BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND SOCCER STYLE AT LAVALLE - TUESDAY NIGHT!

Seawolves are 3-3-1 against Pride since joining Division I in 1999

Aug. 31, 2009

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Long Island's only two Division I programs continue the rivalry when Stony Brook takes on Hofstra on Tuesday night at 7, in the 2009 season opener for both schools. This rivalry dates all the way back to 1965 when Stony Brook topped Hofstra, 3-0. Since that meeting, the two schools have played 25 times with Hofstra holding a 13-7-5 advantage. Since joining the Division I ranks in 1999, Stony Brook is 3-3-1 against the Pride, including last year's 2-2 double-overtime tie in front of 1,000 fans at Hofstra. Last year's meeting had Hofstra taking a 2-0 lead in the 62nd minute, but Stony Brook answered with two goals including a tally from Mladen Ramic in the 87th minute. Seawolves keeper Dawid Ditrich saved Richard Martinez's penalty kick in the 79th minute.

Below is the 2009 Season Preview:

Outlook
It's not just players who can learn how to deal with, and come back from adversity. "We learned a lot of lessons last season," Stony Brook men's soccer head coach Cesar Markovic said. "Many of our team's goals this season will be based on things we weren't able to achieve last season.

Following last year's 3-12-4 record, Markovic and his staff made the spring season and, more importantly, recruiting, their top priorities. "We went back to our roots in terms of recruiting," Markovic said. "Our recruiting goals were to identify the best players in Southeastern New York, mainly the five boroughs and Long Island. We went after players hard that fit our system."

Secondly, the spring season, which pitted the Seawolves against Division II runner-up Dowling and national power Connecticut, allowed Markovic to play some of the younger guys who didn't see as much time during the fall. "This past spring season may have been as important as any during my time here," Markovic said. "Kids like Kyle McTurk and Kevin Zalewski, who didn't see as much time during the fall, got the opportunity to play quality minutes."

As a result, accoring to Markovic, McTurk learned the college game better. He was able to read the flow of the game and that made him tactically better. "Kyle's training during the spring offered me the opportunity to see some talent and leadership skills flourish," Markovic said. Zalewski, who along with McTurk, saw limited time in 11 games as a freshman. "Kevin showed us some interesting things during the spring," Markovic said. "He was very solid technically and his maturity showed us an increased confidence in his game.

So with a recruiting class Markovic describes as being "the best since I've been here" and a solid spring season, the 2009 men's soccer team has many goals, but none more important than getting back to the top of the America East and a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Goalkeepers
The graduation of starter Dawid Ditrich `09 and backup Dan Zori `09 leaves the Seawolves with no one who recorded any time in goal last season. Therefore, the goalkeeper job is open for the taking. "We're looking for consistency and leadership out of this position," Markovic said.

Redshirt-freshman Anthony Rogic (Boonton, N.J.), who missed all of last season after a thumb injury, is the only returning keeper listed on last year's roster. "Anthony has a good sense and feel for the game," Markovic said. "He's a very good shot stopper which is elevated by his excellent feet."

Defenders
Two starters from last year's squad, seniors Collin Geoghegan (Lindenhurst, N.Y.) and Damion Brown (Kingston, Jamaica) are in the mix to start again. "We expect Collin to come in fitter this season," Markovic said. "He is a tough player and has been a major contributor to our team. We're looking for him to show a side of leadership now that he's a senior."

Brown, who played in 18 games last season, has seen his role increase in recent years. "Damion was a walk-on four years ago and has developed into a legitimate defender. He has good size and athletic ability that allows him to be a player at this level."

Midfielders
Anchoring the midfield for the second straight season will be junior Greg Tinari (Holbrook, N.Y.). A transfer from St. John's University, Tinari stepped in right way as he was just one of three Seawolves to start all 19 games last season. The team's MVP last year, he once again will be looked upon as one of the team's important cogs. "Greg is a tremendous player for us," Markovic said. "He understands the game, has great technique, is coachable and has a great fitness level."

Junior Diego Acero (Greenport, N.Y.) is back for his fourth season after redshirting as a freshman. "Diego is a very mature player who adds a lot to our team on and off the field. He's been a good spark for us off the bench and changes the energy of the game. Off the field, he gives the younger guys guidance and shows them the right way to work," Markovic said.

Senior James Palumbo (Carmel, N.Y.) tied for the team lead in goals last year and Markovic has high hopes for him in his final season at Stony Brook. "James is a definite talent and has shown a lot of ability in short spurts. He's more fit and that has given him added explosiveness. We need him to be more consistent and be a leader for the new guys," Markovic said.

Sophomore Kevin Zalewski (Parsippany, N.J.) played in just 11 games last season but could be counted on as a contributor this season. `Kevin didn't get a lot of time during the season but had a good spring that showed us he's ready to perform," Markovic said.

Sophomore Kyle McTurk (Hauppauge, N.Y.) joins Zalewski as players who should see increased time in 2009. "Kyle was our most improved player from last season," Markovic said. "His tactical awareness and maturity could be assets to our team this season."

Forwards
Up front, the Seawolves return sophomore Tom Butler (Birmingham, England) and senior Oscar Leis (Ozone Park, N.Y.), who each tied with Palumbo for the team lead in goals.

Butler, who scored goals in the season opener and finale, is primed to have an even better sophomore season. "Tom has a strong body and a nose for scoring goals," Markovic said. "He found himself with a number of quality scoring opportunities and now just needs to convert those chances."

Leis, who has six career goals to his credit, is one of the team's key guys according to Markovic. "Oscar is a great teammate and team player," Markovic said. "Despite some recent injuries, he has a love and passion for our team."

Newcomers
Despite the addition of 14 new players to the 2009 roster, familiarity with each other won't be an issue. "These kids have been playing against each other or with each other for years," Markovic said. "The adjustment to each other will be minimal."

Freshman Raphael Abreu (New York, N.Y.) comes to Stony Brook from Eleanor Roosevelt High School where he was a prolific goal scorer, tallying 54 goals to go along with 30 assists in four years. He also scored two goals at the U.S. Soccer Development Winter Showcase, one of the sport's elite events. "Raphael has a unique combination of size and speed," Markovic said.

Freshman Mehdi Belakehal (St.-Hubert, Quebec) joins the Seawolves after spending a prep year at Champlain College-St. Lambert in his native Quebec. While at Champlain, he was named the CCAA Player of the Month for October and earned All-Canadian honors. "Mehdi has tremendous vision on the field. He's always looking for opportunities to set up teammates to score," Markovic said.

Sophomore Wilber Bonilla (Brentwood, N.Y.) is one of Stony Brook's more high-profiled recruits in recent history. A transfer from Hartwick College, Bonilla was a two-time high school All-American at Brentwood High School as well as the Gatorade New York State Player of the Year following the 2006 season. A top-25 national recruit by Rise Magazine, Bonilla was also on the cover of the publication. "Wilber has great vision and is tremendous on the ball," Markovic said. "He shows a lot of composure on the field and reminds me a lot of Douglas Narvaez `06."

One of two keepers brought in to challenge Rogic for the starting job is freshman Danny Bonomini (Holbrook, N.Y.). "Danny has a great physique for a goalkeeper," Markovic said. "He has a tremendous upside and at 6'4'' should be a presence in goal."

Looking to contribute up front is freshman Antonio Crespi (North Babylon, N.Y.). Crespi is an all-league and all-conference performer, who was one of Suffolk County's leading scorers as a senior. An all-league selection in basketball, Crespi was chosen to the Suffolk County Exceptional Senior Team last fall. "Antonio is a super athletic kid who has a knack for scoring goals in big spots," Markovic said.

A high school teammate of Crespi, Leonardo Fernandes (North Babylon, N.Y.) provides the Seawolves with some scoring punch from the midfield position. A first team all-state and all-region selection, Fernandes also was one of Suffolk County's leading scorers as well as a U.S. Soccer Development Academy Northeast Best XI. "Leonardo is an extremely skilled left-footed player with great ability to break down defenders one-on-one," Markovic said. "I would compare Leo to Michael Palacio `08."

A former club teammate of Belakehal, freshman Berian Gobeil (Montreal, Quebec) is a player that could make an immediate impact in the attacking third. "Berian has an elegant touch on the ball," Markovic said. "He has a lot of quality competition under his belt."

Freshman Christian Galindo (Brentwood, N.Y.) comes to Stony Brook after winning a state championship at Brentwood High School and a number one ranking in the polls. "Christian has been a winner at every level. He was a starting left back on one of the best U.S. Soccer Academy teams in the country," Markovic said.

Freshman Stefan Manz (Bronx, N.Y.) is the other goalkeeper Markovic signed to challenge Rogic and Bonomini for the starting job. "Stefan has tremendous speed for a keeper. He gets down well from a standing position," Markovic said.

A former national team pool and all-state selection, freshman Cristian Quevedo (Smithtown, N.Y.) is rated as a top-50 recruit by Top Drawer Soccer. "Cristian has a tremendous will to win. His field awareness will be an asset to our team," Markovic said.

All-state selection Christian Molinar (Bay Shore, N.Y.) is another local product who scored six goals as a defender. "Christian is a talented lefty who plays with composure and maturity beyond his years," Markovic said.

A club player for Markovic's Stony Brook Heat team, freshman Kyle Schlesinger (Selden, N.Y.) adds speed to the Seawolves' midfield. "Kyle's best asset is his quick feet. He's going to surprise some teams with his quickness," Markovic said.

Stony Brook's top recruit from a year ago, sophomore Serigne Sylla (New York, N.Y.) joins the Seawolves after spending a year upstate at Division III SUNY-Cobleskill. "Serigne is a great athlete. He has tremendous speed and quickness," Markovic said.

Freshman Peter Touros (Astoria, N.Y.) comes from an extensive soccer background, joining three members of his family who played college soccer. "Peter has a strong body with great speed. His drive to attack makes him a great player," Markovic said.

Schedule
For the first time since 2005, the Seawolves open the season at home when they face Hofstra on September 1. Following games at Harvard (Sept. 4) and Bryant (Sept. 6), the Seawolves face St. John's, the top-ranked team in the preseason by College Soccer News, in Queens on September 11. "St. John's has been the class of local soccer and we're looking forward to playing them," Markovic said. Stony Brook returns home to face Seton Hall on September 13, in a match representing one of the top schools to ever visit LaValle Stadium. "It's going to be exciting for our players and fans to see a Big East school at our stadium," Markovic said.

The Seawolves continue non-conference action at Long Island University on September 16 and travel to the University of Evansville for the Aces Invitational that weekend. Stony Brook opens the tournament against Eastern Illinois on September 18 and faces Evansville two days later. In 2006 the Seawolves defeated Evansville, 1-0, in the same invitational. Matches against Quinnipiac (Sept. 20) and Adelphi (Sept. 26) round out the non-conference slate.

Stony Brook opens conference play at Boston University on October 3 and travels to face UMBC on October 7. The Seawolves return home for three straight home matches, beginning with in-state rivals Binghamton on October 10 and Albany on October 17 before facing Vermont on October 21. They are at New Hampshire on October 24 and close the regular season at home against Hartford on October 31.

Women's Soccer Ties #23 Rutgers, 1-1, On Late Gilley Goal

Senior Marisa Viola makes 13 saves.

Piscataway, N.J. - Freshman Meghan Gilley (Macungie, Pa.) scored her first career goal with 2:46 left in regulation to lead the Stony Brook University women's soccer team to a 1-1 tie with the #23 Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Sunday night at Yurcak Field. Senior goalkeeper Marisa Viola (Cutchogue, N.Y.) made 13 saves for Stony Brook. Stony Brook is now 0-1-1 while Rutgers is 2-0-1.
Trailing 1-0 in the final minutes of the game, the Seawolves mounted one last attack as sophomore Colleen McKenna (Manorville, N.Y.) sent a cross into the 18-yard box that Rutgers goalkeeper Emmy Simpkins deflected. But Simpkins was unable to corral the loose ball and Gilley stole it and put it in the back of the net to tie the game at 1-1. It was the first goal scored against the Scarlet Knights this season.
Viola and the Seawolves defense allowed just one goal against a Rutgers offense that had scored a combined seven goals in its first two games. The 13 saves were the third most Viola has made in her brilliant Stony Brook career.
Freshman Taryn Schoenbeck (Newark, Del.) nearly gave the Seawolves the victory in the first overtime as she one-timed a cross from McKenna just wide of the left post. The Scarlet Knights almost scored at the beginning of the first overtime but Karla Schacher's shot hit the post.
Rutgers took a 1-0 lead in the 57th minute as Stefanee Pace took a cross from Ashley Jones and struck the ball just past Viola into the lower right corner of the net. Simpkins did not make a save on the night for Rutgers.
The Scarlet Knights nearly took the lead midway through the first half when Jones got behind the Seawolves defense. But Viola was able to dive to her right and tip away the shot from Jones. The game went into halftime scoreless as Viola made five saves.

Stony Brook returns to action on Friday, Sept. 4, traveling to take on East Carolina. Game time is set for 4 p.m.

Volleyball Battles Maryland to 3-2 Defeat In Season Opener

Calinda records double-double

Box Score
College Park, Md. - Stony Brook University's volleyball team battled Maryland for five sets in its season opener on Friday night in College Park, Maryland, eventually dropping the match 3-2 (22-25, 25-21, 25-20, 24-26, 15-9). Senior Harmonie Calinda (Huntington, N.Y.) led the Seawolves, recording a double-double in her first match for SBU with 20 kills and 21 digs. Senior Jamie Watson (New City, N.Y.) and junior Jeanette Gibbs (Port Jefferson Station, N.Y.) also had double-digit digs with 17 and 14 respectively.
SBU opened the 2009 season with a bang, stealing the first set from the host Terrapins, 25-22. Despite falling behind 3-0 early, the Seawolves rallied, going on an 11-3 run which featured kills from Calinda, Gibbs and senior Lisa Doremus (Glendale, Ariz.). Maryland pulled within one at 15-14, but following an SBU timeout, the Seawolves slowly pulled away, with Calinda capping the set off with her sixth kill of the frame.
Maryland did not stay down for long, however, as they utilized strong hitting from Maddi Lee and Kara Bates to take the second and third sets. The Terrapins posted kill percentages of .406 and .341, respectively, in those sets.
The fourth set was by far the most exciting of the night as the two teams battled back-and-forth, tying the score 13 times and exchanging leads three times. SBU opened the first sizable lead of the set on a kill by senior Lindsey Gordon (N. Patchogue, N.Y.) which put the Seawolves up 14-11 and sent the Terrapins into a timeout. Junior Ashley Headen (Alexandria, Va.) helped the Seawolves maintain the lead, recording her third kill of the frame to put the score at 19-15. Maryland slowly chipped away, eventually knotting the score at 24-24 on Bates' fifth kill. The Seawolves fought back though as Headen answered with a kill of her own before combining with sophomore Kelsey Sullivan (Hamilton, Va.) on the set-ending block.


In the fifth and deciding set, SBU and Maryland exchanged blows as a kill by Gordon tied the score at 3-3. However, the Terps then went on a 7-1 run highlighted by three kills by Bates. Maryland extended its lead to 14-6 before the Seawolves rallied back with three straight points. The Terrapins proved to be too much though, as they closed SBU out with a 15-9 win.
Stony Brook will play twice on Saturday, facing Villanova at 11:00 a.m. before playing Youngstown State at 5:00 p.m.

Stony Brook Football Preview - Tight Ends

Seawolves Return Three Letterwinners from 2008

Stony Brook, N.Y. - With fall football practice now in full swing for the Stony Brook University Seawolves, GoSeawolves.org will present a position by position look at the 2009 team during the course of fall camp. Today the Stony Brook tight ends will be featured.
While the wide-out corps is relatively inexperienced, Stony Brook's tight ends are an experienced group, with a trio of solid seniors returning to the squad.
Senior Chris Tyler (Rocky Hill, Conn.) started at tight end last season and averaged 11 yards per catch for the Seawolves. Senior Melaquan Saffold (Syracuse, N.Y.), who also fills the role of lead blocker for the running game, has regularly slipped out of the backfield during his career, making 15 catches and scoring three touchdowns. Senior Bo Cassel (Rough and Ready, Calif.) was solid in his first season at Stony Brook, playing in 10 games and bringing in five catches and leading the group with 75 total yards.
Sophomore Brett Arce (Coalinga, Calif.) and redshirt freshman David Shukri (Lindenhurst, N.Y.) will provide depth at the position for the Seawolves. Arce has one season of junior college experience under his belt while Shukri redshirted last season as he gained a year of experience in the program.
"The tight end position will be another strength of our team," remarked head coach Chuck Priore. "Chris Tyler and Melaquan Saffold are four-year players that bring a lot of experience, and Bo Cassel coming off his first year in our program gives us a number of options. We also brought in Brett Arce to the mix from the junior college ranks, so it will be a strong position for us. We need and use a lot of tight ends; their ability to contribute on both the blocking side and receiving side will be very important to our success."

Nick Tropeano Named Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League Pitcher of the Year

Tropeano also named the No. 1 prospect in the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League (ACBL) by Baseball America.

Click Here to read about Tropeano in Baseball America.
Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook University sophomore right hander Nick Tropeano (West Islip, N.Y.) has been named the Atlantic College Baseball League Pitcher of the Year, the league recently announced. Tropeano was also selected as the No. 1 prospect in the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League (ACBL) by Baseball America.
Tropeano went 7-3 with a 1.61 ERA for the Riverhead Tomcats this summer, leading the ACBL in victories and ERA as well as strikeouts (77). He allowed just 36 hits in 50.1 innings of work and walked only 14 batters.
An America East All-Rookie selection, Tropeano made 14 appearances, including eight starts, for SBU this season as he went 5-1 in 58.0 innings of work. The West Islip, N.Y. native ranked fourth in the conference in complete games (four) and second in strikeouts per game (7.76).

STONY BROOK FOOTBALL PREVIEW - DEFENSIVE BACKS

All Four Starters Return for 2009

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Like it was a year ago, the Stony Brook defensive backfield is a talented and deep group that should prove to be among the best units in the Big South Conference. All four starters return from 2008, as well as three other letterwinners that will make the group one of the most experienced in the league.

Senior Cory Giddings (Ocean, N.J.) has been a key part of the Stony Brook defensive backfield since his freshman season, starting all but three games since he arrived on the SBU campus. One of those players who seems to be able to come up with the big play when needed, his five career interceptions lead the team as do his three defensive touchdowns scored. A versatile player for the Seawolves, he can play at either the corner or safety positions.

Fellow senior Chris Richards (Quartz Hills, Calif.) picked off a pair of passes in his first game at Stony Brook a year ago and went on to become an All-Big South selection at cornerback. An athletic player that is capable of locking down a receiver, he is also a sure-handed tackler that lets few opponents through his grasp. Moving up from his corner position a year ago he was among the team leaders with 32 solo tackles.

Moving into a starting role after a season-ending injury to one of Stony Brook's safeties, junior Arin West (Toms River, N.J.) proved to be a valuable addition to the defense and finished the season leading all defensive backs with 58 tackles. With that year of experience he will be a key player in the middle of the Stony Brook defense in 2009.

Senior Benjamin Clements (Glen Burnie, Md.) is also a versatile player in the defensive backfield and gives the team an option at either corner or a safety position. A regular for the past two seasons for SBU, he has been among the leaders in the defensive backfield in tackles in each of those two seasons. Sophomore Corey Stringer (Warren, Ohio) is also ready to step in and contribute after missing last season with an injury.

Senior Dayton Guillory (Bossier City, La.) started the season primarily as a special teams player in his first season at SBU, but saw more playing time at a corner position as the season progressed and he gained experience in the Seawolves' system. With that experience under his belt he will give SBU some valuable depth at corner. Among the safeties, redshirt freshman Dominick Reyes (Hesperia, Calif.) had a strong spring season and appears ready to make a contribution in 2009 after spending last year learning the SBU defensive system.
Senior Luis Altamiranda (Mamaroneck, N.Y.) made the switch to defensive back a year ago from offense and was a strong contributor on special teams for the Seawolves. With his experience from a year ago he will provide depth for SBU while still playing a role with the special teams units.

A promising group of new faces will bolster the defensive backfield in 2009 for Stony Brook. Highlighting the group are two talented players who are expected to challenge for playing time right away. Justin Blake (Piscataway, N.J.) and Taj Johnson (Upland, Calif.) bring all-state credentials with them from New Jersey and California after standout prep careers that saw Blake pick off three passes as a senior and Johnson coming up with a pair of interceptions in his final season. A two-time all-conference selection, A.J. Valentine (Marlton, N.J.), also from New Jersey, will add valuable depth to the position.

"Our secondary is one of the stronger positions on our team," said head coach Chuck Priore. "We bring back some quality players like Cory Giddings who has been a four-year player for us, and Arin West and Chris Richards, both of whom have two years of experience with us. We also have a lot of depth with players like Corey Stringer, Dominick Reyes, Benji Clements and Dayton Guillory. We are in a passing league and our secondary is strong and should be able to compete against those passing attacks with the talent and depth that we have."

Five America East Schools Cited for Excellence by U.S. News and World Report

Five America East Schools Cited for Excellence by U.S. News and World Report

Five America East institutions are ranked among the top 110 national universities according to the U.S News and World Report America's Best College Guide annual survey released Thursday, August 20. Of the nation's Division I and Football Championship Subdivisions, only the Ivy League had more institutions in the top 110.
Boston University ranked tied for the 56th position, the highest rating for any of the nine America East institutions. Binghamton University (80, tie), University of Vermont (88, tie), Stony Brook University (96,, tie) and University of New Hampshire (110, tie) were others highly rated among the national universities.
"America East is proud to be well-represented among the top institutions in higher education," said Commissioner Patrick Nero. "We recognize the commitment of the Presidents and faculty who position our schools among the very best in the nation in undergraduate and graduate education, as well as research."
Binghamton (No. 37), Vermont (39), Stony Brook (43) and New Hampshire (55) rated among the subdivision of top public national universities.
To rank colleges and universities, U.S. News and World Report first assigns schools to a group of their peers, based on the basic categories developed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in 2006. Those in the national universities group are the "262 American universities that offer a wide range of undergraduate majors as well as master's and doctoral degrees; many strongly emphasize research."
In each category, data on up to 15 indicators of academic quality are gathered from each school and tabulated. Schools are ranked within categories by their total weighted score.
UMBC (No. 1) and Vermont (No. 10) were also named the top "up-and-coming" universities by the same publication.

STONY BROOK FOOTBALL PREVIEW - RECEIVERS

Group Promises Has Potential to be Deep and Talented

Stony Brook, N.Y. - With fall football practice now in full swing for the Stony Brook University Seawolves, GoSeawolves.org will present a position by position look at the 2009 team during the course of fall camp. Today the Stony Brook receivers will be featured.


If there is an area where new faces will be prominent for the Stony Brook offense it will be at wide receiver where the team lost its top three players in terms of catches and yardage. There are a number of candidates waiting to step up in 2009, but it will be an inexperienced group that starts the season for the Seawolves.

Senior Stephan Towns (San Diego, Calif.) looks to be the top candidate for one of the wide out slots. He played in six games in 2008 but made just one catch during the season. His speed has impressed in off-season drills, however, and he is expected to make a contribution in 2009 after grabbing six passes, two for scores, in the spring game.

Junior Donald Porter (Charles Town, W.Va.) has turned into one of Stony Brook's top return specialists during his first two seasons at SBU and enters 2009 as the top returning receiver in terms of catches with 11 to his credit a year ago. Senior Adrian Sawyer (Oakland, Calif.) had a solid first year for the Seawolves last season playing as a tight end, making 10 catches including the game-winner against Charleston Southern. He will move to the outside in 2009 where his size could play a factor against smaller defensive backs.

Junior Michael Lepore (Brick, N.J.) made seven catches in a reserve role in 2008 while also serving as the team's primary holder on field goals and extra points and is a candidate for more time at a receiver position. Junior Cameron Hall (Foothill Ranch, Calif.) comes to Stony Brook from the West Coast JC ranks where he hauled in 51 passes last season, making him one of the most experienced receivers on the team in terms of game time. Jordan Gush (Richardson, Texas) redshirted his first season at Stony Brook and is ready to step in after taking last season to learn the offense.

"We graduated the two guys who have led us in receiving over the last three years, but we came out of spring ball very pleased where we are at receiver," said head coach Chuck Priore. "Stephan Towns came out of the spring as our leading receiver. DJ Porter, Mike Lepore and Jordan Gush all stepped up and had great springs as well. We also have Cameron Hall coming in from junior college as well as newcomers Matt Brevi and Myles Campbell who will all add to the mix to give us good balance and experience."

All Stony Brook Football Games Will Be Aired Live on WUSB

Chuck Priore Report Returns to WUSB Sunday

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook football fans will be able follow the Seawolves during the 2009 season via the airwaves as WUSB radio (90.1 FM) will again broadcast all 11 games live. Jeff Bernstein, Curt Hylton and Mike Solano will all return to bring Stony Brook football action to listeners, with each broadcast scheduled to begin 15 minutes before the scheduled kick-off of each game. Air time for Stony Brook's season opener at Hofstra on September 5th will be at 6:45 p.m.

Head Coach Chuck Priore will also return with the "Chuck Priore Report" this fall. The segment will run as a regular feature throughout the football season on WUSB's "Sports Section" starting this Sunday from 10:05 to 10:20 p.m.

Live audio and video streaming for all 11 of Stony Brook's games in 2009 will be available through the official Stony Brook Athletics website at www.goseawolves.org.

Stony Brook Selected to Host 2011 NCAA Division I Women's Lacrosse Championship

National Championship Finals Will Be Held May 27-29, 2011

Indianapolis, Ind. - A national championship event is headed to Stony Brook University and Long Island with the announcement by the NCAA today that Stony Brook will host the 2011 NCAA Division I Women's Lacrosse Championship. The event will be held at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium on May 27 and 29, 2011.

Stony Brook, which will be hosting the event for the first time, now has two NCAA Championship events coming to its campus over the next two years. The University will also serve as the host site of the 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Lacrosse North quarterfinals. Stony Brook will be just the second host for the Division I Women's Lacrosse Championship from the state of New York since the inception of the championship in 1982. The women's 2011 championship will be the third NCAA Championship hosted by SBU as the school also hosted a men's lacrosse quarterfinal in 2006.

"We are excited to award the 2011 championship to Stony Brook University. The committee was thoroughly impressed with Stony Brook's bid and recent NCAA championship events hosted by the University. Those factors, combined with the growth of lacrosse on Long Island, will no doubt make this an outstanding championship weekend" said Ryan Bamford, Chair of the NCAA Division I Women's Lacrosse Committee and Senior Associate Director of Athletics at Yale University.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to once again partner with the NCAA to host a Championship event," said Jim Fiore, Stony Brook University Director of Athletics. "This is a phenomenal opportunity for Stony Brook University, the Long Island community and our women's lacrosse program. We are fortunate and thankful for the opportunity to host a NCAA championship event and look forward to highlighting and celebrating the exciting sport of women's lacrosse. We will continue to build on the momentum created by hosting the 2006 and 2010 NCAA men's lacrosse quarterfinals and will expect a superb event for the Women's Lacrosse National Championship in 2011

Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium will be the host facility for both the men's quarterfinals in 2010 and women's championship in 2011. The facility, which saw its all-time attendance record of 8,335 set in 2006 at the first men's quarterfinal event held there, had a new, 89,298 square foot FieldTurf surface installed in June.

Stony Brook's women's lacrosse coaching staff is no stranger to NCAA Championship competition. Head Coach Allison Comito was a member of four national championship squads at Maryland, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime in the 2001 championship against Georgetown. Assistant coach Molly Lambert was also a member of the 2001 Maryland national championship squad. "I am very excited that we will be bringing our national championship to LaValle Stadium to share this great sport with the many talented players on Long Island and from the surrounding areas," said Comito. "Our university and staff are extremely supportive of women's lacrosse and I look forward to the opportunity to be a part of this event for Stony Brook and all fans of women's lacrosse."

2009 STONY BROOK DEFENSIVE LINE PREVIEW

Group Will Be Inexperienced, But Talented

Stony Brook, N.Y. - With fall football practice now in full swing for the Stony Brook University Seawolves, GoSeawolves.org will present a position by position look at the 2009 team during the course of fall camp. Today the Stony Brook defensive line will be featured.

As experienced as the defensive line was going into last season, the front of the Stony Brook defense will be the least experienced part of the unit going into the 2009 season. That is not to say that there is no talent available, but the unit will be young and inexperienced after the group lost all of its starters from last season to graduation.

One player that returns with some experience is sophomore Ryan Haber (Lafayette Hill, Pa.). After redshirting his freshman season, Haber made his debut last year and saw action in eight games. He showed a knack for making big plays, finishing among the team leaders in tackles for loss, with his total yardage lost on those stops ranking fourth on the squad. Another player with experience is senior Josh Auerbach (Langhorne, Pa.). After spending the latter half of the 2008 season as a blocking back on offense, he will move back to the defensive side of the ball where he has played in 18 games during his career.

While he has yet to play a down at Stony Brook, senior Christopher Perri (Alameda, Calif.) should emerge as one of the stalwarts of the line. He brings Big 12 playing experience to the line after transferring from Colorado where he was a regular for the Buffalos during the 2007 season After sitting out last season after transferring from Colorado, . Another transfer that could help right away is senior Ryan Sollazzo (Valrico, Fla.). He comes to the Seawolves from the program at Florida Atlantic where he appeared in 10 games over two seasons.

A pair to watch for after strong spring seasons are sophomore Michael Marino (Middle Island, N.Y.) and junior Frank Conti (Lake Grove, N.Y.). Marino sat out last season after transferring from Southern Connecticut State and is a Long Island native, earning All-Suffolk County honors at Longwood High School. Conti is another local product that spent the past two seasons at nearby Nassau Community College where he lettered twice.

Immediate help from the JC ranks should come in the person of Joseph Kirkpatrick (Athens, Texas). An all-conference selection at Trinity Valley CC in Texas, he could step into a significant role right away. Two other first-year players could also play big roles on the Stony Brook defensive line. Sophomore Alex Probasco (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) has not played football in two years, but brings first team all-state credentials with him from California where he made 85 solo tackles as a senior in high school. True freshmen Elias Martinez (Long Beach, Calif.) and Julio Geronimo (East Orange, N.J.) could also play a role right away after strong high school careers in California and New Jersey respectively.

"This is probably my biggest concern going into the preseason," remarked head coach Chuck Priore. "It is certainly not for lack of talent, but for a lack of experience. That being said, we have two of the best defensive linemen that I have had since I have been at Stony Brook in Ryan Haber and Chris Perri. Both of them will be very successful in the new defensive scheme as well as provide leadership on the field. We need to build depth with a couple of transfers, our returning players and our freshman class."

Tom Koehler Promoted By Florida Marlins; Michael Tansey Signs With Rockford Riverhawks

Tansey becomes 29th player under head coach Matt Senk to sign a professional contract.

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Former Stony Brook University baseball player Tom Koehler '08 has been promoted by the Florida Marlins to play for the Advanced-A Jupiter Hammerheads of the Florida State League. Koehler was drafted by the Marlins in the 18th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. It was also announced that former Seawolf Michael Tansey '09 has signed a professional contract with the Rockford Riverhawks.
Through 18 starts this season, Koehler was 5-5 with a 3.20 ERA for the Class-A Greensboro Grasshoppers of the South Atlantic League. The New Rochelle, N.Y. native allowed just 88 hits in 98.1 innings of work, striking out 82 batters.
A two-time, All-America East second team selection, Koehler went 6-5 with a 4.15 ERA in 14 starts for the Seawolves as a senior. He also led the America East in innings pitched (93.1) and strikeouts (111) and ranked 19th in the nation with 10.71 strike outs per nine innings. Koehler finished his four-year Stony Brook career second in program history in innings pitched (293.1) and third in strikeouts (297).
An All-America East first team selection in 2009, Tansey led the conference with 18 doubles. The Valley Stream, N.Y. native ranked third in the America East with 13 home runs in addition to hitting .343 and leading the Seawolves with 50 runs scored. The Riverhawks are members of the Frontier League, which is an independent professional league.
Tansey is the 29th player to sign a professional contract under Stony Brook head coach Matt Senk.

STONY BROOK FOOTBALL BEGINS PRESEASON CAMP MONDAY!

Seawolves Begin Preparation for Season Opener on September 5

Stony Brook, N.Y.

Pads hitting together, footballs being kicked, whistles; all of the sounds of football practice will return to the Stony Brook University campus next week when the Seawolves open preseason camp on Monday to begin the countdown to the 2009 football season. After gathering on campus on Sunday for physicals and team meetings, head coach Chuck Priore and his staff will guide the team through its first practice on Monday at 4:30 in LaValle Stadium.
Monday’s workout begins a series of 27 practices and a pair of scrimmages over the next four weeks as Stony Brook prepares for the season opener at Hofstra on September 5 at 7:00 p.m. It will be the first time since 1984 that Stony Brook has opened a football season at Hofstra, with that contest being the first-ever varsity game played by SBU. The 2009 season also marks the second year for the Seawolves in the Big South Conference where they finished second in 2008 and were picked to duplicate that finish in the 2009 preseason poll. Stony Brook will open at home in 2009 on September 19 when it hosts Brown, with the first Big South game of the year coming against Presbyterian on October 3 in LaValle Stadium.
Stony Brook will practice once each day next week leading up to the first workout in full pads on Friday. The Seawolves will have their first two-practice day on Saturday, with the first of two scrimmages scheduled for Friday, August 21 at 3:30 p.m. A complete schedule for fall camp practices is listed below. All practices are open to the public.

2009 Stony Brook Preseason Football Camp Practice Schedule:

Monday, August 10 – 4:30 (helmets)

Tuesday, August 11 – 3:30 (helmets)

Wednesday, August 12 – 3:00 (uppers)

Thursday, August 13 – 3:00 (uppers)

Friday, August 14 – 3:00 (full)

Saturday, August 15 – 9:30 (helmets) & 3:30 (full)

Sunday, August 16 – 3:30 (uppers)

Monday, August 17 – 9:30 (helmets) & 3:30 (full)

Tuesday, August 18 – Off

Wednesday, August 19 – 9:30 (helmets) & 3:30 (full)

Thursday, August 20 – 3:30 (full)

Friday, August 21 – 9:30 (helmets) & 3:30 (scrimmage)

Saturday, August 22 – Off

Sunday, August 23 – 9:30 (full) & 3:30 (helmets)

Monday, August 24 – 3:30 (full)

Tuesday, August 25 – 9:30 (helmets) & 3:30 (uppers)

Wednesday, August 26 – 3:00 (full)

Thursday, August 27 – 3:30 (uppers)

Friday, August 28 – 10:00 (scrimmage)

Saturday, August 29 – Off

Sunday, August 30 – 3:45 (uppers)

Monday, August 31 – 4:00 (helmets)

Tuesday, September 1 – 3:00 (full)

Wednesday, September 2 – 3:00 (full)

Thursday, September 3 – 3:00 (uppers)

Friday, September 4 – 2:10 (helmets)

Saturday, September 5 – 7:00 (Season opener at Hofstra)

STONY BROOK ATHLETICS HOLDS EIGHTH ANNUAL DOWNEY MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING

Outing featured 152 golfers including 41 alums

Stony Brook, N.Y. -

Eight Annual Deputy Chief Raymond M. Downey Memorial Golf Outing Photo Gallery

Stony Brook University's athletic department held its Eighth Annual Deputy Chief Raymond M. Downey Memorial Golf Outing, on July 27, at the Hamlet Willow Creek & Country Club in Mt. Sinai. The outing raised over $46,000 for the Downey Scholarship Endowment and Stony Brook Football.

A total of 152 golfers including 41 alums took to the course in support of Stony Brook Football and Deputy Chief Downey, who died in the line of duty while helping others escape from the World Trade Center on September 11. The outing, which was sold out, included an 18-hole best-ball tournament, a dinner and silent auction.

For more information on the Deputy Chief Raymond M. Downey Scholarship Endowment and how to become part of next year's outing on Monday, July 26, 2010, contact Susan Abbott at (631) 632-4647.