Women’s Indoor Breaks Two Program Records At BU Invitational

BOSTON, Mass. – The University at Albany women’s indoor track and field team set two new program records Friday and Saturday at the Boston University Terrier Classic. Junior Brittney Lane broke the school record in the 3,000m, previously set in 2005 by Alyssa Lotmore (9:42.71), with a time of 9:41.31. The run was good for seventh place in the strong field at Boston’s Track and Tennis Center.   In addition, the Great Danes’ distance medley relay team bested the program record that was set in 2011 (11:41.48) with their time of 11:40.00. Kathryn Fanning ran the 1,200m leg in 3:39.50, followed by Sherez Mohamed’s 57.0 second 400m, Brianne Bellon’s 2:13.60 800m, and Miranda McConnell’s 4:59.50 anchor leg in the 1600m. The school record performance earned the win for UAlbany in the 14-team field.   Fanning has now been a part of three broken program records in the last three meets, having set new bests in the 1,000m (2:46.70) at the Great Dane Classic and the mile (4:45.88) at the Nittany Lion Challenge. With a time of 3:46.52, the women’s 4x400 relay team ran the second-best time in school history. Aderinsola Ajala (57.5), Tynelle Taylor-Chase (56.2), Dominique Claudio (56.8), and Alli Rogers (55.9) placed fifth overall in the 41-team pool.   Other highlights at the Terrier Classic included McConnell’s winning 1,000m time of 2:53.29, also marking a personal best. Fanning placed third in the mile run with a 4:47.34 mark, while Michelle Anthony placed sixth in the 60m hurdles with a personal-best time of 8.76.   On the field side, Solene Bastien (17-08.25) and Ashley Mahlmeister (17-08.25) tied for sixth place in the long jump, while Pony Sokiri (37-10.75) and T’Sian Haywood (37-08.00) placed sixth and seventh, respectively, in the triple jump.   The Great Danes are back in action next Friday and Saturday at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational at the NYC Armory.

ORANGE ROLLS PAST HOFSTRA AND HOLY CROSS IN OPENING SCRIMMAGE

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The 14th-ranked Orange men's lacrosse team opened the 2013 season with a pair of scrimmage wins on Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse knocked off Hofstra, 15-10, and defeated Holy Cross, 16-6. Against Hofstra, junior Derek Maltz (Ashburn, Va.) led the Orange with five points, including four goals. Classmate Pat Powderly (Reisterstown, Md.) paced Syracuse against Holy Cross with five points on three goals and two assists.

“It was great to get out here in the Carrier Dome and have the full field,” SU head coach John Desko said. “Everyone played for us in both scrimmages. It was great to get the younger guys in and good to see some of the combinations at midfield and attack. I thought the team defense played well in both games, too.”

In the first game, the Orange jumped on the Pride right away, racing out to a 5-0 lead and a 7-1 halftime advantage. Maltz and senior midfielder Luke Cometti (Syracuse, N.Y.) combined for six of the team’s seven first-half goals. All four of Maltz’s goals in the game came during the run and Cometti contributed two goals in the first quarter.

Hofstra clawed back in the second half against the Orange reserves. The Pride outscored the Orange 4-3 in the third quarter and closed the gap to 10-9 with four straight goals to open the fourth period. A goal by SU redshirt freshman Eric DeJohn (Syracuse, N.Y.) with 6:54 left pushed the Orange lead to 11-9. Hofstra’s Torin Varn struck a little over a minute later to make it a one-goal game again, but SU closed the match with four straight tallies to win by five.

The Orange offense moved the ball well against Hofstra as 12 of its15 goals were assisted.

Sophomore Bobby Wardwell (Clifton Park, N.Y.) started in the cage. He played the first half and made five saves, including four in the first quarter. Junior Dominic Lamolinara (Arnold, Md.) played the third quarter and had one save. Redshirt freshman Ben Romagnoli (Cazenovia, N.Y.) finished up and stopped two shots.

For Hofstra, Varn finished with a game-high five goals (all in the second half). Goalie Ryan Brant played the first half and made six saves.

SU’s unselfishness was on display again against Holy Cross. The Orange totaled 16 goals against the Crusaders, 12 of which were assisted. The Orange also benefitted from a 16-for-25 (.640) performance at the faceoff X, with junior Chris Daddio (Purcellville, Va.) and freshmen Cal Paduda (Madison, Conn.) and Brendan Conroy (Muttontown, N.Y.) combining to win 16 of their 20 attempts.

John Hannan scored less than two minutes into the first quarter to give Holy Cross the early lead, but it was all Orange after that. Syracuse scored the last three goals of the opening quarter to pull ahead, 3-1, and the Orange held a 6-3 advantage at the break.

The Orange added to its lead in the third quarter, scoring six of the period’s seven goals, including two by freshman Derek DeJoe (Fairport, N.Y.), to extend the advantage to 12-4. Powderly netted three straight goals in the fourth to give the hosts their largest lead of the game (15-4) and SU cruised to the 16-6 victory.

In addition to Powderly’s five points, the Orange also got a big game from junior Billy Ward (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) against the Crusaders. Ward recorded three goals and one assist.

Wardwell started again in the cage and totaled two saves. Lamolinara and Romagnoli made one stop apiece.

Hannan (two goals, one assist) and Terry McKenna (three goals) netted three points apiece to lead Holy Cross. Goalie Michael Ortlieb stopped seven shots for the Crusaders in three quarters of work.

In Saturday's opening game, Hofstra defeated Holy Cross, 15-12, behind eight points (four goals, four assists) from Sam Llinares.

Syracuse concludes its preseason exhibition schedule on Saturday, Feb. 2 in Columbus, Ohio with scrimmages against Ohio State and Robert Morris. Start time for the three-way scrimmage is 11:30 a.m. at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

SYRACUSE’S GULLEY, CRUME AND DAVIS TO 2013 MISS SPRING PRACTICE

Syracuse running back Prince-Tyson Gulley (Cleveland, Ohio), defensive tackle Eric Crume (Detroit, Mich.) and linebacker Dyshawn Davis (Woodbury, N.J.) will miss Spring practice due to upper body injuries that required surgery. Syracuse University physician Dr. Brad Raphael performed the surgery in early January. Gulley, Crume and Davis will be evaluated throughout the rehabilitation process. Their status for the 2013 season will be determined in June.

Gulley, a rising senior, was SU’s second leading rusher in 2012 (63.8 yards per game). In SU’s bowl victory against West Virginia, Gulley earned the Most Valuable Player award after gaining 213 yards on 26 carries, caught five passes for 56 yards, and scoring three touchdowns.

Crume, a rising junior, had 15 tackles, including two for a loss of yards, forced a fumble, had a fumble recovery and a blocked kick in 2012.

Davis, a rising junior, had 69 tackles, including 14.0 for a loss of yards and one sack. He also recovered two fumbles and had an interception.

Syracuse fans are invited to reserve football season tickets for the inaugural season in the ACC today by placing a $25 deposit to get first shot at the best available locations. Deposits can be made online (www.suathletics.com), by phone (888-DOME-TIX), or in-person at the Carrier Dome Box Office.

SYRACUSE, VIRGINIA TO MEET AT 6 P.M. ON MARCH 1

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The start time for the Syracuse-Virginia men’s lacrosse game at the Carrier Dome on Friday, March 1 has been set. The two lacrosse powerhouses will square off at 6 p.m. and the matchup will be televised live in Central New York on Time Warner Cable Sports.

The Orange (11) and Cavaliers (5) have combined to win 16 NCAA championships, including three of the last five.

Virginia leads the all-time series with Syracuse, 15-13. The last time the two sides met in the Dome was in 2011. SU defeated the Cavaliers in front of more 14,000 fans, 12-10, behind five goals from attackman Tim Desko.

Tickets for the Virginia game, and all SU home men’s lacrosse games, are available now online, at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B) or by calling 1-888-DOMETIX.

‘4 in 24’ YOUTH FIELD RENOVATIONS SET FOR APRIL

BlueShield of Northeastern New York partners with ‘Cats on Community Grounds Crew
TROY, NY- As the Tri-City ValleyCats prepare to usher in a new season of affordable family fun and professional baseball to the Capital Region, they will be teaming up once again with BlueShield of Northeastern New York on the Community Grounds Crew and the 3rd Annual ‘4 in 24’ Youth Field Renovation Program. In a 24 hour time period, four chosen youth fields will have new sod placed on their infield while also seeing their pitcher’s mound and homeplate areas rebuilt. The simultaneous renovations are scheduled to take place on Friday, April 12.

The ‘4 in 24’ is the kick-off event for the Community Grounds Crew, an expanded initiative with the assistance from BlueShield of Northeastern New York. This program will undertake additional projects and renovations on numerous other youth fields throughout the spring and summer.

“The ValleyCats are proud to be partnering once again with BlueShield of Northeastern New York to continue the work of our Community Grounds Crew,” said ValleyCats Vice President/General Manager Rick Murphy. “With their tremendous support, we are able to provide the youth in our community safe and well-maintained fields on which to play, and as ambassadors for the game of baseball, that is immensely important to us.”

Following the formation of the Community Grounds Crew last spring, over a dozen youth ball fields have been fully renovated, with countless other field projects completed throughout the Capital Region.

“BlueShield is excited to support the important field renovations throughout our community again this year,” Brian O’Grady, vice president, BlueShield of Northeastern New York, said. “We have seen the impact of tremendously improving the quality of these spaces for children to enjoy one of our country’s favorite past times. Our company takes pride in encouraging children to get outside and play with their friends because as we all know- Healthy Changes Everything.”

The ValleyCats’ field renovations have been an annual tradition since 2003 when the first field was officially renovated by the ‘Cats in South Troy, just one mile away from Joseph L. Bruno Stadium. Each year since, they have expanded upon its success. In 2011 the ‘Cats created the ambitious ‘4 in 24’ project to renovate four youth playing fields in the course of just a 24 hour time period, something totally unique to any field renovation initiative in the country.

Each project is also supported by the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation. Contributions come from past events such as the Capital Region Craft Brewers Festival, hosted by the ValleyCats and Brown’s Brewing Company, and the Corporate Cup Tournaments which have included teams from local and regional businesses.

Leagues interested in having their field considered for the ‘4 in 24’ or other Community Grounds Crew renovations must complete an application that can be found on the ValleyCats website, www.tcvalleycats.com. In order to be eligible for the ‘4 in 24’ renovation, applications must be returned by Friday, February 15. Those submitted beyond that date or not selected for the ‘4 in 24’ will remain in consideration for the Community Grounds Crew program, which will accept and evaluate applications on an ongoing basis.

Men's Basketball Second-Half Suffocating Defense Shuts Down Hartford, 56-46

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - Redshirt freshman guard Peter Hooley recorded his first career double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead the University at Albany over Hartford, 56-46, on Saturday, Jan. 19 at Chase Family Arena. The Great Danes have won four in a row and are 5-1 in the America East.

Hooley led the Great Danes with 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting and grabbed 12 rebounds, both career highs. Sam Rowley was two rebounds short of his fourth consecutive double-double, having recorded 17 points and eight rebounds.

As a team, UAlbany held Hartford's offense, in the second half, to 14 points, which broke the program's previously Division I record of allowing points in half (16 vs. New Hampshire, 1st half).

UAlbany (16-4, 5-1 America East) began the second half with a 16-3 run to wipe away a five-point first-half deficit with a 43-35 second half lead. Rowley led the stretch with six points.

Hartford (10-9, 3-3 America East) came back with a 6-2 run to cut the deficit to four, 45-41, with 9:29 remaining in the contest. Mark Nwakamma led the run with five of the six points.

The Great Danes responded with their own 5-1 run to extend their lead to eight, 50-42, with 4:55 left. Rowley went a perfect 4-of-4 from the free throw line to help extend the lead.

For the final 4:55, UAlbany's defense held Hartford to just four points. From the charity stripe, the Great Danes shot 4-of-6 to close out the game.

Hartford held a five-point advantage, 32-27, at the half. Yolonzo Moore II paced the Hawks and all scorers with 17 points on 8-of-13 shooting.

UAlbany was led by redshirt-freshman guard Peter Hooley at the half, with 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting and six rebounds. As a team, the Great Danes shot 34 percent (11-32) from the floor and tallied 21 rebounds.

The Great Danes begin a four-game homestand, beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 23 against Boston University at SEFCU Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be broadcasted on Time Warner Cable SportsChannel.

UAlbany Women's Basketball Defeats Hartford, 55-48, in Overtime Thriller

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Megan Craig finished with a game-high 13 points, while Ebone Henry totaled six points, 12 rebounds, and six steals, leading UAlbany to a 55-48 overtime win over Hartford in America East Conference women's basketball action on Saturday afternoon at SEFCU Arena. The Great Danes improve to 14-3 overall, and 5-0 in league play, while Hartford falls to 12-7 and 3-3 in the conference.

The teams played a fairly even first half, with Hartford holding the biggest lead at the half at four points to start and end the stanza. The Hawks scored the first two baskets of the game, before UAlbany responded with back-to-back baskets by Julie Forster to tie the score for the first of four times. The teams exchanged the lead throughout the half, with the Great Danes holding their biggest advantage of three points, 16-13, on a layup by Shereesha Richards at 10:38.

The Great Danes tied the game for the final time of the half on a free throw by Forster at 3:26, and took the lead back on a trey by Margarita Rosario at 3:03 which put UAlbany ahead, 22-19. However, Hartford scored the final seven points of the half on back-to-back layups by Taylor Clark and a 3-pointer by Amber Bepko at the buzzer, to hold a 26-22 lead heading into the locker room.

The Hawks held onto their slight advantage to start the second half before UAlbany tied the game for the fifth time at 34-34 on a layup by Henry at 12:36. As in the first half, the two teams exchanged the lead with the biggest advantage coming on a 44-41 UAlbany lead on a Craig layup with 4:38 to go. Hartford would not go away, as Daphne Elliott nailed a 3-pointer at 1:55 to put the Hawks back up by one. Sarah Royals had a chance to seal the game up for UAlbany with two free throws with just 29 seconds on the clock, but only hit one, tying the score for the eighth time. Hartford's Katie Roth missed a long-range shot at the buzzer to send the game to overtime.

UAlbany completely controlled the extra period, outscoring Hartford 8-1. The Hawks had opportunities to score, but the Great Danes' relentless defense stifled any chance for Hartford to make a comeback. Lindsey Lowrie sealed up the victory for the Great Danes by nailing two free throws with 17 ticks remaining, keeping the slate unblemished for UAlbany in conference play.

UAlbany outrebounded Hartford, 43-35, but the Hawks held a slight shooting advantage. Hartford shot 36.0 percent (18-50) from the floor, while UAlbany managed just 35.3 percent (18-51) from the field, including a season-low one 3-pointer.

The Great Danes will return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 23, heading out to Boston U. for a 7 p.m. tip off. The Terriers are the only other undefeated team in league play.

Women’s Indoor Places Second At Great Dane Classic

NEW YORK – The University at Albany women’s indoor track and field team captured three titles at the 11^th Annual Great Dane Classic, placing second as a squad out of a talented 21-team field.

Senior Pat McNish placed first in both the long jump and triple jump with ECAC qualifying marks of 19-09.50 and 40-03.25, respectively. McNish’s long jump leap matched her own program-record.

Senior Kathryn Fanning also won her event with a meet and program record performance in the 1000m. Fanning finished in a time of 2:46.70.

UAlbany had four other athletes hit ECAC qualifying marks, including Ali Rogers (1:14.39) and Tynelle Taylor-Chase (1:15.00) in the 500m. Junior Brianne Bellon placed second with a 2:14.13 time in the 800m, while senior Miranda McConnell took sixth in the 3000m with a mark of 9:52.55.

Other highlights included Michelle Anthony’s fourth-place finish in the 60m hurdles (8.81), Rochelle Reid’s sixth-place mark in the high jump (5-05.00) and Samantha Kosa’s sixth-place shot put throw (42-08.00).

UAlbany’s distance medley relay team earned third (12:14.02), featuring Mackenzie Carter, Sherez Mohamed, Aderinsola Ajala, and Brianne Bellon. In addition, the 4x400m squad with Kamilah Williams, Taylor-Chase, Ajala, and Rogers took fourth (3:49.84).

The Great Danes are back in action next Friday and Saturday at the Boston University Terrier Classic.

Men’s Indoor Takes Second At Great Dane Classic

NEW YORK – Against a talented field Friday, the University at Albany men’s indoor track and field team represented outstandingly at the 11^th Annual Great Dane Classic, placing second out of 24 competing teams with a total of 82 points.

The Danes captured three titles en route to the runner-up finish, including an IC4A qualifying 4x400m relay performance. The team consisting of Taariq Jones, Alex Petit-Frere, Ebube Abara, and Jonathan Santana crossed the finish line first with their 3:15.45 time.

In addition, Alexander Bowen took first in the high jump with a leap of 7-00.50, while Alfonso Scannapieco earned 10 points for UAlbany with his pole vault mark of 16-10.75.

Ethan Clary’s 14:44.61 time, good for third in the 5000m, also qualified the senior for the IC4A Championships. Other IC4A qualifiers included Kareem Morris (6.88 – 60m), Alex Petit-Frere (1:05.11 – 500m), Jonathan Santana (48.96 – 400m), and John DeLallo. DeLallo earned eight points for the Great Danes with his second-place mile finish, running a time of 4:10.93.

The Great Danes are back in action next Friday and Saturday at the Boston University Terrier Classic.

LEA JOINS SYRACUSE FOOTBALL STAFF AS LINEBACKERS COACH

Syracuse linebacker coach Clark Lea boasts coaching experience from coast-to-coast. The Vanderbilt University graduate and letterwinner has mentored linebackers at Bowling Green, UCLA and South Dakota State and served as a graduate assistant at his alma mater. During his three-year stint at UCLA, Lea worked with Syracuse defensive coordinator Chuck Bullough. He joins the Orange after coaching the linebackers at Bowling Green in 2012. "As a family we are so excited to have the opportunity to work for Coach Shafer and help to build on the foundation that Coach Marrone started," Lea said. "There is a lot of football tradition at Syracuse, and I look forward to being a part of it. As a coach you have to determine what your legacy will be. If all I have contributed is X's and O's, then I have failed. I pride myself on the time I spend focusing on the development of the person. Once we hit the field, we will have a linebacker corps that is fundamentally sound, that knows where to line up, and attacks the football."

Lea replaces Steve Morrison, who left Syracuse University for personal reasons after mentoring the Orange linebackers in 2012.

"With bittersweet emotions, I announce my resignation from the Syracuse Football program," Morrison said. "While I'm excited to pursue opportunities outside of football and, most importantly, to spend more quality time with my family, I'm sad to say goodbye to all the wonderful people associated with the University with whom I've had the pleasure of being around over the last year. I look forward to watching the program continue to grow and flourish under the leadership of my great friend, Scott Shafer."

At Bowling Green, Lea (pronounced Lee) was a finalist for the FootballScoop.com Linebacker Coach of the Year after guiding the unit that contributed to the nation's seventh-best defense. The Falcons defense, which included All-Mid American Conference linebackers Gabe Martin (first team) and Dwayne Woods (third team), was nationally-ranked in scoring defense (ninth), third down defense (sixth) and pass defense (seventh) and led the MAC in nine statistical categories. Lea also assisted with the BGSU special teams. BGSU played in the 2012 Military Bowl.

"Clark Lea has comes highly recommended by many well-respected college coaches," Shafer said. "Coach Lea has worked closely with Coach Bullough in the past, which will help make a smooth transition on the defensive side of the ball. I am looking forward to having one of the best and brightest defensive coaches in the country join the Syracuse football staff.

"Steve Morrison did a great job here for the Orange and will be missed dearly," Shafer said. "We wish Steve and his great family nothing but the best in the future."

Prior to his appointment at BGSU, Lea coached the linebackers at UCLA where he was part of two bowl teams (2009 and 2011) and coached linebacker Akeem Ayers, who was a Dick Butkus Award Finalist in 2010 and went on to be selected by the Tennessee Titans in the 2011 draft (39th selection). In 2009, the Bruins' defense ranked third in the PAC-10 in total defense and scoring defense and was first in turnovers forced. Lea also served as a Bruins graduate assistant in 2006 and a defensive intern in 2005.

In between his pair of stints as a Bruins coach, he spent two seasons (2007 and 2008) as the linebackers coach at South Dakota State University and was recruiting coordinator during the second year. He also coached the kickoff coverage unit and assisted with other special teams units. In 2008, the Jackrabbits finished 7-5, playing six teams ranked in the Top 25.

In 2007, his three starting linebackers ranked among the top four tacklers in the league and South Dakota State won the Great West Football Conference championship. He mentored two first-team all-league selections and one second-team choice.

Lea began his collegiate coaching career at his alma mater, serving as an offensive graduate assistant (running backs) at Vanderbilt in the Spring of 2005. Lea was a three-year letter-winner at Vanderbilt from 2002-2004, the final year as a graduate student. He began his collegiate career at Birmingham Southern College, where he was a member of the 2001 NAIA National Championship team and then transferred to Belmont University, where he lettered in baseball in 2002.

During his collegiate career, Lea was a member of the SEC Honor Roll and an All-Academic SEC honoree. He was also a John Wooden Cup finalist, a trophy awarded by Athletes for a Better World, and a National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame honoree. He earned an undergraduate degree in political science in 2005 and a master's in political science from Vanderbilt in 2007. Lea and his wife, Allison, have a son, Clark III.

Indoor Track And Field To Host 11th Annual UAlbany Great Dane Classic

ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany indoor track and field program is back in action Friday, hosting the 11th Annual UAlbany Great Dane Classic. The meet will be held at the NYC Armory Track And Field Center beginning at 12:30 p.m. A record 47 schools/clubs will be represented, including a number of Olympians competing in various events.   CATCH THE ACTION ▪ Paint NYC purple! Tickets can be purchased for $10.00 per person at the door. ▪ A full recap of the day’s events will be posted on UAlbanySports.com following the meet.   LAST TIME OUT ▪ The UAlbany men’s and women’s squads combined to boast five individual champions last Saturday at Penn State’s Nittany Lion Challenge, marking the most ever victories at that meet for the program. Kareem Morris (60m-IC4A), Alfonso Scannipieco (PV-IC4A), Patricia McNish (LJ-ECAC), Kathryn Fanning (Mile-ECAC) and Jillian Haynes (60m-#4 All-time) all earned triumphs. ▪ As a whole, 13 athletes qualified for the ECAC/IC4A Championship in Boston, Mass. later this season with their performances. ▪ The Great Danes had 12 UAlbany athletes put up top-10 program performances. MEN AT PENN STATE The men’s indoor track and field program featured seven IC4A qualifying performances last Saturday afternoon at Penn State’s Nittany Lion Challenge. Junior Alfonso Scannapieco highlighted the field with his first-place 16-04.75 pole vault leap. Classmate Kareem Morris also finished first with a 60m dash time of 6.92, which qualified him for the IC4A Championship later in the season. Donald Williams Jr. earned second in the event, also with an IC4A proficient time of 6.94. Other IC4A qualifiers included sophomore John DeLallo (mile), Donald Williams (60m), Alex Petit-Frere (400m), Stephen Crouse (triple jump), and the 4x400m relay squad. Alexander Bowen Jr. also shone bright, placing second in the high jump with a program-record 7-01.00 mark. WOMEN AT PENN STATE Junior Kathryn Fanning was the highlight of the women’s performance last Saturday at Penn State’s Nittany Lion Challenge. Fanning shattered her own program record in the mile and set a new meet standard with a 4:45.88 time. The outstanding run ranked second in the nation and also qualified the Manlius, N.Y. native for the ECAC Championship. Senior Pat McNish, sophomore Michelle Anthony, senior Ali Rogers, junior Brianne Bellon and classmate Rochelle Reid also had ECAC qualifying performances at the meet. McNish placed first with her 19-07.50 leap in the long jump. Anthony posted a personal-best 8.77 mark in the 60m hurdles, while Rogers placed fourth with a 56.16 time in the 400m. Bellon earned a trip to Boston with a 2:55.39 1,000m time, good for fifth, while Reid placed sixth with a personal-best 5-07.00 high jump performance. In addition, junior Jillian Haynes earned the first-place victory against a very talented field of athletes, running a 7.71 time in the 60m dash.   LAST YEAR AT THE GREAT DANE CLASSIC In 2012’s UAlbany Great Dane Classic, the men's squad finished third overall, while the women placed sixth out of 26 and 24 scoring team fields, respectively. The event featured over 50 teams. Kathryn Fanning ran the 1,000 meter in 2:49.33 to place first with a meet record, while also exceeding a UAlbany record set in 2007 (2:50.74). Fanning will look to defend that record Friday. Pat McNish soared to a then program-record 19-4.00 in the long jump, placing third. The leap also qualified her for the ECAC Championships. On the men’s side, Alfonso Scannapieco leapt 16-8.75, placing first in the pole vault.   AROUND THE AMERICA EAST The Great Danes have posted 11 number one marks in the America East this season (seven men, four women)… 400m - Alex Petit-Frere (49.10) 500m - Jonanthan Santana (1:04.97) 1,000m - Ryan Florkiewicz (2:30.74) Mile - John DeLallo (4:13.50) 4x400m Relay - 3:17.36 High Jump - Alexander Bowen (7-1) Pole Vault - Alfonso Scannapieco (16-4.75) women’s 400m - Ali Rogers (56.16) Mile - Kathryn Fanning (4:45.88) 60m - Michelle Anthony (8.77) Long Jump - Pat McNish (19-7.5)   HISTORY OF SUCCESS: UAlbany Track & Field's 26 AEast Championships ▪ Men's Indoor: 2002-03, 2003-04, 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 ▪ Women's Indoor: 2009-10, 2010-11 ▪ Men's Outdoor: 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 ▪ Women's Outdoor: 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012   UP NEXT UAlbany continues the 2013 indoor season in Boston, Mass, competing at the Boston University Terrier Classic Jan. 25-26th.

 

UAlbany’s All-Around Team Effort Takes Down UNH, 68-62

DURHAM, N.H. - For the first time in the past six trips at Lundholm Gym, the University at Albany takes care of business against New Hampshire, 68-62, on Wednesday, Jan 16. The Great Danes improve to 4-1 in league play, while the Wildcats fall to 0-4. "We have players who are buying into their roles, whether they are made to take shots or grab the rebounds, we are finding ways to win as a team," said Coach Brown on a strong team win on the road. "A lot of people question why we are 15-4, we may not be the most flashy team but players are understanding what they are capable to do on the floor and not try to go outside their realm." Mike Black led the Great Danes for the second consecutive game with a 20-plus point performance, scoring 22 points on 7-of-12 shooting along with six rebounds and four assists. Sam Rowley records his third consecutive game with a double-double, tallying 10 points and 10 rebounds. New Hampshire (4-12, 0-4 America East) came out with a vengeance, scoring 18 points in the first five minutes of the second half to cut the deficit to just one, 35-34, with 14:31 left. The Wildcats hit five-of-six from behind, two coming from Ferg Myrick. UAlbany (15-4, 4-1 America East) came back on a 14-5 run to extend the lead to 10, 49-39, with 9:31 remaining in the contest. Jayson Guerrier came off the bench and scored all four of his points to help spark the run. The Great Danes extended their lead to as much as 13, 60-47, with 3:58 left. The Wildcats cut the lead down to six, 61-55, with an 11-4 run that was paced by a Patrick Konan and Scott Morris three-pointer. UAlbany held the lead for the final 1:14 and shot a perfect 4-of-4 to hold on to a six-point lead to finish the game. Great Danes brought a lock-down defense in the first half, holding the Wildcats to 16 points on 24 percent (7-29) shooting from the floor. The 16 points allowed was the lowest points given up in a half in program's Division I history. UAlbany finished the half on a 9-3 run with Metcalf scoring four of his seven first-half points during the stretch. The Great Danes were able to hold the Wildcats to no points from 11:15 mark down to the 3:30 mark, going seven minutes and 45 seconds without allowing a point. The Great Danes take their three-game winning streak to West Hartford, Conn. to play Hartford at the Chase Family Arena. Tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m.

 

Binghamton Mets Announce 2013 Field Staff

Binghamton Mets Announce 2013 Field Staff

BINGHAMTON, NY – The New York Mets announced today that all five members of the Binghamton Mets field staff from last season, led by manager Pedro Lopez, will return to guide the club in 2013.

Lopez, 43, will be joined by hitting coach Luis Natera and pitching coach Glenn Abbott. Athletic trainer Matt Hunter and strength & conditioning coach Dustin Clarke round out the staff.

Managing at the Double-A level for the first time, Lopez steered the 2012 Binghamton Mets to a 68-74 record. The Puerto Rico native also celebrated his 500^th managerial win on September 2 when the B-Mets defeated the Trenton Thunder at NYSEG Stadium.

Lopez has steadily climbed the Mets’ minor league managerial ladder; compiling winning records at each stop leading to Binghamton. His journey began with the Kingsport Mets (Rookie) in 2008, where he guided the club to a 34-32 mark. Under his watch in 2009, the Brooklyn Cyclones (Short Season-A) finished second in the McNamara Division and punched their ticket to the New York-Penn League postseason with a 45-30 record. Lopez kept the success rolling at his next managerial stop with the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low-A) in 2010. They went 75-64, but missed a playoff berth by two games.

As skipper of the St. Lucie Mets (High-A) in 2011, his squad charged out of the gate, going 18-3 to start the season en route to the First Half South Division crown. In the postseason, the Mets defeated the Bradenton Marauders to take the South Division Championship before falling in the FSL Championship Series.

The former catcher logged 13 seasons in the minor leagues as a player after being drafted in the 21^st round by the San Diego Padres in 1988. He reached as high as Triple-A with the Las Vegas Stars before joining the Milwaukee Brewers organization in 1995. Lopez finished his playing career with the Houston Astos’ system in 2000. In 909 career games, he hit .247, clocked 49 home runs and drove in 338 runs.

Pedro and his wife, Gladys, have twin daughters, Leslian Marie and Lainey Marie and reside in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico.

Entering his third season in the New York Mets’ organization, Abbott returns to the Southern Tier for his second year as pitching coach. Prior to his time with the Mets, Abbott was a pitching coach for five years in the San Diego Padres’ system, spent four seasons with the Texas Rangers’ organization and logged 13 years at various levels with the Oakland Athletics. The Arkansas native began his coaching career with the Little Falls Mets in 1985.

After getting drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 8^th round in 1969, Abbott spent 11 seasons in the Major Leagues as a starting pitcher for the A’s (1973-76), Seattle Mariners (1977-83) and Detroit Tigers (1983-84). In 248 career games, the righty made 206 starts, went 62-83, amassed a 4.39 ERA, struck out 484 batters and hurled five shutouts.

As a member of the Athletics in 1975, Abbott was part of the first four-pitcher no-hitter in MLB history. On September 28, he combined with Vida Blue, Paul Linblad, and Rollie Fingers to baffle the Angels on the final day of the regular season.

Abbott resides with his wife, Patti, in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The couple has three children, Todd, Jeff and Amy.

Luis Natera will serve as the B-Mets hitting coach for the sixth straight season and seventh overall. This year marks Natera’s 22^nd in the Mets’ organization. He has served as a hitting coach at five different levels during that timeframe, including stints with Buffalo (AAA, 2009), St. Lucie (High-A, 2007), Hagerstown (Low-A, 2005-06), Kingsport (Rookie, 2003-04), and Capital City (Low-A, 1999).

Natera served in his native country as coordinator of the Mets’ Dominican Academy in 2001 and 2002. He managed the Dominican Mets (Rookie) in 2002 and skippered the DSL Mets from 1992-1997.

The 47-year-old played shortstop in the Mets’ system from 1984 to 1988 and reached as high as Low-A Savannah Sand Gnats. He lives with wife Maria Elena and their sons Luis Alberto, Jose Luis, and David Luis.

The B-Mets also welcome back athletic trainer Matt Hunter for his third season and strength & conditioning coach Dustin Clarke for his second campaign. Hunter entered the ranks of fatherhood this offseason when he and wife, Kendra welcomed son Nicolas Marco to the world on October 16.

The B-Mets kick off their 22^nd season on Thursday, April 4 on the road against the Akron Aeros. Fans can get their first glimpse of the boys of summer at the home opener at NYSEG Stadium on April 11 when they host the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at 6:35 PM.

Season tickets and minipacks for the 2013 season are on sale now. Visit the B-Mets Box Office during regular business hours or call (607)723-METS to order yours today.

Vote Your Favorite Driver into ‘Six Pack Challenge’ at UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment

Cast ballots for your favorite Sprint Car, Late Model, Big-Block Modified and UMP Modified drivers

BARBERVILLE, Fla. - Jan. 11, 2013 - See your favorite driver take on five others in a six-lap, winner-takes-all showdown at the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment. Now is your chance to vote! The top six Sprint Car, Late Model, UMP Modified, and Big-Block Modified vote-getters will square off in the Six Pack Challenge - four separate six-car, six-lap dashes for cash at Volusia Speedway Park.

Fans will fill the field with drivers who earn the most votes at http://www.DIRTcarNationals.com. The drivers with the most votes at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 2 will be eligible to compete in the events, which pay $500-to-win and $100 to the other five finishers.

The Sprint Car Six Pack will be Saturday, Feb. 16; the UMP Modified Six Pack will be Tuesday, Feb. 19; the Late Model Six Pack will be Thursday, Feb. 21; and the Big-Block Modified Six Pack will be Friday, Feb. 22.

Vote once a day for your favorite driver and you might just see him in a special Six Pack Challenge. For tickets to the Feb. 12-23 UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment, click http://www.DIRTcarNationals.com or call 877-395-8606.

World-Ranked Spanish Standout to Join UAlbany Tennis for Spring Season

Albany, N.Y. -- The University at Albany women's tennis program has announced the signing of Irene Santos-Bravo for their upcoming spring season. Santos-Bravo, a globally-recognized singles player, has ranked as high as No. 18 in Spain and No. 443 in the world by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA).

A Madrid native, Santos-Bravo competed at the world-stage on the WTA Tour in 2010. She garnered wins over other WTA-ranked athletes including Sally Peers (No. 145), Arina Rodinova (No. 157) and Ganna Piven (No. 334).

"[Santos-Bravo] brings a level of expertise, experience and success, that will help take us to another level," said head coach Gordon Graham. "She is going to be a real team player who will help make us an even tighter, more competitive unit. She's a tremendous addition to our team."

The 23-year-old will start her UAlbany tennis career playing at the National Collegiate Tennis Classic, Jan. 18-20, in Palm Springs, Calif. This 32-player draw includes competitors from collegiate tennis powers such as Stanford, UCLA, USC, North Carolina and Alabama.

Santos-Bravo joins UAlbany with one semester of eligibility remaining at the NCAA level. She plans to enroll in the communication's graduate program, pursuing a master's degree.

UAlbany opens their dual match schedule at home against Marist on Feb. 2. Match time is set for 2 p.m. at City Tennis and Fitness in Latham, N.Y.

SHAFER PROMOTED TO LEAD THE SYRACUSE FOOTBALL PROGRAM

Scott Shafer, who is recognized as one of the top defensive minds in college football, is taking the reins of the Syracuse University’s football program as head coach. The Orange defensive coordinator for the past four years, Shafer has a 22-year history coaching in the collegiate ranks. He has mentored four All-Americans and 32 all-conference selections, including 10 All-BIG EAST performers at Syracuse. His defenses are known for blitzing schemes and a relentless pursuit of the football. Shafer replaces Doug Marrone, who was named the head coach of the National Football League’s Buffalo Bills yesterday.

“I look forward to representing the hard-nosed city of Syracuse and the great state of New York as the head coach of Syracuse University,” Shafer said. “We will go to work every day to put a quality product on the field as we storm our way into the Atlantic Coast Conference. We are very motivated to start preparing for the 2013 campaign with our current team and incoming student-athletes.”

Shafer’s Syracuse defenses have ranked among the nation’s best in various categories during his four-year tenure, including the 2012 unit that ranked sixth nationally in tackles for a loss. In 2009, Shafer’s defense ranked 37th in the country after having been 114th in 2008. The unit also improved dramatically in first downs allowed, ranking 27th (from 104th), sacks (sixth from 100th), and third-down defense (28th from 117th). The next year the Orange defense was No. 7 in the nation and Shafer was nominated for the AFCA National Assistant Coach of the Year and the Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach.

“Scott Shafer is an experienced, intelligent, motivating coach who has dedicated his life to coaching and developing college student-athletes,” said Syracuse Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross. “I can't think of a coach in America who is more deserving of having an opportunity to be a head coach. His commitment to developing the total student-athlete is unmatched. We have all seen the attitude of his defense which consists of unity, toughness and persistence. I know and trust Coach Shafer will enhance the momentum that has been created in the program. He is a brilliant coach, a tireless worker and a relentless recruiter who believes that we can create a sustainable championship culture. I am convinced Coach Shafer will successfully carry the torch of the Syracuse football legacy.”

“Coach Scott Shafer has been an important factor in why the winning tradition has returned to our program,” said Chairman of the SU Board of Trustees Richard L. Thompson and SU Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor in a joint statement. “He has the vision, commitment, and energy necessary for our team to be successful on the field and for our student-athletes to succeed off-the-field, both academically and personally. As we continue to strengthen the program, his outstanding abilities, developed over 20 years of coaching, make him the right leader to build on Syracuse Football’s strong momentum in the years ahead. We congratulate Dr. Daryl Gross who undertook a swift, intensive search process that identified the right candidate – while ensuring stability, continuity, and quality in our football program.”

Many of Shafer’s players have continued their career in the National Football League, including Syracuse standouts Chandler and Arthur Jones, Doug Hogue and Phillip Thomas, Western Michigan’s E.J. Biggers and Louis Delmas, Illinois’ Kelvin Hayden and Michgian’s Morgan Trent.

Prior to coming to Syracuse, Shafer climbed the coaching ranks with stops at Indiana University (graduate assistant, 1991-92), the University of Rhode Island (secondary, 1993-95), Northern Illinois University (defensive coordinator/defensive backs, 1996-2003), the University of Illinois (defensive backs, 2004), Western Michigan(defensive coordinator/defensive backs, 2005-06), Stanford (assistant head coach/defensive coordinator, 2007), and the University of Michigan (defensive coordinator, 2008).

At Rhode Island, Shafer helped lead the Rams to the New England Division title. The success continued at Northern Illinois, where the Huskies ranked third nationally in interceptions (23). His 2002 unit led the MAC in every defensive category.

During Shafer’s two years at Western Michigan, he played a key role in one of the biggest turnarounds in Broncos history, as the team went from 1-11 the year prior to his arrival to 7-4 in 2005 and 8-4 in 2006. Shafer’s 2006 defensive group led the nation in interceptions (24) and sacks (46), and finished sixth in run defense, seventh in turnover margin, 11th in total defense, and 14th in opponent third-down conversions. That unit also set a Mid-American Conference record for fewest rushing yards allowed per game (76.1 ypg). He was again nominated for the Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach.

At Stanford, the Cardinal defense improved in every NCAA statistical defensive category from the previous season.

Shafer played quarterback and was a team captain at Baldwin-Wallace College from 1986 to 1989. He directed the Yellow Jackets offense that ranked 17th nationally in pass efficiency. He began his collegiate playing career at Ohio University in 1985.

A native of Painesville, Ohio, Shafer earned his undergraduate degree in education from Baldwin-Wallace in 1990 and his Master’s degree from Indiana University in 1993. He and his wife, Missy, have a son, Wolfgang, and a daughter, Elsa.

THOUGHTS ON COACH SCOTT SHAFER FROM AROUND COLLEGE AND PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ers Head Coach (2011-present); Stanford University Head Coach (2007-10)

“I am excited about the tremendous opportunity for Coach Shafer and Syracuse University. Scott is hard working, enthusiastic and of high character. Great things will happen with Shafe. He and his family will continue the rich and great Syracuse tradition.”

Doug Marrone ’91, Buffalo Bills Head Coach (2013-present); Syracuse University Head Coach (2009-12)

“As a Syracuse letterwinner, I am proud to have Scott Shafer leading the football program. He is a person of high integrity who cares about the student-athletes and their development on and off the field. Scott has proven his expertise as a defensive coordinator and is ready to lead the program. I wish him all the best as the head coach of the Orange.”

David Shaw, Stanford University Head Coach (2011-present); Stanford Offensive Coordinator (2007-10)

“Scott Shafer brings enthusiasm to teaching young men to be excited about the game of football and play it the right way. He is going to make it an environment that’s fun to be in – the coaches are going to love to come to work every day and the players are going to love to come to practice every day. I think the results of that will show when people are watching the games, the team and their unity. They will know that it starts from the top. It will be an exciting, fun environment for everyone.

“Coach Shafer believes in keeping it simple, having guys play fast and with a lot of emotion. I think that’s what you’re going to see even more of as Syracuse continues to grow and take those next steps. Everything is about passion and enjoying the game, the camaraderie and guys playing together. That is what Scott’s about and I think it’s going to transfer onto the field.”

Bill Mallory, Indiana Head Coach (1984-96)

“Syracuse is getting a person who has been right there in the program and has been very involved in the improvement and success the program has seen. He is a smart, sharp individual who handles himself in a classy fashion, and stands for the right reasons. That is what you want. That goes into winning. That is the process.

“Syracuse fans should be very pleased and excited. Scott is what you want to see; he is character. He is an excellent people person, a great communicator. He is a very caring individual, which I think is so essential in coaching these young men. As the fans get to know him better, they will realize that you aren’t going to find a more class individual. If I was an AD, he would be the kind of guy I’d want running my program because he’s a winner and does the things you want to see.”

Joe Novak, Northern Illinois Head Coach (1996-2007)

“Scott was one of my first hires when I got the head job at Northern Illinois. He has some fire to him, which is always good for a good football coach. The kids love him. He's excitable. He's enthusiastic. The players have always loved him and loved being coached by him. He'll get after them, but he'll also hug them up too. I think that's an important quality in a coach to be able to do both of those things. His enthusiasm will carry over to the fan base. I think he'll do a good job of continuing what Coach Marrone has done up there.

“One thing unique about Scott is that he was a quarterback in college. He spent a lot of time on the offensive side as a player and when he got into coaching, he got on the defensive side of the ball. That's unique in our profession. Most coaches are either offensive or defensive orientated, but Scott has great exposure on both sides of the ball. I think that's what helped him become a great football coach.”