford and American in Washington, D.C. American was the nation’s 14th-ranked team at the conclusion of the 2007 season.

The Great Danes will open up play at home on September 6, hosting Cornell and following with Hofstra on September 7. UAlbany will make a trip to the West Coast on September 13 and 14, taking on California and Stanford, two teams which received votes in the national poll a year ago. The Great Danes will take on Big Ten opponent Michigan on September 19 in Storrs, Conn., before returning to Alumni Turf Field to host Kent State and Colgate on September 21 and 24, respectively. UAlbany will close out the month of September visiting Massachusetts on the 27th and hosting Princeton on the 28th.

The Great Danes play host to Syracuse on October 1 before kicking off America East Conference play on October 4, welcoming Maine to Alumni Turf Field. UAlbany takes on crosstown-rival Siena in the annual meeting between the teams on October 7. The Great Danes visit conference opponent Vermont on October 11 and host Connecticut on October 12. The Huskies finished last season as the nation’s fourth-ranked team.

UAlbany will wrap up the season with three straight conference match-ups, visiting Fairfield (Oct. 18) and New Hampshire (Nov. 2) while hosting reigning America East Conference Champion Boston University on October 25.

UAlbany will look to make an appearance in its seventh consecutive America East Tournament, hosted at the highest seed on November 7-9. The Great Danes made their first-ever appearance in the conference championship game last season, falling to Boston U.

UAlbany, led by head coach Phil Sykes, entering his fifth season at the helm of the program, return all-conference honorees Michelle Simpson and Ashley Ross. Simpson, the 2008 team captain, is a two-time all-conference first-team honoree and was the program’s first-ever All-American last season. Ross, who was elected as a vice-captain along with Michele Polizois and Vanessa Walter, was a first-team and all-academic team member in 2007 and was named to the NFHCA All-Northeast Region squad after finishing the season ranked sixth nationally with a 1.14 goals against average.

-agate-

2008 UAlbany Field Hockey Schedule

August: 30 (Sat.) vs. Radford+ 1:00 p.m.; 31 (Sun.) at American 3:00 p.m.

September: 6 (Sat.) Cornell 1:00 p.m.; 7 (Sun.) Hofstra 2:00 p.m.; 13 (Sat.) at California 1:00 p.m.; 14 (Sun.) at Stanford 2:00 p.m.; 19 (Fri.) vs. Michigan^ 3:00 p.m.; 21 (Thurs.) Kent State 1:00 p.m.; 24 (Sun.) Colgate 6:00 p.m.; 27 (Wed.) at Massachusetts 12:00 p.m.; 28 (Sat.) Princeton 2 p.m.

October: 1 (Wed.) Syracuse 3:00 p.m.; 4 (Sat.) Maine* 1:00 p.m.; 7 (Tues.) Siena 3:00 p.m.; 11 (Sat.) at Vermont* 1:00 p.m.; 12 (Sun.) Connecticut 2:00 p.m.; 18 (Sat.) at Fairfield* 1:00 p.m.; 25 (Sat.) Boston U.* 1:00 p.m.

November: 2 (Sun.) at New Hampshire* 12:00 p.m.; 7-9 (Fri.-Sun.) America East Conference Tournament

* America East Conference opponent

+ at American (Washington, D.C.)

^ at Connecticut (Storrs, Conn.)