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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Readers, Over the past month, we have seen many teams endure some great football, soccer and volleyball seasons. As the winter sports have begun, we have switched our focus over to basketball, hockey and wrestling. We have highlighted many basketball teams this season including Molloy, Briarcliffe, Suffolk County Community College and others. Each team has its own unique story and challenges, but after talking to numerous players and coaches, they all have the same goal. Unfortunately for them, not everyone will reach it. We also have stories on a few hockey teams. You can read about the Stony Brook and Maritime teams and how they have been doing after the first half of their seasons. We’ve already witnessed some big starts and some tough ones, too. Some teams have had relied on their younger players while others are counting on top performers. Some had injuries to the upper classmen and others are loaded with talent for the next few years.

Ultimate athlete magazine PUBLISHER/CEO EXECUTIVE EDITOR ASSISTANT PUBLISHER

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR SENIOR MEDIA MANAGER GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

PAUL CORACE N.J COMANZO KEVIN FREIHEIT

LOUIS H QUACH PONNUTHURAI JEYATHAS MELISSA FEARON WIN-KYE CHEONG

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

RICHARD BROOKS KEVIN FREHEIT JACKLYNKELLI KRONEMBERG BRIAN COLEMAN JUSTIN MACKIN DR. TOM FERRARO SANDY SARACONA MIKE MEJIA CSCS

IN-HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

KEVIN SPERANDEO KEVIN FREIHEIT

MORGAN HARRISON BILL KELLY

KEVIN SPERANDEO

Inside this edition you’ll get a chance to read about some unique stories of college teams. Kevin Freiheit Sports Editor Ultimate Athlete Magazine

Ultimate Athlete Magazine (ISSN 1931-5295) is published 12 times a year by Ultimate Athlete, Inc., 24 Woodbine Ave, Northport, New York 11768. All contents copyright 2012 by Ultimate Athlete Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use in whole or part of the content without the prior written consent of Ultimate Athlete, Inc. is strictly prohibited. All logos and trademarks are properties of thier respective owners. Although the writers and the publishers have exhaustively researched all sources to ensure the accuracy and the completeness of the information contained in this publication we aassume no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any inconsistency herein. The opinions expressed in all materials are those of authors and do not neccesarily represent those of Ultimate Athlete, Inc or Long Island’s Ultimate Athlete Magazine.

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CONTENT

COLLEGE

FALL VOL. III 2013 6

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FEATURES

PG 10

ADELPHI

PG 12

BRIARCLIFFE

PG 18

HOFSTRA

PG 24

LIU-BROOKLYN

PG 32

HOFSTRA

PG 40

MOLLOY

PG 44

NYIT

PG 50

S.C.C.C

PG 56

STONY BROOK

Women’s Swimming Women’s Basketball Women’s Volleyball Women’s Soccer

Women’s Volleyball Men’s Basketball Women’s Basketball Men’s Basketball Men’s Hockey

PG 66

NUTRITION

PG 68

TRAINING

PG 70

PSYCHOLOGY

Fitting Fat Into A Fitness Backfield In Motion To Protect Or Attack

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ADELPHI

swim team achieving goals ho

an tory

by tos

Kev

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he Adelphi Panthers Men & Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Swimming Team holds a 1-2 record thus far in their season. Adelphi recently competed at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Memorial Invite along with five other teams including the host Kings Point. Maritime College, Queens College, the University of Bridgeport and Southern Connecticut University also took part in the meet.

Gabrielle Terzano, Kate Harney, Heather Miller and Laura Vanella also placed for the three remaining top-5 finishes.

The women had an exceptional day with eight top-five finishes. Freshman Danielle Dreiss determination was displayed once again. She swam two top-five finishes, including a win in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:26.17. Later, she finished with another top-five in the 200-yard freestyle in 2:04.17. Danielle Dreiss, the rookie, comes from Holy Trinity High School. She swam for the varsity team all four years of her high school career. She received the coaches award as a sophomore and was named most valuable player her junior and senior year. As a senior she was named captain of the swimming team. Danielle also plays lacrosse.

Graduate Student, Kate Harney finished 5th place in her 50yard freestyle in 26.56. Henry was a four-year member of the varsity swim team at Stony Brook University. She graduated from Hunterdon Central Regional High School and is from Flemington, New Jersey.

Terzano finished fourth in the 200-yard butterfly with a time of 2:30.08. The senior from West Hempstead was a four-year member of the varsity swim team at Sacred Heart Academy. She holds the school record for the 200 butterfly with a time of 2:20.2.

Heather Miller from Lake Ronkonkoma swam the 200-yard backstroke in 2:23.27, finishing in 5th place. The sophomore is from Lake Ronkonkoma and graduated from Sachem High School. She swam on the varsity team for her four years in high school. She was named most valuable player, was all

league and a state qualifier all four years. Freshman, Laura Vanella made a time of 2:46.79 in the 200-yard breaststroke. The rookie from Merrick graduated from John F. Kennedy High School last year. Designed by Melissa Fearon

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STORY BY MIKE REPERTORIO PHOTOS BY KEVIN SPERANDEO

uilding a program capable of success is one thing. Building one where there is an expectation of success, year in and year out, is another thing altogether. Fortunately, for current and incoming Lady Bulldogs looking to play basketball at Briarcliffe, that is the opportunity that is in front of them. Coach Jay Lynch certainly has the team on the right track. After winning Championships as a player himself in high school and college, and again as a high school coach, Lynch knows what it takes to be successful. A testament to that past success, since joining Briarcliffe seven years ago, Coach Lynch’s Lady Bulldogs have consistently found themselves ranked in and around the top 10, nationwide in the USCAA. When looking at what has attributed to the team’s continued success, it is easy to point to strong recruiting. Continually bringing in new talent, the program has churned out multiple All-American’s and scholar athletes in the process. Unfortunately though, the big prize, the USCAA National Championship has long eluded Briarcliffe Women’s Basketball. Last season, the Lady Bulldogs again found themselves on the outside looking in. Hopefully, this year, the Lady Bulldogs can jump into the top eight and fight for a tournament win. And thus far, the team seems to be in a good position to do so.

The team got off to a hot start, opening the season with three straight wins before dropping their first game to undefeated DII, Albany Pharmacy. The team followed that loss up with a convincing, 70-21 win over The Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College before closing out the month of November suffering a tough loss to West Point Prep. Looking at this young season though, only six games in, Briarcliffe has been able to find success. Led by Shentia Urguhart and Sasha SantaMaria, the Lady Bulldogs have been outscoring

opponents by 16.7 points per game. Both Urguhart and SantaMaria have also established themselves league-wide as well though. Currently, Urquhart is 5th in the conference with 18.2 points per game while Santa Maria ranks 5th with 11.3 rebounds per game. Going forward, Urquhart, Santa Maria and the rest of the Lady Bulldogs will look to continue on the right path and start piling together some wins as they strive for a National Designed by Championship. Win-Kye Cheong

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ULTIMATE ATHLETE

HOFST

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TRA Story by Kevin Sperandeo Photos by Brandon Lukain

he Hofstra Volleyball team tripped down to Charleston, South Carolina for the Colonial Athletic Association Championship. In their first match, on Friday, the Pride swept the 4th seed James Madison University. The following day, a loss to the topseeded Charleston Cougars ended Hofstra’s Volleyball season at the CAA Semifinals. Despite, junior Nuria Lopes da Dilva’s record breaking 15 kills in one match and outstanding performance; the Cougars beat the Pride three matches to none. The match ended Hofstra’s run for a conference championship and the team finished with a record of 17-15. This was Hofstra’s 11th appearance at the CAA Championships and the Pride holds a total of

16 conference titles since emerging. This is Kristina Hernandez’s sixth season as head coach at Hofstra. She began coaching at Loyola College, transferring to Hofstra in 2008. That season she led the pride to an 1814 season. After a few rough seasons, with teams riddled with injuries, Hernandez’s 2012 team managed a 21-14 record and made a three game run through the CCA Championship’s earning Hofstra a Conference Championship. Hernandez holds an overall record of 93-103 with the Pride. Nuria Lopes da Silva is an international student-athlete from Lison, Portugal. The junior, is a right side hitter for Hofstra. She led the team in blocks this year 95 assists and 7 solo blocks. She also had 252 kills and racked up 310.5 points this season.

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Lopes da Silva, is a member for the Portugal National team. She transferred to Hofstra after two years of playing at the Universidad Catolica de San Antonio in Murcia, Spain. Lopes da Silva comes from a family of athletes, her father, Arnaldo de Silva was a professional soccer player. Her brother, also Arnaldo, currently plays professional soccer in Portugal. Kelsie Wills, another international student-athlete comes from Matamata, New Zealand. The junior lead the team by far in kills this season with 501, averaging 4.3 kills per set. Wills, an outside hitter, was an AllColonial Athletic First-Team player in 2012 and also received recognition as the CAA Championship Most Outstanding Player. She transferred from Matamata College in New Zealand where she played indoor volleyball, beach volleyball and basketball for many years. Her brother plays Tennis at Hofstra. A hometown player, Emily Burke had the second most kills for the Pride. Burke is a junior from Staten Island, NY. She recorded 285 kills this year, averaging 2.46 kills per set. The 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;3, outside hitter has played at volleyball at Hofstra since she was a freshman in 2011. After falling short of a 2012 Conference Championship, the Pride has a lot to look forward to next season. The team is bringing back a lot of star players including Lopes da Silva, Wills and Emily Burke.

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LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY POST PIONEERS DOWLING COLLEGE golden lions

return, LIU can really start expecting more victories. Even with that, the Pioneers have some areas to improve upon, and Collins has already been making adjustments. “Going into the year, we felt solid in certain areas, but we had certain question marks in other areas,” Collins said, “We have to stop giving up the big play.”

Story by Kevin Freiheit Photos by Morgan Harrison

The defense has had a rough time, especially over the past two games, giving up 86 combined points. It was a major difference as the defense allowed just 28 in the first pair of games. Collins is confident that the Pioneers can recover from the losses and put together a winning season.

DOWLING Men’s Soccer A Stands Tall

“This team is sticking more together,” Collins said, “Adversity causes some to break, and others to break records. We’re always working hard, and we have excellent recruiting class that is showing.” A big piece of the Pioneers’ puzzle is how the younger players perform. “It’s a huge role from younger players,” Collins said, “We’re very happy with the freshmen class. We want to

he Dowling College men’s soccer team was unsatisfied with their

“

We have a tremendous roster and This season, the Pioneers got off to a start again, winning the opening pair we have already won hot more games of games and scoring 71 points. However, this year than all ofLIUlast year. took a step backwards as they dropped the next two games, falling back to .500

maintain a winning attitude, and make sure the freshmen are seeing it.” The confidence level for LIU is still high, and the Pioneers believe that they are a talented enough team to put together a successful season. The coaches believe in the players, and they are willing to work to make them even better. “I really do believe this is a special group of players,” Collins said, “They’re preparing very hard to play these games. Everything is in place for them to succeed, and we’re hoping for big things from the Pioneers this season.”

declining, and they have lost that winning touch they held onto for so long.

results from a year ago. After DiRico noted that the team lost eight posting a 2-15-1 record, the Golden Lions games by only one-goal last year, but knew that change was necessary. With regardless, it was still a disappointing Dowling has season. The Golden Eagles have played fter a disappointing finish to only last 13 onreturning the year. players, The Pioneers are facing alreadyancollected more situation wins than all of season, the Long Island University eerily similar to the one in four one-goal games this year, but have bythey winning the firstbut fiveare been on the winning side more frequently. Post Pioneers are looking to last get year that were three in lastofseason, games looking this season. back where they belong. Following two for a completely opposite With an experienced coach like successful winning football seasons, theHead outcome. Despite the two coach John DiRico is game in hislosing DiRico, Dowling already has a starting Pioneers finished with a 3-7 record 22nd last year streak, head Coach Bryan Collins is of coaching and understands point to get back on track. “We have a year, falling short of their ultimate goal. team can getLions back on the what itconfident takes to that win.hisThe Golden completely different team than last year,” right track. were National champions in 2006 and DiRico said, “We have a tremendous Despite winning the first two games would consistently post season 10 roster and we have already won more of the year by a combined 91-36 score, “I fully expect us to of compete,” or more wins.said, However, overis the last9-2, games this year than all of last year.” LIU was unable to keep the momentum Collins “Our goal to go two years, their up performance has been going. Bloomsburg University halted one week and one week down. the energy and the Pioneers started an Attack the next opponent.” The unfortunate string of defeats. Throughout Pioneers have been battling injuries the rest of the season LIU would only during both this season, and the winKevin one other game, a 20-15 victory over last one. While many coaches will Story by Freiheit Millersville University on homecoming never use injuries as an excuse, Photos by Morgan Harrison weekend. A losing season can be looked they certainly hurt the overall at in more ways than one. While it wasn’t quality of the team. the anticipated or wanted outcome, the “Our starting running back Pioneers used the year to learn, rebuild has battled an ankle injury, but and improve. he’s playing through it,” Collins

“

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said, “We’ve been struggling with injuries. If we can get back healthy, we’ll continue to get better each week.” Once a few of the injured players begin to

Freshman infielder Alex Hailes is one of the new players on the team and is looking to get his collegiate career off to a good start. “This team has gelled together really quickly and I have high expectations,” Hailes said. Hailes, who is from England, didn’t hesitate to say that he is more concerned than how the team is doing than personal statistics. At the same time, he knows that he is going to have to step and contribute when called upon. “Hopefully I can make a big impact, stay off the bench and make a difference,” Hailes said.

team become that successful once again, but he’ll have to do it with a completely new set of players, a lot of whom are new. “This team has the makeup, the talent and the chemistry to get back to where we are used to being,” DiRico said. “I have a good sense of where this team can go.”

Returning striker Kariym Balthazer knows what it’s like to play for Dowling, as he did last year, but wants to see the team be successful. “The sky is the limit”, Balthazer said. “We have a lot of work to do, but we’re responding well. I’m happy with how we already beat our record from last year.”

DiRico’s determination to win translates to his players and he aims to recruit players that have the same mentality that he does. “I recruit players from winning programs and my players hate to lose more than they love to win,” DiRico said.

Improving a record from a season ago, but that’s just the first step for Dowling soccer. The Golden Lions made a name for themselves and were a strong force, and an intimidating team to play against.

Head coach John DiRico

DiRico has plans of seeing his

DiRico has set high standards for the Golden Lions and he has every season, regardless of past records or performances. “The coach has high expectations of you and doesn’t settle for mediocracy,” Balthazer said, “I respect him as a coach.”

The Golden Lions are off to a good start, but the season has just begun. Dowling will try to make a deep run for the first time in three years.

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SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE sharks NAS SAU COMMUNITY COLLEGE

LIONS

“I believe that hard work beats talent, every time talent does not work hard,” says Kim Simpson, head coach of the Suffolk County Community College Girls Volleyball team. In Coach Simpsons past five seasons with the �harks, the team has made it to the regional semifinals four times. Last season, the Sharks had a record of 22-1 and went to nationals after winning their region. The team included an all-American nomination, as well as multiple all-regional players.

about the game, I must also exhibit it. I work my girls hard and expect a lot out of them.” She says, “No matter how talented, I expect my teams to work, work, work until we hit our final goal of winning the region.”

volleyball, you always know when she is on the court.” Brittney led the team in kills last season. “She works extremely hard and is passionate about the game. She loves to have fun at practice with her teammates and loves to push them. She is a true leader ”, according to Simpson. With a bright future ahead, on and off the court, Brittney is pursuing a future career in nursing. Simpson says, “She is going to do amazing things on the next level when she leaves Suffolk.”

NASSAU LIONS OFF TO A STRONG SEASON Kim Simpson’s volleyball career began at NYIT, where she was a scholarship player for four years. Since then, she has worked with multiple volleyball programs such as the Longwood PAL and the Long Island United travel 18 year old volleyball team. Coach Simpson’s enthusiastic coaching and hard work by the players has lead to indisputable success for the Suffolk Volleyball program. Simpson believes in leading by example, “I think if I want them to have desire and passion

SUFFOLK SHARKS

Team captains for the 2013 season include returning sophomores Amanda Dill and Brittney Olazagasti.

Amanda Dill, from Patchogue, was nominated to the all tournament team at the regional playoffs in 2012, where the team took first place. �impson says, “I am very lucky to have someone like Amanda on the team who pushes others to be the best they can be.” This dedicated student athlete is described as a , “consistent, strong, and a mentally tough player.” Amanda hopes to continue playing at a four year school after graduating from SCCC. Fellow team captain and extremely talented player, Brittney Olazagasti, from Selden, NY is a first team all regional player. Coach Simpson says, “Brittney loves

Sophomore Katie Shannon from Selden, controls the court for the Sharks, and is the team’s setter. “The team depends on her and she has done such an amazing job setting up all of our hitters so far this season. She loves the game and wants to continue playing at the next level. Katie is willing to work on anything or try anything you ask her to. Sometimes as a coach you know you push people, and sometimes you must stop before you break them, but there is no breaking Katie. She wants to be the best player she can be!” says Coach Simpson. Simpson describes her as, “a caring, dedicated and hardworking

Story By Kevin Freiheit // Photos By Kevin Sperandeo

look forward to successful year Story and Photos By Kevin Sperandeo

Suffolk Girls Volleyball

NASSAU COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOOTBALL

young lady.” Fighting her way to a starting spot with very talented group, freshman, Carly Lombardo from Stony Brook has been able to find her role on the team. Coach Simpson says, “She is volleyballminded. She has been around the game for so many years and is driven to be successful.” Carly came to the team from High School coming off not only a Division 1 Suffolk Championship, but also a Long Island Championship. Described as a player that always brings one hundred percent, Simpson says, “She is a versatile player, I can ask her to play any position on the court, and she will gladly do so.”

Another key player for the team is Kiersten Kissinger from Islip. This is �iersten’s first year with the �harks. According to Coach Simpson, “She is a humble player; she works hard at practice, and truly loves the game.” Kiersten is a sophomore transfer student from SUNY Oneonta. Coach Simpson says, “We are lucky to have Kiersten transfer back home to join the Suffolk volleyball team.” Having a presence on the court, Simpson describes Kiersten as a, “strong, loud and aggressive player. She is great to watch when she gets more excited for a teammates accomplishments then her own.” With great teamwork, dedication,

respect and passion, Coach Simpson believes the team will go far. The goal is always to win the region and make it to nationals, “That is always what the girls are working to”, says Simpson. This year’s team looks promising, and they are set for another successful year. Simpson says, “They have many talents on the court, strong hitters, big blockers, tough defense, but I love that these girls know the true meaning of being a team and what a teammate really is.” The �harks played their first match on September 3rd. They beat Hostos Community College with a score of three games to none.

The Lions defense has allowed more than seven points in a game just twice this season and have yielded 60 points overall, through the first six games. By scoring four times more than the opponent, Nassau isn’t going to have a problem winning games. They haven’t been relying on star senior players, either. Nassau has been able to spread the wealth and possesses numerous ways to score.

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�ophomore quarterback Troy �ones has led the Lions to victory at every chance he has had this season. �ones has completed 56 of 97 attempts this season, along with 10 touchdowns. His longest play of the year went for 82 yards and he is averaging just over 1�0 per game. �ones has plenty of talented wide outs to throw the ball to, but if there’s a favorite target he has, that very well may be sophomore Antwane Grant. Grant has found the end zone six times this season, including three in the win against Hudson Valley. Grant has three 100-yard receiving games and has made at least a reception during every game, except one. When they’re not throwing the ball, the Lions have a great option in sophomore running back Travis Lock, who has been a big part of the offense this year and has made some big runs all season long. Lock has gained �23 yards and three touchdowns on 93 carries. His longest run of the season was 56 yards.

“I believe that hard work beats talent, every time talent does not work hard” Kim Simpson, head coach

Suffolk Girls Volleyball

With these offensive options, the Lions can be an unpredictable group, and can win games in different ways. Grant and �ones have created problems for their opponents so far because they are both so dynamic.

f there’s one word to describe the Nassau Community College football team, it’s “dominant”. The Lions are plain and simple destroying their opponents this season and have shown no signs of slowing down. The Girls Lions are off to a 6-1 start and have Suffolk Volleyball proven, time after time, that they will be a team to beat going forward. Nassau has been on a roll and is building more momentum and confidence with every win, making it that much more difficult for another team to stop them.

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The Lions will look to both of these players to keep doing what they have been as they continue. The Lions had their toughest game of the season recently, and the results were different this time. Nassau suffered its lone loss of the season, which snapped a six game winning streak. The Lions fell to Georgia Military College, the �1 ranked school, by a �5-22 score. Playing the top seeded school is always tough, but Nassau has the talent and mentality to bounce back. The Lions have a few games remaining on their schedule. They will take on Louisburg College, Globe Tech and ASA College to close out the regular season.

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BlackbirdS leave their hearts on the court as season ends

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Story by Scott Bickard // Photos by Brandon Luckain

hey knew this day was coming.

The LIU Brooklyn women’s volleyball team took on Penn State -- the #2 ranked team in the country -- in the first round of the NCAA tournament. “We’re inspired by the challenge of playing a great team, and it’s a privilege to be thought of as a top team that can contend with Penn State,” sixth year head coach Kyle Robinson said. Despite falling 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-14), the Blackbirds put up one heck of a fight in front of 1,600 fans. Robinson’s Blackbirds (23-7, 140) have mostly earned that privilege through a brutal early season schedule against two nationally ranked teams and three fellow NCAA tournament qualifiers. The competition was definitely there, but it took them a few weeks to prove they belonged. They began the year 2-4 after invitationals in Florida and Maryland, featuring two of the top 16 programs in the country and a Maryland team that had been tough at home all season. In a series of matches Robinson wished he could have had back, they managed only a game from #5 Florida and got shutout against Maryland and #16 Duke.

Robinson was proud of his team’s effort, but didn’t think they were playing their best volleyball yet. At that point, it looked like the Blackbirds would have to build their confidence by running through the NEC conference, which they’ve done eight of the last ten years. But LIU Brooklyn still had two non-league tournaments to demonstrate their national worth before playing a set of NEC teams that likely wouldn’t give them the experience needed to upset a squad like Penn State. In a two-day, three match event at home vs. Colgate, Cornell, and Fairfield, they toughed out two five-gamers and a relatively easy four-game win over Fairfield. A solid showing in Oklahoma a week later, in which they swept NebraskaOmaha, lost 3-2 to Tulsa (24-7; #39 RPI ranking), and lost 3-1 to Oklahoma (already in the second round of the NCAA tournament), brought them into the conference schedule. Their three most talented players, 5’11 sophomore outside hitter Tamara Ignjic (from Serbia), 5’9” junior outside hitter Annika Foit (Germany), and 5’10” setter Vera Djuric (Serbian whom Robinson calls “the mastermind”), will all return next year to win a few more non-conference games so facing a team

like Penn State is a privilege in the second or third round rather than the first. As expected, LIU Brooklyn swept through their conference season (140) without ever playing that dicey 5th game (scored to 15 in women’s college volleyball rather than 25). The 14game streak was only upset by an outof-conference, 3-0 loss to Seton Hall (16-15, 7-9 in the Big East) at home. The NEC has been good to the Blackbirds – advancing them to more NCAA tournaments in the last decade (eight) than comparable programs in major conferences -- but maybe it’s time for some tough love. Robinson expects the league to improve next year, which will hopefully produce at least one rival to challenge LIU’s throne. Not that the Blackbirds don’t respect current NEC competition. There’s a reason coach’s selfproclaimed “blue collar” team hasn’t lost in conference in two years. The Blackbirds finish the season with a 23-8 overall record, and a strong finish. Now that they’ve proved that they belong here, this team may be right back here come next season. Designed by Melissa Fearon

LIU BROOKLYN BLACKBIRDS 26

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he State University of New York at Maritime is a college known for their discipline and patriotism toward the military: the Army, Navy and Marines. Located in Throggs Neck, NY, a 35 minute drive from the school is the place where dreams are made on the ice instead of on the battlefield. Chelsea Piers sports arena in Stamford, CT is the home of the Maritime Men’s Ice Hockey team and

National Championship finishing in the 12th spot.

program.

The Maritime Privateers have made it to the Metropolitan Collegiate Hockey Conference (MCHC) playoffs in their last three years and won a Championship in their Division 3 league last season. During their last season, the Privateers also won two games in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Atlantic Regional’s and qualified for the ACHA

The Maritime team strives to have a similar season this year if not a better one. However, with a 6-3-2 record so far in the season, they have a long road if they’re going to get anywhere near last year’s position. The person responsible for the team’s success and for building the team from the ground up is Head Coach Matthew Garofalow. 34-year-old Garofalow is in his fifth year as head coach and eighth year at Maritime. Five years ago, Garofalow’s first season as head coach held

a record of 0-15. In the years that followed, Garofalow immersed more discipline into the ice hockey program by extending their practices to 3 hours from an hour and a half. Garofalow also created an off-ice program and held weekly meetings in the film room to discuss opponents. The second year his team was 6-11 and last year the team finished with a 27-4 record, the highest in their school’s history. Garofalow has built his coaching principals and is inspired by former NHL New Jersey Devils coach Jacques Lemaire.

With nine more games until the playoffs, Garofalow admitted his team has a tough schedule this year winning and losing most of their games by a mere score and playing against such competitive Ice Hockey schools such as Farmingdale, Bryn Athyn, and Albany to name a few. Garofalow, from Norwalk CT, and a former hockey player at Boston College is proud of his athletic administration, his new ice rink and players. The Privateers old ice rink did not even have a locker

room. “I’ve been blessed with amazing athletes,” Garofalow said. Senior Captain Dan Ticks of last season is now a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army and now coaches a team up in Buffalo, NY. There were also a total of six Academic AllAmerican athletes last year on the team. Garofalow explained that Maritime is an academically competitive school in which the majority of his players are double majoring. They

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need no motivation on the ice is the Director of since Garofalow has built a Hockey Operations culture of student athletes on at Maritime. a varsity level. It will be a tall Garofalow understands task this season if that all the athletes play their Maritime makes best and that some even went it to the Nationals. above and beyond in skills The ACHA National this season. One such player Championship last that has shined this year is year helped the Senior Nick Galli. Galli is Privateers increase an Academic All American, their speed in the has been on the team for four game. The Nationals years and also plays Baseball will be held in Coral during the spring. “He’s Springs, FLA from head and shoulders over March 11-15 in 2014. everyone,” Garofalow stated. If Maritime manages A couple of other players to make it to the that should also be recognized Nationals, Garofalow this year for their excellence is convinced they will are Senior Captain Forward play better.

Steven Altini, and Senior “Just as long as there Defense Alternative Captains are no more letdowns Ross Freund and Dillon for the rest of the year,” Dolansky Garofalow said laughing. The Maritime Privateers may have good players with good chemistry, but that still does not help them win games. Garofalow has upbeat practices to play to each of the player’s strengths and weaknesses. He recently has been working with the players on special teams.

Aside from Hockey, Garofalow said that the vast majority of his players will likely graduate from Maritime and get a $70000 salary job working on the ships, either in the engine room or on a cruise line.

Knowing this, Garofalow believes it is important for all Garofalow will do what he his players to be involved on always does before a game, campus, to get good grades. calmly go over key issues so On the ice, Maritime is that the game is simplified. looking to pick up the pace Garofalow is not a coach if they want to have more for riling up his team in the success. locker room, that is the job of veteran Assistant Coach William Ducey. Ducey has coached and played Hockey his whole life and

THUNDERBIRDS

CONNETQUOT “

“

Every year our goal is to win the Long Island Championship.

THUNDERBIRDS CONNETQUOT

ThunderbirdS aspire for the

long island championship

Story By Jaclynkelli Kronemberg / Photos By Morgan Harrison

he Connetquot varsity football team enters the season ranked number three in Division one in Suffolk County. Leading the Connetquot Thunderbirds is head coach Mike Hansen. Hansen is entering his 11th season as the head coach. Last season, Connetquot ended the season with eight wins, two losses, and lost in the Suffolk County semifinals. “This year our goal is to try and win every game,” said Hansen, “Every year our goal is to win the Long Island Championship.”

A few of the players from last season have since graduated, and the Thunderbirds have only three offensive returning starters, and three defensive returning starters. “We have a solid team this season,” Hansen said, “We have skilled players and a good defense.” There are a couple of players looking to make an impact this year, and help get the team to the championship game. Senior wide receiver Tyler Nason (5’10” 185 lbs.) was one of the top receivers on Long Island last year with 38

receptions. “Tyler is athletic, has nice hands and runs great routes,” Hansen said, “I’m looking forward to him being a big impact player this season.”

“There are a lot of kids that have the potential to be real impact players this season for us,” said Hansen, “This is a great team and it’s a pleasure to coach them.”

Senior running back/ linebacker Marcus Gutierrez (5’9” 180 lbs.) is another key player to watch for this season. “Marcus is a tough hard runner,” Hansen said, “He will carry a lot of the load this year.” The offensive line features three seniors DJ Gallino (6’2” 270 lbs.), Rob Dawson (6’1” 270 lbs.) and Jimmy Oliver (5’11” 250 lbs.). “We have a solid offensive line,” Hansen said, “DJ, Rob and Jimmy are the anchors of the offensive line.” The defensive line features junior Sean Moore (6’0” 250 lbs.), Gallino and Oliver. “Our defensive line is physical and work hard.” Hansen said. Connetquot takes their first step toward the Long Island Championship on September 11, 2013, when they open the season against Patchogue Medford.

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MOLLOY COLLEGE Lions Look To Recover From Slow Start S TO RY BY KEVIN F REIH EIT P H OTO S BY A DIL BORLU C A

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oming off of an 18-10 season the Molloy College men’s basketball team is hoping to do even better this season. However, that may be tough to do since the Lions have gotten off to a rough start.

While it’s still very early, the Lions are just 2-5 and have quickly dug themselves a hole. It’s something they are able to get out of with some hard consistent, hard work, but it’s definitely not what they had in mind. Molloy opened the season with a 93-75 loss against Southern Connecticut State University. The Lions were able to rebound with a victory against Felician College to close out the University of Bridgeport Classic. Since then, the Lions have been off of their game, and have struggled to put points on the board. They’ve dropped four of the last five games with their lone victory coming against Queens College by a score of 69-50. Molloy has been outscored by its’ opponents so far this season 538-509. A big difference for the Lions from their opponents is the field goal percentage. Molloy is shooting at 39 percent while opponents are at 47 percent. Senior John Petrucelli has made a big impact for the Lions on offense. He leads the team with 152 points in seven games, an average of 21.7. His best game this season came against Holy Family University when he tallied 32 in an 79-66 loss. Junior Matt McLeod has also made his presence known as he leads the Lions with 56 rebound and a free throw percentage of .875 (42-48). If there’s anyone that can help the Lions get back on track, it would be their head coach, Charles Marquardt. Marquardt has been the coach since 1995 and has seen many different athletes pass through the program. This year, the Lions need some improvement before they are able to duplicate last season’s success. That’s where Marquardt needs to step in. The Lions still have just under 20 games to play, so there is plenty of time to get things turned around, but how quickly will they be able to do it? Molloy has its’ work cut out for them.

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NYIT Bears E

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Eager to Return to ament STORY BY JACLYNKELLI KRONEMBERG PHOTOS BY KEVIN SPERANDEO

he Women’s NYIT basketball team made history last season by making it to their first ever NCAA tournament. It will be a challenge to get back there this season but they are doing everything they can to make back to back appearances in the NCAA tournament. They graduated six seniors from last year’s remarkable team and have replaced them with six true freshman and one redshirt freshman. “We are a lot younger this year,” said senior shooting guard Alex Venuto, “We have less experience but the freshmen are eager to learn and are working hard to get better. We are still learning how to play together as a team but I believe we can get back to the NCAA tournament we just have to put the work in and keep improving.” They entered the season ranked number two in the East Coast Conference in Division II and ranked in the top 40 of the country. So far this season they have two wins and three losses. “With the freshmen it will take us a little while to become good,” said NYIT women’s basketball head coach Anthony Crocitto, “We should start to get strong by the end of January. I expect us to make the ECC finals and compete for an NCAA tournament berth.” Crocitto has already left his mark on the program and he is only in his fifth season as the head coach of the NYIT women’s program. “It always exciting playing for coach,” said Venuto, “He is full of energy and passion. I’ve been with him since his second year of being here and it has been good watching him make the program his own. He is more into it every year and he really cares about his players and the game.” Last year Crocitto led the program to a historic year with 23 wins and five losses and also achieving firsts in a few categories. It was the first time the program won 15 games in a row, first time they were ranked 15th nationally and first time they made it to the NCAA tournament. “He is a really good coach,” said senior forward Rebecca Romeo, “I’ve learned so much in the last two years and have grown so much because of coach. He is always looking out for us. I’m an international player and he is always making sure all the international players are taking care of.”

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he returning players have experienced the feeling of what it is like to make it to the NCAA tournament and are looking to get a repeat of last season. “What we did last year was a great accomplishment,” said Venuto, “It was great to be the first team to ever do it. Now I get to walk into the arena, see our banner and know that I was a part of the first team to make it that far. We want to get back there and I believe we can still do it we just have to keep putting the work in.” The veterans of the team are determined to get back there and finish off their career on top. They are working hard with the freshman and are trying to create a complete team. “Last year was such an awesome experience,” said Romeo, “Now we have a banner and get to say that was us. So far this season we have had ups and downs because we have seven freshmen but I believe if we pull it together and work hard this team can do it again” This team has enough talent to get back to the ECC tournament and back to the NCAA tournament. Once they figure out the pieces that work together they can make a run again. They have a good mix of veterans and freshman and will be the team to watch the next few years. The players that make up this team include senior four year starter Demitra Apergis. Apergis is 5’6” point guard out of Colorado. She is also a two year captain. “Demitra is the first kid I signed when I got here. She helped me start the program,” said Crocitto, “Demitra handles the ball well and is the leader of the team.” Venuto is 5’9” two year captain from Ossining, New York that has started in most of the games all four years. “Alex is an excellent shooter and a good role model,”

said Crocitto, “She is all about putting her team first. Alex is the second girl is signed when I got here and she has also helped me to build the program.” Freshman Shannon Duer is a 5’9” small forward/ power forward out of Islip. “Shannon is the most coachable kid I’ve ever had,” said Crocitto, “She is an excellent rebounder, exciting player that is fun to watch. I can’t wait to watch her grow and continue to get better.” This team also has four international players that make a big impact on this team. “Being an international player is different. One major difference is that you can’t go to your family after the games because they can’t make it to the games,” said Romeo, “I love the game of basketball, I would do anything for the game. I moved to America to play basketball and it is hard sometimes but you push through it. Having the other international players here helps a lot because we support each other and know what each other are experiencing. The team and coaches have become our family and we all support each other and it makes it easier for us.” This NYIT women’s basketball team has enough talent to get them back to where they finished off last season. They just have to continue to build team chemistry and learn and improve upon their mistakes and they will be right in the mix by the end of the season. “Taking this head coaching job was the greatest thing I decided to do,” said Crocitto, “It can be challenging at times but this team is a lot of fun. I’m lucky to be in this spot. It is nice getting to run my own program. Every year I’ve been here we have gotten better. This is the hardest working group I’ve had in all my years coaching and if they continue to work hard they have the makings of championships.” Designed by Win-Kye Cheong

FRAMED POSTERS Our stories and cover are available to purchase. Choose from any cover and/or article from any Ultimate Athlete Magazine issue to have made into a poster. Covers come in a 9x11 or 12x18 print. Articles come in a 12x18 print. Any prints can be ordered with or without a black frame. To order, call 1.800.680.3213 or email Paul at publisher@ultimateathletemagazine. com 9â&#x20AC;?x11â&#x20AC;? Framed Cover NAS SAU COMMUNITY COLLEGE lions

NAS SAU COMMUNITY COLLEGE LIONS

NASSAU LIONS OFF TO A STRONG SEASON Story By Kevin Freiheit // Photos By Kevin Sperandeo

NASSAU COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOOTBALL

In their six wins this season, Nassau has put up 240 points, an average of 40 points per game. Those numbers increased after the Lions defeated Hudson Valley Community College 68-20 in a JDPH WKDW JRW RXW RI KDQG TXLFNO\ The Lions defense has allowed more than seven points in a game just twice this season and KDYH \LHOGHG SRLQWV RYHUDOO WKURXJK WKH ÂżUVW six games. By scoring four times more than the opponent, Nassau isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to have a problem winning games. They havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been relying on star senior players, either. Nassau has been able to spread the wealth and possesses numerous ways to score. 6RSKRPRUH TXDUWHUEDFN 7UR\ -RQHV KDV led the Lions to victory at every chance he has KDG WKLV VHDVRQ -RQHV KDV FRPSOHWHG RI attempts this season, along with 10 touchdowns. His longest play of the year went for 82 yards and KH LV DYHUDJLQJ MXVW RYHU SHU JDPH -RQHV KDV plenty of talented wide outs to throw the ball to, but if thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a favorite target he has, that very well may be sophomore Antwane Grant. Grant has found the end zone six times this season, including three in the win against Hudson Valley. Grant has three 100-yard receiving games and has made at least a reception during every game, except one. When theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not throwing the ball, the Lions KDYH D JUHDW RSWLRQ LQ VRSKRPRUH UXQQLQJ EDFN 7UDYLV /RFN ZKR KDV EHHQ D ELJ SDUW RI WKH offense this year and has made some big runs DOO VHDVRQ ORQJ /RFN KDV JDLQHG \DUGV DQG WKUHH WRXFKGRZQV RQ FDUULHV +LV ORQJHVW UXQ RI WKH VHDVRQ ZDV \DUGV With these offensive options, the Lions can be an unpredictable group, and can win games LQ GLIIHUHQW ZD\V *UDQW DQG -RQHV KDYH FUHDWHG problems for their opponents so far because they are both so dynamic.

f thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one word to describe the Nassau Community College football team, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;dominantâ&#x20AC;?. The Lions are plain and simple destroying their opponents this season and have shown no signs of slowing down. The Lions are off to a 6-1 start and have proven, time after time, that they will be a team to beat going forward. Nassau has been on a roll and is building more momentum DQG FRQÂżGHQFH ZLWK HYHU\ ZLQ PDNLQJ LW WKDW PXFK PRUH GLIÂżFXOW IRU DQRWKHU WHDP WR stop them.

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7KH /LRQV ZLOO ORRN WR ERWK RI WKHVH SOD\HUV WR NHHS GRLQJ ZKDW WKH\ KDYH EHHQ DV WKH\ FRQWLQXH The Lions had their toughest game of the season recently, and the results were different this time. Nassau suffered its lone loss of the season, which VQDSSHG D VL[ JDPH ZLQQLQJ VWUHDN 7KH /LRQV IHOO WR *HRUJLD 0LOLWDU\ &ROOHJH WKH UDQNHG VFKRRO E\ D VFRUH Playing the top seeded school is always tough, but Nassau has the talent and mentality to bounce EDFN 7KH /LRQV KDYH D IHZ JDPHV UHPDLQLQJ RQ WKHLU VFKHGXOH 7KH\ ZLOO WDNH RQ /RXLVEXUJ College, Globe Tech and ASA College to close out the regular season.

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Suffolk County Community College

SHARKS ready to have breakout year Story By Brian Coleman // Photos by Morgan Harrison

he Suffolk County Community College Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Basketball team returns to the hardwood this season following a very successful 2012-13 campaign. While the season concluded earlier than the Sharks would have liked, Suffolk was able to win an important playoff game against rival Nassau Community College in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) tournament. Suffolk earned the fourth seed in the Region 15 bracket of the NJCAA tournament, and drew a first round matchup with the fifth seeded Nassau Community College Lions in New Rochelle, N.Y. Nassau led the game early and actually carried a five-point lead into the second half, but Suffolk took the contest over in the second half. Cortrell King became a beast on the inside and was the catalyst to the Sharks success in the final 20 minutes. King poured in 18 points and snatched 15 rebounds including six on the offensive glass. He also secured the defensive end by blocking four shots en route to holding the Lions to just 28 points. Blake Evans led Suffolk in the scoring

department by putting in 21 points to go along with four assists and three rebounds. Armand Correa filled up multiple categories in the stat sheet with 14 points, nine rebounds, two steals and two assists, while Nick Gallina orchestrated the offense with eight assists to accompany his nine points. Suffolk outscored Nassau 46-28 in the second half on the way to a 77-64 victory in the quarterfinals of the Region XV bracket. Up next for the Sharks was top seeded Sullivan County Community College who posed a big challenge for Suffolk. Unfortunately for the Sharks, the Generals from Sullivan County proved to be too much and easily handled the Suffolk attack. Sullivan quickly opened up the scoring in the first half and seemed to put the game away early by taking a 21-point lead into the intermission. Suffolk was never able to climb out of that hole and eventually lost 85-48. The Generals had a very balanced offensive attack as its leading scorers were Darien Croff and Gerald McClease with only 13 points each. Antoine Gattling added 10 points, while three other Sullivan players each poured in nine points in the victory. WWW.ULTIMATEATHLETEMAGAZINE.COM

Suffolk County Community College

Suffolkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offense struggled all night and seemed stifled by the Sullivan defense. King led the scoring with 12 points, while Correa added 10. They were really hurt by the rebounding disadvantage, as Sullivan pulled in 21 more rebounds (53-32) than Suffolk, including 17 on the offensive glass. Despite the blowout loss to end it, Suffolk was able to enjoy a successful season and carries that into the 2013-14 campaign. Led by first year head coach Victor Correa, who served as an assistant coach on the Suffolk staff for the past five seasons, the Sharks look to build off of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success and make some noise in the NJCAA. Suffolk won back to back NJCAA championships in 2003 and 2004, and hopes to return to that glory under new head coach Correa. For the Sharks to break out this season, sophomores Chris Millender and Armand Correa will need to shoulder the load on offense. Correa, who was a key contributor to the team last season, will provide the Sharks with experience and leadership that is crucial to successful teams. Thus far, Correa has continued his diversity on the offensive end. He is averaging 11.4 points, 5.4 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 2 steals per game. Correa is just one of four sophomores on the Sharks roster and is the catalyst to the high-powered offense. Suffolk has started off very nicely thanks

Suffolk Community College to a favorable early schedule that provided five home games through the first seven. Suffolk has dropped one of those home games but has won five of its first seven overall to begin the season with a record of 5-2. Millender has paced the scoring early averaging 16.2 points per game so far this season, while also adding 10 rebounds. Millender is a forward who will have some big shoes to fill after the departure of Cortrell King. Another forward helped carry the Sharks in the home opener against Queensborough Community College. David McLeod scored 21 points on 7-12 shooting to open the season, and was on fire from beyond the three-point line. McLeod took five three-pointers and buried

them all. He was the only Shark to knock down a shot from beyond the arc as Suffolk went 5-13 overall from three-point land, all of which coming from the hands of McLeod. Suffolk beat down Queensborough in a 8249 blowout which they hope will set the tone for the entire season. The offense has been the anchor thus far, as the Sharks are shooting 51.5% from the field as a team, an exceptionally good number of offensive efficiency. That offense was really put on display in a 40-point win over Kingsborough Community College in late November. The game was Millenderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coming out party as he poured in 30 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.

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Suffolk Community College

Millender was 13-18 from the field and was extremely efficient in getting his 30 points. Stephen Knight had himself quite the game as well, as he scored 25 points on 9-12 shooting to go along with four assists and three rebounds. Correa quarterbacked the offense with 10 assists, while also scoring 18 points and bringing in seven rebounds. The Sharks shot 64.6% from the field as they were firing on all cylinders throughout the night en route to its biggest victory of the early season. The season is still very early, but Suffolk Community College has jumped out of the gate and looks poised to make a run in the Region XV bracket in early March. The offense will be the biggest factor, and if Millender and Correa can continue to do what they have done thus far, the Sharks will be a major player when it comes to the NJCAA playoffs. Designed by Melissa Fearon

NASSAU LIONS OFF TO A STRONG SEASON Story By Kevin Freiheit // Photos By Kevin Sperandeo

NASSAU COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOOTBALL

In their six wins this season, Nassau has put up 240 points, an average of 40 points per game. Those numbers increased after the Lions defeated Hudson Valley Community College 68-20 in a game that got out of hand quickly. The Lions defense has allowed more than seven points in a game just twice this season and have yielded 60 points overall, through the first six games. By scoring four times more than the opponent, Nassau isn’t going to have a problem winning games. They haven’t been relying on star senior players, either. Nassau has been able to spread the wealth and possesses numerous ways to score. Sophomore quarterback Troy Jones has led the Lions to victory at every chance he has had this season. Jones has completed 56 of 97 attempts this season, along with 10 touchdowns. His longest play of the year went for 82 yards and he is averaging just over 140 per game. Jones has plenty of talented wide outs to throw the ball to, but if there’s a favorite target he has, that very well may be sophomore Antwane Grant. Grant has found the end zone six times this season, including three in the win against Hudson Valley. Grant has three 100-yard receiving games and has made at least a reception during every game, except one. When they’re not throwing the ball, the Lions have a great option in sophomore running back Travis Lock, who has been a big part of the offense this year and has made some big runs all season long. Lock has gained 423 yards and three touchdowns on 93 carries. His longest run of the season was 56 yards. With these offensive options, the Lions can be an unpredictable group, and can win games in different ways. Grant and Jones have created problems for their opponents so far because they are both so dynamic.

f there’s one word to describe the Nassau Community College football team, it’s “dominant”. The Lions are plain and simple destroying their opponents this season and have shown no signs of slowing down. The Lions are off to a 6-1 start and have proven, time after time, that they will be a team to beat going forward. Nassau has been on a roll and is building more momentum and confidence with every win, making it that much more difficult for another team to stop them.

The Lions will look to both of these players to keep doing what they have been as they continue. The Lions had their toughest game of the season recently, and the results were different this time. Nassau suffered its lone loss of the season, which snapped a six game winning streak. The Lions fell to Georgia Military College, the #1 ranked school, by a 45-22 score. Playing the top seeded school is always tough, but Nassau has the talent and mentality to bounce back. The Lions have a few games remaining on their schedule. They will take on Louisburg College, Globe Tech and ASA College to close out the regular season.

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Live Up To High Standards Story by Kevin Freiheit | Photos by Kevin Sperandeo

tony Brook hockey has a reputation of being one of the best teams on Long Island, and every year they do their best to prove that statement true.

This year is no different. The Seawolves have passed the halfway mark of their season and have lost just five games. The Seawolves carry a 13-2-3 through their first 18 games of the season and have played in nine one goal games.

Stony Brook got off to a positive start, defeating the Buffalo Bulls by scores of 3-2 and 9-3. The 2-0 record was short lived, though, as the team fell to the University of Delaware twice, both by a 4-3 score and one in overtime. Whatever happened in that second game against Delawar, the Seawolves became fired up and starting building momentum. They rattled off three straight victories and took nine of the next 10 games, including a six game winning streak along the way. Head coach Chris Garofalo is in his 4th year behind the bench and his 17th as general manager. Garofalo has played a large role in the success of the Seawolves for almost the past two decades, and it has shown on the ice. This year, the Seawolves have even more talent, and are going to be one of the toughest teams to beat. The goaltending situation has been a bit of a question mark, but sophomore Brendan Jones has been getting the nod in goal on most nights. Jones has struggled with a 4-3 record, a 3.56 goals against average, and a save percentage of .881. It’s not the typical kind of stat line that Jones is used to having. Last season, Jones posted an 8-4 record with a 2.80 goals against, and a .901 save percentage. Due to his troubles in the net, the Seawolves have given a couple others a try. The Seawolves’ success hasn’t been from the goaltenders alone. They have come up big, but with 90 goals, Stony Brook’s offense has been a big reason why they have such a strong record. Junior Ryan Cotcamp is having another one of his typical, high scoring seasons. Coming off of a 20 goal season as a sophomore, Cotcamp already has 20 goals and 10 assists in 18 games this season, including six power play goals and two shorthanded as well.

Cotcamp has become a catalyst for the Stony Brook offense, and with another year and a half to go, he has become one of the go-to guys for the team. Senior Dan Cassano has become a solid setup man this season. Cassano has a team high 24 assists in 20 games, and five goals to go along with that. Stony Brook is set up for success, as they usually are, but they play every game for a reason. With still quite a few games remaining on the schedule, a few players have the chance to keep setting their high marks. Watch for the Seawolves once again this season as they prove why they have become one of the best teams in the Designed by country. Win-Kye Cheong

LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY POST Pioneers

|| Story by Emily Soper || Photos by Morgan Harrison ||

t’s no surprise that the undefeated Long Island University men’s soccer team is unstoppable. For the 2013 season, the Post Pioneers currently have a record of 13-0-0. Last season, the men’s soccer team went 18-20 for the season (8-1-0 for conference). Head coach Andreas Lindberg has been with the team for five years as head coach, and calls his team a “tremendous force.” In comparison to last season, Lindberg states that, “The season is similar; I’ve really liked what we’ve done so far. We just need to get sharper.” Lindberg is obviously doing something right as his Pioneers have continued to improve their performance, year after year. Lindberg likes how his team is playing thus far, and for good reason. The team is undefeated so far, and has won all conference and nonconference games alike. Lindberg says that his goals for the team are to “be a continuing force in the nation,” and to “make it back to the national tournaments and to the final four.” The Post Pioneers just take it one game at a time,

and Coach Lindberg hopes that his team will, “go farther than they’ve gone before.” Last season went by in a similar fashion for the Pioneers. Lindberg’s stats for his team steadily improve year by year and eliminate all losses. This could be in part to his team-building exercises and activities that the Pioneers take part in. “This past preseason, we went to Sweden,” Lindberg states, “It was great for the team, for the local players and to see the local culture.” The Pioneers are a very multi-cultural team, as 18 out of the 27 players on the roster came to the school internationally, five of which are Swedish. The Men’s soccer team at Post also helps the community here on Long Island. Lindberg states that his team is, “A very close knit group, and we really try to help out our community.” The

team has gone out to Hamptons, as well as Huntington, to take part in community serviceoriented projects. This is not only a team-building exercise, but also strengthens the bond and the character of the team. All of the players on the team are in sync with each other. Sophomore Johan Rundqvist plays center back, and Lindberg states Rundqvist, “keeps the defense organized.” The team has a lot of returning seniors, such as Marco Jorgenson (goalkeeper) and Jonathon Watkin (midfield). Lindberg calls his returning seniors, and his entire team, a “tremendous force.” Junior Eivind Austboe had a head injury last year, and Lindberg and the team

were concerned for his health and if he would return to play soccer. Austboe plays forward, and he has, according to Coach Lindberg been, “coming back full force and doing really well.” Senior Eirik Bjoernoe hails from Norway and is this year’s team captain. Bjoernoe plays back for the Post Pioneers. “Eirik has been playing solid and has improved his defensive game over the summer,” Lindberg said, “He’s both a leader in the locker room and on the field, and he can run all day.” This has been quite the season for the Post Pioneers and they will be playing away games for a lot of the duration of the regular season. The Pioneers can be seen at home at LIU Post in Brookville on October 26th 2013, where they face off against Mercy College.

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out which team gets the automatic bid into the NCAA’s. “It is certainly a high priority of ours to make it to the NCAA tournament. In our conference you have to win the conference to get there, meaning you have to win the game, whether it’s us or Dowling, but, with our conference being so strong, they may take two or three teams to the NCAA tournament,” Coach Crocitto said. “So it’s definitely a major goal for us to get to the tournament.” And after making into the USA Today/ Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBAC) Top 25 Poll national rankings for the first time in school history, the team is that much more energized to take on Dowling again, on February 20, and make it all the way to the NCAA’s.

“They were excited. They do see the big picture of ‘let’s make the NCAA tournament, let’s see how far we can go, let’s see how high we can get ranked.’ So it certainly was great for them,” the coach said. “It was nice to see it happen because a couple of weeks in a row we were close, and then we got ranked and then we moved up.” The coach said before the team’s matchup at Mercy College that the Bears may move up in the rankings. “If we go in tonight and get our 20th win, will we move up past 21st tonight? We may, so it’s interesting,” the coach said

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ST. JOSEPHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S COLLEGE PANTHERS

Adelphi University

GOLDEN EAGLES The ADELPHI LADY Panthers are In It to WinYORK It NEW INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLO GY Story by Brian Coleman | Photos by Bill Kelly

he Adelphi Panthers womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soccer team rides into their 2013 season with VRPH XQÂżQLVKHG EXVLQHVV WR WDNH FDUH of following a tough loss to conclude their 2012 season. After a winning season, Adelphi upset a couple of teams on its way to the championship game in the Northeastern-10 conference playoffs. The Lady Panthers reached the championship game of the conference WRXUQDPHQW IRU WKH ÂżUVW WLPH LQ program history. The offense was led E\ WZR VHQLRUV ZKR SDFHG WKH JRDO scoring for the Lady Panthers, Emily Masiello and Kaitlin Monteith, who led Adelphi in scoring. Monteith led the team in goals with eight, while Masiello scored seven goals, including WZR LQ WKH ÂżUVW URXQG SOD\RII JDPH WR JR DORQJ ZLWK KHU ÂżYH DVVLVWV RQ WKH VHDVRQ

The Lady Panthers did just that in the opening URXQG Ă&#x20AC;LSSLQJ WKH VFULSW RQ $PHULFDQ ,QWHUQDWLRQDO DQG GHIHDWLQJ WKHP LQ WKH TXDUWHUÂżQDO ,W ZDV D EDFN DQG IRUWK DIIDLU WKDW ZDV NHSW VFRUHOHVV DOO WKH ZD\ LQWR WKH QG PLQXWH XQWLO 0DVLHOOR EURNH WKH scoreless tie. She added another goal in the 90th minute to secure the victory and the upset, as Adelphi PRYHG RQ WR WKH VHPLÂżQDOV

That was all Adelphi needed on the day as goalie Sam Whitney did what VKH KDG GRQH DOO \HDU :KLWQH\ UHFRUGHG ÂżYH VDYHV DQG NHSW 0HUULPDFN RXW of the net, posting yet another shutout as the Lady Panthers advanced to LWV ÂżUVW FRQIHUHQFH WLWOH JDPH ,W ZDV DOVR WKH WK ZLQ RI WKH VHDVRQ IRU Adelphi, notching the programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest win total since 2008.

Goalie Sam Whitney continued her excellence, VKXWWLQJ RXW WKH <HOORZMDFNHWV RI $PHULFDQ International while recording six saves en route to the victory.

'HVSLWH WKH ORVV ZDV ZLWKRXW D GRXEW D JRRG \HDU IRU WKH $GHOSKL Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Soccer program. Head coach Chris Armas led the Lady Panthers WR LWV ÂżUVW HYHU FKDPSLRQVKLS JDPH DQG QRWFKHG LWV KLJKHVW ZLQ WRWDO LQ ÂżYH years. With that, Adelphi headed into 2013 with some high expectations and goals to go even further than they did a year ago.

7KH /DG\ 3DQWKHUV WKHQ KHDGHG XS WR 0HUULPDFN &ROOHJH WR WDNH RQ WKH :DUULRUV LQ D VHPLÂżQDO PDWFKXS ,W GLGQÂśW WDNH PLQXWHV WR ÂżQG D JRDO LQ WKLV JDPH DV 'RQQD /LRWRQH IRXQG WKH EDFN RI WKH QHW RQ D SHQDOW\ NLFN WR SXW $GHOSKL XS 1-0 in the 46th minute.

Adelphi carried a 9-6-3 regular season record into the NE-10 conference playoffs in 2012, and drew a matchup with the top team in the conference, $PHULFDQ ,QWHUQDWLRQDO &ROOHJH -XVW RQH ZHHN SULRU the Lady Panthers lost to American International DQG NQHZ WKH\ KDG WR UHGHHP themselves in the playoffs.

The lone loss of the season so far came to a fantastic opponent in Saint Rose College. The 3rd ranked team in the country at the time, Saint Rose posed a big challenge than the Lady Panthers were prepared to meet head on.

Story by Jaclynkelli Kronemberg // Photos by Morgan Harrison

While the statistics of the game would show that Saint Rose dominated it, outshooting Adelphi 17-8 and winning the corner advantage 10-2, Adelphi was able to hold its own and really proved it belonged with the top teams.

nyit womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tennis

Now, Adelphi did lose its top two scorers from a year ago, Emily St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soccer team Masiello and Kaitlin Monteith, and had to have some players step The up this gotaoff season. With only 3 seniors, the Lady Panthers are relying on lottoofa rough start this season but is looking to turn things around with their underclassmen to carry the load this season. conference play. The Golden Eagles won Off to a 7-1-2 start, Adelphi is in very good shape at this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Skyline Conference Championship PLGSRLQW 7KHLU OHDGLQJ JRDO VFRUHU 2OLYLD &]DYDU KDV VWHSSHG XS ELJ last season and are looking to defend WLPH HDUO\ RQ &]DYDU VFRUHG IRXU JRDOV DOO RI ODVW VHDVRQ EXW KDV IRXQG their title. WKH EDFN RI WKH QHW VL[ WLPHV DOUHDG\ WKLV VHDVRQ 6KH OHDGV WKH WHDP LQ â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have been playing nonJRDOV SRLQWV DQG VKRWV RQ JRDO DQG VKH VFRUHG D JRDO LQ HDFK RI WKH ÂżUVW conference games against top level four games. teams in division three soccer to get us ready for our conference play,â&#x20AC;? said senior defender Terrence Dzus, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We did this last season and it worked well being that we won the Skyline conference and made it to the NCAA tournament.â&#x20AC;?

The Golden Eagles Looking to Defend Their Title

While the offense was consistent for the Panthers ODVW VHDVRQ WKH JLUO EHWZHHQ WKH SLSHV SOD\HG outstanding for them. Sam Whitney was a sophomore last season, and was an anchor as the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goalie. She started in 20 of the 21 games, including playoffs last year, and possessed 0.84 goals against average. Whitney recorded 104 saves on the season while allowing just 18 goals.

BEARS

Unfortunately, the Lady Panthers offense came up short and Whitney ÂżQDOO\ DOORZHG D JRDO LQ WKH 1RUWKHDVWHUQ FRQIHUHQFH FKDPSLRQVKLS game as they lost to Southern New Hampshire University 1-0.

conference play. The Golden Eagles have two wins, 10 losses and two ties so far this season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This season has had its up and downs,â&#x20AC;? said junior forward Fabio Alves, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Luck has not been in our favor but we are a strong team and we wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up. We have stayed together through the good and bad times and our goals remain the same. We will continue to be relentless and strive for perfection as the season goes on.â&#x20AC;?

St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal is the same every year to win the conference and get to the NCAA tournament. This season they started off with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;We havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let our goal go,â&#x20AC;? said WRXJK VFKHGXOH SOD\LQJ ÂżYH QDWLRQDOO\ St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soccer head coach ranked teams in their non-conference Tim Trava, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have had a few terrible play to get the team ready for their losses against nationally ranked teams.

We now start our conference play, and WKH NLGV DUH SOD\LQJ FRQÂżGHQWO\ Â´ &RDFK Trava is entering his second year as the head coach. Last year, he took them to WKH ÂżUVW URXQG RI WKH 1&$$ WRXUQDPHQW â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coach motivates us and brings the team together like a family,â&#x20AC;? said VRSKRPRUH PLGÂżHOGHU +HQU\ 7LUDGR Âł+H LV DQ RXWVWDQGLQJ KHDG FRDFK :H are lucky to have such a great coaching staff teaching us and pushing us to play our best.â&#x20AC;? Trava went to school and played soccer for St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s college from 2000-2004. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coach understands us because he played here, too,â&#x20AC;? said Dzus, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have enjoyed playing for him and wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to play for anyone else. +H ZDQWV XV WR LPSURYH HDFK DQG HYHU\

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Âł:H VKRZHG VSLULW ÂżJKW KHDUW DQG ZHQW WRH WR WRH day, and is always pushing us to become team.â&#x20AC;? with one thewe best the of best canteams be.â&#x20AC;? in the country,â&#x20AC;? said Adelphi Alves was rookie of the year last head coach Chris Armas, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Any coach would be proud St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graduated nine starters season, and is one of the captains for the of that effort and I believe wholeheartedly in the group and are playing with 15 new athletes. team this season. Alves is the leading of girls we have.â&#x20AC;? There is no doubt that Armas and the The Golden Eagles have a newer team scorer on the team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fabio is the engine rest of Adelphi should be proud and excited at the recent made up of freshman and transfers. RI WKH WHDP Â´ VDLG 7UDYD Âł+H LV RXU JR WR success of the program. Following a year in which guy on offense.â&#x20AC;? haveUHDFKHG 15 new players WKH /DG\ â&#x20AC;&#x153;We 3DQWKHUV LWV ÂżUVW 1( and &RQIHUHQFH returned game, 14 players lastbeseason,â&#x20AC;? Tirado is a transfer from the Air force Championship they from look to poised to return said Dzus, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The difference was felt right $FDGHP\ DQG KDG WR VLW RXW WKH ÂżUVW KDOI WR WKDW JDPH DQG WDNH FDUH RI VRPH XQÂżQLVKHG EXVLQHVV away, losing the starters from last year of the season due to NCAA regulations Since that loss, the Lady Panthers havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lost in that I have played with for the past three IRU WUDQVIHUULQJ Âł+HQU\ ZLOO EH D KXJH WKH ODVW ÂżYH FRQWHVWV 7KH\ SOD\HG D WLH DJDLQVW seasons, but after realizing the talent this FRQWULEXWRU IRU XV Â´ VDLG 7UDYD Âł+H KDV Assumption College, preventing them from carrying a team has to offer, I believe we can win extreme energy and we are a different ÂżYH JDPH ZLQQLQJ VWUHDN RQWR WKHLU QH[W RSSRQHQW team when he plays.â&#x20AC;? the Skyline championship again.â&#x20AC;? All that remains on Adelphiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s schedule are Dzus is a four year starter and the The Golden Eagles have started to 1RUWKHDVWHUQ RSSRQHQWV DQG WKH\ FXUUHQWO\ VLW DWRS captain of this team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Terrence is the turn around their season winning two those standings. It wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be easy, but the Adelphi heart and soul of this team,â&#x20AC;? said Trava, games in a row. Their last win was huge 3DQWKHUV VHHP WR EH WKH IDYRULWH WR ZLQ WKHLU ÂżUVW Âł+H LV WKH OHDGHU WKDW HYHU\RQH ORRNV XS beating the number one team in their conference championship in program history. to, and helps out the younger kids on the conference Mt. St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love coaching here,â&#x20AC;? said Trava, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a dream come true. It is an honor to be coaching here. These kids are great they work hard and making coaching fun and enjoyable. The future is bright for this program with the talent we have in our freshman and transfers.â&#x20AC;?

nyit tennis:

MORE THAN LOVE

HOFSTRA PRIDE

Story and Photos by Justin Mackin

hemistry, a recurring theme within the New York Institute of Technologyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tennis team, seems to be catalyzing the team towards another successful season. The Bears are coming off of a win in their season opener, and it appears that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re picking up right where they left off last year as 2012 ECC Champions. The Bears defeated Philadelphia 9-0 this past Sunday in their season opener to bring them to 1-0, and now have their eyes set on the next match, Friday 9/13 against Daemen College.

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Since Coach Chris Frusci took over as head coach in 2011 the Bears have seen a winning trend within the program. For the 2013 season the

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Bears have 5 new additions to the team and they are going to have to look to returning players like Sara Burinato, the ECC preseason player of the year, to maintain the success. This year Coach Frusci is focusing on strength, conditioning, and rehabilitation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The response has been great, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting more players healthy and preventing more injuries that way;â&#x20AC;? so far the coach and the players agree, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paying off.

and cohesion among the team, even from observing just one practice. The FKHPLVWU\ LV HYLGHQW LQ WKH ÂżUVW PDWFK where the bears swept the doubles with the teams of Sara Burinato & Claudia Sanchez Gonzalez, Melanie Benyadi & Gabrela Siembab, and Rocio Benavent & Madalina Florea. While Sanchez Gonzalez, Siembab, Benavent, Florea, Burinato, and Benyadi all took their singles matches to contribute WR WKH ÂżUVW PDWFK ZLQ RI WKH VHDVRQ Despite missing two key players in the ÂżUVW PDWFK &HOLD 5HVSDXW DQG $OHVVLD Rossetti, the Bears look to be off to D JRRG VWDUW 'HÂżQLWHO\ D SURJUDP WR watch as they are favored in the ECC again this year.

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The strength and conditioning regimen may be one of the recipes for success, but team chemistry could be another. With a team of such diverse backgrounds and 5 new girls this year, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quite impressive to see such team unity. One can sense a common goal

Story by Jaclynkelli Kronemberg Photos by Bill Kelly

ast year the Hofstra womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soccer team won the Colonial Athletic Conference, DQG PDGH LW WR WKH ÂżUVW URXQG RI the NCAA tournament where they lost to Boston College. This year they are striving for a repeat as conference champions, and make it back to the NCAA tournament.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year we want to win the CAA for a second year in a row,â&#x20AC;? said senior GHIHQGHU PLGÂżHOGHU 7DUD .HUQV Âł1R RQH has ever won it two years in a row. We also want to make it far in the NCAA tournament, this program has grown competitively over the years and we have no limits on our potential as a team.â&#x20AC;? The Pride currently has eight wins,

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NY ARTICLE! LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY

DOWLING COLLEGE POST PIONEERS

ST. JOSEPHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S COLLEGE golden lions

Story by Kevin Freiheit Photos by Morgan Harrison

GOLDEN EAGLES DOWLING UNIVERSITY four losses and one tie overall and in conference they have two wins one loss and one tie. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a fairly solid team and are playing well,â&#x20AC;? said Hofstra womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soccer head coach Simon Riddiough, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have good players with experience that have come back, and we are playing FRQÂżGHQWO\ :H NQRZ HYHU\ JDPH LV D battle we just have to be consistent in our games and we can win our conference again.â&#x20AC;? Coach Riddiough is entering his eighth year as the head coach of The Pride. Since he started coaching in 2005, the Hofstra womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soccer team has won the CAA conference three times and has gone to the NCAA tournament four

times, advancing to the second round of the tournament twice. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coach Simon is not only a great coach, but is also a great person and friend,â&#x20AC;? said Kerns, â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the main reasons I chose Hofstra is because of the coaching staff. Coach Simon and coach Tobi both know how to get the job done and how to have fun at the same time.â&#x20AC;? The womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soccer team only lost three seniors to graduation, one of them being a starter. The Hofstra Pride is stacked with talented players that know what it is like to play in the NCAA tournament and want to get back there. They have a strong offensive starting XQLW WKDW LV OHG E\ VRSKRPRUH PLGÂżHOGHU /HDK *DOWRQ DQG MXQLRU PLGÂżHOGHU 6DP Scolarici. Galton shined as a freshman last season, earning the Colonial Athletic Association rookie of the year. She also earned all-CAA rookie team, all&$$ ÂżUVW WHDP DQG ZDV D 16&$$ DOO PLGDWODQWLF ÂżUVW WHDP SLFN 6KH OHG Hofstra in goals as a freshman, and was second in the CAA in goals and points. This season Galton was listed as the conference preseason player of the year. So far this season Galton has six goals and eight assists. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leah is big, fast and strong,â&#x20AC;? said Riddiough, â&#x20AC;&#x153;She is a very good player.â&#x20AC;? Scolarici is currently leading the nation in goals with 13 goals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sam works KDUG DQG LV SOD\LQJ ZLWK FRQÂżGHQFH Â´ said Riddiough, â&#x20AC;&#x153;She knows where the goal is and is always looking to score.â&#x20AC;?

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The defense is led by seniors Tara Kerns, Ruby Staplehurst and Brittany Farriella. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These three are tremendous players and great leaders,â&#x20AC;? said Riddiough. Kerns is a three year starter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tara does all the dirty work for us,â&#x20AC;? said Riddiough, â&#x20AC;&#x153;She is hard working, and is our connection between the defense and offense.â&#x20AC;? Staplehurst led the team in assists last season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ruby is a great defender and is dangerous offensively,â&#x20AC;? said Riddiough. Farriella is a three year starter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Brittany works hard and keeps us organized as a unit,â&#x20AC;? Riddiough said. Hofstra is in for a challenge in the CAA conference. William and Mary and James Madison are always in contention for the conference title. If the Hofstra Pride continues to play hard, they can get back to where they ended last season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have good team chemistry, everyone is buying into the system and working hard,â&#x20AC;? said Riddiough, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m happy with the way we are playing right now.â&#x20AC;?

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Story by Kevin Freiheit Photos by Morgan Harrison

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Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Soccer Stands Tall We have a tremendous roster and we have already won more games this year than all of last year.

Head coach John DiRico

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IWHU D GLVDSSRLQWLQJ ÂżQLVK WR ODVW RQ WKH \HDU 7KH 3LRQHHUV DUH IDFLQJ he Dowling College menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soccer GHFOLQLQJ DQG WKH\ KDYH ORVW WKDW ZLQQLQJ VHDVRQ WKH /RQJ ,VODQG 8QLYHUVLW\ DQ HHULO\ VLPLODU VLWXDWLRQ WR WKH RQH WHDP ZDV XQVDWLVÂżHG ZLWK WKHLU WRXFK WKH\ KHOG RQWR IRU VR ORQJ 3RVW 3LRQHHUV DUH ORRNLQJ WR JHW WKDW WKH\ ZHUH LQ ODVW VHDVRQ EXW DUH results from a year ago. After 'L5LFR QRWHG WKDW WKH WHDP ORVW HLJKW EDFN ZKHUH WKH\ EHORQJ )ROORZLQJ WZR ORRNLQJ IRU D FRPSOHWHO\ RSSRVLWH SRVWLQJ D UHFRUG WKH *ROGHQ /LRQV JDPHV E\ RQO\ RQH JRDO ODVW \HDU EXW VXFFHVVIXO ZLQQLQJ IRRWEDOO VHDVRQV WKH RXWFRPH 'HVSLWH WKH WZR JDPH ORVLQJ knew that change was necessary. With UHJDUGOHVV LW ZDV VWLOO D GLVDSSRLQWLQJ 3LRQHHUV ÂżQLVKHG ZLWK D UHFRUG ODVW VWUHDN KHDG &RDFK %U\DQ &ROOLQV LV RQO\ UHWXUQLQJ SOD\HUV 'RZOLQJ KDV VHDVRQ 7KH *ROGHQ (DJOHV KDYH SOD\HG FRQÂżGHQW WKDW KLV WHDP FDQ JHW EDFN RQ WKH \HDU IDOOLQJ VKRUW RI WKHLU XOWLPDWH JRDO DOUHDG\ FROOHFWHG PRUH ZLQV WKDQ DOO RI LQ IRXU RQH JRDO JDPHV WKLV \HDU EXW KDYH ODVW \HDU E\ ZLQQLQJ WKUHH RI WKH ÂżUVW ÂżYH EHHQ RQ WKH ZLQQLQJ VLGH PRUH IUHTXHQWO\ 'HVSLWH ZLQQLQJ WKH ÂżUVW WZR JDPHV ULJKW WUDFN games this season. Story and Photos by Kevin Sperandeo RI WKH \HDU E\ D FRPELQHG VFRUH Âł, IXOO\ H[SHFW XV WR FRPSHWH Â´ :LWK DQ H[SHULHQFHG FRDFK OLNH /,8 ZDV XQDEOH WR NHHS WKH PRPHQWXP &ROOLQV VDLG Âł2XU JRDO LV WR JR +HDG FRDFK -RKQ 'L5LFR LV LQ KLV he'L5LFR 'RZOLQJ DOUHDG\ KDV D VWDUWLQJ St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Soccer Garcia, a senior from Central Islip tied JRLQJ Âł:H %ORRPVEXUJ 8QLYHUVLW\ KDOWHG RQH ZHHN XS DQG RQH ZHHN GRZQ QG \HDU RI FRDFKLQJ DQG XQGHUVWDQGV SRLQW WR JHW EDFN RQ WUDFN KDYH team has made the playoffs every forD the most goals scored on the 2012 $WWDFN WKH QH[W RSSRQHQW Â´ 7KH WKH HQHUJ\ DQG WKH 3LRQHHUV VWDUWHG DQ ZKDW LW WDNHV WR ZLQ 7KH *ROGHQ /LRQV FRPSOHWHO\ GLIIHUHQW WHDP WKDQ ODVW \HDU Â´ year since 2002 but have yet to win a team. Samantha is a two time Skyline 3LRQHHUV KDYH EHHQ EDWWOLQJ LQMXULHV XQIRUWXQDWH VWULQJ RI GHIHDWV 7KURXJKRXW ZHUH 1DWLRQDO FKDPSLRQV LQ DQG 'L5LFR VDLG Âł:H KDYH D WUHPHQGRXV championship. The 4-2 (conference All-Conference. Coach Lee says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;She is WKH UHVW ZRQ RI WKH VHDVRQ /,8 ZRXOG RQO\ GXULQJ ERWK WKLV VHDVRQ DQG WKH ZRXOG FRQVLVWHQWO\ SRVW VHDVRQ RI URVWHU DQG ZH KDYH DOUHDG\ PRUH record) Golden Eagles have brought back the smallest player on the team with the ZLQ RQH RWKHU JDPH D YLFWRU\ RYHU ODVW RQH :KLOH PDQ\ FRDFKHV ZLOO RU PRUH ZLQV +RZHYHU RYHU WKH ODVW JDPHV WKLV \HDU WKDQ DOO RI ODVW \HDU Â´ six starters from last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3rd place team. biggest heart. She is the best all around 0LOOHUVYLOOH 8QLYHUVLW\ RQ KRPHFRPLQJ QHYHU XVH LQMXULHV DV DQ H[FXVH WZR \HDUV WKHLU SHUIRUPDQFH KDV EHHQ Last year, St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s season ended after a player on the team and a two year captain.â&#x20AC;? ZHHNHQG $ ORVLQJ VHDVRQ FDQ EH ORRNHG WKH\ FHUWDLQO\ KXUW WKH RYHUDOO 1-0 loss on a penalty kick goal in the semi Samantha was also a 2012 NCSAA AllDW LQ PRUH ZD\V WKDQ RQH :KLOH LW ZDVQÂśW TXDOLW\ RI WKH WHDP ÂżQDOV Region scholar athlete. Lee describes her WKH DQWLFLSDWHG RU ZDQWHG RXWFRPH WKH Âł2XU UXQQLQJ EDFN as a not only an outstanding player butVWDUWLQJ an The Golden Eagles are lead by head 3LRQHHUV XVHG WKH \HDU WR OHDUQ UHEXLOG KDV EDWWOHG DQ DQNOH LQMXU\ EXW coach Joseph Lee. Lee has beenDQG LPSURYH around the even better and nicer person. He says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;She KHÂśV SOD\LQJ WKURXJK LW Â´ &ROOLQV game for many years, he began coaching LV RQH RI P\ ÂżYH DOO WLPH IDYRULWH SOD\HUV DW 7KLV VHDVRQ WKH 3LRQHHUV JRW RII WR D VDLG Âł:HÂśYH EHHQ VWUXJJOLQJ in 1976 with the Sachem Youth Soccer St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.â&#x20AC;? KRW VWDUW DJDLQ ZLQQLQJ WKH RSHQLQJ SDLU ZLWK LQMXULHV ,I ZH FDQ JHW EDFN League. He brought the 16 and under Junior Jennifer Martino, a forward from RI JDPHV DQG VFRULQJ SRLQWV +RZHYHU KHDOWK\ ZHÂśOO FRQWLQXH WR JHW Sachem Tomahawks to the 1987 East Patchogue, is entering her second year /,8 WRRN D VWHS EDFNZDUGV DV WKH\ GURSSHG EHWWHU HDFK ZHHN Â´ 2QFH D IHZ national championship. This is at St. Josephs. Despite battling an injury, WKH QH[W WZR JDPHV IDOOLQJ EDFN WR RI WKH LQMXUHG SOD\HUV EHJLQ WR Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 12th season coaching the she still managed to tie Garcia and Eden for Golden Eagles. Lee says, most goals scored last year. She is leading â&#x20AC;&#x153;We would like to win our the team in scoring this season. Lee says, conference and go to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;She is relentless in her desire to score. 1&$$ SOD\RIIV IRU WKH ÂżUVW She stands a good chance to be an Alltime.â&#x20AC;? Conference player this year.â&#x20AC;?

A few key players include Ashley George, Samantha Garcia, Jennifer Martino and Jamianne Eden.

6RSKRPRUH PLGÂżHOGHU DQG IRUZDUG Jamianne Eden from Ronkonkoma is another goal scorer for the eagles. She tied for most goals and led the team in assists in Senior center back, Ashley 2012. Jamianne is true student athlete with George from Bay Shore is a 2 year one of the highest GPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on the team. Lee team captain. She is a 3 time all describes her as, â&#x20AC;&#x153;a very intelligent player conference player and ECAC All- with excellent skill. She shoots well with Metro team member. Excelling on both feet and can play anywhere in the DQG RII WKH ÂżHOG $VKOH\ ZDV D PLGÂżHOG RU XS IURQW Â´ and 2012 Skyline Soccer Scholar Working towards another playoff Athlete of the year and also made run and hopefully a championship, the the 2012 NSCAA All-Region Golden Eagles always manage to keep scholar team. Lee describes their composure. The team has won the her, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ashley is a solid, fast, FRQIHUHQFH VSRUWVPDQVKLS DZDUG ÂżYH WLPHV take no prisoners center in the past eleven years and the college back with the ball skills of referees association sportsmanship award D PLGÂżHOGHU Â´ three times. The Golden Eagles won their 0LGÂżHOGHU 6DPDQWKD last game against Polytechnic 5-0.

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NUTRITION

FITTING FAT INTO Written by Sandy Sarcona

hree macronutrients make up calories: Protein, fat and carbohydrate (carbs). Protein is the magic macronutrient among athletes as it is equated with muscle, and followed by carbs for fuel. But where does that leave fat? Most athletes have a fear of eating fat since they think its role is just to make them fat! The truth is that not all fat is bad. There are different kinds of fat and getting the right types and amount is important for your health and your performance. As an athlete, you need some fat in your diet to add flavor, for essential fatty acids needed in your body, to absorb fat-soluble nutrients and to serve as a source of energy. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 20 to 25 percent of calories in your diet to come from fat. Translation: If you are eating about 2500 to 3000 calories per day you would need about 70 to 85 grams of fat. Look at the label on a small bag of potato chips and see that it provides 11 grams of fat in one ounce and realize how easily you can go overboard on fat just from overeating high fat snacks. A quarter pound cheeseburger with a large order of fries will deliver your daily allotment of about 70 grams of fat! Be smart and go for heart healthier unsaturated fats. That would mean opting for monounsaturated fats like olive oil and peanut butter, and polyunsaturated fats like fish. The saturated fats that come from animal products can build up cholesterol and start the artery clogging process even at your young age. Too much fat can slow you down especially if you have a high fat meal before practice or competition, so save those French fries for after the game! You do not want to restrict fat, but think about replacing higher fat versions with healthier choices:

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O A FITNESS DIET

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Limit fried foods: Try baked or broiled items.

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Choose leaner proteins: Try more chicken, fish, turkey, beans and egg whites. Limit red meat to 4 oz. two-three times per week.

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Switch from whole milk dairy to low-fat or non-fat milk, yogurt and cheese; choose ice cream that is reduced in fat.

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Cut back on added butter, margarine, mayonnaise and salad dressing or substitute lower fat or light versions of these.

It is all a balancing act of macronutrient intake. The bulk of your diet should come from complex carbohydrates like whole grain breads and cereals, vegetables and fruit; lean meats, poultry, fish, nuts, beans, egg whites (four whole eggs per week is the recommended amount); non-fat or low fat dairy, and healthy added fats. Choosing from all of these foods every day along with your sports drinks and lots of water is the optimal fitness diet!

here are no butts about it; strong glutes are a key component of athletic success! Lame puns aside for a moment, though, the muscles that make up the gluteal group (gluteus maximus, medius and minimus) really do play an integral role in your ability to perform at your best and avoid injury. Unfortunately, because young athletes tend to spend so much time overusing the muscles that act on the front of the hip joint, the glutes not only often go underutilized, but in many instances, effectively end up “shutting down”. When this happens, improvements in things like speed and power become virtually non existent and injury potential increases exponentially. So before you just head blindly into the weight room and possibly make matters worse, take a few minutes to assess whether or not your glutes are firing properly. By simply doing some of the self assessments featured below (as well as following up with any necessary corrective strengthening and stretching drills), you’ll quickly begin to realize just how important it is to keep these muscles functioning properly. Better still, before long you should see a noticeable difference in your performance on the field.

ASSESSMENTS Thomas Test: This simple test is an excellent way to see of your hip flexors and/ or quadriceps (as well as your iliotibial bands) are too tight. If any of them are, they can often inhibit optimal firing of the glutes. Stand near the edge of a bench, or table with your butt touching the edge. Next, lie back hugging both knees to your chest. Keeping one leg in contact with your chest, allow the other to extend away from your body. Let the leg drop as far as possible, without increasing the arch in your lower back.

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You’re looking for your leg to drop down in line with, or slightly below your hip and your knee to bend less than 45 degrees, with everything in a straight line.

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If your leg doesn’t drop down in line with your hip and your knee bends more than 45 degrees, your hip flexors are too tight.

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If your leg does line up with your hip, but your knee bends less than 45 degrees, your quads are too tight.

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If your leg externally rotates in any of the above positions, your ITB is too tight.

Cook hip lift: Here’s a great test developed by renowned physical therapist and movement specialist, Gray Cook. It’s a quick and easy way to assess if your glutes are working properly. Begin by lying on the ground and bending both knees about 90 degrees with your feet flat on the floor. Next, bend one knee and bring it towards your chest and place a tennis ball between your thigh and the lower portion of the rib cage. Hug the back of your knee to keep the ball in this position and press your other foot into the ground (by emphasizing pushing through the heel) to lift your hips and lower torso. If the Thomas test revealed that you had tight hip flexors, you may have trouble getting very high off the ground. Make sure that you do not attempt to get up higher than you’re able to by excessively arching your lower back. If you feel the drill in your glutes, that’s great! If you feel it only in your hamstrings, that’s a sign that your glutes are not firing properly and can indicate potential lower back problems down the road. If you only feel the drill in the front of your hip and thigh, your glutes are completely out to lunch and you’re a prime candidate for injury.

CORRECTIVE STRETCHING/ STRENGTHENING DRILLS Depending on how much your glute function is compromised, the following corrective exercises can go a long way towards helping eliminate any imbalances.

Stretch and mobilize the muscles that act on the front of the hip:

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Foam roll TFL (tensor fasciae latae) and quadriceps: To roll the TFL, lie down on a foam roller, packing the meaty part of the front of your hip on the roller. Go back and forth slowly, 4-6 times, using your arms and lower body to control how much weight you give to the roller. To roll your quadriceps,

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position yourself face down on one end of the roller, with the top of your thigh on the roller and your forearms down in a plank position. Once ready, use your arms and other leg that’s off to the side, to move yourself from the bottom of your hip, down towards the back of the knee and back again. Try 4-6 slow repetitions. •

High kneeling hip flexor stretch: Get down into a high kneeling position with your back leg lined up directly behind your front leg (this will place your back hip into a slight internal rotation). Next, contract your core and glutes of the back leg to hold a posterior pelvic tilt, as you lean your weight forward onto your front leg. You should feel the stretch from the front of your right hip, down into your quadriceps. Hold for 30-60 seconds and then switch legs.

Strengthen the glutes:

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Supine hip bridging: Lie on your back with your knees bent about 90 degrees and feet flat on the ground. Begin by bracing your core, as you push through your heels to lift your hips and lower torso off the ground. Once you’ve reached the point where your body forms a ramp from your shoulders to your knees, hold for a second, then lower and repeat. Try 1012 repetitions. For an added challenge, try the same drill one leg at a time with the other leg held up over your hips.

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Clamshells: Lie on your side with your knees bent about 90 degrees, feet in line with your hips and a mini band positioned just above your knees. Keeping your feet, hips and shoulders stacked, lift your top knee as far away from your bottom one as possible, without leaning your hips back or separating your feet. Hold the top position for a second, then lower back down and repeat until you’ve done 12-15 repetitions per side.

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Squats: Even though these do work the quadriceps and hamstrings as well, a properly done squat is one of the best glute exercises you can do. The key to performing a good squat is initiating the movement with a “hip break” (instead of just driving the knees forward) and keeping most of the weight on the heels and outside parts of the feet.

GLUTES MUSCLES

IN THE END While it’s easy to overlook the contribution of muscles you can’t see in the mirror, it’s important to understand what an integral role the glutes play in terms of optimizing athletic performance. Use yours for nothing more than a seat cushion and besides being unable to make any wholesale changes in speed and power, you may find yourself a frequent visitor to the disabled list. Bottom line; make sure you don’t ignore your bottom line!

To Protect

PSYCHOLOGY

“The ability to stay in attack mode is the most important skill an athlete can develop.”

he simple question you see in this title is one every athlete faces at some point during a match, and the answer to this question, will usually determine who wins and who loses. It makes no difference if you play soccer, lacrosse, golf, tennis, or wrestling. You will invariably face this key question at some point in every game. This choice usually emerges when the player senses he or she is closing in on a win. When they realize this they will often slow down and start to protect the lead. This is called ‘praying it in,” but no matter how many Hail Mary’s you recite when you start to protect the lead you are going down a losing path. Let’s cite a few examples of this problem. Lets say you are playing golf and you are even after nine holes. You begin to realize that you are about to qualify or win the match and that is the fatal error. The reality is you still have nine holes to play. You begin to play safe, swing softer, lag putts and do your best to avoid bogeys. And this produces mistakes every time. Or let’s take a soccer match. Your team is up 3-1 with 20 minutes to go. Your side begins to slow down play to kill time and to protect the lead. Your coach may even tell you to do this. Simultaneously, the other team has nothing to lose and starts to play more aggressively. Many games are lost this way. The story is the same in wrestling when the player has a lead with two minutes remaining and he starts to hold on and not make mistakes. He loses aggression and quickly loses the lead.

“Starting to play with caution is a sign of protecting the lead and will lead to poor shot making.”

HY DOES THIS HAPPEN? It is easy to see why and how this occurs. When you start to protect the lead you immediately lose aggression and positive focus. In golf, good play comes from attacking pins. In fencing, it is the same. Good play comes when you attack the opponent. But when you are about to close out a match while in the lead, players turn off the attack switch and turn on the protect switch. When you try to protect your lead you no longer focus on winning, but rather on not losing. This is certain death. When you unconsciously try to avoid mistakes you will start to make them more and more. It is almost like you are telling yourself to fail. When a batter is trying not to strike out, he may do so, but it is far better to just try to hit. Trying not to fail produces weak, tentative and cautious play and this will not lead to positive results.

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or Attack?

By Dr. Tom Ferraro

“Learn to keep on the attack by being aware of when you start to protect, and then switch back on the attack mode.”

HAT TO DO ABOUT THIS?

We see that protecting the lead is bad news and attacking is good news. So how do you adopt this strategy? Here is the answer so listen carefully and post this on your bedroom wall to read before every match. 1) Become acquainted with your mental and emotional state when you play well. Find out what are your emotions and the words you tend to say to yourself when playing well. When have you felt this way and performed this way in the past? Write down a word that encapsulates this.

“When an athlete tries not to make a mistake is when he or she will make one. If the batter is trying not to strike out, he will.”

he most important psychological state for a player is this confident attack mode. So, if you want to play to your full potential and with far greater consistency, post this article on your wall and memorize its content. Then follow through with the tips every match you play. If you make a mistake during play, or if you sense you are closing in on the win and are becoming protective, go back to your confident attack mode every time.

2) Become aware of the moment you start to protect the lead. This moment will usually be accompanied by tense feelings, worry and negative thoughts. It can also be triggered with your first mistake of the game. 3) Make a commitment to yourself before every game that the moment you sense you are starting to protect the lead you flip on the attack switch and go back to your basic attack mode. This is when you conjure up the feeling of confidence that you are familiar with from the past. Recall that feeling from the past and go back to it. It is like creating a bubble that surrounds you, where you play with aggression, positive thoughts and confidence.