AMERICA EAST AND MAAC CONFERENCE TO SHARE HOST CITY FOR POSTSEASON BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN MARCH 2009

Cambridge, Mass. – Following the America East Conference annual meetings, the conference membership reaffirmed its commitment to host the 2009 men’s basketball championship at the University at Albany’s SEFCU Arena on March 6-8. After the conference announced that UAlbany would play host to the championship in early May, there were some concerns raised when the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference moved its postseason tournament to the Capital Region from New Jersey.
“During our Annual Presidents’ and Athletic Directors’ meetings this week, we received updates on our 2009 Men’s Basketball Championship in Albany,” America East Conference Commissioner Patrick Nero stated. “Both groups came away from these meetings confident that we remain on track for a successful championship in March. The concept of having two men’s basketball conference championships in the same city, the same weekend, is a new one. While it may present some challenges, we have a very good working relationship with the MAAC and both conferences will work together to address any issues. We feel having both tournaments on the same weekend will give Capital Region fans the unique opportunity to enjoy several days of NCAA Division I basketball. It’s not only a dream weekend for the hoops junkie, but a time for the casual fan to become a big fan and for first-time fans to experience all the excitement of college basketball.”
Added UAlbany Director of Athletics Lee McElroy, “We are pleased the America East Conference membership has made strong its commitment to conduct the 2009 men’s basketball championship at the University at Albany’s SEFCU Arena. The Capital Region is fortunate to have both the America East and Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championships on the same weekend where fans can enjoy both tournaments. UAlbany and its department of athletics will continue working toward presenting a first-class event.”
The nine-team tournament in 2009 begins with a first-round game on Friday, March 6. Quarterfinal and semifinal games follow on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, respectively. The championship game will be played Saturday, March 14 at the home court of the higher remaining seed and will be televised by ESPN2.SEFCU Arena opened in the spring of 1992 as an $11 million state-of-the-art facility. The playing surface on the arena’s three basketball courts and the surrounding .11 mile track were completely renovated in December of 2004. SEFCU Arena, formerly the Recreation & Convocation Center, played host to the America East Men’s Basketball championship game in 2006

SEAWOLVES FINISH FIFTH IN AMERICA EAST COMMISSIONERS CUP AND FOURTH IN ACADEMIC CUP STANDINGS

Stony Brook Fares Well in America East Awards

June 25, 2008

2007-08 FINAL AMERICA EAST STANDINGS

Orlando, Fla. - Stony Brook University's Athletics Department had a good showing in a pair of conference-wide awards that were announced at the America East Conference's annual meeting in Florida this week. Stony Brook finished in a tie for fifth with New Hampshire in the final standings of the 2007-08 Stuart P. Haskell, Jr. Commissioner's Cup, the award that annually recognizes the top overall athletics program in the league. In the league's measure of academic success, the America East Academic Cup, Stony Brook finished fourth overall.
Stony Brook had its most successful athletics season since joining the America East Conference in 2007-08, capturing three America East championships and one regular season title. In the fall the Seawolves saw their women's cross country squad capture its first conference title before moving on to take second at the NCAA Regional meet; a finish that qualified them to run at the NCAA Championships. The Stony Brook volleyball squad also had a fantastic season, capturing the regular season title in that sport. In May both the softball and baseball teams won America East titles, the first for softball and second for baseball, and moved on to NCAA Championships competition. In all Stony Brook totaled 278 points in the Commissioners Cup race, just 13 points shy of fourth-place Binghamton. The Stuart P. Haskell, Jr. Commissioner's Cup is named in honor of the first commissioner of America East. Haskell served as commissioner of the conference from 1987 until his retirement in 1997.
On the academic side Stony Brook was one of five schools in the nine-school league that compiled an overall grade point average above a 3.0, finishing the school year with a record-high 3.06. The University of Vermont won the award with an overall GPA of 3.14. Stony Brook had three of its teams post the highest GPAs in their respective sports; men's swimming and diving (3.18), men's tennis (3.24) and women's outdoor track and field (3.38).

GUY RANCOURT HEADED TO LYCOMING COLLEGE

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Former Stony Brook University Men's Basketball assistant coach Charles “Guy” Rancourt has been named the head coach of the Lycoming College men’s basketball program, it was announced by Scott Kennell, the College’s incoming director of athletics. Rancourt will be officially introduced at a press conference on Friday.
“I am excited about the energy Guy brings to the program,” said Kennell. “He is someone who has tremendous knowledge of the game of basketball and he cares about his student-athletes both on and off the court. I am very impressed by his enthusiasm to work with great student-athletes and his commitment to continue the tradition of combining excellence in the classroom with competitiveness on the court.”
Rancourt spent the last five years working with NCAA Division I institutions, including the last three years at Stony Brook University in New York and a two-year stint at Florida State University.
"I'm grateful to President Douthat, Mr. Kennell, and all those involved in giving me this opportunity,” said Rancourt. “The support shown by Lycoming's administration, student body, and surrounding community make this a great place to go to college. I’m honored to be a part of Lycoming, and it's my intention to continue giving all involved a reason to be proud of their basketball program."
Rancourt served as an assistant coach at Stony Brook, handling coaching, recruiting and administrative work for the Seawolves.
While at Florida State, Rancourt served as the director of basketball operations and worked under Leonard Hamilton. His responsibilities included handling all office and budgetary matters, team travel, academic development, dining and housing contracts and serving as the director of the annual Leonard Hamilton basketball camp for boys.
Prior to Florida State, Rancourt served as the head men’s basketball coach at John Jay College in New York. In his first season, he led the team to 13 wins, improving from two wins the previous year, and an appearance in the conference quarterfinals. For his efforts that year, he was named the City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) Coach of the Year. Rancourt led the team to a semi-final appearance in the conference in 2000 and to a share of the CUNYAC title in 2001, improving the squad’s record each year. In four seasons with the Bloodhounds, Rancourt compiled an overall record of 55-48.
Along with his coaching duties at John Jay College, Rancourt also served as the assistant director of athletics. He was responsible for scheduling, travel and facilities management for all 12 of the College’s athletic teams.
Rancourt began his coaching career in 1997 at the University of New Haven as an assistant coach. His duties throughout a two-year stay included recruiting, scouting and film exchange.
A native of Queens, N.Y., Rancourt played high school basketball at Archbishop Molloy High School on the same team as former Georgia Tech and NBA star Kenny Anderson. He continued his playing career at Western Connecticut State University, where he helped lead the team to the 1994 ECAC Championship. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from WCSU in 1997.
A press conference will be held on Friday afternoon in the Jane Schultz Room of the Student Center at noon. A lunch buffet will be served on the quad following the press conference for all members of the media who wish to stay.

HASTIE NAMED RUNNER-UP FOR AMERICA EAST WOMEN OF THE YEAR

Hastie now eligible for the national award

June 19, 2008

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Senior Dana Hastie (Wellington, New Zealand) was named the runner-up for the America East Woman of the Year award, according to a release from the conference Wednesday. Boston University's Sarah Hudak won the award.
Both Hastie and Hudak are now eligible for the national Woman of the Year Award. The NCAA selection committee will select the top 10 winners in each NCAA division (I, II and III). From among those 30 honorees, the selection committee will determine the top three in each division. Finally, the members of the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics (CWA) will vote from among the top nine to determine the 2008 NCAA Woman of the Year.
Hastie, a multidisciplinary studies major with a 3.78 GPA, earned All-Northeast Region honors in cross country each of past two seasons and helped the Seawolves capture the 2007 team title. She placed third and sixth at the 2006 and 2005 meets, respectively, to earn all-conference recognition. In track & field, Hastie placed second in the 5,000-meter run at both the America East Indoor and Outdoor Championships to garner all-league honors. She became the first SBU track & field athlete to compete at the NCAA Championship and placed 15th in the 10,000-meter run at the meet in Des Moines, Iowa last week.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Hastie has been named to the USTFCCCA and America East All-Academic teams, has been on the Commissioner's Honor Roll every semester and is a two-time recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Scholar-Athlete Award. Additionally, she served as an executive board member for SAAC and was a student commencement speaker, the first Stony Brook student-athlete in school history to gain the honor. Hastie, who received the Society of Distinguished Student-Athlete Award, also served as President of Brothers and Sisters in Christ (BASIC) and has been active with Read Across America

STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT TO RETIRE JUNE 2009

Stony Brook University President Shirley Strum Kenny, who shepherded the campus through a period of explosive growth but lately faced sharp challenges to her leadership, will retire next June after 14 years at the helm.Kenny, 73, Stony Brook's fourth president and the first woman, told senior university staff of her decision at a meeting Wednesday night and plans to send out an announcement to the campus community via e-mail Thursday. Kenny's tenure is unusually long for a university president: a survey by the American Council on Education released last year found the average president served 8.5 years on the job. Her announcement comes as the state university system searches for a new chancellor.Reached at her home Wednesday night, Kenny confirmed her planned retirement."I am enormously proud of what we have achieved together and grateful for the opportunity to work with you," her e-mail to the campus reads. "Now I have made this decision because I believe it is the right time; my husband and I are ready for a new chapter in our lives. She said Wednesday night that she and her husband, Robert, expect to move back to Washington, D.C., where four of their children live. The controversies of the past few years did not factor into her decision. "I am looking forward, not back," she said.Known for a forceful style served up with a Texas twang, Kenny cultivated local and state politicians and business leaders to pull off a series of bold moves that transformed Stony Brook from a barren, unappealing concrete campus into a nationally ranked university with landscaped courtyards, a student activities center, an athletics stadium named for state Sen. Kenneth LaValle, and a satellite campus in Manhattan. She also presided over the school's takeover of Brookhaven Laboratory and Southampton College, and has secured funding to study adding a law school."She's done a phenomenal job -- enrollment has increased, the physical plant has been increased in beauty tenfold -- a hundredfold," said Michael Russell, the state university trustee representing Long Island. "They've taken over Southhampton and they have a world-class medical center -- all under her tutelage."Still, the Stony Brook University Medical Center has proved to be Kenny's Achilles' heel. Following the deaths of three children at the hospital in 2006, the state Health Department investigated the hospital's operations and cited it for 36 violations and $72,000 in fines. Kenny appointed a blue-ribbon commission to evaluate the hospital's operations. The panel found no problem with the hospital's day-to-day care, but criticized its leadership structure, saying Kenny should not be so closely involved with daily decision-making.And in April, a group of professors from the university's largest school said it had lost confidence in her leadership, submitting a petition to Kenny bearing more than 150 signatures. The petition from the faculty at the College of Arts and Sciences accused Kenny of "egregious mismanagement." Kenny and the faculty group are set to meet sometime this summer about the issues raised in the petition.The search for a replacement will be led by Stony Brook's College Council, a group of community leaders appointed by the governor.

CELTICS WIN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP, CONGRATS to former KNICKS GUARD, DOC RIVERS

STPEHAN NAMED TO ABCA NORTHEAST REGION FIRST TEAM

Stephan Named To ABCA Northeast Region First Team

Sophomore designated hitter ranked 12th in the nation in on-base percentage.

June 18, 2008

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook University sophomore designated hitter Mike Stephan (Patchogue, N.Y.) was named to the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Northeast Region first team, the organization announced on Wednesday.
A second team All-America East selection, Stephan started 59 of the Seawolves 60 games and finished the season ranked 12th in the nation in on-base percentage (.518) and second in the country in hit by pitch (30). He also led the team with 11 home runs and ranked second on the squad with 37 RBI and 49 runs scored.
The Seawolves recently won their second America East title in five years on their way to 34 victories; the program's most wins since 2001.

Former C.W. Post Football Coach Tom Marshall Passes Away

BROOKVILLE, N.Y. (June 16, 2008) - Former C.W. Post head football coach Tom Marshall passed away on Saturday evening following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 73 years old.
“The C.W. Post Athletic Department is deeply saddened by the passing of Tom Marshall,” C.W. Post head football coach and Athletic Director, Bryan Collins said. “Coach Marshall had been an integral part of the C.W. Post football program for over 20 years both as a defensive and offensive coordinator in the glory years of the 1970’s and then as a head coach from 1983-1997. His legacy still lives on today here at C.W. Post.”
Marshall’s career as head coach of the Pioneers spanned fifteen years and saw him post a 82-60-2 record, including a Liberty Conference Championship in 1990 and two ECAC-IFC Division II Championships in ’93 and ’96. A 10-1 season in 1993 was the best record the Pioneers had posted since 1973.
Marshall began his coaching career at the University of Detroit, following two years as a standout two-way end and punter for the Titans. He stayed on at Detroit for a year, then moved back east, taking the head coaching job at Wildwood High School.
Following stints at Hofstra University and St. Johns University, Coach Marshall joined the Pioneers as an offensive coordinator in 1970, then switched to defensive coordinator in 1972, a position he held until 1980. During his tenure as an assistant, the Pioneers compiled an 81-27 record and earned two Lambert Trophies.
After a year at Merchant Marine Academy as linebacker coach, and a year-long stay as an assistant coach at Nassau Community College, Marshall re-joined the Pioneers as the defensive coordinator in 1982, and in 1983, he was named the head football coach at C.W. Post.
Marshall was also the last C.W. Post head coach to defeat neighboring rival Hofstra University, posting a 20-10 win in 1985.
“Coach Marshall gave me my first opportunity to coach at the collegiate level, as well as several members of my staff who not only coached with Coach Marshall, but played for him as well,” Collins said. “He is one of the most respected football minds in all of the country and his influence in both his defensive and offensive styles stays with me today as I coach.”
Marshall is survived by his wife, Carolyn, and three daughters, Denise, Debbie and Jennifer.
“I speak for the entire athletic department as well as the University when I say our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Carolyn, and his daughters,” Collins said.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m., followed by a Mass at 11 a.m., at St. Jude the Apostle Church in Lewes, Delaware.

JAY GIBBONS HEADED TO LI DUCKS

DUCKS SIGN GIBBONS

ML vet joins Long Island roster

(Central Islip, N.Y., June 16, 2008) – Long Island Ducks team officials today announced the signing of outfielder Jay Gibbons. The 31-year-old has spent the past seven seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, batting .260 in 779 big league games.

"Through our first 11 seasons, the Atlantic League has returned over 350 players back to affiliated organizations and 45 players to the Major Leagues," says Ducks Principal Owner and Atlantic League Founder/CEO Frank Boulton. "We’re hopeful Jay can help us win while proving that he's healthy and ready to contribute at the Major League level."

Gibbons made his big league debut with Baltimore in 2001, hitting 15 home runs while appearing in 73 games. His best season came in 2003, when he batted .277 with 23 homers and 100 RBI. Gibbons played in a career-high 160 games that year, and also clubbed 39 doubles. The Michigan native was originally selected by Toronto in the 14th round of the 1998 draft. He has played in 349 minor league contests, and owns a career .327 average with 287 RBI.

The Long Island Ducks play their home games at Citibank Park and are in their ninth season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. For further information, visit http://www.liducks.com/, or call (631) 940-3825.

DUCKS MGR. NAMED ALL-STAR SKIPPER

Bridgewater, N.J., June 13, 2008) - The Three-Time Atlantic League Champion Somerset Patriots have announced that Patriots manager Sparky Lyle and Long Island Ducks manager Dave LaPoint have been named the managers for the 2008 Atlantic League All-Star Game to be played at Commerce Bank Ballpark on Wednesday, July 16th.

LaPoint will manage the Liberty Division team for his second All-Star managing appearance. LaPoint, who spent 2002-2005 as Long Island's pitching coach, is now in his second season as Ducks manager. LaPoint led the Ducks to an overall record of 72-54 in 2007, winning the second half North Division championship and taking the Ducks to their fourth consecutive Atlantic League playoff berth. In 2006, he managed the Bridgeport Bluefish to a league-best 75-49 record and a berth in the league championship series.

"I'm honored and excited to manage the Liberty Division squad at this year's All-Star Game," said LaPoint. "The talent in the league this season is better than it's ever been before, and I'm looking forward to a great game July 16 to kick off a terrific second half of the season."Lyle will manage the Freedom Division team for his third All-Star Game appearance as manager. Lyle is the winningest manager in Atlantic League history with over 700 wins going into the 2008 All-Star Break. He has won three Atlantic League Championships (2001, 2003, & 2005), six Division Titles (1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007), and has been named the Atlantic League Manager of the Year twice (1999 & 2003). He is the only Atlantic League Manager to be with the same team since the league began play in 1998.

“It’s always an honor to be selected as an All-Star, whether as a player or manager. We’re going to have a lot of fun hosting the game at our ballpark. We’ll show Atlantic League fans a time they will never forget. I’m really looking forward to it,” said Lyle.
Tickets for the 2008 Atlantic League All-Star Game presented by Commerce Bank are now on sale at the Patriots Ticket Office located at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.

All-Star on-line voting is now taking place through Thursday, July 3rd. Fans can vote for their All-Star selections by visiting http://www.somersetpatriots.com/ or any of the Atlantic League teams’ websites.
The Long Island Ducks play their home games at Citibank Park and are in their ninth season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. For more information, visit http://www.liducks.com/ or call (631) 940-3825.

CENTRAL ISLIP'S HARRIS HEADED TO WHITE SOX

(Central Islip, N.Y., June 13, 2008) – Long Island Ducks team officials today announced that outfielder Estee Harris has had his contract purchased by the Chicago White Sox. The 23-year-old will report to Winston-Salem of the Carolina League, a Chicago Single-A affiliate.

“We’re excited for Estee,” says Ducks principal owner Frank Boulton. “He has made strides on the field and been a credit to our team and community. We wish him the best of luck and continued success.”

Harris is in the midst of a career year, hitting .328 with six home runs, nine doubles and 30 RBI in 35 games, while his .578 slugging percentage ranks fifth in the Atlantic League. He set career highs in 2007 with 11 homers and 45 RBI, batting .246 between the Road Warriors and Ducks in his first year in the league. The Central Islip High School standout was a second round draft pick of the New York Yankees in 2003 and spent four years in the Yankees farm system before signing with Long Island last season.

The Long Island Ducks play their home games at Citibank Park and are in their ninth season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. For further information, visit http://www.liducks.com/, or call (631) 940-3825.

SBU'S Hastie Finishes 15th at NCAA Track & Field Championships

Completed the 10,000-meter in 35:19.73

June 13, 2008

Des Moines, Iowa - Senior Dana Hastie (Wellington, New Zealand) finished 15th in the women's 10,000-meter run at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Drake University on Thursday night. Hastie is the first Stony Brook track & field athlete to compete in the NCAA Championships.
Hastie's time of 35:19.73 is just five seconds off the school-record pace she ran earlier this season at the Mount SAC Relays to qualify for the Championships. Hastie entered the race with the 19th fastest time in the country and improved her position by four spots.

STEVE PIKIELL BASKETBALL CAMPS STILL OPEN

Registration For 2008 Steve Pikiell Basketball Camp Still Open

Head Coach Steve Pikiell and the Stony Brook men's basketball program are offering four sessions of individual basketball day camps.

June 11, 2008

Camp Registration Forms

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Registration for the 2008 Steve Pikiell Basketball Camp is still open for campers ages 8-16. Head Coach Steve Pikiell and the Stony Brook men's basketball program are offering four sessions of individual basketball day camps.
The emphasis of these camps is on developing basic fundamentals of basketball shooting, dribbling, screening, passing and defense. Registration materials will be sent upon the completion and receiving of the information below.
For more information contact Dan Rickard in the Stony Brook men's basketball office at (631) 632-4498.

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS/DAY CAMPS
(AGES 8-16)
Session 1--June 30th-July 3rd $250
Session 2--July 7th-11th $300
*Session 3--July 21st-25th $300
Session 4--July 28th-Aug. 1st $300
*NOTE: Session 3 will be for ages 6-13 only

SBU MEN'S SOCCER ANNOUNCES INCOMING CLASS, 2008 SCHEDULE

SBU Men's Soccer Announces Incoming Class, 2008 Schedule

Eight freshmen and two transfers make up class, schedule features UConn, Duke and Akron

June 12, 2008

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Ten newcomers including two transfers will join the Stony Brook men's soccer program, head men's soccer coach Cesar Markovic has announced. Tom Butler (West Midlands, England/Bromsgrove School), Luis Gonzalez (Caracas, Venezuela/Gordon College), Vuk Grbovic (Belgrade, Serbia/Technical School), Jherrett Maroney (Cincinnatus, N.Y./Cincinnatus Central), Kyle McTurk (Hauppauge, N.Y./Smithtown West), Matt Piccoli (Selden, N.Y./Florida Gulf Coast), Yannick Prescod (Rochester, N.Y./McQuaid Jesuit), Anthony Rogic (Parsippany, N.J./Morris Catholic), Aaron Woodruff (Highlands Ranch, Colo./Mountain Vista) and Kevin Zalewski (Parsippany, N.J./Parsippany) will attend and play soccer at Stony Brook in 2008.
Butler is a strong and fast forward who Markovic expects to compete for playing time right away. Gonzalez, who sat out last season to concentrate on academics, was named the Seawolves' Most Improved Player in the spring. Grbovic, the fourth Serbian player on the 2008 roster, is someone Markovic expects to be a big player over the next four years. Maroney is a two-way player from Western New York who's aggressive around the ball. McTurk is a local player from Hauppauge, N.Y. who excelled at both soccer and lacrosse in high school. Piccoli, who returns to New York after a season in Florida, is a former U15 national team performer. Prescod is the second of two Western New York student-athletes to join the Seawolves this season and a highly touted player who uses speed to his advantage. Rogic, the cousin of former Seawolves' men's soccer player Adam Ciklic '07, is an athletic keeper who will compete for a starting position in the future. Woodruff is the first Seawolf from Colorado who competed for one of the best club teams in the United States, Real Colorado. Zalewski is a talented multi-functional player with good feet who will add depth to the Seawolves midfield.

SBU'S NOVAKOWSKI SIGNS WITH KANSAS CITY ROYALS

Gary Novakowski Signs Free-Agent Contract With Kansas City Royals

Novakowski becomes 28th player to sign professional contract under head coach Matt Senk.

June 12, 2008

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook University senior right-hander Gary Novakowski (Prospect, Conn.) has signed a free-agent contract with the Kansas City Royals, the organization announced on Wednesday. The Royals have assigned Novakowski to their short season Advanced Rookie League team, the Idaho Falls Chukars of the Pioneer League.
The 2007 America East Pitcher of the Year, Novakowski is tied for fourth in Seawolves history with 16 career victories. In 2008, he led the America East with seven wins and posted a 4.52 ERA in 83.2 innings of work. Novakowski is the 28th player to sign a professional contract in head coach Matt Senk's 18 years at Stony Brook.
The Seawolves recently won their second America East title in five years on their way to 34 victories, the program's most wins since 2001.

CARTER AND BRENTON JOIN SBU MBB

Stony Brook University Men’s Basketball Adds Two Student-Athletes In Spring Signing

June 11, 2008

Stony Brook University men's basketball head coach Steve Pikiell has announced that two additional student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Seawolves, beginning in the fall of 2008. Forward Danny Carter (London, England/Reading Rockets) and swingman Tommy Brenton (Columbia, Md./Hargrave Military Academy) join the Seawolves’ 2008-09 recruiting class which already includes guards Bryan Dougher and Jonathan Moore and forward Dallis Joyner. "We are thrilled that both Danny and Tommy have decided to join the Stony Brook family," Pikiell said. "They are versatile and athletic players with high basketball IQ's." "Our staff is excited about this class as a whole. We’ve improved in many areas; most notably in our size, skills and versatility. Danny and Tommy, along with Bryan, Dallis and Jonathan, will help us continue to grow as a program." Carter led his Reading Rockets to back-to-back titles at the European Championships [Division B] in 2006 and 2007, earning England’s U-18 National Player of the Year honors in 2007. The 6-9 forward was voted Player of the Month in February 2008 and was named MVP of the Sure Shot Cup Final and RAF Final Four, scoring 37 and 35 points in back-to-back games. “Danny is a versatile four-man that is most comfortable on the perimeter. He can score in a variety of ways and has a good feel for the game. We’re really excited about his skill set,” Pikiell said. Brenton attended Hargrave Military Academy last season where he played for head coach Kevin Keatts and helped lead the school to a perfect 29-0 season. The top-ranked Prep School team in the country, Hargrave also won the Prep School National Championship Tournament. “Stony Brook is getting a quality student-athlete that will excel in Coach Pikiell’s system,” Keatts said. “Tommy is a multi-dimensional player who can play multiple positions and he will definitely be an important piece in Stony Brook’s future success.” Prior to Hargrave, Brenton averaged 20.9 points and 10.3 rebounds per game as a senior at River Hill High School, leading the Hawks to their first Maryland 3A state championship. The 6-5 swingman was named the Howard County Player of the Year, was selected to the All-Metro first team and set the state tournament free throw record in the Hawks championship win, going 19-for-20 from the line. Brenton was also a first team All-County selection as a junior at River Hill. “Tommy is a guy whose versatility will help us on both ends of the floor,” Pikiell said. “He played for one of the best It’s always good when you add a proven winner like Tommy to the program.”

BIG EAST ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF MEN'S LAX LEAGUE FOR 2010

BIG EAST Announces the Formation of Men’s Lacrosse League for 2010 Season

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The BIG EAST Conference will formally begin sponsoring the sport of men’s lacrosse beginning in the spring of 2010. The announcement about the Conference adding its 24th sport was made today by Commissioner Michael Tranghese following a unanimous vote by the league’s 16 Directors of Athletics during their recent annual spring meeting.
The seven conference schools that will participate in the newly formed league are Georgetown, Notre Dame, Providence, Rutgers, St. John’s, Syracuse and Villanova. The teams will play a six-game single round-robin regular season schedule. The BIG EAST will apply for an automatic bid to the 16-team NCAA Championship field.
Syracuse won the 2008 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse national title, the program’s 10th, after earning an at-large bid as a Division I Independent. Notre Dame also garnered a berth into the national tournament as an automatic qualifier from the Great Western Lacrosse League. Currently, Georgetown, Rutgers and St. John’s are part of the ECAC, Providence is a member of the MAAC and Villanova plays in the Colonial Athletic Association.
“We are looking forward to the excitement that men’s lacrosse will bring to the BIG EAST Conference,” said Commissioner Tranghese. “We have schools with established and successful programs, which want to come together and compete under the BIG EAST brand.”
Men’s lacrosse will be the BIG EAST’s 11th men’s sport while the Conference conducts 13 women’s sports.
Villanova women’s lacrosse will also join the BIG EAST effective in the 2009-10 academic year. The Wildcats will become the ninth women’s lacrosse program under the auspices of the BIG EAST Conference – joining Connecticut, Georgetown, Notre Dame, Rutgers, Syracuse and associate member Loyola (Md.). Cincinnati and Louisville are scheduled to begin competing in the spring of 2009. The Villanova lacrosse program has been a varsity sport since 1990. It was an associate member of the Patriot League from 1999-2006 and has played the last two seasons as a Division I Independent. The Wildcats are led by head coach Jebb Chagan, who just completed his third season at the helm.
“We are excited that our women's lacrosse program will be part of the BIG EAST beginning in 2009-10,” adds Villanova Director of Athletics Vince Nicastro. “The BIG EAST is one of the nation's elite lacrosse conferences and our student-athletes and coaches are energized by the challenges and opportunities it presents.” The format for the BIG EAST Women’s Lacrosse Championship will remain unchanged with the top four teams in the conference standings selected and seeded according to Conference game-winning percentage at the conclusion of the regular season. The championship semifinals and final are played at a predetermined campus site.
Fans wishing to access information on BIG EAST Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse can do so by visiting http://www.bigeastlacrosse.com/?DB_OEM_ID=19400 where they will be able to get the latest content on the league’s participating members.

HASTIE, FIRST SBU RUNNER TO NCAA'S

Will run the 10,000-meter event

June 11, 2008
Stony Brook, N.Y. - Senior Dana Hastie (Wellington, New Zealand) will become the first Stony Brook track and field athlete in school history to compete in the NCAA Championships, when she runs in the women's 10,000-meter event on Thursday in Des Moines, Iowa.
Hastie qualified for the Championships when she completed the 10,000-meter in 34:14.53 at the Mount SAC Relays on April 19th. Hastie's time was not only the 19th fastest in the country, but also a new school record.
The women's 10,000-meter even will take place on Thursday, June 12th at 8:10 pm CT.

LANIGAN DRAFTED BY TWINS

Adelphi Junior Bobby Lanigan Drafted By The Minnesota Twins

Lanigan was the 15th pick in the third round of the Major League Baseball draft.

June 6, 2008

Garden City, N.Y. - Adelphi University junior pitcher Bobby Lanigan probably won't return to Garden City for his senior season next fall. Lanigan was drafted with the 15th pick in the third round of the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft by the Minnesota Twins. He is the first player in 15 years to be selected in the MLB draft and no Panther has ever been selected higher.
"It feels great for me to know that the hard work I have put in up to this point has paid off. However, I understand that the road ahead of me is a bigger challenge, and I am ready to get back to work to reach my next goal (of getting to the major league's)," Lanigan said. "Coach Scala and his staff played a huge part in this process for me, and I am grateful for the opportunity they gave me three years ago and for developing me into the pitcher I am today."
Lanigan, the 92nd overall selection, posted a solid record of 4-4, but struck out an impressive 87 batters in 79 innings pitched and walked just 16. A three-time all-conference selection and an all-region selection in 2007, Lanigan compiled some impressive numbers in just three years at Adelphi. He is the school's all-time leader in strikeouts with 232, fourth in career ERA (2.51) and holds the first and third spots in single season strikeouts.
"I am elated for Bobby and his family. This is the culmination of many years of sacrifice, hard work and determination. To be drafted 92nd in the country from the Northeast is an unbelievable feat," Head Coach Dom Scala stated when asked about Lanigan. "I knew he was a special kid when I recruited him not only for his athletic ability, but his maturity and the way he handled himself as a person. He was a key factor in helping the Adelphi Panthers get back to the top of the ECC and will be greatly missed. I feel fortunate to have been around him for three years, he made me a better coach".
The last Adelphi player selected in the MLB draft was in 38th round of the 1993 draft, making Lanigan's selection even more impressive is the fact that he was the first Division II player taken in the draft.

ADELPHI WINS ECC CUP

Adelphi Captures ECC Commissioner's Cup

A first-place finish by women's cross-country contributed to winning the Cup.

The award is the seventh overall for the Adelphi program since the Cup was established in 1994-95.

May 29, 2008

Central Islip, N.Y. - Adelphi University has been crowned as winners of the 2007-08 East Coast Conference (ECC) Commissioner's Cup.

Under the direction of Director of Athletics Robert E. Hartwell, the Panthers program garnered 106.5 total points, edging two-time defending Commissioner's Cup winner LIU/C.W. Post, which finished with 102.25 points.
The award is the seventh overall for the Adelphi program since the Cup was established in 1994-95. The Panthers program also earned the Cup in 2005, 2003, 2002, 2001, 1999 and 1997.
Adelphi was powered by ECC titles in women's cross country and women's lacrosse, and overall second place finishes in softball, men's cross country and men's basketball. Panther programs also finished among the conference's top four in women's tennis, women's volleyball, and men's tennis.
C.W. Post was powered to the second place finish thanks in part to capturing regular season and tournament championships in men's basketball and softball, the women's soccer tournament title, and finished among the top four overall programs in women's cross country, women's volleyball, women's basketball, men's lacrosse, and women's lacrosse.
Dowling College took third overall with 100.5 points. The Golden Lions captured ECC regular season and tournament championships in men's soccer and women's volleyball and finished among the top four programs in men's cross country, women's tennis, men's lacrosse, women's lacrosse, and women's soccer.
The University of New Haven placed fourth overall with 91.75 points, while NYIT rounded out the top five with 68.25 points.
The remainder of the Commissioner's Cup standings including Molloy College (67), the University of Bridgeport (62.5), Saint Thomas Aquinas College (60), Queens College (55), Concordia College (48) and Mercy College (32.5).

A complete list follows.
2007-08 ECC Commissioner's Cup Final Standings Adelphi 106.5 C.W. Post 102.25 Dowling 100.5 New Haven 91.75 NYIT 68.25 Molloy 67 Bridgeport 62.5 Saint Thomas Aquinas 60 Queens 55 Concordia 48 Mercy 32.5

All Time ECC Commissioner's Cup Champions 2007-08 Adelphi University 2006-07 LIU/C.W. Post 2005-06 LIU/C.W. Post 2004-05 Adelphi University 2003-04 University of New Haven 2002-03 Adelphi University 2001-02 Adelphi University 2000-01 Adelphi University 1999-00 Dowling College 1998-99 Adelphi University 1997-98 Dowling College 1996-97 Adelphi University 1995-96 College of Saint Rose 1994-95 College of Saint Rose
About the ECC Commissioner's Cup:
The East Coast Conference Commissioner's Cup is emblematic of the league's top program across its 13 championship sports. A new scoring system was established in 2006-07 to further reward programs that succeed in both regular-season and post-season play. The scoring system works as follows:
Points for the number of schools whose teams compete for the post-season championship are split between the team that finishes in that place during the year and the team that finishes in that place in the championship. If a team is eliminated in the semi-finals or quarterfinals, its place is determined by its finish during the regular season. A school which does not sponsor a sport receives zero points for that sport. Highest point total for each sport is the number of schools in the conference (11), regardless of how many schools sponsor that sport. In sports in which no championship is held, the regular season finish is utilized.

HOFSTRA BASEBALL COACH RESIGNS

Hofstra University Head Baseball Coach Chris Dotolo has resigned his position effective June 15, Pride Director of Athletics Jack Hayes announced today.Dotolo, the 12th baseball coach in Hofstra history, took over the reins of the program when the Pride joined the competitive Colonial Athletic Association in 2002. He completed his seventh season in 2008 with a 19-36 season record and a 7-23 mark in the CAA. In his seven seasons, Dotolo posted a 125-244-1 record. He is just the third Hofstra coach to win 100 games for the Pride, a feat he accomplished with a 10-9 win over James Madison on April 21, 2007, joining Jack Smith (179 wins) and Rich Martin (127 wins).Dotolo brought an extensive baseball background to the Pride. He had been an assistant coach for seven years, including five on the Division I level, and also played four seasons of professional baseball. Before accepting the Hofstra position he spent two seasons as an assistant coach at St. John's University in Jamaica, New York. Before arriving at St. John's, Dotolo spent four years (1995-99) as an assistant coach at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. In addition to his Division I coaching experience, Dotolo served as an assistant coach for one season (1994-95) at Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and for one season (1995) at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining the coaching ranks, Dotolo played four seasons (1991-94) in the San Francisco Giants (MLB) organization, finishing his career in the Pacific Coast League (AAA) with the Phoenix Firebirds in 1994.

NAVARRETE SIGNED TO PLAY IN MEXICO

Ducks outfielder heads to Tabasco

(Central Islip, N.Y., June 9, 2008) – Long Island Ducks team officials today announced that outfielder Ray Navarrete has had his contract purchased by Tabasco (AAA) of the Mexican League. Navarrete has been compiling a career season in 2008, batting .362 with 11 home runs and 40 RBI in just 39 games. He leads the Atlantic League in homers, runs scored (39), extra-base hits (25) and slugging percentage (.678), and is second in RBI and doubles (13).

“We’ll definitely miss Ray for his contributions both on and off the field,” says Ducks general manager Michael Pfaff. “Ray has been a credit to his teammates and to this organization. We wish him the best of luck and continued success.”

The New Jersey native is in his ninth professional season, and had his best campaign last year with Long Island, batting .307 with 67 RBI and a career-high 18 homers. He set Ducks single-season records in 2007 with 42 doubles and 62 extra-base hits, and the tied the team record with 104 runs scored. The Seton Hall graduate also spent 44 games with the Ducks in 2006, batting .284. The former Pirates and Mets prospect owns a career .284 batting average with more than 400 RBI in 880 minor league games.

The Long Island Ducks play their home games at Citibank Park and are in their ninth season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. For further information, visit http://www.liducks.com/, or call (631) 940-3825.

Tom Koehler Selected By Florida Marlins In 2008 MLB Draft

SBU Senior right-hander selected by Marlins in 18th round.

June 6, 2008

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook University senior right-hander Tom Koehler (New Rochelle, N.Y.) was selected by the Florida Marlins with the sixth pick of the 18th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Friday afternoon.
"We're extremely excited for Tom and his family," Stony Brook head coach Matt Senk said. "He has worked very hard for this and we wish him nothing but the best of luck in the future."
A two-time All-America East second team selection, Koehler went 6-5 with a 4.15 ERA in 14 starts for the Seawolves this season. He also led the America East in innings pitched (93.1) and strike outs (111) and ranked 19th in the nation with 10.71 strike outs per nine innings.
The Seawolves recently won their second America East title in five years on their way to 34 victories which is the programs most wins since 2001.

MSG MAY LAND NCAA'S IN 2012 OR 13

June 6, 2008 -- New York college basketball fans should brace for a serious case of March Madness.
Madison Square Garden is in serious discussions with the NCAA to host the NCAA Tournament's Eastern Regional semifinals and finals in 2012 and/or 2013, The Post has learned.
Although a final decision hasn't been made, the Garden is considered the strong favorite to host at least one of those seasons and perhaps both. The NCAA is loyal to venues that demonstrate the ability to smoothly run such events, meaning the Garden could also be considered in future years.
Prospects for hosting the national championship were dashed when the governing body for college sports decided to use only dome stadiums for Final Four sites. But two factors converged to make the Garden a player:
The Garden is about to begin a stunning $500 million renovation that will allow it to pursue other high-profile events - possibly the NCAA's Frozen Four and the Women's Final Four.
And the NCAA, which recently purchased the NIT, had officials at that tournament and the Big East tournament. They experienced what a great site the Garden is for hoops

HASTIE HEADED TO NCAA NATIONAL MEET

Dana Hastie, Stony Brook University

Tallahasee, Fla. - Senior Dana Hastie (Wellington, New Zealand), sophomore Jessica Hampson (Smithtown, N.Y.) and freshman Carolina Cortes (Woodmere, N.Y.) all placed for the Stony Brook outdoor track and field team this weekend at the NCAA East Regional at Florida State University.
Hastie finished 19th in the women's 5,000-meter event with a time 17:13.21. Hampson and Cortes competed in the women's 3,000-meter steeplechase, finishing 19th and 31st respectively. Hampson crossed in a time of 10:57.52, while Cortes finished in 11:49.80.

Chad Marshall Named Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-American

Chad Marshall Named Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-American

Second baseman hit .285 with 27 RBI in 54 starts this season.

June 4, 2008

Tucson, Ariz. - Freshman second baseman Chad Marshall (Paris, Ontario) was named a 2008 Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-American on Wednesday, Collegiate Baseball Newspaper announced. Marshall is the second Stony Brook University baseball player to be named a Freshmen All-American by Collegiate Baseball after sophomore Mike Stephan (Patchogue, N.Y.) was named to the squad last season.
Marshall made 54 starts at second base for the Seawolves last season, hitting .285 with 27 RBI while ranking third on the team with 57 hits. A second team All-America East selection, he finished the year as the 19th toughest batter in the nation to strike out.
The Seawolves recently won their second America East title in five years on their way to 34 victories which is the programs most wins since 2001.