continuing the tradition
2007-08 ANNUAL REPORT
Dear Friends of Hofstra Athletics, Welcome to the 2007-08 Hofstra Athletics annual report, Continuing the Tradition. The report is a broad look back at student-athletes, coaches, and teams that are a part of our University’s history. Since its first athletic contest in 1935, Hofstra University has remained committed to offering a highly competitive athletics program. Throughout its history, the men and women who have represented Hofstra in athletic competition have been devoted to academic and athletic excellence. This mission continues today. The many achievements from this past year serve as another chapter in the Pride’s outstanding history. Four Colonial Athletic Association championships, NCAA Tournament wins by women’s soccer, softball and wrestling, and the men’s lacrosse victory over #1 Johns Hopkins highlighted this past year. Additionally, several student-athletes received AllAmerican and Academic All-American honors, and men’s basketball standout Antoine Agudio became Hofstra’s all-time leading scorer, breaking the record Steve Nisenson had established in 1965.
Jack Hayes and Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz with 2008 Hall of Fame inductee Arthur Strunk ’52
As you read through this report, I hope you enjoy looking back at the rich tradition of Hofstra Athletics. This publication includes photos of teams and individuals that have helped Hofstra Athletics become what it is today. The names and the playing facilities have changed, but the commitment to be successful and represent Hofstra University in a first-class manner remains. We are excited about the challenges and opportunities that await us in 200809, and we look forward to having you join us as the tradition continues. Sincerely,
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Jack Hayes Director of Athletics
The Hofstra Softball Class of 2008 – Pam Dreslinski, Courtney Oliver and Genevieve Haney – is the winningest class in program history. The trio poses with Jack Hayes and President Rabinowitz at the 2008 Pride Student-Athlete Awards Banquet
Softball has won 11 consecutive conference titles, including seven straight CAA Championships
The women’s soccer team advanced to the NCAA Second Round after winning the CAA Championship for the second time in three years
Championship Teams The 1968 men’s soccer team, which won the MAC Championship and advanced to the NCAA Championship, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2008
Throughout its history Hofstra has won many conference championships, including four CAA Championships during the 2007-08 season. Since 1999-00, the Pride has claimed 35 conference championships in football, volleyball, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, men’s basketball, wrestling, softball, men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse and men’s tennis.
Men’s lacrosse won its second conference championship in three seasons
The wrestling program has won the CAA Championship each year since joining the league in 2001-02
3 The 1981-82 women’s basketball team went 27-9 and won the Eastern AIAW Division II championship to advance to the AIAW Division II National Championship Tournament
The 1992 team was Hofstra’s first Women’s Soccer squad
Women’s Soccer Tradition Rebecca Wachsberger ’06 holds Hofstra’s all-time saves record with 302
The women’s soccer team has achieved a great deal in a short time. The 1993 season marked the first year as a Division I program, and in 1994 the team won 16 games and advanced to the ECAC Tournament quarterfinals. The team has won 165 games and has made two NCAA Tournament appearances in its 15-year history. Christa Eidenweil ’01 scored 39 goals during her career and ranks #1 on the Pride’s career goal scoring list
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JoAnne Russell (center), a member of the Hall of Fame Class of 2008, is flanked by Women’s Soccer Coach Simon Riddiough (left), and current and former players at the 2008 Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame Luncheon. JoAnne won 138 games during her 13-year coaching career at Hofstra
Suzanne Newell ’98 is Hofstra’s all-time leading scorer with 89 points, and holds single game records with four goals and nine points versus Central Connecticut in 1996 Jerilyn Marinan ’01 holds the program record for assists with 26 and ranks in the top five in goals (27) and points (80)
2007 Women’s Soccer Review • Posted an 18-4 record • 18 wins is a school record • Won second CAA Championship in three years to advance to NCAA Championship
Brooke DeRosa’s 14 goals tied for the second highest single season mark in program history
• Earned first NCAA win with 1-0 victory over Ohio State
Sue Weber was a finalist for the National Women’s Soccer Player of the Year
• Senior class won 53 games during its four years and is the winningest class in program history • Brooke DeRosa and Sue Weber were named third team AllAmericans • Sue Weber became the first threetime CAA Defensive Player of the Year in conference history • Edel Malone, Sue Weber and Brooke DeRosa were first team All-CAA and All-Northeast Region selections
Krystal Robens’ 12 shutouts in 2007 were a school record
Tiffany Yovino was named a second team Freshman All-American
• Sue Weber was the Big Apple Soccer Player of the Year and the Nassau County Sports Commission Female College Athlete of the Year
5 Simon Riddiough was named the Northeast Region Coach of the Year
Walter “Brick” Stone founded the program and served as its head coach for 13 years, winning 77 dual matches
Jon Masa ’06 is Hofstra’s only three-time All-American, earning the honor in 2003, 2005 and 2006, and was the 2005 CAA Wrestler of the Year
Wrestling Tradition
Marty Willigan ’69, a 2007 inductee into the Hofstra Hall of Fame, was Hofstra’s first Wrestling All-American after earning the honor in 1968 and 1969
The wrestling program began at Hofstra in 1946, with the 1947-48 squad serving as Hofstra’s first varsity team. The Pride has sent wrestlers to the NCAA Championships in 43 seasons and has earned 25 All-America accolades, including a school-record four in 2007. The Pride scored their first win over a top-ranked program when it upended #1 Minnesota, 18-17, at the 2006 Northeast Duals. Noel Thompson ’04 was a four-time NCAA Championships qualifier and a two-time CAA champion
Eric Schmiesing ’01 was a two-time All-American and a four-time Academic All-American
6 Russell Jones ’99 was the ECWA Champion at 184 pounds in 1999 and was also named Most Outstanding Wrestler at the 1999 New York State Championship
2007-08 Wrestling Review • Compiled a 13-8 record • Went 6-0 in the CAA to extend conference unbeaten streak to 60 matches • Won CAA Championship for seventh consecutive season
Alton Lucas won 29 matches in 2007-08 and qualified for his first NCAA Championship after winning the CAA title at 174 pounds
Charles Griffin won 126 matches during his Hofstra career and is the ninth Pride wrestler to earn two AllAmerica accolades
• Sent seven wrestlers to the NCAA Championships and placed 15th as a team • Charles Griffin (third place) and Alton Lucas (eighth place) earned All-America accolades
Dave Tomasette was a two-time CAA Champion and qualified for four NCAA Championships during his tenure
• Charles Griffin earned his second straight CAA Wrestler of the Year Award • Ryan Patrovich and Justin Danz were selected to the CAA AllRookie Team • Lou Ruggirello was the top ranked wrestler at 133 pounds in November, becoming the Pride’s first-ever #1 ranked wrestler
7 Lou Ruggirello repeated as CAA champion in 2007-08 and was also named to the NWCA All-Academic team
Dana Bennett ’99 was the first Hofstra player to record 10 home runs in a season in 1999 and ranks sixth all-time with 23
Jen Smith ’00 was a two-time America East Pitcher of the Year and won 78 games for the Pride in her four seasons. She also collected 234 hits, including 44 doubles
Stacy Jackson ’95 was a 2007 inductee into the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame and helped lead the Pride to the 1993 and 1995 NCAA Championship. She holds several school records, including victories (96), innings pitched (885) and no-hitters (6)
Softball Tradition
Ashley Lane ’07 (below) was a fourtime All-CAA selection and holds Hofstra career records with 40 home runs and 180 RBIs
Hofstra has established itself as one of the top softball programs in the country, winning an NCAA-record 11 consecutive conference championships and advancing to 11 NCAA Softball Championships, including six consecutive. The program has advanced to three regional finals in the last five years and has won 12 NCAA Tournament games in the last six years. The program also holds many victories over nationally-ranked teams, including one over top-ranked UCLA, 10-5, in 2000. Heather Brousseau ’03 was an Academic All-American in 2003, as well as a two-time All-CAA selection
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Danielle Stewart ’03 became Hofstra’s first Olympic medalist when she won a bronze medal as part of the Australian team at the 2008 Beijing Games
The 1998 team won the America East Championship, starting Hofstra’s record run of 11 consecutive conference titles
2008 Softball Review • Posted a 45-13 record • 45 victories is a school record • Won its 11th straight conference championship to extend its own NCAA record • Hosted an NCAA Regional for the third consecutive season
Courtney Oliver had a team-high four home runs and 40 RBIs in 2008, and also posted a 10-3 mark in the circle
• Finished 19th in the rating percentage index (RPI) out of 282 teams • Hofstra’s senior class of Pam Dreslinski, Genevieve Haney and Courtney Oliver became the winningest class in program history with 166 wins in their four seasons
Kayleigh Lotti was 23-6 this past season and ranked sixth in the nation in fewest hits allowed per seven innings (3.7)
• Kayleigh Lotti established a new career strikeout record with 743, surpassing Hall of Famer Stacy Jackson’s 638 set from 1992 to 1995 • Michele DePasquale’s 25-game hitting streak broke the 18-game record set by Hall of Fame player Crystal Boyd in 1993
Bill Edwards was named CAA Coach of the Year
• Kris Root’s 26 stolen bases were also a school record, surpassing the old mark of 21 set by Laura Sweeney in 2006 • Kayleigh Lotti was the CAA Pitcher of the Year for the second consecutive season • Six players – Kayleigh Lotti, Michele DePasquale, Casey Fee, Erika Bernstein, Courtney Oliver and Sara Michalowski – were named first team All-CAA, while Pam Dreslinski was a second team selection
Casey Fee was a catalyst for the Hofstra offense with 58 hits, 37 runs scored and 25 stolen bases in 25 attempts
• Pam Dreslinski, Casey Fee and Kayleigh Lotti were first team All-Mid-Atlantic Region selections • Head Coach Bill Edwards, Associate Coach Larissa Anderson and Assistant Coach Ryan Realmuto were named the NFCA Mid-Atlantic Region Coaching Staff of the Year
Pam Dreslinski led the team with a career-best 14 doubles in 2008 and also drove in 30 runs Michele DePasquale, who hit a team-best .363, was perfect with the glove, handling 379 chances without an error
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Tom Kessler ’02 holds Hofstra’s alltime goals scored mark with 140 and was a two-time All-American
Doug Shanahan ’01 was the first recipient of the Tewaaraton Trophy in 2001, which is presented to the College Lacrosse Player of the Year
Howard “Howdy” Myers took over as coach of the lacrosse team in 1950 and won 215 games during his 25-year career as head coach
Men’s Lacrosse Tradition Hofstra men’s lacrosse dates back to the 1949 season. In its 60 years of competition, the Pride has had five head coaches and has made 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, which is the 12th most in NCAA history. The Pride posted their first win over a #1 ranked opponent when they defeated Johns Hopkins, 8-7, in 2008.
Michael LaCrosse ’89 scored a school record 10 goals in a game against Virginia in 1989 and was the East Coast Conference Most Valuable Player that season
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Phil Mordente ’66 was an AllAmerican in 1965 and 1966 and is Hofstra’s all-time points leader with 211
John Orsen ’06 was an All-American and a first team All-CAA selection in 2006 after helping the Pride advance to the NCAA Quarterfinals
Phil Marino ’75 was a two-time All-American in 1973 and 1975, and was inducted into the Long Island Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1990
2008 Men’s Lacrosse Review
Jay Card was named to the All-World Team as a member of Team Canada at the 2008 World Championships after scoring 22 goals for the silvermedal winning squad
• Posted a 10-6 record
• Won the CAA Championship with an overtime win over Drexel • Advanced to the NCAA Championship for the 14th time in program history • Anthony Muscarella was named an honorable mention AllAmerican
Anthony Muscarella scored 28 goals and added 14 assists to lead the Pride in scoring in 2008
• Michael and Kevin Unterstein were selected to play in the NorthSouth Senior All-Star Game
Kevin Unterstein was the 2008 CAA Championship Most Outstanding Player and led the team with 70 ground balls
• Kevin Unterstein was named the CAA Defensive Player of the Year • Jay Card was named CAA Rookie of the Year • Anthony Muscarella and Kevin Unterstein were both named to the All-CAA first team • Jay Card, Michael Unterstein and Steve Prifte were second team All-CAA selections • Steven DeNapoli and Jay Card earned CAA All-Rookie accolades
Tom Dooley’s overtime goal against Drexel in the CAA Championship Game sent Hofstra to its 14th NCAA Tournament appearance
Michael Unterstein was a corecipient of the Nick Colleluori Unsung Hero Award at the 2008 Hofstra Student-Athlete Awards Banquet
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Devale Ellis ’06, who played for the Detroit Lions, caught 176 passes for 2,207 yards during his four years at Hofstra and was a two-time All-Atlantic 10 selection
Charlie Adams ’01, who played for the Denver Broncos, was a third team AllAmerican in 2000 and ranks third all-time in receiving yards at Hofstra with 2,649
Emil Wohlgemuth ’85 was an AllAmerican in 1984 after hauling in 60 passes for 927 yards and eight touchdowns. Following graduation, he signed a free agent contract with the New York Jets
Football Tradition Hofstra football has a long, rich tradition that dates back to the 1937 season. Throughout the years, Hofstra has produced a strong crop of wide receivers, many of whom have gone on to professional careers.
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Marques Colston ’06, who left Hofstra as the all-time leader in receiving yards with 2,834, holds the NFL record for most receptions in his first two seasons with 168 and set a New Orleans Saints single season record with 98 receptions in 2007
Terry Kosens ’62 led the Pride in receiving as a junior and senior, and earned All-America honors in 1962. The first Hofstra player to be selected in the NFL Draft, he was a 10th round selection of the Minnesota Vikings in 1963
Wayne Chrebet ’95, an 11-year veteran of the National Football League with the New York Jets, twice led the Pride in receiving and set the single season and career touchdown marks with 16 (1994) and 31, respectively. He was Hofstra’s first 1,000-yard receiver in 1994
Anthony Nelson led the CAA and was sixth in the nation in punt returns with a 15.6 yards per return average
2007 Football Review • Posted a 7-4 record • Finished second in the CAA North Division • Kareem Huggins led the CAA in all-purpose yards and was fifth in rushing • Eight Pride players were named to the All-CAA team, including first team selections Charles Sullivan, Anthony Nelson and Gian Villante
Bryan Savage threw for 2,668 yards in 2007, the sixth-highest total in school history
• Charles Sullivan and Gian Villante were named to the FCS All-America Team Charles Sullivan set school records for career receptions (238) and receiving yards (2,869)
Ottis Lewis averaged a team-high 17.2 yards per catch in 2007
13 Gian Villante led the Pride with 110 tackles and was a two-time CAA Defensive Player of the Week
Rich Laurel ’77 scored 2,102 points for Hofstra from 1973-77 and was part of Hofstra’s first two Division I NCAA Tournament teams. He led the nation in scoring at 30.3 points per game in 197677 and was drafted by Portland in the first round of the 1977 NBA Draft
Loren Stokes ’07 is the third leading scorer (2,148 points) in school history and was the 2006-07 CAA Player of the Year. Helped lead the Pride to three NIT appearances during his tenure
Carlos Rivera ’07 played on three NIT teams and ranks among the program’s all-time leaders in points (1,225), assists (351) and steals (156)
Men’s Basketball Tradition The history of the men’s basketball program dates back to 1936. The Pride has had many great players suit up for them, including several standout guards.
Steve Nisenson ’65 held the all-time scoring mark for 43 seasons and now ranks second with 2,222 points. He played on two Division II NCAA Tournament teams
Norman Richardson ’01 helped lead Hofstra to two NCAA Tournaments and an NIT during his four years. He was the 2001 America East Player of the Year and Haggerty Award recipient, and scored 1,677 points in his career to rank eighth all-time
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Rick Apodaca ’03 scored 1,422 points during his career from 1999 through 2003 and was a member of the Puerto Rican Olympic Team that competed in Athens in 2004
Craig “Speedy” Claxton ’00 is Hofstra’s all-time leader in assists (660) and steals (288), while also ranking sixth in points with 2,015. Drafted in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers, he won an NBA championship as a member of the San Antonio Spurs in 2003 and is now a member of the Atlanta Hawks
Jason Hernandez ’01 was a key contributor on three postseason teams for the Pride from 1998 to 2001. His 162 three-pointers are fifth all-time in Pride history
2007-08 Men’s Basketball Review • Antoine Agudio became Hofstra’s all-time leading scorer with 2,276 points, eclipsing Steve Nisenson’s 43-year old record of 2,222 points • Antoine Agudio was a first team All-CAA selection
All-time leading scorer Antoine Agudio averaged 22.7 points per game in 2007-08 and is playing professionally in Turkey
• Charles Jenkins was named the CAA Rookie of the Year • Antoine Agudio was a first team All-District II and AllMetropolitan New York selection Charles Jenkins led the Pride in steals and averaged 15 points per game last season, and this past summer led the Long Island team to a gold medal at the Empire State Games
• Charles Jenkins was named the Metropolitan Basketball Rookie of the Year • The team won its ESPN BracketBuster game for the third consecutive season
Nathaniel Lester was second on the team in three-pointers made in 2007-08
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Volleyball Tradition The volleyball program began in 1976. The team has made six NCAA appearances and has produced one All-American, six all-district selections and 14 conference players of the year.
Elizabeth Curley ’07 (below) became Hofstra’s first AllAmerican in 2006 after leading the team to a CAA Championship and a first round NCAA Tournament victory over Cornell
Hofstra Athletics Hall of Famer Susan Trommer (Gades) ’86 was the 1985 East Coast Conference Player of the Year and holds five career records for the Pride
Field Hockey Tradition The field hockey program is Hofstra’s oldest intercollegiate sport, beginning play in the fall of 1935. The team has produced three All-Americans and numerous all-region selections. The 1935 team was Hofstra’s first field hockey squad
Zak Wright ’96, a 2008 inductee into the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame, was the 1993 East Coast Conference Player and Scholar-Athlete of the Year
Men’s Soccer Tradition
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Men’s soccer began as an intercollegiate sport in 1954. The team has made four NCAA Tournament appearances, including three consecutive from 2004 to 2006, and has two NCAA Tournament victories.
Edith Gallagher ’89 was field hockey’s first All-American in 1989 and was inducted into the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008
Ed Gaffney ’69 (above) was an All-American in 1969 and scored a school record 18 goals in 1968 to help lead Hofstra to its first NCAA Tournament
2007 Volleyball Review
Shellane Ogoshi, now an assistant coach for the Pride, closed her career as Hofstra’s all-time leader in assists (4,597) and digs (1,660)
• Compiled a 19-12 record • Advanced to the CAA Championship Match for second consecutive season
• Shellane Ogoshi, Lauren Engle and
Amanda Beyersdorff each received AllCAA accolades
• Kristina Hernandez became the program’s head coach on March 27, 2008
2007 Field Hockey Review
Harmonie Calinda was named to the All-Tournament team at the HofstraAsics Invitational
• Earned fourth consecutive berth in CAA Championship
• Brit Blankmeyer and Charlia Warner were both selected to the All-CAA second team
• Amy-Lee Levey was named to the CAA All-Rookie team
2007 Men’s Soccer Review
Brit Blankmeyer led the Pride in scoring in 2007 with seven goals and six assists
• Johannes Grahn was named a Freshman
Charlia Warner was a second team all-region pick after recording five goals and four assists in 2007
All-American
• Four players – Chris Cox, Rob Youhill,
Richard Martinez and Johannes Grahn – were named to the All-CAA second team
• Richard Martinez and Steve Ehrichs
(Puerto Rico), Demont Mitchell (Bahamas) and Paul Alexander (Barbados) are each members of their country’s national team
• Senior class won 45 games during their
careers and tied for the winningest class in program history
Chris Cox was selected by the Baltimore Blast in the third round of the Major Indoor Soccer League draft
17 Johannes Grahn scored 10 goals during his rookie season, leading the team and the Colonial Athletic Association
Robert (Red) Benn ’40 was a standout in the early years of Hofstra baseball and is a member of the Hofstra College Hall of Fame
Betsy Lange ’92 led the Pride in scoring in three consecutive seasons (1989-92) and scored 1,421 points in her career to rank ninth on the all-time list
Baseball Tradition Hofstra baseball dates back to 1938 and the program has produced several players who have signed professional contracts with Major League Baseball organizations.
Women’s Basketball Tradition Women’s basketball began play in 1936. Competing in the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW), the program made an AIAW National Tournament appearance in 1981-82 and three consecutive Eastern Division Championship appearances from 1979 to 1982. The Pride made their first two Division I postseason appearances in the 2006 and 2007 Women’s National Invitation Tournament.
Mike Miller ’95, Hofstra’s all-time leader in home runs with 38, was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1995
Lizanne Murphy ’07 scored 1,245 points and ranks second in career rebounds with 988
Stephanie Clarke ’97 recorded 909 saves in her career, was a threetime All-American and a member of the United States National Team
Women’s Lacrosse Tradition 18
Women’s lacrosse was instituted as a varsity sport in 1976 and has made two NCAA Tournament appearances. Six All-Americans have played for the Pride, including two players that were selected to play on the United States National Team.
Bridget Eder ’05 was a two-time All-American and the only first team selection (2005) in program history
2008 Baseball Review
Matt Prokopowicz led the Pride with a .312 average, eight home runs and 39 RBIs in 2008
• Matt Prokopowicz was a third team All-CAA selection • Anthony Sarno blasted three home runs in a 10-1 win at Delaware • Patrick Anderson was named head coach on August 8, 2008
2007-08 Women’s Basketball Review
Brody Fontaine’s six wins is tied for the second-most in school single season history Britné Rodgers averaged 9.4 points and a team-high 5.0 rebounds per game in 2007-08
Candice Bellocchio recorded 100 assists during her freshman campaign and was part of a United States team at the Bajan Friendship Series in Barbados this past summer
• Britné Rodgers was named to the CAA All-Rookie team • Britné Rodgers was a three-time CAA Rookie of the Week, while Candice Bellocchio won the award twice
2008 Women’s Lacrosse Review
Stephanie Rice was a CAA AllRookie selection after recording 27 goals and three assists on the season
• Corrine Gandolfi and Alysse Ruszkowski were named first team All-CAA, while Lauren Whitcomb was a second team selection • Maisie Osteen was second in the CAA in ground balls per game
19 Corinne Gandolfi’s 30 goals, 11 assists and 41 points led the Pride in 2008
The men and women’s cross country teams won Collegiate Track Conference championships in 2003
David Alonso ’05 led the Pride in stroke average as a freshman in 2002-03
Cristy Gryzmala ’04 was team Most Valuable Player in 2001-02
Cross Country, Golf and Tennis Tradition
Laura Walker ’83 won an AIAW National Championship in 1982
Hofstra has a long tradition in cross country, golf and tennis. The cross country program has won several conference championship, while the golf program has produced players that have gone on to serve as PGA club professionals. The women’s tennis program boasts an AIAW National Champion, while the men’s tennis team made three NCAA appearances from 1999 to 2001.
The 1953 women’s team was one of the first tennis teams in school history
Hofstra Hall of Famer Bill Siegel ’80, who won an East Coast Conference title in 1980, is the first Hofstra player to earn an ATP tour ranking
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Pete Sandor ’00 was a two-time America East Championship Most Outstanding Player in leading the Pride to back-to-back NCAA appearances in 1999 and 2000
2007-08 Golf Review
Sean Davy tied for first at the Mount St. Mary’s Classic
Women’s Golf
• Placed second in three events – the Hofstra Invitational, the Mount St. Mary’s Fall Invitational and the FDU Knights Invitational • Maren Crowley was named head coach of the women’s team on August 19, 2008
Men’s Golf
• Posted two third place finishes – at the Mount
St. Mary’s Fall Invitational and the FDU Knights Invitational – and one fourth place finish at the Hofstra Invitational • Joe Elliott was named head men’s golf coach on August 13, 2008
2007 Cross Country Review
Alexandra Hanlon led the Pride in scoring average in 2007-08
Men’s Cross Country
Abby Pullen finished second at the Hofstra Invitational and recorded four top 20 finishes
• Won the Hofstra Invitational and placed second at the Disney World Classic • Laban Kemoi was the individual winner at the Hofstra Invitational, while Phil Giackette was third, and both had two top 10 finishes on the season • Laban Kemoi was CAA Runner of the Week on September 12 • Pete Alfano was named head men’s and women’s cross country coach on May 20, 2008
Women’s Cross Country
• Placed second at the Hofstra Invitational • Mary Sullivan was fourth at the Hofstra Invitational and posted three top 20 finishes • Abby Pullen was CAA Runner of the Week on October 10
2007-08 Tennis Review
Rich Schmitz placed ninth in the 1,500 meter run at the U.S. Track and Field Junior Nationals this past summer
Women’s Tennis
• Posted a 14-10 record • 14 victories were the most in program history • Advanced to the quarterfinals of the CAA Championship • Christie Gattelaro was a second team All-CAA selection, while Lauren Clifton earned third team honors • Zoe Taylor and Christie Gattelaro each won their respective flights at the Hofstra Invitational Tournament • Amanda Foukas was named head women’s and men’s tennis coach on September 15, 2008
Lauren Clifton (below) and Christie Gattelaro (left) each reached the 20-win plateau with 25 and 20 wins, respectively
Men’s Tennis
• Compiled an 11-11-1 record • The 11 wins were the most since 2004-05 • Reached the quarterfinals of the CAA Championship • Alex Hosner won his flight at the Scott Satran Memorial and the Northeast Collegiate Tournaments • Luka Djordjevic was a third team All-CAA selection
Luka Djordjevic won a teamhigh 18 matches in 2007-08
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Nick Gallo ’78, the 1977 NCAA champion at 126 pounds, made three NCAA Championship appearances and is Hofstra’s only wrestling national champion
The women’s lacrosse team made its second NCAA Tournament appearance in 2007, hosting a first round game against Johns Hopkins
12,292 fans witnessed the 1999 NCAA Lacrosse Quarterfinals match-up between Hofstra and Johns Hopkins at James M. Shuart Stadium
NCAA Tradition Hofstra has made 104 trips to the NCAA Tournament in its history. The wrestling team has made 43 NCAA appearances, while men’s lacrosse has 14 appearances. The softball team has made 11 NCAA trips, while men’s basketball has played in eight NCAA Tournaments. The Pride has had the opportunity to host many of the NCAA Championship events in which they have participated. The volleyball team hosted an NCAA first round match in its first appearance in 1995. The softball team has hosted NCAA Regionals in 1993 (first NCAA appearance), 2006, 2007 and 2008. Women’s lacrosse was awarded a first round game in the 2007 NCAA Championship, while the men’s soccer program hosted NCAA Tournament contests in back-to-back years in 2005 and 2006. The football team has hosted NCAA Playoff action in 1983, 1986, 1987, 1990 and 1999.
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In addition to the Pride’s participation in many NCAA Tournaments, Hofstra University has been selected as the host institution in several NCAA Lacrosse Championships. The first-ever Men’s Lacrosse NCAA Championship final, between Cornell and Maryland, was held at Hofstra in 1971. Since then, Hofstra has hosted contests in the quarterfinal rounds on two occasions (1999 and 2001) and will do so a third time in 2009. First round NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Tournament action has been at Hofstra in 1973, 1993 and 2006.
Heleen Hilhorst ’96 led the volleyball program to the first of six NCAA Tournaments in 1995, including a first round home match that season against South Carolina
Roberto Gittens ’01 was a key contributor on Hofstra’s back-toback NCAA teams in 2000 and 2001
A two-time NCAA All-Regional selection, Adrienne Clark ’05 was part of three NCAA Regional teams while a member of the Pride
NCAA Participation Hofstra University is very proud of its NCAA Tournament history and the fact that many former Pride student-athletes are members of the Athletics Department staff. The following staff members are former student-athletes and each share a special bond as members of NCAA Tournament teams during their Hofstra tenure.
Front Row (l to r): Kimberly Hillier, Simon Riddiough, Chrissy Arnone, Jay Artinian Back Row (l to r): Rob Anspach, Kahmal Roy, Meaghan Almon, Joe Amplo
Meaghan Almon ’04, Assistant Director of Athletic Administration - Lettered in softball from 2001 to 2004 and played on three NCAA Tournament squads, including the 2004 team that was one win from advancing to the Women’s College World Series. Meaghan was a three-time All-CAA selection as a catcher and won seven NCAA Tournament games in her career. Joe Amplo ’99, Assistant Men’s Lacrosse Coach - Played on the Pride men’s lacrosse team from 1996 through 1999 and was a member of three NCAA Tournament teams (1996, 1997 and 1999). A first-team All-America East selection in 1999, Joe helped the Pride to a berth in the NCAA Quarterfinals that season. He has also taken part in five NCAA Championships as an assistant coach for the Pride. Rob Anspach ’01, Assistant Wrestling Coach - Was a five-year member of the wrestling team from 1996 through 2001 and was a two-time NCAA Championships qualifier. Serving as an assistant coach since the 2001-02 season, Rob has also coached 54 NCAA participants. Chrissy Arnone ’05, Assistant Director of Athletic Development Chrissy was a member of the women’s soccer team from 2002 to 2005 and helped lead the Pride to their first NCAA Tournament appearance as a senior. An Academic All-American in 2005, Chrissy led the team in scoring during her junior and senior seasons. Jay Artinian ’99, Associate Director of Athletics for Facilities Three-year letterman on the men’s lacrosse team from 1997 to 1999. Jay was a member of the 1997 NCAA team, as well as the NCAA Quarterfinal squad in 1999.
Kimberly Hillier ’07, Strength and Conditioning Assistant - Kim was a four-year member of the Pride women’s lacrosse team from 2004 through 2007 and was a two-time All-American and a four-time All-CAA first team selection. In 2007 Kim helped lead her team to their second NCAA Tournament appearance in program history. Simon Riddiough ’94, Head Women’s Soccer Coach - Was a fouryear letterman and captain on the men’s soccer team from 1990 through 1994. Simon has been on the women’s soccer staff for the past 12 years, including the last two as head coach. In 2005 he was part of Hofstra’s first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance and last season led the squad to the second round of the NCAA’s. Kahmal Roy ’02, Assistant Football Coach - Played on the Pride football team from 1998 through 2001 and was a first team AllAmerican in 2001 after posting a school record 1,221 receiving yards. Kahmal played on three consecutive NCAA Playoff teams from 1999 to 2001, helping the Pride advance to the second round on two occasions. 23
Carlos Garay ’95 was a two-sport standout in wrestling and football and is one of several Garay family members to compete for Hofstra. His uncle, Tony, was a star on the gridiron and went on to play in the NFL, while cousins Daniel (football and wrestling), Cisco (football) and Francesca (volleyball) also represent the Pride
Family Tradition Family is an important part of the tradition of Hofstra Athletics. Whether it is children following in their parents’, aunts’ or uncles’ footsteps or brothers and sisters donning the Blue and Gold, Hofstra has a rich history of family ties.
Gary Flood ’07 was a standout on the men’s soccer team and now plays for the New England Revolution of the MLS, while his brother, Justin, is a senior on the Pride in 2008
Staceyann Claxton ’04, sister of men’s basketball all-time great Craig “Speedy” Claxton, was a four-year letterwinner on the women’s basketball team
Chris Prifte ’79, whose sons, Steve and Keith, play on the lacrosse team, was a member of the lacrosse and football squads at Hofstra in the 1970’s
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Kim Kozlowski ’07 was a member of the women’s lacrosse team from 2004 through 2007, while her brother, Aaron, played on the men’s lacrosse team from 2000 to 2003
Jennifer Siegel ’07 played on the women’s tennis team in 2007, following in the footsteps of her father, Bill, a Hofstra Athletics Hall of Famer and member of the men’s tennis team from 1978 to 1980
Family Connections This past year, Hofstra had five sets of siblings competing for its athletic teams.
Pam Dreslinski ’08, Softball - Started all 58 games in 2008 and batted .306 with a team-high 14 doubles and 30 RBIs. Named to the All-Region and All-Colonial Athletic Association team, as well as the Academic AllDistrict squad. Trisha Dreslinski ’11, Softball - Played in 24 games and collected seven hits, nine runs and four RBIs. Alysse Ruszkowski ’09, Women’s Lacrosse - Started all 16 games on defense this past season, and led the team with 25 caused turnovers and was third with 30 ground balls. Was named to the All-Colonial Athletic Association team. Kailey Ruszkowski ’10, Women’s Lacrosse - Played in 13 games and recorded five goals on the season. Alex Hannon ’11, Women’s Lacrosse - Played in three games as a freshman.
Front Row (l to r): Alex Hannon, Maddie Hannon, Alysse Ruszkowski, Kailey Ruszkowski Back Row (l to r): Keith Prifte, Steve Prifte, Pam Dreslinski, Trisha Dreslinski, Kevin Unterstein, Mike Unterstein
Maddie Hannon ’11, Women’s Lacrosse - Played in two games during her freshman campaign. Steve Prifte ’09, Men’s Lacrosse - Played in 15 games and recorded a goal, two assists and 40 ground balls. Named to the All-Colonial Athletic Association team. Keith Prifte ’09, Men’s Lacrosse - Played in three games and scored one goal on the season. Kevin Unterstein ’08, Men’s Lacrosse - Played in all 16 games and recorded a team-best 70 ground balls to go along with two assists. Was the 2008 CAA Defensive Player of the Year, the 2008 CAA Championship Most Outstanding Player and a North-South Game All-Star. Michael Unterstein ’08, Men’s Lacrosse - Played in all 16 games and recorded 20 goals, 13 assists and 35 ground balls. Was an All-Colonial Athletic Association selection and a North-South Game All-Star.
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Carl Orent ’55, Hall of Fame Class of 2006, was a standout in lacrosse and football and was a two-time All-American in lacrosse
Crystal Boyd ’94, Hall of Fame Class of 2006, was a two-time All-American and led the nation in batting with a .514 average as a sophomore in 1992
Bill Thieben ’56, Hall of Fame Class of 2006, is Hofstra’s all-time leading rebounder with 1,837 and also scored 2,045 points in his three-year career
Hall of Fame Tradition The Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame was created to honor the student-athletes, coaches, administrators and benefactors who have made extraordinary contributions and brought distinction to Hofstra Athletics. The Hall of Fame was reinstituted in 2006 and features 62 of the University’s finest studentathletes, coaches and administrators.
Fran Kalafer, Hall of Fame Class of 2007, spent 25 years on the sidelines as coach of the volleyball team and won 590 matches during her tenure
Walter Petersen ’50, Hall of Fame Class of 2007, was a four-sport athlete at Hofstra, lettering in football, baseball, men’s basketball, and track and field
26 Liz Knauss (Irwin) ’82, Hall of Fame Class of 2006, holds the all-time assist mark at the University with 828 and also scored 1,455 points
The Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame Hofstra Athletics held its 2008 Hall of Fame Luncheon Saturday, February 2, 2008. The 11-member Class of 2008 was also recognized that afternoon at halftime of the men’s basketball game against Delaware.
The Hall of Fame Class of 2008
The Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2008 is as follows:
Linda Wing Caruso spoke on behalf of the Hall of Fame Class at the 2008 Luncheon
• Linda Wing Caruso ’78 (Field Hockey and Lacrosse) • Edith Gallagher ’90 (Field Hockey and Softball) • Terry Kosens ’63 (Football) • Phil Marino ’75 (Lacrosse) • Elizabeth Parisi (Parr) ’97 (Volleyball) • JoAnne Russell (Women’s Soccer Coach) • Walter “Brick” Stone (Wrestling Coach and Administrator) • Arthur Strunk ’52 (Wrestling) • Willem “Butch” van Breda Kolff (Men’s Basketball Coach) • Emil Wohlgemuth ’85 (Football) • Zak Wright ’96 (Soccer)
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Nikola Djordjevic ’07 was a two-time Academic All-American and CAA Tennis Scholar-Athlete of the Year
Stefanie Rewitz ’03 was an Academic AllAmerican and the CAA Volleyball ScholarAthlete of the Year in 2002
Academic Tradition
One of the most decorated players in program history, Alicia Smith ’00 was a first team Academic All-American in 2000
Hofstra is extremely proud of the success its student-athletes have in the classroom, as well as on the fields of play. The Pride has had a total of 17 student-athletes earn CoSIDA Academic All-America accolades, including eight since 2000. Numerous other student-athletes have been selected for other academic honors.
Giovanni Carmazzi ’00 was the 1999 National Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year
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Dr. Hilarie Cranmer ’89, a member of the volleyball and women’s basketball teams, was a two-time Academic AllAmerican and was inducted into the CoSIDA Academic All-America Hall of Fame in 2006
Michael Todd ’07 earned two Academic AllAmerica selections and was also an NSCAA Scholar All-American
Academic Honors CoSIDA Academic All-American Sue Weber-Women’s Soccer CoSIDA Academic All-District Sue Weber-Women’s Soccer Liz Guise-Women’s Soccer Lauren Engle-Volleyball Shellane Ogoshi-Volleyball Nick Altomare-Football Joanna Kralowetz-Softball Carolann Lubach-Softball Pam Dreslinski-Softball Kris Root-Softball Luka Djordjevic-Men’s Tennis CAA Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year Sue Weber-Women’s Soccer CAA Women’s Soccer Scholar-Athlete of the Year Sue Weber
Darren Townes was a first team AllCAA Academic selection in his first season at Hofstra
Joanna Kralowetz owns a 3.42 GPA and has been an Academic All-District selection in each of the last two seasons
ECAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year Sue Weber-Women’s Soccer National Soccer Coaches Association of America Scholar-All-American Sue Weber National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Academic Team Lou Ruggirello FCS Athletics Directors Association Academic All-Star Team Nick Altomare CAA All-Academic Team Sam Cherilus-Football Dennis Davis-Football Chris Hanly-Football Jaren Harrell-Football Shaun McQueary-Football Christina Biedny-Women’s Basketball Niki Williams-Women’s Basketball Linn Quamme-Women’s Basketball Darren Townes-Men’s Basketball Ryan Johnson-Men’s Basketball
Niki Williams, who carries a 3.60 grade point average, is a twotime first team AllCAA Academic selection
Nick Altomare carries a 3.62 grade point average and was one of just 51 players in the country to be named to the FCS Athletic Directors Association Academic All-Star Team
National Field Hockey Coaches Association Academic Squad Shannon Alexander Kathy Davidson Amy-Lee Levey Ayanna McClean Erica Suitch Janell Vanarthos Nancy Wagenbrenner Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association Division I Academic Honor Roll Lauren Eberling Jacquelyn Hetzel Maisie Osteen
29 Shannon Alexander was a five-time selection to the NFHCA Academic Squad
The Hofstra Pride Club Established in 1989, the Hofstra Pride Club provides additional financial resources and fan support that is vital to achieve and sustain success in Division I college athletics. Each year, alumni, parents and friends who join the Pride Club enhance the operating needs for recruiting, team travel and equipment upgrades. Contributions from members also help fund departmentwide capital projects and bolster scholarship support for our student-athletes. In 2007-08 Pride Club members contributed a record $1,197,955. For a complete listing of the 2007-08 Pride Club membership, please visit the Hofstra web site at Hofstra.edu/Athletics.
Bob Bernstein ’55 (center), the second Hofstra Pride Club president in the 19-year history of the organization, with Director of Athletics Jack Hayes and Executive Associate Director of Athletics Danny McCabe
Fundraising Highlights • James Metzger ’83 presented a gift of $100,000 to
renovate the men’s lacrosse locker room • Former football player, Vince Molinari ’88, started the Molinari Challenge – pledging $150,000 over a threeyear period • Bob McKeon ’53 gave gifts in excess of $50,000 to support a variety of sport programs • Randy’79 and Barbara Frankel ’81 contributed $25,000 to support the men’s basketball program. • Rose ’73 and Gary Barth contributed more than $20,000 to support a variety of sports and department-wide initiatives • A Pride Club record of more than $38,000 was raised through the 19th Annual Hofstra Pride Golf Classic • Ameriprise Financial Services gave the largest corporate gift of $10,000 to the Pride Club to support Hofstra studentathletes. • 266 members contributed $1,000 or more, an increase of 28 from the previous year. 30
Joe Sparacio ’89, a long time member of the Hofstra Pride Club Board, recently completed his term as president of the University’s Alumni Association
Former Hofstra Director of Athletics and Men’s Lacrosse Coach Harry Royle ’70, James Metzger ’83 and Vinny Sombrotto ’81 at the Dedication Brunch of the RoyleSombrotto Locker Room in April 2008
The Pride Corporate Sponsorship Program
Special thanks to our Gold Circle partners (featured below) for their leadership support:
The Pride Corporate Sponsorship Program enjoyed another successful year in 200708. The following are the highlights from the record breaking year: • 37% increase in overall sponsorship revenue (cash and trade) • 11 new corporate partners including Nationwide Insurance, Dave and Buster’s, SportsNet New York and Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology
Sponsorship Revenue 300
150 200 100 150 50 100
2008: $278,000
200 250
2007: $268,000
250 300
0 50
$278,000 in revenue in the 2007-08 year was a 4% increase from the prior year 0 900
Sponsorship Revenue (Including Trade) 800
900 700 800 600
Hofstra Athletics also recognizes our valued Media partners:
500 300 400 200 300 100 200 0 100
2008: $881,000
600 400
2007: $645,000
700 500
0
Over 40 partners generated more than $880,000 to assist with department wide projects and initiatives
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Hofstra Athletics - (516) 463-6750 Athletic Development - (516) 463-5281 Ticket Office - (516) HOF-tixx Hofstra.edu/Athletics