VALLEYCATS TENTATIVE ROSTER RELEASED

Five return from 2011, 13 will make their pro debut TROY, N.Y. – The tentative Opening Day roster for the Tri-City ValleyCats was released on Thursday afternoon.

It features 24 players who will begin their summer with Tri-City for the 2012 season. Five players from the 2011 team will make their return to Tri-City including pitchers Jamaine Cotton, Juri Perez and Tommy Shirley. Shirley, also a member of the ValleyCats 2010 championship team, pitched in just five games in 2011 after battling injuries throughout the 2010-11 seasons.

Position players making their return include infielders Neiko Johnson and Chase Davidson. Davidson was promoted to Tri-City in 2011 following an all-star first half for Rookie League Greeneville, before going down with an injury. 13 college players selected in the 2012 MLB Draft will make their professional debuts with the ValleyCats.

Third-round pick Brady Rodgers, a starting pitcher, and fifth-round selection Andrew Aplin, an outfielder, were teammates with Arizona State, and will join each other in Tri-City to begin their professional baseball careers. Rodgers is one of seven players on the ValleyCats roster from the state of Texas. He was most recently selected to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) All-America third team. He led the Sun Devils in innings pitched with 115 and strikeouts with 79.
Aplin earned Pac-12 All-Conference honorable mention recognition and ranked first on the team and fourth in the Pac-12 in runs scored. There are three international players on the tentative Opening Day roster, two from Puerto Rico and one from Venezuela.

The team will be led by second-year manager Stubby Clapp, hitting coach Mark Bailey and pitching coach Rick Aponte, who is entering his first season with Tri-City. The ValleyCats begin their 2012 season against the Lake Monsters in Vermont on Monday, June 18. The team will return to “The Joe” on Wednesday, June 20 for their home opener against the same Lake Monsters.

First pitch is scheduled for 7pm, and there are only a limited number of seats still remaining. For ticket information and more, call 629-CATS or visit www.tcvalleycats.com

Press release provided by the Tri-City ValleyCats

Nethaway and Lutton Named to America East All-Academic Baseball Team

Cambridge, Mass. - Senior pitcher Greg Lutton and junior infielder Josh Nethaway were both named to the America East Conference All-Academic Baseball Team, as announced by the league office on Thursday afternoon. Lutton posted a 3.39 cumulative grade point average, majoring in business administration. Lutton, a native of New Haven, Vt., concluded a three-year career with the Great Danes this season. The lefty reliever made a staff-high 25 appearances out of the bullpen, and recorded a staff-low 2.68 ERA. He was tied with a team-best seven pickoffs, and recorded 17 strikeouts. Lutton finished with a 3-3 record, along with one save, throwing 40.1 innings of work. Nethaway, who finished second on the team with a .313 batting average, posted a 3.31 cumulative grade point average. A native of Fonda, N.Y., Nethaway is a history major. He started 46 of 49 games played this season as a redshirt sophomore. He knocked out 51 hits, including 12 doubles, one triple and two homeruns. He also scored 27 runs, and drove in 30 more. For the fourth straight year, America East has chosen the All-Academic teams using CoSIDA’s Academic All-America program as a model. Student-athletes worthy of consideration are nominated by member sports information directors and voted on by a committee of SIDs, academic advisers and faculty representatives from all nine member institutions. All-Academic squads for team sports are based on the number of athletes that participate in a contest at one time but can be more if there is a tie in voting. To be nominated for the distinction, student-athletes must be a starter or important reserve for their team and participate in at least 50 percent of their team’s games or competitions. In the classroom, student-athletes must have a 3.30 GPA and have completed at least one calendar year at their institution. Freshmen are not eligible for consideration.

Press release and photo provided by UAlbany Athletics

Super DIRTcar Series Takes Cornwall

CORNWALL, Ontario - June 12, 2012 - The Super DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Series crosses the border for the series' first Canadian event Sunday, July 1, at Cornwall Motor Speedway.

Big-block drivers compete for a $6,000 winner's share at Cornwall's "Action Track" in the third round of the Super DIRTcar Series. Current point leaders Danny Johnson, series opener winner at Canandaigua Motorsports Park, and Matt Sheppard, three-time defending champion, may face a challenge on this high-banked, quarter-mile oval of Canadian soil.

"You never know what's going to happen until you get there. It's a challenging event, that's for sure," said Johnson, who has seen past success at Cornwall, including first place finishes at last year's Super DIRTcar Series race July 3 and this year's DIRTcar 358-Modified Series opener May 21. "Lots of things happen on a short track, and they happen fast."

Johnson noted that drivers can typically circle Cornwall's quarter-mile in just 13 seconds, compared with 18 seconds at Canandaigua's half-mile, making for an action-packed, unpredictable race.

Racing starts at 7 p.m. for this event, which is presented by Evans Bus Lines and also features Sportsman, Pro Stock, Semi Pro and Mini Stock action. Following the race action a stunning and patriotic fireworks display celebrates Canada Day.

For more information, visit www.cornwallspeedway.com. For the latest news and updates about DIRTcar Racing, like the Facebook page or follow the Super DIRTcar Series Twitter feed, @superdirtcar.

WHAT: Super DIRTcar Series, Round 3

WHEN: 7 p.m. Sunday, July 1

WHERE: Cornwall Motor Speedway, 16981 Cornwall Centre Rd., Long Sault

WHO: Super DIRTcar Big Block Modified drivers and teams

Press release provided by DIRTcar

SUMMER SHOOTOUT TO FEATURE EMPIRE SUPER SPRINTS, FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA

ELBRIDGE, N. Y. - June 12, 2012 - Empire Super Sprint Cars burst into Rolling Wheels Raceway Park Tuesday, July 3, for a night of fervor, fireworks, and high-powered winged sprint car racing action.

Grandstand gates open at 5 p.m. and racing for the 360 Sprint Car Summer Shootout begins at 7:30 p.m. Point leader for the Champion Tour Justin Barger will aim to advance his lead while drivers like Shawn Donath and Paul Kinney challenge it in the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints feature.

The Tom Ames Dedication to Dirt Track Racing, co-promoted by DIRTcar and Dirt Track Digest, will also roll onto the Fast Track for a DIRTcar Stock Car/Pro Stock challenge commemorating longtime race fan Tom Ames, who passed away recently.

Drivers of 305 Sprint Cars will also compete in Shootout events. Even after the tires leave the track, the excitement continues into the night with a special fireworks show in honor of the upcoming holiday.

"We're pleased to be celebrating the nation's birthday with such a fun-filled event that can be enjoyed by sports fans and families alike," said Jeff Hachmann, General Manger of Rolling Wheels Raceway. "It's especially exciting to be able to give fans who purchase tickets in advance full access to the pit area at no extra cost."

Adult general admission tickets are $15 each, and if purchased before Friday, June 29, include a FREE Fan Pit Pass. Pit Passes can also be purchased the day of the event for $25. Admission is FREE for children nine and under. Tickets can be purchased online at www.dirtcar.com/tickets or over the phone at (315) 834-6606.

For more information about the 360 Sprint Car Summer Shootout, please call the DIRTcar Northeast office at 315-834-6606 or visit the track website at rollingwheelsraceway.com. Don't forget to "like" DIRTcar Racing on Facebook and follow DIRTcar Northeast on Twitter (@DIRTcarNE).

It's not too early to get your annual Super DIRT Week tickets. Super DIRT Week gets underway Oct. 3 through 7 at the New York State Fairgrounds. For tickets, go to www.DIRTcar.com/tickets or call 315-834-6606.

What: Sprint Car Summer Shootout

Where: Rolling Wheels Raceway, State Route 5, Elbridge, N. Y.

When: Tuesday, July 3. Pit Gate opens at 4 p.m., Grandstand Gates at 5 p.m. with racing action beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Who: Lucas Oil Empire Summer Sprint Car, 305 Sprint Car, and DIRTcar Stock Car drivers and race teams

TOP 10 REASONS TO ATTEND THE SPRINT CAR SUMMER SHOOTOUT:

10. Winged sprint car action on Central New York's "Fast Track"

9. Wide array of concessions and souvenirs for sale behind the grandstand

8. Convenient location, only eight miles from I-90 in Elbridge

7. FREE parking available

6. Reserved and general camping available

5. Meet the drivers at an autograph session

4. VIP Tower Passes, including roof access, food, beverages and pit access available for groups

3. FREE admission for children 9 and under

2. FREE fan pit pass with every ticket purchased before Friday, June 29

1. Fireworks extravaganza following racing action!

 

Press release provided by DIRTcar

van Ingen places eighth in finals of 1,500 at NCAA Track & Field Championships

DES MOINES, Iowa—In the final race in his illustrious college career, Erik van Ingen placed eighth in the finals of the 1,500 at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Drake Stadium on Saturday. In the process, he earned All-America honors for the fourth time in his career, something no other Binghamton athlete has accomplished during the program’s 11-year NCAA Division I era.
Andrew Bayer of Indiana won the race in a time of 3:43.82, followed by Miles Batty of BYU (3:43.83) and N.C. State (3:44.24). van Ingen was eighth in a time of 3:45.00, defeating three former national champions in the process.

This marks the second consecutive year van Ingen has placed in the 1,500 at the NCAA Outdoor Track Championships. He was sixth last year. During the indoor season, van Ingen was a career-best fifth in the mile at the 2011 NCAA Championships and seventh this past season.
“I’m really proud of Erik’s consistency at the national level” assistant coach Annette Acuff said. “Every year it gets more challenging to keep it going. His Binghamton career has been an amazing story. Erik has grown so much as an athlete and has truly helped put our distance program on the map.”

Binghamton tied for 66th place in the final team standings. Florida won the men’s team title while LSU took home the women’s crown.

While van Ingen’s Binghamton career is over, he will compete in the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 1,500. The meet, which runs June 21-July 1, will be held in Eugene, Oregon.
Since elevating its athletic department to the NCAA Division I level in 2001, Binghamton has had nine student-athletes earn All-America honors. Rory Quiller was a three-time All-American in the pole vault and won the NCAA title at the 2008 Indoor Track Championships. Yun Qu (women’s swimming, 2002), Kevin McKeown (men’s lacrosse, 2004), Graham Munro (men’s soccer, 2005), Josh Patterson (wrestling, 2009), Justin Lister (wrestling, 2010), Donnie Vinson (wrestling, 2012) and Nick Gwiazdowski, 2012) are the other seven honorees.
In the 2011-12 academic year, Binghamton had a program-best four All-America selections. van Ingen earned his final two All-America accolades while Vinson and Gwiazdowski garnered their first selections.

NOTES: Prior to Binghamton’s Division I era, Monique Hacker (1995-99) earned All-America honors a program-record 14 times in track & field. In the process, she captured five NCAA Division III titles in the triple jump. Five other Binghamton athletes finished with five individual All-America honors during their career, including track athletes Art Gunther (1989-93), Chris Coleman (1985-89), Jewdyer Osborne (1994-98) and Alice Willis (1981-85). Adam Murcus (men’s tennis, 1994-98) and Matt Feinberg were the other two five-time All-Americans.

Press release & photo provided by BU Athletics

B-Mets Snap Skid in Finale, 8-5

BINGHAMTON, NY – The Binghamton Mets snapped a three-game losing streak and avoided getting swept by the Reading Phillies in an 8-5 win Thursday afternoon at NYSEG Stadium. The B-Mets pounded out eleven hits, including nine over the final three innings, to improve to 13-7 in series finales. After sweeping a doubleheader yesterday, the R-Phils jumped out to an early lead against B-Mets starter Zack Wheeler. Tim Kennelly walked to start the game and moved station-to-station, eventually scoring when Brandon Tripp beat out a potential inning-ending double play. The B-Mets wasted little time to erase the deficit against starter Austin Hyatt. Juan Lagares reached on a walk and scored three batters later when Eric Campbell lifted a double to the right field alley. Dustin Martin chased Campbell home with another double, shooting a two-bagger to left-center. Down by one, Reading responded in the third against Wheeler. Kennelly shot a one-out double down the third base line and came home on an RBI single by Miguel Abreu to tie the game at two. Wheeler battled back with two scoreless innings before surrendering his final run in the sixth. Leandro Castro sent a two-out double to right field and came home with the go-ahead run on Jeremy Barnes’ single to right center. Wheeler capped his day by inducing Troy Hanzawa to ground out. The righty exited after six innings, having allowed a season-high three runs on seven hits. After allowing two runs on two hits in the first, Hyatt kicked into cruise control. The righty retired the next 13 B-Mets he faced, breezing into the sixth inning. The streak came to an abrupt halt when Lagares scorched a triple to center. Reese Havens tied the game at three with a single to center. Following a double by Campbell that ended Hyatt’s day, reliever Frank Gailey entered and picked up two outs to end the threat. Edgar Ramirez took over in the seventh and preserved the tie game, working around a fielding error by third baseman Jefry Marte and a walk to put up a scoreless inning. The B-Mets took the lead for good in the seventh without a single ball leaving the infield. Juan Centeno started the inning with an infield single against Gailey and Pedro Zapato followed with a walk. Pinch hitter Joe Bonfe loaded the bases by sneaking a bunt single towards third. Lagares gave Binghamton the lead by working out a bases-loaded walk. With one out and the bases loaded, Gailey was replaced by Juan Morillo. The righty induced Jefry Marte to hit a dribbler back to the mound. Morillo’s throw home sailed to the backstop, allowing Bonfe to score. Binghamton packed on four more runs in the eighth against Morillo, tagging the righty for four singles and taking advantage of two more bases-loaded walks. After Brad Holt posted a perfect eighth, the B-Mets handed a five-run lead to Adrian Rosario in the ninth. The righty could not cap the game, allowing two runs on three hits and a walk. With two aboard and the tying run at the plate, Robert Carson came in and induced Sebastian Valle to fly out to center to end the game. Ramirez (1-1) picked up his first win as a B-Met since July 14, 2011 while Carson earned his fourth save. Gailey (2-2) suffered the loss, allowing two runs (one earned) in one inning of relief. The B-Mets (30-32) kick off a three-game series against the Altoona Curve, affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Friday night at 7:05 PM. RHP Gonzalez German takes the mound for Binghamton against RHP Brandon Cumpton. The Horizons Federal Credit Union pre-game show begins at 6:50 PM on Newsradio 1290 WNBF.

Press releasse provided by the Binghamton Mets

SYRACUSE ATHLETICS CLOSES HISTORIC YEAR RANKED 50TH IN THE DIRECTORS’ CUP STANDINGS

The 2011-12 Syracuse University athletics performance is the best in school history. The Orange ranks 50^th in the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup – the highest ranking ever for the program. A school-record nine different teams accounted for Syracuse’s school-record 452.5 points. The Orange program has scored more than 300 points in each of the last four years after having reached that mark just once before in school history.

“We are so proud of our coaches and student-athletes for their accomplishments,” said director of athletics Dr. Daryl Gross. “In addition to the outstanding programs that scored NACDA points, our men’s rowing program, which does not score points in the Directors’ Cup, finished fifth in the country. It is exciting to know that we are getting better every year and moving toward our goal of becoming one of the top programs in the country in all sports.”

The Orange softball team registered 50 points for its performance in the NCAA Tournament, which was its third consecutive postseason appearance. Head coach Leigh Ross guided the squad to the NCAA Regional Finals and the 23^rd spot in the final rankings, which is the highest finish for the Orange. Pitcher Jenna Caira earned All-America honors.

Senior Jarret Eaton finished sixth in the 110-meter hurdles at the NCAA Outdoor Championship, scoring 15 points for Syracuse. The hurdler won the NCAA Indoor 60-meter hurdles championship, becoming the first individual in program history to win an NCAA title and scoring 54.5 points for Syracuse.

The women’s and men’s lacrosse teams scored 90 and 25 points, respectively, boosting Syracuse to its highest point total and ranking in school history. Head coach Gary Gait directed the Orange women in the most successful season in school history and tallied Directors’ Cup points for the 10th time in the 15-year history of the program. Syracuse ranked second nationally in the final polls after advancing to the National Championship game for the first time in program history. Juniors Becca Block and Michelle Tumolo and sophomore Alyssa Murray earned All-America First Team honors and sophomore Katie Webster was named to the third team. In addition, Tumolo was a finalist for the Tewaaraton Trophy, which is awarded to the nation’s best player.

Men’s lacrosse scored points for the fifth year in a row and the 18th time in the 19-year history of the Directors’ Cup. Head coach John Desko led the Orange to the NCAA Tournament for the 13th time in his 14-year head coaching tenure.

The Orange men’s basketball team added 73 points to SU’s total. After recording the most wins in program history and the best start in program history, head coach Jim Boeheim’s team was the first SU squad to ever be ranked in the top five the entire season. The Orange won a record 17 BIG EAST conference games and senior Kris Joseph earned second-team All-America honors.

Field hockey head coach Ange Bradley directed her team to its fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament berth and its second consecutive BIG EAST Conference Tournament Championship as the field hockey program contributed 60 points in the Directors’ Cup. Syracuse finished with a 19-4 record en route to the program’s sixth BIG EAST Championship and was third in the final national ranking. Seniors Liz McInerney and Heather Susek, and junior Kelsey Millman earned All-America recognition.

The men’s and women’s cross country teams, under the guidance of three-time Northeast Region Coach of the Year Chris Fox, scored 45 and 40 points, respectively, for Syracuse in the Directors’ Cup. It is the fourth consecutive year the squads have registered points. The men finished 15th, while the women were 17^th at the NCAA Championship. Both the men and the women won the NCAA Northeast Regional titles for the third straight year. Senior Pat Dupont, who earned All-America honors for the second straight season, paced the men’s squad at the NCAA Championship with his 37th place finish, while senior Lauren Penney led the way for the women with her 29th-place All-American performance. She is the first female cross country All-American in Syracuse history.

Press release provided by SU Athletics