Men's Basketball Prepares For Battle Against Navy In Annapolis

1. UAlbany Heads South To Battle NavyUAlbany travels south to Maryland to face-off against the Midshipmen of Navy on Friday, Dec. 28 at Alumni Hall. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. This is the second meeting the two programs, with the Great Danes taking the first meeting last season. UAlbany played Navy on Nov. 25, 2011 at the SEFCU Arena, taking the contest by seven, 69-62.

2. Minor Speed Bump
The Great Danes, having won the previous six games, fell to the Bobcats of Quinnipiac on a last-minute bucket on Friday, Dec. 21 at SEFCU Arena. The loss ended UAlbany's unbeaten streak at home this season of four. However, the Great Danes have bounced back from their previous two losses with impressive road win (vs. Washington in Seattle and vs. South Carolina State by 28).

3. Rowley Just Rollin' AlongWith Mike Black and Jacob Iati limited vs. Quinnipiac, sophomore forward Sam Rowley led the Great Danes with 15 points and seven rebounds. In all 12 games, Rowley has made at least one basket and one rebound. In five of the 12 games, the Sydney, Australia native has either led or tied-with the most rebounds in a game for the team.

4. Global Warming In DecemberWith the winter coming into Albany and snow coming down, the Great Danes have been rolling through the first five games in the month. UAlbany has won four of its first five games in the month of the December. The Great Danes have won equally on the road as they have at home in the their four wins during the month


5. Remains In Mid-Major Top 25Following the slip to Quinnipiac, UAlbany dropped four spots to 24th in the College Insider Top-25 Mid-Major poll. This is the fourth consecutive week that the Great Danes are ranked in the poll, which is the longest streak of weeks UAlbany has stayed in.

DIRTcar Northeast Modified Community Mourns Holiday-Week Loss Of Influential Figures Doug Hoffman, Stan Friesen & Milt Johnson

CONCORD, NC – Dec. 27, 2012 – The DIRTcar Northeast community is mourning the holiday-week passing of three men who will forever hold prominent places in the organization’s history.

A time of year normally reserved for joy became tinged with sadness following the deaths of DIRT Hall of Fame inductee Doug Hoffman, longtime circuit promoter Stan Friesen and former driver/engine builder Milt Johnson, who helped launch the sparkling DIRTcar big-block Modified careers of his sons Alan and Danny.

“This week the DIRTcar Northeast Modified world lost three men who were titans of our sport,” said DIRTcar Northeast director Joe Skotnicki. “Doug Hoffman, Stan Friesen and Milt Johnson made unforgettable contributions to DIRTcar Northeast Modified racing through the years. All of us from the World Racing Group and DIRTcar Northeast staffs hold them in the highest esteem and offer our thoughts and prayers to their families during this difficult time.”

One of the most talented and decorated drivers ever to compete on the Northeast short-track circuit and in recent years a noted racetrack promoter, Hoffman, 54, died Monday at his home in Allentown, Pa. He left behind his wife Gena; daughter Joette Hoffman and 7-year-old granddaughter Mattie Vorhis; step-daughter Skye Michael; brothers Michael, Dave, Donald and Keith – and, of course, a legion of fans and a glorious racing legacy.

Hoffman began his driving career in 1977 at the paved Dorney Park Speedway in his hometown, reaching Victory Lane in just his fifth start. He soon switched to dirt Modified action and blossomed into a superstar, dominating at tracks in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and making his mark on the big-block Modified Super DIRTcar Series.

From 1987-2002 Hoffman was a virtual stalwart on the DIRTcar big-block Modified circuit, religiously following the Super DIRTcar Series in search of the organization’s overall big-block title. He would ultimately become the highest-ranked driver from Pennsylvania on the alltime DIRTcar big-block Modified feature win list.

Hoffman won 87 DIRTcar-sanctioned big-block Modified features (including 26 Super DIRTcar Series events) and registered 17 victories in the DIRTcar 358-Modified class. The most prestigious DIRTcar triumph of his career came in the 1996 VP Small Engine Fuels 200 (then called the Fay’s 300) at the one-mile New York State Fairgrounds oval in Syracuse, N.Y. – a race that had brought him years of heartbreak until he finally broke through behind the wheel of the iconic Taylor Motorsports No. 1.

Hoffman, who recorded his last Super DIRTcar Series victory on April 6, 2002, at The Dirt Track at Charlotte in Concord, N.C., finished outside the top 10 in the overall Mr. DIRTcar big-block Modified points standings just once during the 13-year stretch from 1989-2001. He won the overall championship in 1991 (he remains the only Pennsylvania driver to capture the division’s marquee crown), was the runner-up in ’96 and placed third on five occasions (’89, ’90, ’92, ’93, ’97).

During his 32-year racing career Hoffman won a total of 482 features at 40 tracks in nine states and two Canadian provinces and captured 25 points championships, including the 2004 NASCAR Northeast Region title. He was also successful racing on asphalt throughout the ‘90s at Flemington (N.J.) Speedway, where he won a NASCAR Modified Tour event.

A 2011 inductee to the DIRTcar Hall of Fame, Hoffman last raced a big-block Modified for a full season in 2007 at Bridgeport (N.J.) Speedway. He never officially announced his retirement from driving, but in recent years his focus was on short-track promotion. He operated the paved Mahoning Valley Speedway in Lehighton, Pa., from 2005-2011 and in 2012 promoted the weekly programs at Bridgeport, reviving the big-block Modified action at the five-eighths-mile South Jersey oval he called his favorite track.

Hoffman is just the second deceased winner of the 41-year-old VP Small Engines 200 at the Syracuse Mile. The first was another Pennsylvanian, Dick ‘Toby’ Tobias Sr., who won the big-block Modified classic in 1975 and died three years later in a tragic Sprint Car crash at Flemington Speedway.

“Doug Hoffman was without a doubt one of the best drivers ever to climb into a DIRTcar big-block Modified,” said Skotnicki. “He was a great champion and a superb ambassador of DIRTcar Modified racing. We’re saying goodbye to him way too soon, but we’ll always remember his great accomplishments that led to his induction to the DIRT Hall of Fame just last year.”

Friesen, 79, succumbed on Sunday at his home in St. Catharines, Ont., following a battle with cancer. His passing came after he spent more than a half-century in the motorsports industry, including the last four decades as a racetrack owner and promoter.

While Friesen enjoyed a successful dirt Modified driving career on Canadian and American soil from the late ‘50s through the early ‘70s – topped by a big-block Modified championship in 1972 at Cayuga County Fair Speedway in Weedsport, N.Y. – it was his dual role as a track promoter and patriarch of an well-known racing family that earned him his greatest notoriety.

Friesen became a promoter in 1970 when he purchased Merrittville Speedway in Thorold, Ont., with partner Kurt Uhl. He bought Ransomville (N.Y.) Speedway with Uhl in 1972 and ran both tracks until selling Merrittville in ’81 to concentrate on operating the half-mile Ransomville oval, which evolved into a family affair for the outgoing Canadian. All of his immediate family members have helped him at the track: his wife Diane; his sons Jamie, Joel and Alex (who was branching out as an owner and promoter of other tracks when he tragically lost his life in a 1996 snowmobile accident); daughters-in-law Yvonne and Trish; and grandchildren Stewart (now a dirt Modified star who has twice won the VP Small Engine Fuels 200 at the Syracuse Mile), Heather, James-Michael, Curtis and Russell.

Friesen’s ties to DIRTcar Northeast date all the way back to the organization’s roots. He attended the early promoters’ meetings hosted by DIRTcar Northeast founder Glenn Donnelly and, in 1972, held a qualifying race for Donnelly’s inaugural big-block Modified classic (then the Schaefer 100) at the Syracuse Mile. Donnelly ultimately formed a sanctioning body for weekly racing under the Drivers Independent Race Tracks (‘DIRT’) banner and turned his circuit of ‘Syracuse Qualifiers’ into the Super DIRTcar Series – and one of his top allies through it all was Friesen, whose loyalty to the organization and success at Ransomville was recognized in 2003 when he and his family received the DIRT Hall of Fame’s annual Leonard J. Sammons Outstanding Contribution to Motorsports Award.

Ransomville remains a DIRTcar-sanctioned track to this day, a Friday-night 358-Modified staple for Niagara Frontier fans and race teams. Friesen’s sons Jamie and Joel and their wives plan to continue Stan’s racing legacy well into the future.

“Stan Friesen was one of DIRTcar’s pioneers,” said Skotnicki. “He was there from the start, helping Glenn Donnelly unify a disjointed sport for the betterment of everyone involved. It’s promoters like Stan who made it possible for DIRTcar to grow into the Northeast’s preeminent organization for Modified racing.

“We are saddened by Stan’s passing, but his memory will certainly live on as his family members continue presenting racing programs that would make him proud.”

Another short-track pioneer who made his greatest impact after leaving the cockpit was Johnson, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 78 after succumbing to declining health.

The resident of Middlesex, N.Y., competed throughout the late ‘50s and into the ‘60s, with a 1961 points title at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Motorsports Park his crowning glory as a driver. But he won hundreds more features as an ace engine builder, assembling potent powerplants at the renowned B&M Speed Shop in Rochester, N.Y., that he operated with partner Bruce Fleischman.

Much of B&M’s success came in asphalt Modified competition during the ‘70s and ‘80s with such superstar drivers as the late Richie Evans and Jerry Cook, but Johnson’s motors propelled plenty of dirt Modifieds to victory as well. Johnson’s sons, Alan and Danny, began their march to DIRTcar big-block Modified stardom with B&M power under the hood of their cars.

“Few engine builders can claim the amount of success – on both dirt and asphalt – that Milt Johnson enjoyed over the years,” said Skotnicki. “There’s no doubt, though, that Milt got his greatest satisfaction from watching his boys Alan and Danny become two of the biggest names in DIRTcar big-block Modified racing.”

Dunkin' Donuts Hometown Hero Contest

VESTAL, N.Y.—Dunkin’ Donuts will help local students honor their teachers by hosting an interactive contest, asking fans to nominate their favorite educator as their “hometown hero”. It has been said that “teachers are the heroes of tomorrow.” Show your appreciation to your teacher by telling us how he/she has helped educate you.

The Dunkin’ Donuts Hometown Hero Appreciation Contest invites local students to write a short paragraph (150 words or less) describing their teacher and why he/she has been a positive influence on their lives.

The contest will run during the 2012-13 Binghamton University Basketball season. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Feb. 1, 2013. The winner will be announced at the Binghamton University Basketball Game on Feb. 16. The grand prize winner will be awarded with Dunkin Donuts coffee for a year.

Rolling Wheels Raceway Park to Showcase World’s Best Sprint Cars, Late Models and Big-Block Modifieds in 2013

Hall of Fame event kicks off season June 5th; FREE Fan Pit Pass with every advance ticket

ELBRIDGE, N.Y. - Dec. 20, 2012 - Rolling Wheels Raceway Park is excited to announce a special exhilarating schedule in 2013.

The 800-horsepower Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds, World of Outlaws STP Sprint Cars, World of Outlaws Late Models, Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints, DIRTcar Sportsman and many more will attack the 5/8-mile clay oval known as The Fast Track, bringing fans one of the most exciting schedules in history.

After a 2012 season that featured 'The King' Steve Kinser going back-to-back, three-time and defending Super DIRTcar car Series champion Matt Sheppard dominating All-Star Weekend, and Jessica Zemken showing her quickness in a sprint car, 'The Fast Track' is ready to make an encore performance in 2013.

"Rolling Wheels has become a destination," said Rolling Wheels General Manager Jeff Hachmann. "Rolling Wheels has built a tradition on running must-see events, and in 2013 we have put together six major dates that feature the three premier DIRTcar Racing series in the country. If that isn't enough, again after popular demand everyone who buys a ticket in advance to any event will receive a FREE Fan Pit Pass at no additional charge. I can't think of a better way to meet your favorite driver and create memories that last a lifetime."

Following a night of honoring legends of motorsports it all starts Wednesday, June 5th, with the Hall of Fame Super DIRTcar Series opener and an opportunity for Matt Sheppard to set the pace on a record fourth consecutive series championship. The DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series, along with the popular Midstate Vintage Stock Car Club, make for a great season-opener.

On Wednesday, July 3, comes the Sprint Car Summer Shootout featuring the popular Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints. Also joining in the fun will be the Canandaigua-based 305 sprints and DIRTcar Stock Cars. To celebrate the nation's birthday a huge fireworks display will light up the sky on this special midweek event.

The World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series Showdown invades Central New York on Tuesday, July 23rd. This special midweek event will feature Steve Kinser - the "King of the Outlaws" - as well as defending 2012 series champion and Tony Stewart Racing's Donny Schatz and the legendary Sammy Swindell among all of the Outlaws as they make their first stop at 'The Fast Track' as part of their East Coast "Six Pack" swing. DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds will round out the card.

Making a return on Labor Day weekend on September 1 to Rolling Wheels is the Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block tour. The Stars and Stripes 100 will also see the DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds and DIRTcar Stock cars event.

The track will then come back to life with two action-packed events during NAPA Auto Parts Super Dirt Week in October. For the third year in a row, the World of Outlaws Late Models and DIRTcar 358-Modified Series will make up the Thursday night card on Oct. 10. Defending World of Outlaws Late Model Series champion Darrell Lanigan, 2012 winner Rick Eckert and Watertown, N.Y., native 'T-Mac' Tim McCreadie lead a star-studded field into one of the most anticipated events of the week.

Then two nights later on Saturday, Oct. 12, the final event of the season showcases World of Outlaws Sprint Cars return for an encore performance in what has become a can't-miss event with championship implications every year. The annual DIRTcar Big-Block Modified "Win-and-You're In" 25-lap feature that locks in the final competitor to the VP Small Engine Fuel 200 at Syracuse is also part of the event, which has been an exciting addition to the week-long festival of speed.

Six nights featuring some of the world's top dirt track stars in some of the fastest dirt track cars is what's on tap for 2013 at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park. For tickets, FREE Fan Pit Passes and more information, click www.rollingwheelsraceway.com or call (315) 834-6606. Find DIRTcar Racing on Facebook (DIRTcar Racing) or follow on Twitter @DIRTcarNE.

Rolling Wheels Raceway Park 2013 Season Schedule

June 5, Wed.	6:00 p.m.	DIRTcar Hall of Fame 60 Super DIRTcar Series Big-Blocks DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds Series Midstate Vintage Stock Car Club
July 3, Wed.	7:30 p.m.	Sprint Car Summer Shootout Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints 305 Sprint Cars DIRTcar Stock Cars Huge Fireworks Display!
July 23, Tues.	7:30 p.m.	WoO Sprint Cars Showdown World of Outlaws Sprint Cars DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds
Sept. 1, Sun.	7:30 p.m.	'Stars & Stripes' Labor Day Classic Super DIRTcar Series Big-Blocks DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds DIRTcar Stock Cars
Oct. 10, Thurs.	7:30 p.m.	Super Dirt Week Special World of Outlaws Late Models DIRTcar 358-Modifieds Series
Oct. 12, Sat.	7:30 p.m.	Super Dirt Week Special World of Outlaws Sprint Cars DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds "Win and You're In!"

Lernerville 410 Sprints back on Hoosier Tires!

Sarver, PA (December 20, 2012) Lernerville Speedway is proud to announce that the 410 DIRTcar Sprints will be back on Hoosier Racing Tires for the 2013 season. This four-corner Hoosier tire rule is a five-year deal between the Lernerville Speedway and Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic that will also apply the Don Martin Memorial Silver Cup and Commonwealth Clash sanctioned by the World of Outlaws, the All Star Circuit of Champions sanctioned races at the speedway, as well as the season ending DIRTcar Round Up Steel City Stampede.



Of the new deal, Lernerville Speedway General Manager Gary Risch Jr. stated, “We’re thrilled to extend our ongoing relationship with Hoosier Racing Tires and Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic to include the Sprints once again. We’d like to thank the folks at Goodyear Racing Tires and Big Daddy’s Speed Shop for all their help and support the last three year.”



Hoosier Tire-Mid-Atlantic/Precise Racing Products General Manager has released detailed compound, wheel size and pricing information as listed below.



Front Tires

Map pricing $165.00 each

Part #31-131 85/8.0-15 D12

Part #31-132 85/8.0-15 D15, D20

*Same as current front tires



Left Rear Tires

Map pricing $198.00 each

Part #38-137 15.0/90-15 H12

Part #38-147 15.0/92-15 H12, H15

Part #38-157 15.0/94-15 (SH) H12

*94” left will be offered in a short and tall*

Part #38-159 15.0/94-15 H12, H15

Part #38-167 15.0/96-15 H12, H15



Right Rear Tires

Map Pricing $198.00 each

Part #38-221 105/16.0-15 H15, H20, Medium

*The 105/16-15 right rear can be utilized on current 16”, 17”and18” wide wheels.

*Factory development on the 105/16-15 has been conducted on a 17” wide wheel so the recommended wheel width is 17”.

* The minimum recommend width is 16” and maximum is 18”.

Part #38-231 105/18.0-15 Hard (Emergency Tire)



With Christmas now less than a week away, if you’re still trying to find that last minute, perfect gift for the racing fan on your list, we highly recommend Lernerville tickets as the ultimate gift or stocking stuffer. Tickets for the Firecracker 100 presented by GottaRace.com, Don Martin Memorial Silver Cup Twin 30s and Commonwealth Clash are available 24/7 at Lernerville.com or by calling the speedway office at (724) 353-1511. Office hours this week are 10:00AM-4:30PM through Friday. Another gift option is Fab Four Racing tickets. The popular Pic5 and Pic10 ticket packages are the perfect choice for the Fab Four Racing fanatic on your list. The Pic5 package gets you six tickets for the price of five and the Pic10 gets your 12 tickets for the price of 10! You can also purchase season passes for the pits and tickets for the Annual Awards Banquet by calling the speedway office.



The Annual Awards Banquet is scheduled for Saturday, March 16 and will be held at the Willow Tree/Comfort Inn & Suites in RIDC Park along Route 28 South. A select preview of the 2013 Lernerville Speedway schedule – including marquee event dates – is posted at Lernerville.com under the Schedule tab.

UAlbany Women’s Basketball Defeats Delaware State, 79-57; Extends Win Streak to Six

DOVER, DEL. - With four players in double-digit scoring figures, led by Shereesha Richards with 16 points, UAlbany extended its win streak to six games, defeating Delaware State, 79-57, in non-conference women's basketball action on Saturday evening at Memorial Hall. The Great Danes improve to 8-2 on the season, while the Hornets fall to 2-6.

Delaware State scored the first six points of the game before UAlbany broke onto the scoreboard with a 3-pointer from Ebone Henry from the left side of the arc. The Great Danes tied the game at 17:20 as Julie Forster dished the ball to Keyana Williams under the hoop. However, the Hornets built up a 14-7 advantage with 14:39 to play on three consecutive baskets. UAlbany ended the second 6-0 run with a layup by Forster at 14:12.

The teams exchanged baskets, before Megan Craig and Richards sparked the Great Danes with back-to-back buckets. UAlbany's Sarah Royals then tied the game at 20-20 with a 3-pointer from the right side. The Great Danes took their first lead of the game on the next possession, getting a trey from Lindsey Lowrie at 10:45. Lowrie nailed her second long-range shot of the night at 7:10 to push the UAlbany lead to 30-24, before Craig got a put-back to fall to put the Great Danes ahead by eight.

UAlbany continued to roll through the half, using the usual stifling defense to induce several Delaware State fouls and turnovers. The Great Danes used five good free throws to end the half - two from Forster and three from Margarita Rosario - to hold a 40-32 advantage at the break.

The Great Danes scored the first points of the second half to hold their biggest lead of the game, and followed a single free throw by DSU's Tierra Hawkins with a 3-pointer by Lowrie to extend the advantage to 45-33 after less than a minute of action. Lowrie then recorded a steal and passed ahead to Henry, who converted the layup to spur the Hornets to take an early timeout.

UAlbany outscored the Hornets, 24-5, to start the second half before Kianna D'Oliveira nailed two free throws and then hit a layup to pull Delaware State back within 68-41. The Great Danes did not slow down, however, and built up a 75-54 lead before the final media timeout of the game. Richards then scored the final points of the game, and recorded a steal in the waning seconds to seal up the win.

"The first half was sluggish," said UAlbany head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson, whose team has won its last six games by an average of 24.7 points. "In the second half, we adjusted, changed our press, and got into the flow of what we needed to do offensively. Shereesha [Richards] had another great game - she is a great spark off the bench."

Delaware State got 10 points from Jade Washington, while Tierra Hawkins and Uchechi Ahaiwe added nine apiece. The Hornets shot 45.5 percent (20-44) from the field, while committing 28 turnovers.

After Richards, who also recorded a team-high eight rebounds the Great Danes got 15 points from Lowrie, all from beyond the 3-point line. Megan Craig finished with 13 points and seven boards, while Ebone Henry netted 10 points. UAlbany shot 47.5 percent (28-59) from the floor, and hit eight 3-pointers, while also recording 13 steals.

Women's Soccer to Hold Clinic

  The UAlbany women’s soccer team will be holding a clinic on January 27, 2013. This clinic incorporates individual and group training. Anyone interested in attending the clinic please fill out the brochure (linked above) and return it to assistant coach Kate Dylag. For any additional information please contact the women’s soccer coaching staff.

2012 DVDs On Sale Now

 

Looking for that perfect gift for the race fan on your list? We’ve got you covered at DIRTVision.com, with DVDs of many major World of Outlaws and DIRTcar events in 2012. If you’re looking for the best route to beat the off-season blues, get your own copy of some of the best races of the season to watch at home any time you want. We have the following events on DVD:

- Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway, featuring the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars

- Firecracker 100 at Lernerville Speedway, featuring the World of Outlaws Late Models

- Knoxville Nationals at Knoxville Raceway, featuring the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars

- Silver Cup at Lernerville Speedway, featuring the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars

- NAPA Auto Parts Super DIRT Week 2-Race DVD: DIRTcar Pro Stock championship & DIRTcar 358-Modified Gander Mountain 150

- NAPA Auto Parts Super DIRT WEEK VP Small Engine Fuels 200 featuring the Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds

- PEAK Motor Oil World of Outlaws World Finals Presented by NAPA Auto Parts, featuring World of Outlaws Sprint Cars, World of Outlaws Late Models and Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds

DVDs are just $28.95 shipped. We can also put together a bundle for fans that are looking to purchase more than one event from 2012. Don’t miss out this Christmas season! Get your orders in today!

UAlbany Volleyball Signs Three Players for 2013 Season

The University at Albany volleyball program has signed three players for the 2013 season, as announced by head coach MJ Engstrom on Wednesday, Dec. 12. The Great Danes will welcom middle hitter Chavi St. Hill, opposite hitter Olivia Schonewise, and outside hitter Laini Leindecker to the program in the fall.
a href="http://www.pntra.com/t/R0BFR0lFRUBLTEtGR0BGTEpESg" > St. Hill is 6-foot-2 native of West Orange, N.J., and will look to make an immediate impact on the Great Danes' front row next season. St. Hill recorded 137 kills, 56 blocks, 47 digs, and 23 service aces as a senior, en route to being named to the All-American Division First Team and the team MVP. A senior captain, St. Hill was named one of the best volleyball players in the region by USA NY this past fall, after earning two straight MVP awards for the Mountaineers. She recorded 358 kills and 193 blocks in her four-year career at West Orange High School, where she was also an all-conference member of the track and field program. The daughter of Randy St. Hill and Dawn Christian, she was also a member of the French Club and the Student Council.

A 6-foot-0 opposite side hitter, Schonewise is a native of Papillion, Nebraska, and helped lead Papillion-LaVista South High School to a 123-1 record over her three years as a letterwinner. Schonewise, who is currently ranked first nationally by Prepvolleyball.com, and fourth by Maxpreps.com, guided the Titans to the state championship for three consecutive seasons. Papillion-LaVista also claimed the ESPN Rise and MaxPreps National Championship in those three seasons, including 2010, when the squad was named the Omaha Sportswomen of the Year. A senior captain, Schonewise was named All-State Honorable Mention as a senior, and was also a member of the USA High Performance Continental Team. Schonewise is continuing a family tradition of collegiate student-athletes, as her father, Quintin, was a football player at Kansas and her mother, Karen, played volleyball for Nebraska, while her older sister, Lillian, is a sophomore middle hitter at California.

Leindecker, the final signee for the 2013 season, is a 5-foot-10 native of New Philadelphia, Ohio. As an outside hitter, Leindecker led the Quakers to back-to-back 20-win seasons and sectional and district championships. She was a four-time East Central Ohio League First Team member, as well as earning First Team District 5 honors all four years of her career. As a captain during her junior and senior seasons, Leindecker was named First Team All-Ohio, after earning Third Team and Honorable Mention accolades earlier in her career. During her senior season in which she produced 432 kills, 293 digs, 70 blocks, and 57 aces, Leindecker was named the East Central Ohio League and District 5 Player of the Year. She finished with 1479 kills, 1085 digs, 198 blocks, and 207 aces in four years at New Philadelphia High School. The daughter of Eric and Kristi Leindecker, she plans to major in human biology, and was a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council, and served as her Class Vice President.

NASSIB HONORED ON 2012 PRO FOOTBALL ALL-AMERICA TEAM

Syracuse University quarterback Ryan Nassib is one of college football's elite. The senior signal was named a to Pro Football Weekly’s 2012 All-America Team. The Pro Football Weekly All-America team annually recognizes college football’s most talented players and is determined based on extensive evaluation and considerable feedback from NFL evaluators, taking into consideration how players grade out both in their assignments and by the quality of critical playing traits. The All-America team was chosen by draft analyst Nolan Nawrocki. For the complete team, click here.

Nassib is one of two BIG EAST gridders on the All-America Team. Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is an honorable mention.

Nassib has also been honored for his recorded breaking senior season as a member All-BIG EAST Second Team. He was recognized as a 2012 NFF Scholar-Athlete for his successes in the classroom, in the community and on the gridiron.

Nassib leads the BIG EAST in total offense (312.3 yards per game) and passing (301.6 yards per game). In addition, he set the Orange single-season records for attempts (448), completions (283), yards (3,619) and touchdowns (24) in 2012. Nassib has accumulated 3,748 yards of total offense this year, another SU season record, and he has recorded six 300-yards passing games.

As one of four captains of the Orange, Nassib helped lead SU to a 7-5 record overall and a 5-2 mark in the BIG EAST this year. SU will be playing in its second bowl game in three years when it takes on West Virginia in the Pinstripe Bowl on Dec. 29th at Yankee Stadium (3:15 p.m.; ESPN). Tickets and travel packages for the game are available at SUathletics.com/bowlcentral.

MEN’S SOCCER PLAYERS JORDAN VALE, LOUIS CLARK NAMED ALL-REGION

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Freshman midfielder Jordan Vale (Auckland, New Zealand) and senior forward Louis Clark (Brighton, England) were named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-Northeast Region Team Sunday, Dec. 9. Vale was picked to the second team, while Clark earned third-team honors.

Vale and Clark are the program’s first all-region selections since Hansen Woodruff (second team) in 2008. It marks the first time Syracuse has had multiple all-region honorees in the same season since 2002.

The pair helped lead an Orange offense that posted 39 goals in 2012, tied for the seventh-highest total in team history, and almost twice as many as it had last year.

Vale started every match for the Orange and finished the campaign as the squad's leading scorer. His nine goals were the most for an SU freshman since Kirk Johnson netted nine in 2000, and Vale's 21 points were the most for a first-year Orange player since 2001 (Jarett Park, 24).

Clark contributed 12 points on four goals and four assists. He also started every game and tied his career high with two goals, including the game-winner, to lead Syracuse to a come-from-behind victory against VCU in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The honors are latest in a slew of awards for the Orange following its most successful season to date. Syracuse posted a 14-6-1 overall record and advanced to the third round of the NCAA Tournament were it was eliminated on penalty kicks by national runner-up Georgetown.

Key Free Throws Down The Stretch Extend Men's Basketball Win Streak To Five

HAMILTON, N.Y. - Another game in the books and senior guard's Mike Black and Jacob Iati combined for 38 of the team's 67 points to pace UAlbany past Colgate, 67-61, on Saturday, Dec. 8 at Cotterell Court. The Great Danes hit 8-of-11 from the charity stripe in the final 51 seconds of the game to improve to 8-2 on the season.

UAlbany (8-2) senior guards Iati and Black were the top-two scorers of the game, having scored 20 and 18, respectively. This is the ninth time in 10 games that both players have scored in double-digits this season. Redshirt-freshman Peter Hooley tied a season-high in scoring with 11 points, while tallying three rebounds, three assists, and a block.

Black sparked the Great Danes early in the first half, tallying the team's first seven points to tie the game, 7-7, with 13:33 remaining. Sam Rowley and Luke Devlin consecutively scored on layups to give UAlbany its first lead of four, 11-7.

Following four quick points by Colgate, UAlbany strung together a 15-0 run, 26-11, with 5:39 remaining in the half. Iati hit two of his four first half threes during the stretch.

Colgate (3-7) came back with a 10-3 run of its own to cut the deficit to eight, 29-21, with 2:31. Burnatowski lead the Raiders with four points in the run.

With a 10-point lead, 32-22, going into the second half, UAlbany's defense kept Colgate from grabbing any kind of lead in the final 20 minutes of the game. The Great Danes held the Red Raiders, who came into the game averaging nine three-pointers a game, to 1-of-6 from behind the arc in the second half and 2-of-15 for the game.

Colgate came within three points five different times in the second half, but UAlbany responded each possession after. As the Red Raiders came within three, 62-59, with 24 seconds remaining, the Great Danes' Hooley came back by hitting four consecutive free throws to put the game away.

UAlbany comes back home to the SEFCU Arena to finish the home-and-home series against South Carolina State on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. The Great Danes defeated the Bulldogs earlier this season, 83-55. The contest will be aired on Time Warner Cable SportsChannel with Rodger Wyland as the play-by-play and John Quattrocchi as the color analyst.

Softball Announces 2013 Schedule; Look to Regain Top Spot in America East

Albany, N.Y.-The University at Albany softball team, led by 19-year head coach Chris Cannata, has announced their 2013 schedule. The Great Danes will head south to begin the season with three non-conference tournaments. Following those contests, UAlbany plays 36 games, hosting 21, as they look to reclaim their America East Champion title from 2011. They've reached the NCAA Tournament four of the last nine years. The Great Danes begin the season playing five games at the Florida Gulf Coast Tournament from Feb. 22-24 in Fort Myers, Fla. The weekend-stretch will include three match-ups against Big 10 opponents, two vs. Minnesota and one against Michigan State. UAlbany will also play Villanova and the reigning Atlantic-Sun Champions, host Florida Gulf Coast University, who upset No. 5-seeded Florida in last year's NCAA Tournament. The Great Danes continue play at the Coastal Carolina Tournament from March 1-3 in Conway, S.C. The weekend's games include two against the host and 2012 Big South Champion, Coastal Carolina. UAlbany will also battle Western Carolina, Drexel and Wichita State. The team concludes tournament action at the Rebel Spring Games from March 13-19 in Kissimmee, Fla. The purple and gold fittingly open up conference play where they left off last season, against Boston University. The Terriers defeated the Great Danes last year to claim the America East Championship. The AE foes will play a doubleheader on March 23 and a third game on March 24 in Boston, Mass. From there, UAlbany hosts 12 of their next 15 games. They play their first home series of 2013 against Hartford (March 29-30), then welcome Colgate of the Patriot League (April 2) and crosstown rival Siena in a doubleheader (April 3). After a road series against Maine, the Great Danes return home to play Bryant (April 10), and a series against Stony Brook (April 13-14). They hit the road once again, heading to the Bronx to play Manhattan on April 16. To finish off April home games, UAlbany hosts a conference series against UMBC (April 21). They match up against two Ivy League opponents, Cornell (April 17) and Dartmouth (April 24). UAlbany concludes the season with four of their final five head-to-head matches on the road. These include UConn (April 25), Siena (April 30), Patriot League runner-up Army at home (May 1) and a final conference series at Binghamton (May 04-05). The 2013 America East Championship will be played May 9-11 at the higher seed's home field. View UAlbany's complete 2013 softball schedule.

 

Key Free Throws Down The Stretch Extend Men's Basketball Win Streak To Five

HAMILTON, N.Y. - Another game in the books and senior guard's Mike Black and Jacob Iati combined for 38 of the team's 67 points to pace UAlbany past Colgate, 67-61, on Saturday, Dec. 8 at Cotterell Court. The Great Danes hit 8-of-11 from the charity stripe in the final 51 seconds of the game to improve to 8-2 on the season. UAlbany (8-2) senior guards Iati and Black were the top-two scorers of the game, having scored 20 and 18, respectively. This is the ninth time in 10 games that both players have scored in double-digits this season. Redshirt-freshman Peter Hooley tied a season-high in scoring with 11 points, while tallying three rebounds, three assists, and a block. Black sparked the Great Danes early in the first half, tallying the team's first seven points to tie the game, 7-7, with 13:33 remaining. Sam Rowley and Luke Devlin consecutively scored on layups to give UAlbany its first lead of four, 11-7. Following four quick points by Colgate, UAlbany strung together a 15-0 run, 26-11, with 5:39 remaining in the half. Iati hit two of his four first half threes during the stretch. Colgate (3-7) came back with a 10-3 run of its own to cut the deficit to eight, 29-21, with 2:31. Burnatowski lead the Raiders with four points in the run. With a 10-point lead, 32-22, going into the second half, UAlbany's defense kept Colgate from grabbing any kind of lead in the final 20 minutes of the game. The Great Danes held the Red Raiders, who came into the game averaging nine three-pointers a game, to 1-of-6 from behind the arc in the second half and 2-of-15 for the game. Colgate came within three points five different times in the second half, but UAlbany responded each possession after. As the Red Raiders came within three, 62-59, with 24 seconds remaining, the Great Danes' Hooley came back by hitting four consecutive free throws to put the game away. UAlbany comes back home to the SEFCU Arena to finish the home-and-home series against South Carolina State on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. The Great Danes defeated the Bulldogs earlier this season, 83-55. The contest will be aired on Time Warner Cable SportsChannel with Rodger Wyland as the play-by-play and John Quattrocchi as the color analyst.

 

Lowrie Scores 21 Points to Lead UAlbany Women's Basketball to 65-43 Win Over Canisius

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Lindsey Lowrie scored 21 points on a career-high seven 3-pointers to lead UAlbany to a 65-43 win over Canisius in non-conference women's basketball action on Saturday afternoon at the Koessler Athletic Center. The Great Danes, who have now won five straight games, improve to 7-2 on the season, while Canisius drops to 2-5.

UAlbany scored the first six points of the game on a three from Lindsey Lowrie and a jumper from Ebone Henry, before Canisius got on the board on a long-range shot from Ashley Wilkes. The Great Danes extended their advantage to 12-5 on another 3-pointer from Lowrie at 13:29. Canisius finally ended a seven minute drought at 10:19 with a trey from Tiahana Mills, but UAlbany responded, as Julie Forster connected on a conventional three-point play at 9:57 to give the Great Danes a 17-8 advantage.

Canisius, which hit three shots from three-point land in the first half, attempted to use long-range shooting to come back into the game, but back-to-back layups by Tammy Phillip kept the Great Danes ahead, 26-13, with just over five minutes to play. The Griffs would hold UAlbany scoreless for the remainder of the half, as the Great Danes managed only 25.6 percent (10-39) shooting from the floor in the period. Canisius wouldn't fare much better, only getting two additional points on a pair of free throws from Ashley Durham with 1:32 to play.

The Golden Griffins had the first possession of the second half, but Henry promptly caused a Canisius turnover and put the ball in the hoop for the first points of the stanza. The Great Danes continued to build their lead, pushing the advantage to 35-17 on a layup by Keyana Williams. However, Canisius got back-to-back 3-pointers from Kayla Hoohuli and Jen Morabito to pull within 12 points with 14:50 left to play. Forster ended the Griffs rally with a jumper in the paint, while Lowrie nailed her fourth 3-pointer of the game to put UAlbany on top, 42-23, with 12:14 on the clock.

UAlbany continued to use a strong defense, combined with Lowrie's hot shooting to hold off any attempt of a Canisius rally. Freshman Shereesha Richards, who had a career-high 17 points in the last outing at La Salle, scored the final four points of the game for the Great Danes, to set the final score.

"Lindsey [Lowrie] was fantastic today," said UAlbany head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson, whose team has won its last five games by an average of 25.2 points. "She was a great leader on the court. We ran sets to set up wide-open threes, and she hit them. Some of these ladies are really starting to step up. Overall, it was a great team effort, once again, especially on defense."

Durham led Canisius with 12 points, while Morabito and Jen Lennox added six points apiece. Wilkes finished with five points and a team-high 10 rebounds. The Golden Griffins shot 29.5 percent (13-44) from the field, and committed 28 turnovers.

Forster added 14 points for UAlbany, going 6-of-11 from the free throw line. She also grabbed eight rebounds and recorded six steals, five assists, and four blocks. Henry finished with 10 points for the Great Danes, while Phillip grabbed a team-best 10 boards. The Great Danes shot 35.3 percent (24-68) from the field, and outrebounded the Griffs, 49-31.

UAlbany will return to action next Saturday, visiting Delaware State for a 5 p.m. tip off.

BU Wrestling begins two-match weekend tonight at Princeton

  VESTAL, N.Y.—In the team’s final two duals before the end of the first semester, Binghamton wrestling (0-6) travels to New Jersey to face Princeton (0-4) at 7 p.m. Friday night at Dillon Gym. Then BU heads to Boston for a Sunday afternoon tilt with fellow CAA member Boston University.
The Bearcats, still in search of their first dual win of the season, have two wrestlers ranked in the nation’s top-6: senior 149-pound Donnie Vinson (No. 3, Intermat) and senior 197-pound Nate Schiedel (No. 6). Vinson is 11-0 and the reigning CAA Wrestler of the Month. Schiedel is 10-0. Both are a perfect 6-0 in duals.

Probable Starters vs. Princeton
125 • Max Rogers (P) vs. Patrick Hunter (BU)
133 • Andrew Hirai (P) vs. Derek Steeley (BU) or Dan Riggi (BU)
141 • Nick Maselli (P) or Kevin Moylan (P) vs. Tyler Pendergast (BU) or Colton Perry (BU)
149 • Zach Bintliff (P) vs. No. 3 Donnie Vinson (BU)
157 • Kyle Roddy (P) or Seth Hazleton (P) vs. Jack McKeever (BU)
165 • Judd Ziegler (P) vs. Vincent Grella (BU) or Adam Lepkowski (BU)
174 • Ryan Callahan (P) vs. John Paris (BU)
184 • Scott Gibbons (P) vs. Cody Reed (BU)
197 • Dan Santoro (P) vs. No. 6 Nate Schiedel (BU)
285 • Cole Lampman (P) vs. Tyler Deuel (BU)

Men’s basketball heads to Rhode Island

VESTAL, N.Y.—Binghamton men’s basketball heads to Smithfield, R.I. to face Bryant Saturday afternoon - the team’s third straight encounter with a member of the Northeast Conference.
The Bearcats (2-7) and Bulldogs (4-3) tip off at 1 p.m. from the Chace Athletic Center.
Binghamton has dropped three in a row after winning two straight. The Bearcats shot the ball well in close losses to Mt. St. Mary’s (71-70) and Monmouth (77-65) but turnovers were the difference. On Monday against Monmouth, the visiting Hawks turned 21 turnovers into 32 points and spoiled a terrific performance from freshman guard Jordan Reed, who tallied game-highs of 26 points and 10 rebounds.

Playing the second game in a three-day stretch, the Bearcats shot 42 percent and won the rebound battle but were undone by the Monmouth’s pressure.

Reed, who leads the entire America East in both scoring (18.7 ppg.) and rebounding (10.3 rpg.), ranks eighth in the nation in double-doubles and registered his fifth double-double in seven collegiate games. He hit 10-of-17 from the floor and 6-of-8 from the line. He added four steals and two assists in 33 minutes.

Senior guard Jimmy Gray chipped in 10 points and five assists. Junior center Roland Brown had eight points and six rebounds in 19 minutes of work.

The Bearcats have four players averaging 8.0 or more points. Reed (18.7 ppg.), Gray (9.4 ppg.), Brown (8.9 ppg.) and junior guard Rayner Moquete (8.2 ppg.) pace an offense that is averaging 61 points per game. The Bearcats are outrebounding opposition by 1.4 per game, led by Reed (10.3 rpg.) and Brown (5.8 rpg.).

Bryant is coming off a 64-62 loss to Yale at the buzzer Wednesday night at home. After the Bulldogs missed the front-end of a 1-and-1 with seven seconds left, Yale came down and misfired before getting the winning tip-in as the horn sounded. Sophomore guard Dyami Starks finished the game with a contest-high 22 points for Bryant, which saw its four-game winning streak snapped in the defeat. Junior forward Alex Francis added 19 for the hosts on an 8-of-12 night as the Bulldogs shot 52.1 percent from the field as a unit.

Starks, a transfer from Columbia, leads the team in points per game (17.3), steals (8), field goals made (44), 3-pointers made (20), 3-point field goal percentage (.351) and free throw percentage (.813). His scoring average ranks fourth in the Northeast Conference and his 20 triples are tied for tops in the league. He has scored 20 or more points in three of the last four games, including a career-high 25 at Brown Nov. 21, and was awarded the program’s first-ever Northeast Conference Player of the Week accolade on Nov. 26. Starks averages 35.4 minutes per game (8th most in the NEC) and his 25-point performance against the Bears is the highest scoring output of any Bulldog this season.
Prior to the Yale loss, Bryant had won four straight games, including two wins over teams that own victories over the Bearcats (Brown and Army). The Bulldogs also scored the program’s most notable win when they beat ACC member Boston College, 56-54, on the road on Nov. 25. Bryant also has a victory over fellow America East member New Hampshire (76-64). The Bulldogs began their season with a 97-54 loss to No. 1 Indiana.

The 2012-13 season is Bryant’s first as a fully-eligible Division I program (postseason) after making the transition from Division II. The school completed a four-year NCAA mandated transition period that began in 2008-09. The Bulldogs were picked to finish 10th in the 12-team NEC. The team returns 10 letterwinners and its top four scorers from a 2-28 team of a year ago.

The game marks the third meeting between Binghamton and Bryant but first at the Division I level. The teams met twice during the 2000-01 season with Bryant winning each time - 61-50 at home and 89-81 in overtime at the Events Center two months later.

Baseball releases 2013 schedule

Bearcats begin 50-game slate February 22 at James Madison

Having opened its new state-of-the-art stadium in the fall, Binghamton baseball heads into its 2013 spring season with a home field and added enthusiasm. The team’s 50-game slate begins with a four-game weekend series at CAA-member James Madison on February 22-24.

The series against the Dukes begins an abbreviated 12-game non-conference stretch before the America East slate begins with a three-game set at UMBC on March 16. The starting date for conference play is three weeks earlier than previous years, giving teams less time to solidify their lineups before beginning the grind of 30 league games.

“Each and every year you create a schedule with one thing in mind ... how can we best prepare our players in non-conference games so that they are ready to compete for an America East Conference championship,” Sinicki said. “There is no question in my mind that we have done that in 2013.”

After the trip to Harrisonburg, Va. to face James Madison, BU returns to Virginia for a four-game series with Virginia Military Institute on March 1-3. The Keydets play out of the Big South Conference.

“It’s been a few years since we’ve taken our teams to James Madison and VMI, but I know both those coaching staffs working extremely hard and prepare them teams very well every season so those will be difficult tests right out of the gate,” 21-year head coach Tim Sinicki said.

After league play opens, BU will face non-conference foes from four different conferences (Patriot League, MAAC, Ivy League, Atlantic 10), including single home-and-away games with traditional rivals Cornell, Siena and Marist. The Big Red won 31 games last spring and advanced to the NCAA regionals. Marist won 25 games to continue its solid standing in the MAAC. The Bearcats will also play Bucknell (March 26) and St. Bonaventure (April 17).

Unlike previous years, Binghamton has nine conference games scheduled for March, highlighted by a three-game home set against 2012 conference champion and College World Series participant Stony Brook on March 23-24. Weather permitting, they will be the earliest home games in the program’s 11-year Division I tenure. The earliest home game during that span has been a March 28 doubleheader against Niagara in 2006.

The new facility, which was completed in September, affords the Bearcats a home schedule that was missing in 2012 and the 19 scheduled games at the home complex will give fans a good opportunity (and comfortable seats) to support their team.

“We are all looking forward to playing back on campus this spring in our new facility,” Sinicki said. “Nineteen home games is the most we’ve ever had in a spring season. We are hoping to really create excitement and a great environment here on campus, and turn the new facility into a true home field advantage.”

The top four teams in the conference will advance to the America East Championship, held May 22-25 at the home field of the highest seed. The conference postseason champion receives an automatic berth into the NCAA regionals. Since 2004 BU has maintained the second-highest win percentage in the conference (63%). Binghamton captured the regular season and postseason titles in 2009, advancing to the NCAA regionals.

“With the new format we now play 30 conference games in what I think is an ever-improving America East Conference,” Sinicki said. “The balance within the conference is at an all-time high and trying to figure out who will finish first through sixth is like splitting hairs.”

FREE Basketball Tickets

Pack-the-House Day Sunday, December 30 at  2:00pm Men's Basketball vs. Cornell at the Events Center

Stop by any Binghamton area WEIS Market to pick-up coupons for FREE tickets. Coupons must be redeemed for game tickets at the Events Center Box Office.

Regular Events Center Box Office Hours –

• Monday thru Friday from noon to 4:30pm
• Box Office will be closed Friday, December 21 to Friday, December 28
• Box Office will open at noon on Sunday, December 30.

Free game tickets distributed to the first 2,000 redeemed.

For questions, call 607-777-3741.

UAlbany Women's Basketball Will Try to Extend Win Streak to Five at Canisius

THE STARTING FIVE 1. The Game UAlbany is visiting Buffalo in the ninth game of 2012 to take on Canisius. Canisius leads the series, 2-0, after posting a 64-60 win over the Great Danes last season at the SEFCU Arena. Ebone Henry paced UAlbany, recording her first double-double of the season, scoring 20 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, while also totaling four steals. Courtney VandeBovenkamp scored a season-high 14 points to lead Canisius to the comeback victory. 2. Scouting UAlbany The Great Danes stand at 6-2 on the season, after defeating La Salle, 75-36, on Wednesday. Center Megan Craig, who currently leads the team in scoring with 12.9 points per game, scored a career-high 27 points against Dartmouth, en route to earning her first America East Player of the Week honor last week. Two-time defending Defensive Player of the Year Ebone Henry has continued to show why she has earned that title, as she leads the Great Danes with 21 steals, while also scoring at a 10.9 clip. Julie Forster chips in with 8.9 points and a team-high 8.8 rebounds per game, while Lindsey Lowrie adds 8.5 points, after scoring a team-high 12 versus Siena. 3. Scouting Canisius Brittany Wilson and Shanel Harrison both recorded double-doubles in a 65-56 loss at Penn on Friday night. Wilson, who recorded her sixth 20+ point game with a game-high 24 points, is averaging a team-high 21.5 ppg, and is also pulling down a team-best 7.8 rpg. Harrison is second on the squad, scoring at an 8.6 ppg clip, while Ebonee Jones adds 7.8 ppg. The Explorers were picked to finish ninth in the 16-team Atlantic 10 this season 4. Road Warriors Tonight’s game is the third in a seven-game road stretch for the Great Danes that spans from Dec. 1 to Jan. 15. Over the course of the month and a half, UAlbany will travel over 8,260 miles, visiting Philadelphia, Buffalo, Dover, Del., Long Beach, Calif., Baltimore, and Binghamton. 5. Youngsters on the Rise Freshman Shereesha Richards scored 17 points, while also recording four rebounds, three steals, one assist, and one block to lead the Great Danes over La Salle. The freshman forward has made her presence known so far this season, as she is averaging xx points per game, coming off the bench. She went 7-of-9 from the field and 3-for-3 from the free throw line against La Salle.

 

UAlbany And Colgate Tip-Off On Saturday In Hamilton, N.Y.

1. State Supremacy UAlbany faces its final non-conference New York school on Saturday, Dec. 8 against Colgate in Hamilton, N.Y. at Cotterell Court. The Great Danes have already defeated Staten Island's Wagner (66-63), Loudonville's Siena College (69-56), and Brooklyn Heights' St. Francis (77-73). The Great Danes are currently 4-13 all-time against the Colgate Raiders. However, UAlbany is 4-3 against the Raiders since entering Division I. 2. Danes Remain Perfect At HomeFollowing a very emotional win over crosstown rival Siena at the Times Union Center, UAlbany looked to stay perfect in the SEFCU Arena. The Danes defeated Duquesne and Wagner earlier in the season at home. Beginning the game with an 18-0, UAlbany felt as though the game was already over. St. Francis climbed back to keep the game within reach. However, 21 points by senior guard Mike Black and 20 points by Jacob Iati, including two clutch free throws proved to be too much for the Terriers in the end. 3. The A In UAlbany Stands For Accuracy A big reason for the hot start through the first nine games has been the team's accurate shooting. Overall, the Great Danes are shooting a staggering 46.4 percent (205-442), which is 64th best in the nation. From behind the arc, UAlbany is shooting 40.5 percent (66-163), which ranks them tied-for 22nd in the nation. At the charity stripe, the team is hitting 73.3 percent (137-187) of its free throws, putting them tied-for 69th in the country. 4. A Homely-Feeling DecemberEven though UAlbany went 5-2 in the month of November having traveled 6768 miles and played six games in 12 day, the Great Danes will have a chance to use the month of December to recharge their traveling batteries. In the seven games, UAlbany will have to travel just 944 miles (720 round trip to Navy) while playing four games in the SEFCU Arena. 5. Cracking The Mid-Major Top-25For the second time in program history, UAlbany men's basketball cracked the College Insider Mid-Major Top-25 poll on Monday, Dec. 2 ranked 25th with 61 votes. The last time UAlbany was placed in the mid-major top-25 was on Nov. 8, 2006, following its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament. UAlbany is off to its best start in Division I with a 6-2 record through the first eight games.

 

Todd Wolin Promoted To Assistant Director Of Track & Field/Cross Country

ALBANY, N.Y. – In his seventh year at the University at Albany, Todd Wolin has been promoted to the program’s Assistant Director of Track & Field/Cross Country. His coaching duties include the combined events, high jump, and high hurdles, while also overseeing pole vault and throws. In addition, Wolin is the program’s historian and record keeper.   This past summer, Wolin coached Alex Bowen in the high jump, as he became the University at Albany’s first USA Track & Field Junior National Champion. Bowen also broke the indoor high jump school record with a leap of 7’ 0.25", while capturing America East crowns in the high jump at both the indoor and outdoor championships during the 2011-2012 school year. A year prior, Matthew Catera placed seventh at the Junior National Championships in the decathlon with 6,399 points. Under Wolin’s direction, Catera set the school standard for the decathlon earlier in the 2011 season by scoring 6.637 points.   Since his arrival at UAlbany, Wolin coached javelin thrower Marc Pallozzi, an All-American, IC4A and America East champion, and has worked with NCAA All-Americans Joe Greene and Alie Beauvais in the 400m intermediate hurdles, as well as Luke Schoen in pole vault. He has seen school records broken in the men’s decathlon, heptathlon, pentathlon, men's and women's javelin, men's and women's weight throw, women's indoor and outdoor high jump, men’s and women’s 400m intermediate hurdles, men’s and women’s shuttle hurdle relays, as well as, men's and women's indoor and outdoor pole vault. Wolin's athletes -- David Parker, Alfonso Scannapieco and Freddie Wills III -- have posted three of the top five scores all-time in the heptathlon at the America East Championships and all have won numerous individual conference titles. In addition, Wolin’s athletes are responsible for America East Championship records in the following events: David Parker - indoor heptathlon, Jean Juste - 55m high hurdles, 110m high hurdles, Kamilah McShine - 55m high hurdles, Luke Schoen - outdoor pole vault, Joe Greene - 400m intermediate hurdles.   Wolin has also had a hand in the success of NCAA East Regional hurdler qualifiers Jean Juste and Kamilah McShine, high jump qualifiers Freddie Wills III, Brenna Militello and Alexander Bowen, and pole vault qualifier Alfonso Scannapieco. His athletes are listed on UAlbany's top-ten lists over 100 times. Wolin has coached UAlbany’s all-time top point scorers in America East history for both men and women in Wills (138 points) and McShine (123 points). Wills won three individual titles under Wolin in the high jump (indoor and outdoor) and the decathlon. McShine won three indoor and two outdoor high hurdle championships and two pentathlon crowns. With the help of Coach Wolin, Scannapieco has won two pole vault and one heptathlon title, while being named the Indoor America East Field Event Athlete of the Year.   In addition to his responsibilities at UAlbany, Wolin is beginning his fourth year as the America East Conference representative on the Division I Track & Field Executive Committee for the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). He is the only non-head coach in the nation on the committee. He will also serve as the liaison to the Track & Field community in the Capital Region.   Wolin came to UAlbany after coaching track & field and cross country at John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore, N.Y. from 1991-2001 and 2001-2006. The four-time Nassau County indoor and outdoor track Coach of the Year headed five county championship teams. Wolin took over the reins of the St. Anthony's High School boys' track & field program, leading the Friars to a Catholic League outdoor title in 2001 before returning to JFK in August of the same year. He coached five high school All-Americans and over 30 nationally-ranked athletes in 19 different events.   He was also the head track & field coach of the U.S. junior track & field team at the 2005 World Maccabiah Games as well as the assistant track and field coach for the United States Para-Olympic Track Team from 1992 to 2000. Wolin coached the Long Island Region women's track and field team at the Empire State Games from 2004 to 2006, and was the team's high jump/pole vault coach from 1989 to 2003.   Wolin received his associate's degree in culinary arts from Washtenau Community College in 1985 and a bachelor's degree in food systems management from Eastern Michigan University in 1988, where his marks in the high jump, javelin, weight throw and pentathlon are on the school's all-time lists. In 1995 he earned his Master’s in Special Education at C.W. Post University. Last year, Wolin earned his USA Track & Field Level 1 Certification. He currently resides in Ballston Lake with his wife, Stefanie.