Women's Track & Field Places First In Eight Events At The Capital District Classic - UAlbany Sports 2012

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Troy, N.Y.- UAlbany women's track and field squard was able to place eight first-place finishers at the Capital District Classic hosted by RPI on Saturday, April 28. The Great Danes featured an ECAC qualifying mark in the discus throw from Catherine Coxon.

In the field events, Catherin Coxon placed first in the discus throw with an ECAC qualifying mark of 43.80 meters.Teammates Samantha Kosa in the shot put (12.85 meters), Katie Dowd in the javelin throw (36.50), Michelle McCrae in the long jump (5.31 meters) and Rochelle Reid in the high jump (1.60) placed first in their respective events.

On the track, Tynelle Taylor-Chase finished first in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 15.41. Melissa Del Rosario (4:56.45) and Brianna Service (4:56.53) finished one and two in the 1500-meter run. Emily Finnegan's time of 17:22.37 was good for first place in the 5000-meter run.

UAlbany women's track and field will continue its outdoor schedule on Saturday, May 5 for the America East Conference Championships in Orono, ME.

Men's Track & Field Takes Six Events In Capital District Classic Meet - UAlbany Sports 2012

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany men's track and field place first in six events at the Captial District Classic meet on Saturday, April 28. The Great Danes meet was highlighted in the 800-meter run, having eight of the top ten finishers.

On the track, UAlbany took the 800-meter run having placed eight of the first ten finishers as Tyler Fogarty led the charge with a time of 1:54.96. Then in the 1500-meter run, John DeLallo finished first with finals time of 4:00.58.

Shane Wagner took home first place in the 400-meter hurdles with a meet time of 54.03. Finally, in the 4x400-meter both "A" and "B" squads finished in the top two with "A" grouping finishing first with a time of 3:27.97.

In the field events, Nicolas Matteras placed first in the pole vault with a mark of 4.50 meters. Christopher Stevenson triple jump mark of 13.46 meters placed him first.

The Great Danes will continue the outdoor season with the America East Championships, beginning on Saturday, May 5 in Orono, ME.

UAlbany FCS Football: Defense Posts A 69-24 Win Over Offense In Spring Football Game - UAlbany Sports 2012

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Abany, N.Y. - Junior Dean Mercuris finished with four tackles, a sack for a four-yard loss and one forced fumble to lead the defense to a 69-24 over the offense in UAlbany football's annual Spring Game, held on Saturday afternoon at University Field. The squad completed 102 plays in the controlled scrimmage.

On the defensive side of the ball, freshman Nick Beach finished with a 25-yard interception return and recorded a tackle, while sophomore safety Justinian Mason added one tackle and an interception with a 26-yard return. Junior linebacker Dave Plungas recorded one sack for a 10-yard loss, and finished with one tackle, while freshman safety Ian Blair recorded two tackles and a 10-yard fumble recovery. Freshman defensive lineman Mike Smith finished with three of the defensive squad's 10 sacks. The Great Danes totaled 56 tackles and four interceptions.

Buddy Leathly led the quarterbacks, going 6-of-13 for 62 total yards, including a long pass of 49 yards to wide receiver Kevin Chillis. Will Fiacchi went 6-of-16 for 46 yards, with a long of 15 yards, also to Chillis. Freshman Ryan Smith completed four passes for 43 yards, as he ended the scrimmage with back-to-back passes of 12 and 30 yards, respectively. Ryan Spelman went 2-of-7 on the day for 13 yards, with a long of eight yards to Nate Papso.

Chillis led the UAlbany receivers with 72 yards on four receptions on the day. Ryan Kirchner picked up seven yards on two catches, while Cole King totaled 23 yards on two receptions, including a 12-yard pass from Leathly. Seven other players had catches for the offense, including freshman Pat O'Connor, who caught Smith's 30-yard pass at the end of the game. Omar Osbourne and Karl Allison led the UAlbany rushers, with 78 and 41 total yards, respectively. Osbourne posted a long run of 12 yards, while Allison had two runs of 10 yards. King had one rushing attempt for 30 yards, while Fiacchi had the longest run of the quarterback corps with a five-yard rush.

The UAlbany kickers were led by Paul Layton, who totaled 134 punting yards on three attempts. Layton also went 1-for-1 on field goal attempts. Sean Kenney punted twice for 105 yards and went 1-for-2 on field goal attempts. Freshman Tom O'Riordan connected on a 30-yard field goal as well.

"I think we made too many mistakes," said UAlbany head coach Bob Ford, who will be entering his 40th varsity season this fall. "There were some simple interceptions and turnovers, mostly on balls we shouldn't have thrown. The defense played well overall, but I am a bit concerned with our pass protection. We answered some questions, but not all of them. The rest we will have to answer in preseason. We came out healthy, which is our number one priority."

Women's 4x400-Meter Relay Breaks School Record On Day One At Penn Relays - UAlbany Sports 2012

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Philadelphia, Pa.- On day one of the Penn Relays, the women's track and field 4x400-meter relay team of Allison Rogers, Brittany Eveleth, Tynelle Taylor-Chase and Sherez Mohamed broke the UAlbany school record with a time of 3:43.38. The squad previously broke the school's record last weekend at the Larry Ellis Invitational finishing at 3:44.27. Their mark of 3:43.38 qualified them for the Eastern College Athletics Conference Championships on Saturday, April 28.

Other notable finishes on day one included the college women's distance medley team finishing third with a time of 11:46.22. Kathryn Fanning ran the 1200-meter leg in 3:34, Elia Francis ran the 400-meter leg in 56.9, Jonelle White ran the 800-meter leg in 2:13.4 and Miranda McConnell finished off the final 1600-meters in 5:00.9.

Patricia McNish finished seventh in the eastern women's long jump with a mark of 18-feet 7 and 1/4 inches.

Antelmi and Resetarits Nominated for America East Fans' Choice Player of the Year

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information Cambridge, Mass.-

UAlbany women's lax junior attack/midfielder Jess Antelmi and men's lax senior attack Joe Resetarits were nominated for the America East Fans' Choice Player of the Year in their respective sports. One player from each of the conference's 13 lacrosse teams are listed on the ballot. Voting for the 2012 America East Men's and Women's Lacrosse Fans' Choice Players of the Year will go until 12 p.m. (noon) on Monday, April 30. The winners will be announced that afternoon via release at AmericaEast.com. Resetarits, a Hamburg, N.Y. native, has helped jump start the UAlbany men's lacrosse team after starting out the season 0-7.

The Great Danes have won their last four of six games, including three of four conference games to put them tied for first in the conference standings. The senior attack leads his team in goals (37), assists (17) and points (54). Both his goals and points totals are best in the America East Conference. He and the rest of the UAlbany squad look to finish out the season with a win on senior day against Stony Brook on Saturday, April 28 (7pm) at John Fallon Field.

To vote for Resetarits click here: https://apps.facebook.com/opinionpolls/poll?pid=AB_MiTNZHmI Antelmi, a Bridgeport, N.Y. native, looks to assist her UAlbany women's lax squad to clinch the fourth and final spot in the America East Tournament. The Great Danes will need to win their final game over Vermont and have Stony Brook defeat New Hampshire to grab the final spot. The junior attack has totaled 23 goals and has a team-leading 21 assists and 44 points on the season. Antelmi and the Great Danes finish their 2012 schedule on the road against Vermont on Saturday, April 28 (2pm). To vote for Antelmi click here: https://apps.facebook.com/opinionpolls/poll?pid=AB_Mg_zRHIg&ref=nf

UAlbany Men’s Lacrosse Holds On For A 14-13 Victory Over Crosstown-Rival Siena

Albany, N.Y. - UAlbany had three players with hat tricks, led by senior Joe Resetarits, who finished with a team-high five points, as the Great Danes defeated crosstown-rival Siena, 14-13, on Tuesday night at John Fallon Field. It was the 15th win over the Saints for UAlbany in the last 16 meetings between the two teams.

Siena, which had won eight straight coming into the game, jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first quarter, as Chris D'Alberti scored first, followed by goals by Chris Roth and Evan Gallina, both assisted by Bryan Neufeld. The Great Danes got on the board at 7:45, with an unassisted shot by Miles Thompson. Resetarits netted his first goal of the game less than a minute later, taking an assist from Thompson to cut the Siena lead to one. Casey Dowd won the ensuing faceoff for the Saints and carried the ball into the offensive end, to put Siena up, 4-2.

However Miles Thompson netted his second goal and Will Stenberg took an assist from Resetarits on a man-up opportunity to tie the game at 4-4 after one. Siena scored the first two goals of the second quarter before UAlbany exploded, scoring the next seven goals. Four of those happened before the half. Will Fuller started the run, cutting the score to 6-5 off an assist from Jack Reynolds. Lyle Thompson netted the next two for the Great Danes, taking an assists from Rocky Bonitatibus on an extra-man opportunity before netting an unassisted goal to put UAlbany on top, 7-6. Mike Miller added one more for UAlbany before the halftime break, taking a long pass from Travis Lyons and finding the back of the net with 36 seconds to play.

Coming out of halftime, UAlbany scored three more to extend the lead to 11-6. Bonitatibus connected with Stenberg on a man-up to start the third quarter. Miles Thompson passed the ball off to brother Lyle at 9:17 to push the Great Dane lead to 10-6, before cousin Ty Thompson got in on the action on an assist from Resetarits with 3:33 left to play. The Saints would end their scoring drought in the final minutes of the third quarter, getting unassisted goals from Dowd and Conor Prunty.

The Great Danes kicked off the fourth quarter with a goal by Resetarits in the first minute. Siena started to mount a comeback with a goal by Chris Roth at 8:34, but UAlbany responded as Resetarits completed his 25th career hat trick on an assist from Lyons. Neufeld got in the goal-scoring column to cut the Saints' deficit to 13-10, before Stenberg netted his third goal of the game on an assist from Ty Thompson. Siena was not done, however, getting three goals in just over a minute of play. Roth scored two, while Colin Clive netted the final goal to pull the Saints within one. Siena picked up two late penalties, however, giving UAlbany control off the ball, and the Great Danes held on in the offensive end for the one-goal win.

The teams played fairly evenly on the stats sheet, with Siena (9-4) holding a 51-40 advantage in shots, including 17-7 in the final period, and a 34-30 advantage in ground balls. Both teams were 17-of-19 on clear attempts, while the Saints won 16-of-29 faceoffs. UAlbany used its special teams effectively, however, as the Great Danes were successful in 3-of-7 extra-man opportunities, while Siena when 0-for-3 with its man-up unit. Freshman goalkeeper Max Huber played all 60 minutes in the net for the Great Danes, making 10 saves. Siena's Tom Morr took the loss, playing 58:56 with 11 saves, before Matt Sharp came in for the final minute of play.

UAlbany (4-9) will return to action on Saturday, hosting Stony Brook in the final regular-season game. The game will have America East Championship implications, as the Great Danes are currently tied with the Seawolves atop the league standings. The game will be televised on Time Warner Cable Sports at 7 p.m.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Breaks Ground For New Multi-Sport Complex - UAlbany Sports 2012

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information Albany, N.Y. -

UAlbany President George M. Philip, along with Vice President and Athletic Director Lee McElroy, was joined by public officials, coaches, student-athletes, alumni and supporters as the University broke ground on the construction of its new multi-sport complex, on Tuesday morning. Also announced was a $1 million challenge as part of a $2 million campaign to name the new field for head football coach Bob Ford, as presented by Dan Nolan '73, a member of UAlbany's President's Club of outstanding contributors.

"It's a bit surreal," said Ford, who will be entering his 40th varsity season at the helm of the UAlbany program this fall. "I think it speaks to the longevity, commitment and effort over an extended period of time. When something gets named after you, it means that someone thought you've given something, and been dedicated to a high degree. And I hope that's what I have done." The project is phase I of a three-phase plan, replacing UAlbany's current football venue with a state of the art athletic and recreational complex. The complex, which is east of the SEFCU Arena, on the site of the current soccer field, is scheduled to open in the fall of 2013.

Upon completion, the complex will be home to the Great Danes' NCAA Division I football and men's and women's soccer teams. Phase II includes the creation of a synthetic turf field designed for year-round recreational, intramural and club sport activities by the student body. This field will be located east of the campus tennis courts and south of Dutch Quad, and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2012. Phase III will include repairs and upgrades to the track and field facilities, which is currently housed in the existing football venue. Once completed, scheduled for early winter 2013, the area will be used strictly for track and field activities. "We are thrilled to be implementing this very long-awaited plan," said President Philip. "Already, this project is heightening team spirit as we provide Great Dane athletes and our students with the facilities of which they are so deserving."

The announcement included project contractors Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, principle architect and designer, Heery International Inc., and site engineer, Clough Harbor & associates.

Men's Soccer Adds 12 To The Upcoming 2012 Season - UAlbany Sports 20121

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y.- Attempting to build upon a 2011 season that saw an America East semi-final appearance for just the fourth time in program history, UAlbany men's soccer head coach Trevor Gorman has announced the addition of 12 new faces for 2012. "This large class has a tremendous mix of in-state talent and international experience", said head coach Gorman on the recruiting class. "We are looking forward to the addition of these young men to our program, and to the impact they will undoubtedly have over the next four years."

Kristian Alexieff: DEF - 5'10 - 160lbs. - West Nyack, NY (Don Bosco Prep) Quick Facts: A member of two league championship teams at Don Bosco, Alexieff led the team in scoring his senior year with 15 goals and 9 assists. He has competed in the USSD Academy with both Met Oval and New York Cosmos, acting as a starting left back for both. Gorman on Alexieff: "Kit is an energetic, athletic, wide player with a great engine that will allow him to get up and down the sideline. He has trained, and played, at a very high level and just loves the game in general. I think he will be an excellent addition to our left side." Tim Allen: GK - 6'4 - 180lbs. - Brisbane, Australia (Queensland University of Technology) Quick Facts: A former member of the Australian Goalkeeping Academy, Allen comes to Albany as a transfer from Queensland University of Technology. While in high school he was a regular starter for St. Peter's Lutheran College, and currently plays for University of Queensland FC. Gorman on Allen: "Tim is a player who has all the physical tools to be a top Division 1 goalkeeper, and brings with him the experience of playing at a very good standard in his home country. We're delighted to add him to the Great Danes program." Max Aronica: MF - 5'9 - 145lbs. - Massapequa, NY (Massapequa HS) Quick Facts: A standout at Commack and Massapequa High Schools, Aronica is a multiple time all-league and all-conference performer. As a member of Commack SC, ranked as high as #2 in the country, he has helped the team to championships in the New York state cup and Disney Showcase. Aronica is also a three time state ODP selection. Gorman on Aronica: "Max comes to us from an excellent Commack team that has competed at the highest level for years. He's is a creative player with the vision to pick out good passes when he's on the ball. His technical ability in tight spaces will allow him to transition well to the college game." Phil Denara: MF - 5'7 - 140lbs. - West Islip, NY (West Islip HS) Quick Facts: As a team captain with West Islip High School in 2011, Denara was named both all-league and all-county. During his four year career he amassed over 50 points. A teammate of Aronica with Commack SC, Denara has twice won the Disney Showcase, and competed in the USYSA National League. Gorman on Denara: "Phil first impressed us at various camps last summer. He's a quick, athletic, player with good technical ability. I look for Phil to compete for a position on our right side early in his career at UAlbany." Bart DeProspo: DEF/MF - 6'2 - 175lbs. - Groshen, NY (Don Bosco Prep) Quick Facts: As a team captain in 2011, DeProspo helped lead traditional high school powerhouse Don Bosco to another successful season. He has competed with Met Oval in the USSD Academy, and currently plays with TSF Academy. Gorman on DeProspo: "Bart is a player who we saw at our camp last summer. He comes from a good soccer family, and has a tremendous work rate - enabling his success at both high school and club level. I think he will only continue to get better and will be a fantastic addition to our program." Ivan Martinez: MF/FW - 5'5 - 135lbs. - Mamaroneck, NY (Rye Neck HS) Quick Facts: Despite missing his senior season, Martinez enjoyed a highly decorated career at Rye Neck High School earning player of the year honors in Section 1 in 2010. That same year he was also named 1st Team All State. Martinez plays for FC Westchester in the USSD Academy, helping them to a division title and playoffs appearance in 2011. Gorman on Martinez: "Ivan is a dangerous attacking player who always pops up in good positions on the field. He's capable of playing multiple positions, and has the potential to transition very well to Division 1 soccer. I fully expect him to be a dynamic attacking member of our team throughout his career." Philip Persson: FW - 5'10 - 170lbs. - Norrkoping, Sweden (John Bauergymnasiet HS) Quick Facts: Hailing from Norrkoping, Sweden, Persson has been a member of the youth system at IFK Norrkoping and Smedby AIS. In the 2011 season he contributed eight goals to his team's quest to win the youth division. Gorman on Persson: "Philip is another international player who has been exposed to a good standard of play throughout his development. He has the ability to put the ball in the net, and will be an exciting attacking option. We will look forward to welcoming to UAlbany in the fall." Fabrizio Petralia: MF - 5'10 - 140lbs. - West Hempstead, NY (St. Anthony's HS) Quick Facts: As a team captain at St. Anthony's, Fabrizio tallied 15 goals and 7 assists on his way to being named an all-county selection, while helping the squad to a finals appearance. He has participated for BW Gottschee, New York Cosmos, and Albertson in the USSD Academy. Gorman on Petralia: "Fabrizio is another excellent addition to our left side of the field. He's enjoyed success at the highest level of club soccer, and will bring good vision, movement, and understanding to our team. He will certainly be in a position to make an impact upon his arrival." Sergio Petralia: MF - 5'10 - 140lbs. - West Hempstead, NY (St. Anthony's HS) Quick Facts: A teammate of his brother at St. Anthony's, Sergio produced 7 goals and 13 assists in his senior year helping his team achieve a finals appearance. He has played his club soccer for BW Gottschee, New York Cosmos, and Albertson in the USSD Academy including a playoff appearance in 2011. Gorman on Petralia: "Sergio brings numerous qualities to our team for the fall. Like his brother he understands the game, and has the technical ability to make an impact from various positions on the field. He will, undoubtedly, hit the ground running and look to contribute from day one." Luca Quinn: DEF - 6'4 - 170lbs. - New York City, NY (The Beacon School) Quick Facts: A member of the 2010 PSAL championship squad at The Beacon School, Quinn contributed 7 goals and 5 assists to that campaign and served as team captain in 2011. Having formerly competed with New York Cosmos in the USSD Academy, he now plays with Bayside Aston Villa Flames. Gorman on Quinn: "Luca is another player who came to our attention through our camp. He reads the game very well, and has an excellent touch for a player who is still growing in to his frame. I see him as a player who will only get better throughout his time here and look forward to seeing his development." Anthony Rozzano: FW/MF - 5'10 - 150lbs. - Webster, NY (Webster Schroeder HS) Quick Facts: As a senior, Rozzano scored 29 goals and led his Webster Schroeder team to the New York state championship game. For his efforts he was named the Greater Rochester Player of the Year, an All-State selection, and a NSCAA All American. Rozzano competes for Empire United in the USSD Academy. Gorman on Rozzano: "Anthony is a constant threat going forward. He's a proven goal scorer, but can also play a number of different roles within a team. His quickness, with and without the ball, will be a major asset to him at the college level. I look forward to him bringing those talents to the Great Danes." Keith Traut: DEF - 6'2 - 180lbs. - College Point, NY (Brooklyn Technical HS) Quick Facts: As captain of Brooklyn Technical High School in 2011, Traut earned an invitation to participate in the NYC Mayors Cup showcase for the top players in the area. He is a regular starter for New York Cosmos in the USSD Academy. Gorman on Traut: "Keith is a player with the size and athleticism to compete right away in college. He's benefiting from the consistent training, and matches, within the academy and is getting better every week. I look forward to that continued growth, and expect him to challenge to contribute early in his UAlbany career."

University of Albany FCS Football Begins Preparations for 2012 Season - UAlbany Sports 2012

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. - Spring practice for the University at Albany football program began on Saturday March 31 and the team will be having their first intra-squad scrimmage this Saturday. The scrimmage is scheduled from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on University Field. The Great Danes, who are allowed 15 practices, are slated to play the annual Spring Game at University Field on Saturday, April 28 at 3:00 p.m., to conclude the spring season. UAlbany established a program record with its 6th consecutive winning season in 2011.

The Great Danes, who have won five Northeast Conference championships since 2002, recorded a non-league win over Columbia during a 8-4 campaign that took the Great Danes in to their first ever FCS Playoff appearance. Head coach Bob Ford, the active Division I FCS & FBS leader with 255 career victories, has 47 letterwinners returning, including 13 starters on both offense and defense. "In spring football is when you establish who your team is going to be" explains Ford, who is entering his 40th varsity season, "the saying goes; 'you drive your stake in to the ground to establish your identity.' I think we have a decent nucleus on both sides of the football coming back. Our major challenges will be solidifying an offensive line with two definite spots open and deciding on who will be our starting quarterback."

The Great Danes will have to replace their starting quarterback, Dan DiLella, who led the Great Danes to their first-ever FCS Playoff appearance with a single season school record of 2,548 yards passing. Returning on offense are top tailbacks Andrew Smith and Dillon Romain and leading receiver Ryan Kirchner. "We have a very good stable of running backs, two good tight ends and an excellent core of receivers" says Coach Ford about the offense. Kirchner registered the fourth-best single-season total in school history with 56 receptions for 615 yards and ten touchdowns. He also averaged 7.8 yards per punt return. The offensive side of the ball will have eight starters and 22 letterman returning for the 2012 campaign.

The defense had an All-Northeast Conference player at every position last year with exception of outside linebacker, where Kyle Jordan earned Northeast Conference Rookie of the Year honors. The defense will have to replace two All-Conference defensive linemen in Zach Gallo and Eddie Delaney. Delaney, a recipient of the Maxwell Football Club's Thomas Brookshier Spirit Award, led the Great Dane defense with 54 tackles and recorded a team-best 11.5 hits for a loss. He also established the program's FCS single-season record with 8.5 sacks. "On the defensive side it appears that we're four-over-two at almost every position with the exception of the defensive line which is a little thin," said Ford. "Our linebacker core will probably be the heart and soul of our defensive unit." Jon Morgan, a senior inside linebacker, led the team in tackles with 106 on his way to earning First-Team All-Northeast Conference Honors. The defense will have to replace six starters this spring and will have 24 letterman returning.

On special teams, Paul Layton, an All-Northeast Conference Punter, who finished the 2011 season ranked 9th at the FCS level, returns and will look to improve on his 2011 average of 42.6 yards per punt attempt. SPRING FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Mon 4/9 3pm Wed 4/11 3pm Fri 4/13 3pm Sat 4/14 10am (Intra-Squad Scrimmage) Mon 4/16 3pm Wed 4/18 3pm Fri 4/20 3pm Sat 4/21 10am (Intra-Squad Scrimmage) Mon 4/23 3pm Wed 4/25 3pm Fri 4/27 3pm (Rain Date if Needed) Sat 4/28 3pm (Annual Purple & Gold Game)

UAlbany Releases 2012 Football Schedule; Great Danes Will Visit Youngstown State & Maine

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

Albany, N.Y. - For the first time in seven years, UAlbany will start its schedule at home, as the Great Danes will host Colgate on Sept. 1, 2012. Vice President and Athletic Director Lee McElroy, along with head football coach Bob Ford, announce the team's upcoming fall schedule on Thursday, March 29, 2012. UAlbany will host five games at University Field, while taking on three non-conference opponents.

After kicking off the fall with Colgate, the Great Danes hit the road for three straight contests, visiting conference foe Robert Morris on Sept. 8, before traveling to Youngstown State (Sept. 15) and Maine (Sept. 22). The Black Bears were NCAA Playoff participants last season, finishing 9-4 after falling to Georgia Southern in the quarterfinals. UAlbany will return home on Sept. 29, hosting Northeast Conference opponent Monmouth on Hall of Fame Weekend.

The Great Danes will visit Bryant (Oct. 6), to start October before hosting St. Francis (Pa.) at 1 p.m. on Homecoming Weekend. After a bye week on Oct. 20, the Great Danes wrap up the league slate, visiting Sacred Heart (Oct. 27) and Duquesne (Nov. 10) while hosting Wagner (Nov. 3).

UAlbany will close out the season at home, welcoming NEC rival Central Connecticut State to University Field on Nov. 17. "I think it is a very fair schedule," said Ford, who is entering his 40th varsity season at the helm of the UAlbany program. "We are going to have a bullseye on our back as we defend our conference title. We have a habit of playing national champions, and Youngstown State is a four-time champion. We are playing Colgate for the third straight season, and both of those games have been tight, tough ballgames. We have also built a good rivalry with Maine, so we're looking forward to playing up there.

We are looking forward to continuing to build on the successes we've had."

University of Albany Women’s Basketball Falls To Texas A&M, 69-47, In First-Ever NCAA Tournament - UAlbany Sports 2012

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information College Station, Texas - Despite 14 points and nine rebounds from junior Ebone Henry, UAlbany fell to Texas A&M, 69-47, in the first round of the 2012 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament on Saturday evening at Reed Arena. In their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, the Great Danes outrebounded the defending National Champions, 48-33. UAlbany got on the board first with a basket by Julie Forster. Texas A&M responded, getting a conventional three-point play from Tyra White, but a layup by Henry kept the Great Danes on top. Adaora Elonu then recorded a steal on the Great Danes and hit a jumper in the paint to give the Aggies a 5-4 lead at the first media timeout. The teams exchanged baskets to alternate the lead again, before Texas A&M got two free throws from Adrienne Pratcher to extend the lead to 9-6. The two defensive-minded teams continued to battle through the first half, and a steal by Adrienne Jones and basket by Sarah Royals pulled UAlbany to within 15-13 with just over seven minutes left to play. A basket by Forster in the paint tied the game at 17-17 with just over five minutes on the clock. However, a basket by White and two free throws by Skylar Collins put the Aggies back on top by four. UAlbany's Tabatha Makopondo grabbed a rebound and hit a jumper, and Forster went 1-of-2 from the free throw line, cutting the lead to 20-21, but A&M got a 3-pointer by Kristi Bellock just before the shot clock expired to put the Aggies up by four at the four-minute media timeout. With just under two minutes left to play in the first, Henry hit back-to-back baskets, taking an assist from Cassandra Callaway to drain a long three from the right side of the arc, tying the game at 25-25 with 1:41 on the clock. However, White, who finished with 12 points in the half, hit a jumper and a 3-pointer, while Makopondo was only able to hit 1-of-2 free throws, as the team hit the locker rooms with Texas A&M on top, 30-26. A quick basket by the Aggies gave A&M a six-point lead to start the second half, but UAlbany got six straight points to tie the game back up at 32-all. Texas A&M fired back and forced the Great Danes into two turnovers, getting a layup by Elonu and a 3-pointer from the right corner from Carter to take a 37-32 lead and prompt UAlbany to take a time out. The Aggies continued on a 12-2 run, getting up by ten, 44-34, with just over 14 minutes left to play. Texas A&M continued to roll, as Alexia Standish nailed a 3-pointer to put the Aggies up by 13, 49-36. Henry and Forster both hit jump shots to try to spark a UAlbany rally, but Karla Gilbert sank a bucket to keep A&M on top. Standish nailed another long-range shot to put the Aggies up, 57-41, at the eight-minute media timeout. UAlbany refused to fold, and continued its relentless defense against the bigger, more experienced Aggies. A&M built up a 19-point lead, 64-45, on a fourth 3-pointer by Standish as the clock wound down under three minutes. The Aggies, who shot 46.6 percent (27-58) from the floor in the game, continued their hot shooting, and extended their lead out to 22 points before the final buzzer. White led the Aggies with 18 points, while Elonu and Standish totaled 13 and 12 points, respectively. Texas A&M (23-10), forced UAlbany into 24 turnovers and shot 58.3 percent (7-12) from 3-point range. Freshman Megan Craig totaled nine points and seven rebounds, while also recording all three of UAlbany's blocks in the game. Forster finished with eight points and grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds. The Great Danes shot 31.7 percent (19-60) from the floor and recorded eight steals, led by Henry with three. Henry played all 40 minutes for UAlbany.

Newman's Own Awards UAlbany’s (R.A.C.E.) A $10,000 Grant For Their Community Partner, Big Brothers Big Sisters

NEWMAN’S OWN FOUNDATION UNVEILS CAMPUS COMMUNITY SERVICE CHALLENGE GRANT RECIPIENTS
Over $100,000 Awarded in Innovative Student-Engagement Initiative

Westport, Connecticut ─ Yesterday, during the America East Conference Basketball Championship, Newman’s Own Foundation unveiled the top grant recipients of its third-annual Campus Community Service Challenge.

Engineers Without Borders, in partnership with University at Maine, received the top grant of $25,000. Earth Day Southern Tier working with Binghamton University’s SUNY VINES (Volunteers Improving Neighborhood Environments) received $15,000. Two student group/non-profit partnerships tied for the third-place grant. Both Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, who partnered with University of Albany’s Reclassifying All Children Equally (R.A.C.E.), and Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports who partnered with University of Vermont’s Adaptive Sports, will receive a $10,000 grant from Newman’s Own Foundation. In total, over $100,000 was awarded to nonprofits throughout the tournament.

The Newman’s Own Foundation Campus Community Service Challenge was developed to encourage the practice of philanthropy among younger generations, specifically on college campuses. One student group, chosen from each of the America East’s nine member universities, nominated and partnered with a local nonprofit for a Newman’s Own Foundation grant.

“A priority of the Foundation is to encourage the practice of philanthropy among as broad a population as possible,” said Bob Forrester, president of Newman’s Own Foundation. “These student volunteers represent the next generation of leadership. We are inspired by their work and proud to support them through the Campus Community Service Challenge.”

Grant recommendations were based on the student groups’ involvement with their chosen nonprofit, and the impact of the partnership on those served by the nonprofit as well as on the students themselves.

The Newman’s Own Foundation also presented “charity stripe shootouts” throughout the tournament. University students, selected from the crowd, played to win $1,000 for a local charity of choice. In total, $7,000 was awarded to nonprofits per the recommendations of these students.

To learn more about the challenge and the nine student group/non-profit partnerships, please visit http://newmansownfoundation.org/competition/.

Newman’s Own Foundation (www.newmansownfoundation.org)

Paul Newman was committed to helping make the world a better place. To carry on his philanthropic legacy, Newman’s Own Foundation turns all net royalties and profits from the sale of Newman’s Own products into charitable donations. To date, Paul Newman and Newman’s Own Foundation have given over $340 million to thousands of charities around the world.

About America East (www.americaeast.com)

Since its beginning as a men’s basketball conference in 1979, America East has evolved into one of the most comprehensive NCAA Division I conferences with 20 championship sports serving more than 3,400 student-athletes. Supporting the missions of its nine member institutions – Albany, Binghamton, Boston University, Hartford, Maine, UMBC, New Hampshire, Stony Brook and Vermont – America East is committed to developing champions in academics, athletics and leadership.

Maggie Carril
Sunshine Sachs
carril@sunshinesachs.com
212-691-2800 phone
781-424-9223 cell

Tickets to Go On Sale For America East Women’s Basketball Championship Today

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. - Tickets for the America East Conference Women's Basketball Championship game will go on sale tomorrow at 12 noon, through the UAlbany ticket office. The game, which tips off at 8 p.m. on Saturday evening, will feature the UAlbany Great Danes, taking on the UMBC Retrievers. The winner of the game will earn the league's automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.

UAlbany season ticket holders will have the opportunity to reserve and pay for their seats prior to opening sales to the public. Ticket prices are $30 for chairback seating and $25 for reserved seating. Students, with an America East school ID are $10, while youth tickets (18 and under) will be available for $5. Due to press table arrangements for America East Championships, there will not be courtside seating for the championship game.

Please call the UAlbany ticket office at 518-442-4683 to reserve your seats and cheer on the Great Danes in their first-ever America East Women's Basketball Championship! Visit www.ualbanysports.com for more information.

Seven Great Danes Make 2011 NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad - UAlbany Sports 2012

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. - Seven University at Albany field hockey student-athletes were represented by the 2011 Gladiator by SGI/National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division I National Academic Squad as announced Monday, March 5.
Kristi Troch, Taylor Luke and Brianna Schwoyer are making their third straight appearance on the list. Nina Walters, Daphne Voormolen, Chantae Miller and Karlijn van Dijsseldonk join the group as well for the first time.

The National Academic Squad recognizes student-athletes who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 or higher through the first semester of the 2011-12 academic year. Seventy-seven division one institutions had student-athletes recognized on the academic list.

The entire field hockey program was recognized as well for accumulating a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. UAlbany were among 65 division one schools to receive this honor. The National Academic Squad recognized teams with a minimum 3.0 GPA during the first semester of the 2011-12 academic year.

UAlbany Posts 58-50 Win Over Binghamton; Will Host America East Women’s Basketball Championship - UAlbany Sports 2012

Courtesy: UAlbany Athletics

West Hartford, Conn. - Nineteen points from Defensive Player of the Year Ebone Henry led UAlbany to a 58-50 victory over Binghamton in the America East Conference Women's Basketball quarterfinals on Sunday afternoon at Chase Family Arena. With the win over the Bearcats, UAlbany advances to the program's first-ever America East Conference Championship game. The Great Danes will host fifth-seeded UMBC on Saturday at 8 p.m. at SEFCU Arena.

UAlbany jumped out to a 13-6 lead seven minutes into the game on a 3-pointer by Henry. Binghamton cut the advantage to three, 13-10, with back-to-back jumpers by Mallory Lawes and Andrea Holmes. A bucket from Viive Rebane pulled the Bearcats to within one, with just over 10 minutes to play, but UAlbany went on an 8-0 run to take a 20-12 lead on a layup by Cassandra Callaway. Binghamton responded, continuing the trend of runs in the first half, and closed the gap back to five, 23-18, on another Rebane jumper. The Bearcat senior would add one final bucket just before time expired, cutting the UAlbany advantage to three, 23-20, as the teams hit the locker room.

Henry led the Great Danes out of halftime and scored the first five points, putting UAlbany up by eight, 28-20, at 18:41. Holmes ended the run for Binghamton, but UAlbany's offense remained hot, as the Great Danes pulled ahead, 38-27, on a trey by Callaway with just under 15 minutes to play. Lindsey Lowrie sank a long range shot next, while a conventional three-point play by Henry gave UAlbany its largest lead of the game, 44-27, with 11:35 left to play.

Binghamton rallied back to cut the deficit to single digits, as Holmes was fouled on a good jumper and hit the ensuing free throw, pulling to within 50-41 with 5:40 left to play. The teams exchanged baskets and free throws, as UAlbany clung to a nine-point lead with under two minutes to go. Orla O'Reilly would not let the Bearcats fade, however, nailing a 3-pointer, before Holmes hit two free throws to pull Binghamton to within four, 54-50, with just a minute to go. UAlbany was not about to let the victory and ensuing championship game slip away, as Adrienne Jones converted a fast-break layup and Henry dropped in two free throws to seal up the win.

Holmes led Binghamton (13-18) with 17 points, while Rebane posted a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds. Jasbriell Swain also finished with a double-double for the Bearcts, totaling 12 points and 11 boards.

Lowrie finished with 11 points, including three 3-pointers, while Julie Forster controlled the boards, pulling down 11 rebounds while chipping in with seven points, three assists, two steals and a block. UAlbany forced Binghamton into 22 turnovers, including 13 steals, led by Henry's four thefts.

"Will power. The team had will power and determination today," said head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson, who has orchestrated an incredible turnaround in just two seasons with the UAlbany program. "We focus on one game at a time. That's been our motto all season. We are very excited, but also very humble that we are in this position. We have a tough opponent ahead."

UAlbany (21-9) will host UMBC at 8 p.m. on Saturday for the America East Championship and automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament. The game will also be available on ESPN3.

"Phil [Stern] is a great coach and he's going to chess-match this game and come prepared, so are we," said Abrahamson-Henderson, whose team swept UMBC in the regular season. "And they've got some great seniors and players that don't want to go home just yet. We're not going to think about that right now. We're going to enjoy this, go to the men's game and cheer them on like crazy, and then take a nice day off. We are going to enjoy this journey and then we'll get back to business."

Pat McNish Topples Long Jump School Record Again @ ECAC Indoor Track & Field Championships - UAlbany Sports 2012

Boston, Mass. - Pat McNish soars in the long jump to trump the school's record for the third time this season at day one of the ECAC Indoor Track & Field Championships at the Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center.

After the first day of competition and four scored events, the Great Danes are placed 8th among 28 scoring teams. Six schools are tied for second place with six points and Cornell leads all teams with 12 points.

McNish recorded a 19 foot and 9.50 inch long jump to place second overall. Kathryn Fanning ran in the 1,000 meter run preliminary round to finish at 2:52.23. The time qualifies Fanning for tomorrow's final event.

The Great Danes are set to compete in the distance medley, 3,000 meter, 1,000 meter and triple jump events in the final day of the ECAC Championships.

One the men's side, after the first day of IC4A Men's Indoor Track & Field Championships at Boston University, the squad sits in a three-way tie for 12th spot amongst 22 scoring teams. Four events were completed in the first day of competition.

Kadeem Howell finished third in the long jump event with a leap of 23' 9.75" collecting six points for the Great Danes. Kareem Morris, also competing in the long jump, finished 11th overall. UAlbany is set to compete in the high jump event tomorrow.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

Men's Basketball Soars Past New Hampshire, 63-45, In America East Quarterfinals - UAlbany Sports 2012

West Hartford, Conn.- Gerardo Suero's 24-point, nine-rebound and four-assist performance led UAlbany over New Hampshire, 63-45, in the America East Conference Quarterfinals on Saturday, March 3 at Chase Family Arena. Along with Suero's 21st 20-plus point performance, Mike Black scored 11 points in the contest which put him at 1,000 points for his career at UAlbany. The Great Danes move on to the semifinals to face the No. 1 seed Stony Brook on Sunday, March 4 at Chase Family Arena with the tip-off set for 5:02 p.m.

Suero had a game-high 24 points and was one rebound shy of his third career double-double, shooting 8-for-24 from the floor. Black was the only other Great Dane with double-figures, 11, and added four assists and four rebounds. Blake Metcalf, Jayson Guerrier and Sam Rowley each tallied at least seven rebounds with Metcalf leading the group with nine, five of which were offensive.

New Hampshire's Patrick Konan had a team-high 12 points on 4-of-11 shooting and six rebounds. Brian Benson had a game-high 13 rebounds, seven of which were offensive and five points.

A slow start to the first half as both teams mustered up only 11 points each through the first eight minutes of play. Gerardo Suero led UAlbany with six points on 3-of-9 shooting. The Great Danes would grab a seven-point lead, 23-16, with a 12-5 run that was capped by a Mike Black layup.

New Hampshire would look to cut the deficit with consecutive baskets by Ferg Myrick but Suero would add onto the UAlbany lead with two free throws then followed by an up-and-under play by Sam Rowley to grab the game's largest lead of ten, 30-20, with 1:46 remaining in the half. Jordon Bronner would get fouled with 2.3 seconds left and would make one-of-two to end the half at a nine-point deficit, 30-21.

UAlbany would extend its lead to 17 points to open the second half, 52-35, with 7:14. Black led the Great Danes with seven points and a key steal and assist to teammate Tanner Gibson to spark 12-6 run during the 12 minute stretch.

New Hampshire would cut the deficit down to 11 with a 6-0 run , 52-41, with 4:11 remaining forcing UAlbany head coach Will Brown to call a timeout. The run was capped by a steal and layup by Ferg Myrick who finished the game with 11 points and three rebounds.

But the Great Danes would hold onto the lead for the final four minutes, going four-for-four from the free-throw line and topped the game off with a Gibson three pointer with nine seconds remaining to put the game up 18 points.

UAlbany held New Hampshire under 30.0 percent shooting from the floor (28.1%) and from three-point land (26.3%) while out rebounding UNH as well, 47-35. The Great Danes shot 36.2 percent from the floor and 42.1 percent from behind the arc.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

Royals Tabs 21 Points To Lead Women's Basketball Past Vermont, 74-61; AEast Semifinals On Sunday - UAlbany Sports 2012

West Hartford, Conn. - Sarah Royals recorded a career high 21 points, hitting 14 of 18 free throw shots, to lead University at Albany to the America East semifinal round with a 74-61 victory over Vermont in Friday's quarterfinal match.
Royals ties an America East tourament record with free throws made (14) and sets a new record for free throw attempts (18). Julie Forster recorded her eighth double-double of 18 rebounds and 13 points, while Lindsey Lowrie led the Great Danes in the first half with 14 points.

This quarterfinal match featured multiple lead changes and did not reach a scoring margin larger than ten points until the final minute.

With 2:13 remaining, the Great Danes held a 63-61 lead. Making it to the free throw line twelve times to finish the game, UAlbany missed only one shot. Forster and Ebone Henry each knocked in two, while Royals went 7-for-8 en route to the victory.

Vermont came out of the mid-game break with a 5- 0 run to cut a UAlbany lead down to 36-34. Over the next several minutes both teams played close and it wasn't until after the second media timeout that UAlbany began to widen the scoring margin. The Catamounts would come within three points twice in the final minutes, but with less than two minutes to play, the Great Danes hit the foul line to pull away.

Going into the locker room, UAlbany led 36-29. Lowrie finished the half with 14 points, tied with Vermont's Niki Taylor, who lead the Catamounts in the first half.

Vermont (10-20) began the game with first possession and a 4-0 run. Going into the first media timeout, UAlbany had committed four turnovers and was shooting 25 percent from the floor. Lowrie finished off two treys in a minute to collect the Great Danes' first lead of the night at 12-9 with 14:32 on the clock. Vermont regained momentum to produce their biggest lead of the half at 18-12 just a few minutes later before Adrienne Jones swiped a steal at mid-court to make the lay-up at 8:46, to start a 16-4 run in a three minute span for UAlbany. The Great Danes managed a ten-point lead with 1:22 left in the half.

Taylor played a key role in the Catamounts efforts to stay in the game as she tallied a career-high 22 points to lead her team. Kayla Burchill and Ashley Hoyt each chipped in 15 points in the losing effort. Shanai Heber led on the boards as she grabbed ten.

UAlbany (21-9) will play in the second semifinal game Sunday afternoon against the Hartford/Binghamton.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

Suero, Black and Aronhalt Honored With 2011-12 America East Conference Men's Basketball Accolades - UAlbany Sports 2012

Cambridge, Mass.- UAlbany Men's Basketball had three players honored for 2011-12 America East Conference regular-season accolades. Junior guards Gerardo Suero (1st team), Mike Black (2nd team), and Logan Aronhalt (3rd team) all received America East honors with Aronhalt making the All-Academic team for the second year in a row. The three junior guards and the rest of the Great Danes will prepare to play New Hampshire in the America East Quarterfinals on Saturday, March 3 at 2:15 p.m.

Gerardo Suero, a Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native, was one of the top America East players, leading all scorers with 21.7 points per game and scored a league-high 20-plus points 20 times. The junior guard was America East Player of the Week four times this season for his outstanding performances in a week. Of Suero's 630 points this season, 201 of them came at the free-throw line which put him third all-time in America East history for made free throws.

Mike Black, who was a 2011 America East Third team selection, improved his game play from last season , averaging 13.5 points (12.3 last season), 4.2 assists (2.8 last season) and 2.8 rebounds (1.9 last season) this season. He has gone over 20 points four times this season, having only surpassed 20 points once last season. The Chicago, Ill. native was named America East Co-Player of the Week for the week of Jan. 9 through Jan.15, having tallied nine rebounds twice in a week for a point guard.

Logan Aronhalt, repeating as America East third team and all-academic team selection, even with an ailing knee throughout the season still performed well. Aronhalt surpassed the 1,000 point mark against Vermont and is currently ranked 25th all-time at UAlbany with 1,089 points. The Zanesville, Ohio native went 74 straight games that he started, which started back in 2010 against New Hampshire before ending the streak against Maine this season. He currently is in graduate school having graduated earlier this season with a 3.78 GPA and was honored on the 2012 CoSIDA All-America Academic Second team.

First Team
Name Yr. Pos. School Hometown/High School/Previous School
*Gerardo Suero Jr. G Albany Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic/Our Savior New American
*Darryl Partin (1) Sr. G Boston University Seattle, Wash./Charis Prep/La Salle
Tommy Brenton (2) Jr. F Stony Brook Columbia, Md./River Hill/Hargrave
Bryan Dougher (3) Sr. G Stony Brook Scotch Plains, N.J./Scotch Plains-Fanwood
Matt Glass Sr. F Vermont Underhill Center, Vt./Mt. Mansfi eld/UMass

Second Team
Mike Black (4) Jr. G Albany Chicago, Ill./Oak Park Fenwick
D.J. Irving So. G Boston University Chester, Pa./Archbishop Carroll
Gerald McLemore (5) Sr. G Maine San Diego, Calif./Worcester Academy
Chase Plummer So. F UMBC Plainfi eld, N.J./St. Patrick
Alvin Abreu (2) Sr. G New Hampshire Lynn, Mass./Boys to Men Academy (Ill.)

Third Team
Logan Aronhalt (4) Jr. G Albany Zanesville, Ohio/Zanesville
Andres Torres Sr. G Hartford Guaynabo, Puerto Rico/Colegio
Alasdair Fraser So. F Maine Falkirk, Scotland/Falkirk Clark Eriksson Fury
Dallis Joyner Sr. F Stony Brook Norfolk, Va./Granby
Brian Voelkel So. F Vermont Pleasantville, N.Y./Iona Prep

All-Rookie
Ben Dickinson Fr. F Binghamton Alexandria, Va./Gonzaga (D.C.)
Mark Nwakamma Fr. F Hartford Leander, Texas/Leander
Nate Sikma Fr. F Hartford Bellvue, Wash/Bellvue
*Justin Edwards Fr. G Maine Whitby, Ontario/Anderson CVI
*Four McGlynn Fr. G Vermont York, Pa./Dallastown

All-Defensive
*Patrick Hazel (6) Sr. F Boston University Jamaica, N.Y./Blair Academy (N.J.)/Marquette
Mike Allison Jr. F Maine Lynden, Ontario/National Elite Development Acad.
Chandler Rhoads (6) Jr. G New Hampshire Berryville, Va./Air Force Prep
Tommy Brenton (7) Jr. F Stony Brook Columbia, Md./River Hill/Hargrave
Brian Voelkel So. F Vermont Pleasantville, N.Y./Iona Prep

All-Academic Team
Name Yr. School Major GPA Hometown/High School

*Logan Aronhalt (8) Jr. Albany human biology 3.78 Zanesville, Ohio/Zanesville
Andrew Rogers (9) Sr. Maine kinesiology/physical eduction 3.86 Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Ryan
Brian Benson (9) Sr. New Hampshire kinesiology/pedagogy 3.48 Rochester, N.Y./Greece-Athena
Luke Apfeld So. Vermont English 3.82 Wolfeboro, N.H./Brewster Academy
Sandro Carissimo So. Vermont business 3.42 Sleepy Hollow, N.Y./Iona Prep

Rookie of the Year
Four McGlynn, Vermont

Defensive Player of the Year
Tommy Brenton, Stony Brook

Kevin Roberson Player of the Year
Darryl Partin, Boston University

Coach of the Year
Steve Pikiell, Stony Brook (10)

* Unanimous Selection
(1) First-Team - 2011
(2) Second Team - 2010
(3) Second Team - 2010, 2011
(4) Third Team - 2011
(5) First Team - 2010, Second Team - 2011
(6) All-Defensive - 2011
(7) All-Defensive - 2010
(8) All-Academic - 2011
(9) All-Academic - 2010, 2011
(10) Coach of the Year - 2010

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

Katie Abrahamson-Henderson Named America East Women’s Basketball Coach Of The Year - UAlbany Sports 2012

West Hartford, Conn. - UAlbany head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson was named the America East Conference Women's Basketball Coach of the Year, announced at the 2012 awards reception held on the University of Hartford campus on Thursday. Junior guard/forward Ebone Henry was also named the league's Defensive Player of the Year, for the second straight season. Junior forward Julie Forster was also an All-Conference Second Team selection.

Abrahamson-Henderson, in just her second year at the helm of the UAlbany program, led the Great Danes to a 20-9 record and the second seed in the conference tournament. It is the first time in Division I history, and the first time since the 1991-92 season, that UAlbany has reached the 20-win plateau. Abrahamson-Henderson took over a squad that went 11-19 in 2009-10, and guided them to the program's first winning season in 2010-11 with a 16-14 record. Under her guidance, the Great Danes continued to show a remarkable improvement this season, going undefeated on the road during the league slate to post a 14-2 conference record.

Henry, an All-Conference First Team and All-Defensive Team selection, has blossomed under Abrahamson-Henderson's tutelage, and was named the conference's Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. Henry, the first player to earn the award for UAlbany, was also an All-Conference First Team selection this year, after leading the team in scoring with 14.1 points per game. She was also first in the league in steals, recording 2.7 thefts per game. Henry, a native of San Diego, Calif., scored her 1,000th career point this season. She has reached double-figure scoring totals in 22 games, including the last six straight, and has also recorded seven double-doubles on the season while averaging 7.2 rebounds per game.

Forster moves up to the All-Conference Second Team after a third-team appearance last year, and was also named to the All-Defensive Team for the second consecutive season. Forster, who is currently second on UAlbany's all-time career rebound chart with 836 caroms in three seasons, led the conference in rebounding for the third straight season. A native of Huntington, N.Y., Forster averaged 9.8 boards per game during the regular season, pulling down double-figure totals in 16 games. She is also averaging 8.8 points per game and leads the Great Danes with 30 blocks.

Forster, who holds a 3.97 cumulative grade point average in business administration, was also named to the All-Academic Team, for the second year in a row.

UAlbany will kick off the conference tournament on Friday evening, taking on the seventh-seeded Vermont Catamounts at 6:05 p.m.

-agate-

2012 America East Women's Basketball All-Conference Awards

First Team: Ebone Henry, Jr., UAlbany; Chantell Alford, Jr., Boston U.; Mo Moran, Jr., Boston U.; Erin Brown, Sr., UMBC; Denise Beliveau, Sr., New Hampshire.

Second Team: Julie Forster, Jr., UAlbany; Andrea Holmes, Sr., Binghamton; Ruthanne Doherty, Jr., Hartford; Michelle Kurowski, Sr., UMBC; Morgan Frame, Jr., New Hampshire.

Third Team: Viive Rebane, Sr., Binghamton; Rashidat Agboola, So., Boston U.; Daphne Elliott, Jr., Hartford; Nikkia Smith, Jr., Hartford; Samantha Baranowski, Sr., Maine.

All-Defensive Team: Ebone Henry, Jr., UAlbany; Julie Forster, Jr., UAlbany; Rashidat Agboola, So., New Hampshire; Denise Beliveau, Sr., New Hampshire; Shanai Heber, Jr., Vermont.

All-Rookie Team: Amber Bepko, Hartford; Danielle Walczak, Maine; Lauren Chase, UMBC; Tierra Shumpert, Vermont; Niki Taylor, Vermont.

All-Academic Team: Denise Beliveau, Sr., New Hampshire; Erin Brown, Sr., UMBC; Julie Forster, Jr., UAlbany; Alex Hall, Jr., Hartford; Michelle Kurowski, Sr., UMBC; Viive Rebane, Sr., Binghamton.

Coach of the Year: Katie Abrahamson-Henderson, UAlbany

Rookie of the Year: Lauren Chase, UMBC

Defensive Player of the Year: Ebone Henry, UAlbany

Player of the Year: Chantell Alford, Boston U.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

Logan Aronhalt Named To The 2012 CoSIDA Academic All-America Men's Basketball Division I Second Team - UAlbany Sports 2012

Towson, Md.- University at Albany's Logan Aronhalt has been chosen to the Capital One 2012 Academic All-America Men's Basketball Team Division I Second Team, as selected and announced on Thursday, Feb. 23 by CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America). This is Aronhalt's first time being honored for All-America Division I second team. He has also graduated a semester early and is currently enrolled in the educational administration and policy studies graduate program at UAlbany.

Aronhalt, a junior guard from Zanesville, Ohio, has a 3.78 cumulative grade point average in human biology. He is fifth among the America East Conference scoring leaders at 14.6 points per game, plus is sixth in three-point field goals (2.1 per game) and second in free-throw percentage and 17th in the nation (.889). He is also averaging 4.5 rebounds.

Aronhalt, who is having a great junior season, eclipsed the 1,000-point mark as a Great Dane against Vermont earlier this season. He became the 32nd UAlbany basketball player to reach the plateau and is currently 25th all-time at UAlbany with 1,087 points.

SECOND TEAM

Name School Yr. Hometown GPA Major

Logan Aronhalt Albany Jr. Zanesville, Ohio 3.78 Human biology
Brian Conklin Saint Louis Gr. Eugune, Ore. 3.54 MBA (G); Busin. Admin (UG)
Drew Crawford Northwestern Jr. Naperville, Ill. 3.40 Economics
Ronald Nored Butler Sr. Homewood, Ala. 3.64 Early, Middle Childhood Ed.
Scott Saunders (2) Belmont Sr. New Orleans, La. 3.84 Finance & Marketing

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

Women's Basketball Win 20 Games For the First Time in Division I History With 69-37 Win Over Binghamton - UAlbany Sports 2012

Albany, N.Y. - Megan Craig scored a game-high 19 points on 9-of-11 shooting from the floor to lead UAlbany to a 69-37 victory over Binghamton in America East Conference women's basketball action on Wednesday evening at SEFCU Arena. With the win, the Great Danes improve their record to 20-9 overall, and 14-2 in league play. It is the first time in Division I history, and the first time since the 1991-92 season, that UAlbany has won 20 or more games.

After Binghamton's Orla O'Reilly hit a 3-pointer 43 seconds into play, neither team scored until the 13:49 mark of the first half when Julie Forster hit a jumper in the paint for the Great Danes. The teams went back-and-forth, tying the game at 9-9 on a trey by Binghamton's Andrea Holmes. After another long-range shot put the Bearcats up, 12-9, UAlbany kicked into high gear, and scored the game's next 18 points. Craig scored seven of those points for the Great Danes, while two free throws by Forster with 36 seconds on the clock gave UAlbany a 26-12 lead. O'Reilly ended the run with a jumper for Binghamton with 20 seconds left, but Lindsey Lowrie sank a bucket with just nine ticks on the clock to send the Great Danes to the locker room with a 28-14 lead.

UAlbany continued to roll coming out of the halftime break, and build up a 21-point lead, 42-21, on a 3-pointer by Lowrie at 14:41. O'Reilly responded with a trey of her own at the Binghamton end of the floor, but the Bearcat defense could not contain the Great Danes, as they extended their advantage to 25 on back-to-back treys off Binghamton turnovers by Ebone Henry and Cassandra Callaway. Viive Rebane made two free throws to try to spur the Bearcats into action, but another long-range shot by Callaway at 7:35 put the Great Danes up, 60-30. Binghamton was cable to cut the lead back to 27 on a jumper by Jasbriell Swain, but UAlbany continued to roll, as a free throw by Sarah Royals set the score at 67-33 with under two minutes to play. Cyndra Couch laid the ball in with under a minute to play, while two made free throws by Binghamton's Kyra Aloizos set the final score.

O'Reilly and Holmes led the Bearcats with eight points each, while Swain totaled seven points and six rebounds for Binghamton (12-16, AE 6-9).

Craig scored her 19 points in 19 minutes of action off the bench, leading three players in double-digit scoring totals. Henry netted 12 points and recorded seven rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Callaway totaled 10 points, three helpers and two steals. Forster controlled the game off the boards, pulling down a game-high 11 caroms, as UAlbany out-rebounded Binghamton, 43-26. The Great Danes shot 44.1 percent (26-59) from the floor, while holding Binghamton to 27.3 percent (12-44) shooting.

UAlbany (20-9, AE 14-2) will wait to see how the conference standings wrap up over the weekend, determining the Great Danes' seeding and first America East tournament opponent.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

University of Albany Men's Indoor Takes Seventh Straight AEast Title; Women Finish Second

Boston, Mass. - Winning six of 20 events, the University at Albany men's indoor track and field team won its seventh straight America East Conference title Saturday afternoon at Boston University's Track and Tennis Center. The women's team, finishing just four and a half points behind first place Boston U., fell short of their third straight conference title. Four event titles were given to the women's squad.

The men's squad has won nine of the previous ten conference titles. Alfonso Scannapieco was honored as the Most Outstanding Field Performer, while the UAlbany received the Indoor Coaching Staff of the Year honor.

Scannapieco ended the weekend with two event titles; capturing the heptathlon and pole vault. In the pole vault, he completed a season-best 17 foot and one inch soar. Completing the last three events of the heptathlon today Scannapieco finished with 5, 202 points for the crown.

In addition to Kadeem Howell's 23' 11.50" title winning long jump yesterday, Alexander Bowen picked up another field event title in the high jump. Bowen leaped a 6' 9.75" distance for the top mark on the day.

On the track, the men captured titles in the 1,000 and 5,000 meter events. Chris Burke finished the 1,000 in 2:25.57, while Alex Leuchanka grabbed the 5,000 title yesterday crossing the tape at 14:24.60 to set a new school record.

Both distance medley teams garnered second place finishes with a 9:58.93 time for the men's side and 11:55.03 time for the women's squad. Tyler Fogarty, Alex Petit-Frere, Andrew Pirnie and Chris Buchanan split up the legs for the men's distance medley. On the women's side, Brianne Bellon, Brittany Eveleth, Jonelle White and Miranda McConnell ran in sync for the second place finish.

Pat McNish also finished the weekend with two titles. After a school record setting long jump yesterday, she finished Saturday with a 40 foot and four inch triple jump for the conference title.

On the track, Sherez Mohamed both a school and meet record in the 500 meter as she clocked in at 1:12.29 for the first place finish. The legs of Elia Francis, Kamilah Williams, Tenica Roberts and Alli Rogers finished in 3:46.26 setting a conference meet and school record in the 4x400 meter relay event. The 4x800 and distance medley teams for the Great Danes both placed second.

Rogers set a school record in the 400 meter trials and finished second in the final event in a time of 55.19.

The indoor season continues next weekend for the Armory Collegiate Challenge in New York City.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

First Regular Season Polls Are In; Women's Lacrosse At No. 16 - UAlbany Sports 2012

Albany, N.Y. - After the season opening 19-9 victory over Niagara, the University at Albany women's lacrosse program ranks in at No. 16 in the deBeer Women's Media Poll and first-ever ILWomen.com Power Rankings Poll.

The 2012 campaign began at home for the Great Danes this past Saturday with the victory over Niagara. Producing 19 total goals, UAlbany had many different players find the back of the net, including six goals from Tewaaraton Watch List player, Ariana Parker. Three freshmen made a lasting first impression by producing six goals and four assists that afternoon. Those first-year scorers included Maureen Keggins who banked in two goals and four assists, while Nichole Eamer tallied three goals and Rachel Bowles converted once.

The Great Danes will spend the next five games on the road, including a visit to Chapel Hill, N.C. Friday, February 24 with a contest featuring No. 3 North Carolina drawing off at 5:00 p.m

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

University at Albany Announces Site of New Athletic Field Complex;

ALBANY, N.Y. (February 15, 2012) – University at Albany President George Philip today announced the official site of the University’s new $24 million athletic and recreational complex and kicked off a $6 million fundraising campaign to support the project. George Hearst, president of the University at Albany Foundation, announced a $1 million challenge pledge by an anonymous donor to match any contribution up to $1 million between now and Dec. 31, 2012.

“We are very excited to move forward on these long overdue and essential upgrades to our University’s athletic and recreational facilities,” said President Philip, speaking at an afternoon press conference held in the University’s SEFCU Arena. “The University is very appreciative of the tremendous support this project received from our Capital Region Legislative Delegation, led by Senators Neil Breslin, Hugh T. Farley, and Roy McDonald. We are also grateful for the tremendous support we have received from the community. All have made a crucial difference in making this day a reality.”

According to Philip, the project, which has been years in the making, would not have happened without the bi-partisan support of the Capital Region’s three New York State Senators, who each worked diligently to bring this project to fruition.

The renovation of the UAlbany athletic facilities will be accomplished in three phases over the next two years, and is budgeted at $24 million: $18 million from allocated state appropriations targeted for capital improvements and scheduled maintenance projects, and $6 million from private funding.

The groundbreaking for the project is expected to take place in mid-April. The three components include:

A new multi-use synthetic turf field for student recreational and intramural use. This component of the project is scheduled for completion in fall 2012.

An enhanced football and soccer facility able to accommodate NCAA Division I competitions with capacity for 4,000 permanent seats, 2,000 berm seats and nearly 2,000 temporary bleacher-style seats. This is slated for completion for fall 2013.


A rendering of the new football field, scheduled to be ready for fall 2013.


Repairs and upgrades meeting NCAA Division I standards to the University’s track & field venue. Completion of the track is scheduled for early winter 2013.

University at Albany Foundation President George Hearst remarked, “This momentous occasion demonstrates the importance of public-private partnerships as the means to advance our region’s economy and quality of life. This anonymous gift of $1 million places the University at Albany well on its way to achieving a state-of-the-art multi-sports complex for students, alumni, and the community-at-large.”

New Site for Football, New Turf for Track & Field
The enhanced facilities will be adjacent to the existing athletic football fields and the SEFCU arena on the Uptown Campus. Varsity football will be relocated to a new multi-purpose facility to be located south of the Bubble, east of the SEFCU Arena. A synthetic turf field with new field lighting and fencing (for extended season use) will be constructed east of the tennis courts and south of the Dutch Quad residence hall. The track will be located in its current location. When not in use for competitions, it will be available for community recreational use by high schools and community organizations.

UAlbany’s athletic facilities were constructed in the mid 1960s and have not been materially upgraded since that time. Today, these facilities do not meet current codes and access requirements. The football program is a perennial leader in NCAA Division I-AA football despite playing on the same field it used in 1970 as a club sport. Its track and field team, which has dominated competition in the Division I America East Conference, cannot host an NCAA competition as a result of the University’s track not being NCAA compliant.

UAlbany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy said, “This is a tremendous acknowledgment of all that our coaching staffs and athletes have accomplished over the last decade. UAlbany athletes on the Division I level have achieved remarkable results, both on the field and in the classroom. All our students, coaches, alumni and community supporters will now receive the Division I-level playing facilities their dedication merits.”

“This is truly a great day for the University at Albany and the entire Albany area,” said Senator Breslin. “The University’s high performing student-athletes – both on the playing field and in the classroom – have provided local residents with great sporting opportunities over the years, and these new facilities will ensure even broader community support across the region for years to come.”

In addition, Senator Hugh T. Farley, a UAlbany alumnus and emeritus faculty member, worked tirelessly to support the University’s pursuit of the project. “UAlbany athletics are sources of pride both for our region and the school’s many alumni, of which I am one,” he said. “The development of a multi-sports complex will attract even more outstanding student-athletes to our excellent institution.”

Senator McDonald added, “I am always proud to lend my support to this great university. The additional attention these improvements to UAlbany’s recreational and intercollegiate sports facilities will bring to the campus will allow a brighter light to shine on the tremendous academic quality and research excellence that takes place here.”

Representatives from the New York State Public High School Athletic Association and the Sports Foundation of the Capital Region also praised the contribution the new UAlbany facilities will make as venues for major area sporting events.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

UAlbany To Play In The 2012 Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-off Tournament

Springfield, Mass.- UAlbany Men's Basketball has been invited to be a part of the 2012 Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-off Tournament, sponsored by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. The annual NCAA men's exempt tournament will take place the weekend of November 16th-18th at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut featuring eight schools in two four-team brackets. All teams will also compete in two campus round games.

The other seven teams scheduled to participate in this year's Tip-Off tournament are Loyola University Maryland (MAAC), Norfolk State University (MEAC), Ohio State University (Big Ten), Seton Hall University (Big East), University of Missouri-Kansas City (Summit League), University of Rhode Island (Atlantic 10) and University of Washington (Pac-12). Of the seven teams, UAlbany has only faced Seton Hall which was back on Jan. 7, 1925 with Seton Hall winning that contest.

The 2012 Tip-Off Tournament game schedule will be separated into two brackets. The Springfield bracket will include Albany, Loyola, UMKC and Norfolk State. The Naismith bracket will consist of Ohio State, Washington, Seton Hall, and Rhode Island. Game times and sessions for both rounds will be announced at a later date.

What the head coaches said about the tournament:

Thad Matta, Ohio State University
"Opening the 2012-13 season in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament will give our team the opportunity to gauge itself against quality competition in an NCAA tournament setting. Our program appreciates the opportunity to be a part of this outstanding event."

Lorenzo Romar, University of Washington
"Coach Jim Shaw has done a great job of trying to get us in one of the premier tournaments every year and this certainly falls into that category. We are privileged and honored to be selected as a participant in the Hall of Fame Tournament. The New York experience was great, we got to do a lot of things away from basketball. When we went to the CBE Classic (Kansas City) a few years ago, we got to see the NCAA Hall of Fame. Now, to be able to see and experience the Naismith Hall of Fame is something that may be our players only opportunity to ever see it. I'm already excited!"

Anthony Evans, Norfolk State University
"We are excited to be first-time participants in the Hall of Fame Tournament. It's an honor for us to be involved with an event that is connected to the history of the game. This is a great opportunity for our program and players."

Kevin Willard, Seton Hall University
"This is a great opportunity for our program to participate in one of the marquee early season events on the national calendar. We're proud to be a part of a tournament that celebrates the tradition and history of our sport. We're excited to be a part of this impressive field and look forward to the competition next November."

Jimmy Patsos, Loyola University Maryland
"We are looking forward to participating in the Tip-Off Tournament. The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference has formed a strong partnership with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, and we are honored to be selected to participate in the event next year."

Matt Brown, University of Missouri-Kansas City
"We are appreciative of the opportunity to play in the Tip-Off Tournament. We are not only looking forward to playing some great teams, but also be able to expose our student-athletes to the history of the sport of Basketball at the Hall of Fame."

Will Brown, University at Albany
"We are excited to be a part of the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament. We will open the season with a very challenging schedule as our first 2 games in the event will be against Ohio State and Washington. The event will also give us the opportunity to visit the Hall of Fame and play 2 more games at Mohegan Sun. This will be a great experience for our program, athletic department, university, alumni, and fans."

Jim Baron, University of Rhode Island
"We are proud to be among the field for the 2012 Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament. It is a
tremendous tournament with outstanding teams, coaches, and student-athletes. We are looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to play in such a prestigious event."

For more information:
Visit on the web: www.hoophall.com
... on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BBHOF
... on Twitter: @hoophall
... or call 1-877-4-HOOPLA

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

UAlbany Celebrates Bob Ford Day

The University at Albany coach is the active Division I leader in coaching victories with 255 and is heading into his 40th season coaching the Great Danes. Just last season, he led UAlbany to its first Football Championship Subdivision playoff appearance.

On Thursday, Mayor Jerry Jennings proclaimed Feb. 2, 2012 as Bob Ford Day, in the city of Albany.

“I’m humbled by the whole process,” Ford said.

Even Jennings, a UAlbany grad himself, admitted that this was a honor long overdue. After Ford spoke, he was met with a standing ovation from a huge crowd in the Hall of Fame room, on campus.

“Bob Ford is as good a coach as there has ever been in the college game — any sport — because of the way that his young people respond to him and the way that he conducts himself with his colleagues and the way he conducts himself in high education,” said UAlbany Director of Athletics Lee McElroy.

Ford was asked what he would do on his day and anyone who knows him wouldn’t be surprised by his answer.

“We’ll probably go up and wrap up the recruiting,” Ford said.

Ford’s address teetered on sounding like a retirement speech, but he was quick to dismiss that thought.

“I just think you have to start reflecting as you get older, what will you miss, what are the things that you’ll miss tremendously,” he said. “I’ll miss the kids and having my batteries recharged on a daily basis.”

Ford mentioned a few special moments, including a victory over current Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, at Delaware. He also mentioned how special the players have been, speaking about one the team’s current players, Eddie Delaney, who has overcome diabetes and being born with one hand, to become an all-conference defensive end.

“For him to say that I’ve impacted his life means more than anything,” Delaney said.

Ford, who is having a hip replacement in two weeks, says he just wants to stay healthy and keep winning. Coaching has been a big enough reward for Ford, so things like Thursday’s event are just gravy.

“I’m fortunate that I get to work with young kids at a very critical time in their lives and you have a chance to mold them,” he said. “I know part of my life was molded by good high school and college coaches.”

A recent study by the University showed that more than 100 former assistants of Ford are working at the high school, college or professional ranks.

Men’s Basketball Draws Rider For The ESPN Bracketbuster Game - UAlbany Sports 2012

Albany, N.Y.- UAlbany Men's Basketball team (14-9, 6-3 AE) will face off against Rider (9-14, 6-5 MAAC) tentatively set for Saturday, Feb. 18 at SEFCU Arena (7 pm) in the ESPN Bracket buster game. The Great Danes are 0-2 in previous ESPN Bracketbuster games, having lost to Boise State by one, 83-82, on Feb. 16, 2007 and lost to Virginia Commonwealth, 70-67, on Feb. 17, 2006.

The Rider Broncs are in the Metro-Atlantic Athletic Conference and currently sit fifth in the standings with a 6-5 conference record. The Broncs are averaging 73.2 points per game on offense while allowing 76.1 points per game. One of Rider's team strengths has been shooting behind the arc boasting a 38.6 shooting percentage which ranks 32nd in the nation. The two Bronc's sharp shooters behind the arc are senior guards Brandon Penn shooting 44.3 percent (54-122 3FG) and Jeff Jones shooting 39.8 percent (45-113 3FG).

UAlbany is in the America East Conference and currently sits fourth in the standings with a 6-3 conference record. The Great Danes will have their hands full with the Broncs with what has seemed to be the team's Achilles heel, guarding the three-point shot. On the season, UAlbany ranks last in the conference defending the three-point shot allowing the opposing team to shoot 38.9 percent (178-457 3FG). To counter its lack of three-point defending has been its potent offense averaging 73.5 points per game. Junior guards Gerardo Suero, Logan Aronhalt, and Mike Black have provided to be one of the best three guard tandems averaging 50.1 points per game as a group this season.

The Great Danes continue its 2011-12 season on Wednesday, Feb. 1 against the Retrievers of UMBC at SEFCU Arena (7pm)