dslyank

Clack, Of course I would rather be winning in the caa than the nec. But I would also rather be winning in the nec than losing in the caa. Also your statement that brook is doing well in the caa, simply does not compute. Additionally, Priori has been rumored on the chopping block ever since they joined the league. In fact, at one point he was definitely out, until a scandal got the athletic director's head, saving Priori's job. From what I've seen the last 5 years, I still feel our chances of making the ncaa tournament, year in and year out, are better in the nec, than in the caa. Of course bad coaching is a major part of that. But as I've said before and you seem to ignore, we have a distinct disadvantage geographically and historically recruiting caa talent. Better coaching will only partially negate the historic and geographic issues that most definitely exist in the caa.

I had heard Syracuse coming to UA in 2019. Was told it was pretty definite, waiting to get signature on the bottom line before releasing. Can you confirm from the the schedule you got a peak at?

Clack, Just curious how many caa championships does brook have since joining the caa? How many ncaa appearance out of he caa for brook? Question 1 definitely--zero; and almost positive 1 or none for Q2. Like us they have been mostly a bottom dweller in the caa. As for UB, in all their FBS years, maybe 2-3 bowls, maybe not even? In basketball, pretty sure less the UA's FIVE appearances, in a much longer DI history.

2018, You are right; it was Yunker on the sidelines in sweats, not game gear @ fallball. I mixed him and Smith up; even though Smith is 6'2' and a middie while Yunker is much shorter and an attack. Pretty frustrating @ those scrimmages without a roster and player #s; especially not being able to recognize the freshman and see what the have. Thanks for the correction. Don't suppose you have a link to the schedule?

Dane 96, Getting the NEC/caa topic out of basketball. My facts are NOT wrong -- maybe only OFF. You say so yourself. So the issue is not whether we would save money by returning to the nec; but HOW MUCH we would save. I continue to disagree with you using scholarship # comparisons which are NOT apples to apples. I am willing to grant to your expertise on how much is being saved, even though I feel it is more than you claim. But whether the amount is small like you say or larger like I believe, you and others continue to ignore several issues. The Athletic department most definitely has money issues, TITLE IX issues, FACILITY issues and allocation of resources issues. Any saving at all by returning to the nec, would/could impact all of these issues. I never once said it was the answer or panacea to any or all. You and others claim "Coaching" not money is the issue. While I most definitely agree Coaching is a major issue. How much are you willing to spend to get out of the current coaching issue and than how much to invest on new coaches and rebuilding a devastated program. Hand in hand with the coaching issue is the Recruiting issue. Will new staff be able to overcome the geographical and historical recruiting deficiency we most definitely have as a caa member. My suggestion/thoughts (which all it was) of returning to the nec. is/was about saving a little/some money and COMPETING and having a better more competitive FAN experience. I am a FAN and will be there today, and for Volleyball tomorrow and for basketball soon and for Lacrosse Men's & Women spring time. It would be nice if our title IX issues would be corrected, our facilities upgraded, resources provided fairly to all and yes to watch and support a competitive football team.

Also women volleyball @ 2PM vs brook for first place in the conference and possibly hosting the AmEast tournament. UA (8-1) brook (9-0). Free, stop by @ half of wsoc or after.

Dane 96, I do not have your inside information, but I must question your fact that "We would not save money." Combo scholarships, grants in Aid, academic scholarships exist at all levels of college sport. The Ivy league claims they do not offer athletic scholarships at all, but I assure you Yale has MORE lacrosse players on scholarship than UA lacrosse. John Hopkins in lacrosse and RPI & Union in hockey do not offer athletic scholarships; but especially Hopkins in lacrosse you'd be hard pressed to find a more successful program. So I question including combo's etc in your cost comparisons. The fact is the NEC allows less athletic scholarships and that would SAVE us money. In the NEC, UA had LESS coaches, LESS travel and a considerably SMALLER budget. Ford used student coaches and volunteers; and did not have a staff of high prices assistants and associate head coaches. Of course he did have paid help, but he made LESS after 40 years than the current coach does now and his staff payroll was a fraction of now. Money SAVED. In the NEC we did frequently play MONEY games. In the NEC we competed for championships pretty nearly every year. You are certainly entitled to your opinion that UA should stay in the caa! I was never for the move and obviously I was in the minority (certainly adding support to your position); but I cannot agree with your assessment that UA would not save money by going back; and do ask when do you feel and how much is it going to cost us to compete for championships every year in the caa, like we once did in the NEC.

Hey Lacrosse fans, hardly a post in weeks. Absolutely NOTHING going on? Desperate for news! 2018-2019 Roster still not updated with freshman? Any update on Tehoka?? How about Ryan Smith (fairly high recruit out of West Gennesse) was on sidelines for fallball, but did not suit for games; anyone know what's up with him????? Anyone got anything at all; or maybe just post to let whomever from the admin. that scouts this site know that, lacrosse fans are live and well??

Pretty SOFT schedule both OoC and caa. Wonder what the excuses will be, when we go 3-9 or perhaps 4-8???? 6-6 would be progress after the last couple of years.

Also, as I understand it, E3 games are tentative and can/will be moved to E+. Similar to nfl., mlb., etc. networks; espn as the season progresses looks at which games are more/most attractive and adjusts their schedule and station designations accordingly. As I posted previously, last Sunday's (10/28) UA's woman's Volleyball game @ bingo was at the last minute moved to E+, after being on the schedule as E3 since day1 of volleyball. Not my place to tell anyone how to spend their $5.00; but letting you know you may be disappointed if you turn in to a game you hope to watch on E3 for free only to find the game has been moved.

I paid the $4.99, but grudgingly. Will keep espn+ until after basketball and lacrosse season (about $35 total.) Not happy about it but, pretty sure most of our games will be going to plus. Already, last weeks Volleyball game @ bingo was moved {at the last minute] from espn3 where it had been listed since August to "+". Pretty sure basketball & lacrosse even if listed for 3 are/will be subject to this last minute move as espn evaluates their listings day by day????

Taking a little more optimistic attitude. I think Brown is thinking like rebuild NOW. i.e. Get the newbie bumps over the first couple of months and have THIS team primed to surprise a lot of people THIS March. I do not think it is in his nature to rebuild for next year. He may take it slow with so many newbies, but IMHO he fully believes and is preparing/prepping for THIS year's AmEast championship. Lifetime contract, Big Bucks or not, I do not think it is just coach speak when he says UA strives to compete for the championship EVERY year.

I am not sure how to make a GDAC contribution to a specific program. Can someone explain how? And is it possible to make a general GDAC commitment, but EXCLUDE a specific program {aka men's football}. Currently I like to support ALL UA sports, men's and women's. But going back to the seat cushion etc. fiasco; poor performance on the field; a mysterious contract extension; and unresolved title IX issues, I am tired of giving money to football that I feel can be better applied elsewhere. I moved this from football; because I am still trying to get answers to above. There is a "1844" 1 million dollar matching campaign going on 10/22 & 10/23. I would like to contribute something; but it seems to only allow me to add to my previous commitment. The category says "preferred seating" donation; which I assume means the contribution applies to all sports. I am sorry, but at this time I simply do not want any money I contribute going to football in any way or means. I would like to participate in the "1844" promotion. Anyone know I can do this without adding to football?????

An email to season ticket holders was sent by Nate Mason as early as Oct 4. The event was also mentioned in the new basketball October news letter. A number of post as the event changed and evolved were made on UAlbanySports.com. I am not sure why/how so many seem to miss or not receive these notifications. The student prizes were enticing: $5000 for a half court shot; $500 book allowance (put-up by Coach Brown); and two 40in. tvs. and plenty of pizza. Neither money prize was won, but both tvs were awarded. In spite of the prizes student attendance was terrible (poorly advertised or usual student apathy, I do not know??). But I thought the event was FUN except the running of the spot light during intro's, which was even worse than usual.

I am not sure how to make a GDAC contribution to a specific program. Can someone explain how? And is it possible to make a general GDAC commitment, but EXCLUDE a specific program {aka men's football}. Currently I like to support ALL UA sports, men's and women's. But going back to the seat cushion etc. fiasco; poor performance on the field; a mysterious contract extension; and unresolved title IX issues, I am tired of giving money to football that I feel can be better applied elsewhere.

It has worked against UA in the past. Twice in one season. May be even twice in the same game; but memory is a little foggy. Any other old timers remember? But it has definitely been used successfully against us; even used by UA in the past but not successfully, as I recall.

Pretty much agree with above; other than I thought at least offensively, Miller was the best player on the court. Agree, Clark much improved and much more in control; but still needs to improve his shooting %age. French though slight of frame was a rebounding machine and nice touch around the basket. Dare I say it: "This team is going to be DEEP"; especially if the some/most of the injured players come back and also are as good as advertised. {heard Rizzuto is almost ready and I overheard Flory tell a fan he is NOT redshirting [unofficial of course]}

I wanted to hit a "Like" on this post; because I believe everything you said to be accurate and TRUE. But I did not want my "Like" to be construed as, I liked that all of this has come to pass.

Not much of a report on this end; fan2018 pretty much has it right-on. If anything, I would be less positive than fan2018. After seeing the first two scrimmages, which were obviously at a different level than yesterday, I was surprised just how poorly UA played Saturday. After seeing them twice in the previous week and being VERY impressed, I expected a better performance Saturday. I arrived near the end of the first half of the Hopkins game and was about three deep. Viewing from field level is NOT ideal as is (you already know my feelings about not having the event @ Casey & Fallon); so my report & assessments may be more flawed than usual: At these events no one keeps score, because it is "not about winning or losing" {cliche´}. Which is utter nonsense IMHO. The game is all about scoring goals and preventing the other team from doing so. When I got there late, I asked around about the "score". The consensus was it was close at the time with Hopkins up by perhaps one or two. Going with that I would estimate the final as Hop13/12 to UA 8. In stretches, I thought UA looked pretty good; but overall Hop was just superior. I was particularly impressed with hop's D. They are usually noted more for their offense, but they are going to be top 5 or higher if their D plays in the spring like yesterday. But overall I thought UA competed well. Now, the negative and where I disagree with Scott (see inside lacrosse link above). Against Army we pretty much stunk up the joint. I had the final score at 12-6 and someone commented, it was more like 16/15-6. He could very well be right, but who is keeping score, right? I am certainly NO ONE to contradict coach Marr, but I thought where we at least competed in the hop game, from my {poor} vantage point; in the Army game we were totally lost. Other thoughts/opinions/assessments; as always totally welcomed! The Good News Is, a lot of time until Spring to get everyone back and healthy.

Besides being disgraceful and bush league; I am wondering how are you going to protect fans from flying lacrosse balls. You are encouraging people to attend and CONTRIBUTE to this charity event?? are you not?? Do you think practice fields in the shadow of Casey stadium are a good incentive for teams like John Hopkins Institute and The United States Military Academy at West Point, to come to Albany for a regular season game or even for another charitable event? Considering the teams and talent in this tournament, I am sure "Inside Lacrosse" and other national media outlets will be present. What a great presentation UAlbany is putting on to the lacrosse world and the HeadStrong foundation. Feel free to share my concerns with other members of the Athletic Department and Dr. Havidan if you are so inclined. Above is the second email I sent to Peter Iorizzo [Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations (Football, Golf, Men's Lacrosse)]. The first email was basically a reprint of my post above, less the "firing part." Whether you are a lacrosse fan or NOT, or even a sports fan or not {I assume if you read this blog, you are at least a sports fan}; should be incensed by this POOR showing and embarrassing action at the University at Albany.

Speaking of Adding insult to injury. I think the following is an absolute disgrace. Hosting a NATIONAL Lacrosse Tournament and Charity Event and NOT putting your best foot forward: from UAlbanySports.com: ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany men’s lacrosse program will be hosting the HEADstrong Foundation’s Nick Colleluori Men’s Lacrosse Albany Classic on Saturday, Oct. 13, on the grass fields adjacent to Tom & Mary Casey Stadium. "In addition to the Great Danes, the four-team tournament includes Johns Hopkins, Vermont and Army. UAlbany will face Johns Hopkins at 11 a.m. and Army at 1 p.m. In other games, Army faces Vermont at 11 a.m., and John Hopkins faces Vermont at 1 p.m. In lieu of admission, a suggested donation of $5 to the HEADstrong Foundation will be requested at the gate. Parking is available in the Dutch Lot for $10." This seems to say that neither Casey (Bob Ford Field) nor Fallon Fields will be used. I think if true, it puts UA in a BAD light in our first time HOSTING a "HeadStong Tournament." I know there is a "minor league" football game @ Casey @7pm. There is plenty of time after the lacrosse tournament to get Casey ready for foosb@ll. I am not sure where Fallon is with rehab and do not know if it is playable; but THERE IS NO EXCUSE not to use Bob Ford Field for lacrosse tournament & CHARITY EVENT. Add me firmly behind BENSON MUST GO!

Speaking of this weekend; from UAlbanySports.com: ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany men’s lacrosse program will be hosting the HEADstrong Foundation’s Nick Colleluori Men’s Lacrosse Albany Classic on Saturday, Oct. 13, on the grass fields adjacent to Tom & Mary Casey Stadium. "In addition to the Great Danes, the four-team tournament includes Johns Hopkins, Vermont and Army. UAlbany will face Johns Hopkins at 11 a.m. and Army at 1 p.m. In other games, Army faces Vermont at 11 a.m., and John Hopkins faces Vermont at 1 p.m. In lieu of admission, a suggested donation of $5 to the HEADstrong Foundation will be requested at the gate. Parking is available in the Dutch Lot for $10." This seems to say that neither Casey (Bob Ford Field) nor Fallon Fields will be used. I think if true, it puts UA in a BAD light in our first time HOSTING a "HeadStong Tournament." I know there is a "minor league" football game @ Casey @7pm. There is plenty of time after the lacrosse tournament to get Casey ready for foosb@ll. I am not sure where Fallon is with rehab and do not know if it is playable; but THERE IS NO EXCUSE not to use Bob Ford Field for lacrosse tournament & CHARITY EVENT.

Brief report on Hill game. For anyone thinking UA was playing a high school team; Hill is a top notch prep school, probably the best in Canada for lacrosse. It's coach Brodie Merrill is a legend in lacrosse & I believe a former Tewarton winner. Some of the players are high school age; but most are post high school and equivalent to college freshman. Scott Marr's son who we will see Saturday with John Hopkins played a year @ Hill. Anyhow, I though UA pretty much out played Hill in every facet last night. I had the score something like 16/17 to 8. UA played pretty much everyone and rotated and mixed lines both offensively and defensively pretty much every series. Last years returnees played the least (many hardly at all) as freshman and sophomores got most of the minutes; especially on attack and midfield. With so much rotation it was hard to tell if the lines were fixed and who were paired with who. UA's passing at times was sloppy maybe because players were not always paired with familiar lines and UA was NOT very good with ground balls. Most of Hill's scores were a result of these issues in my thoughts; and UA would have even scored more with a little better passing and doing a better job of picking ground balls. But overall I was very impressed with UA's performance. #9(McComber), #25 (???????), #22 (????????) were freshman offensively who stood out; and #43(Tanner Hay) played good D and got some minutes @ LSM on the face-off wing. Many of the sophomores who saw limited action last year also stood out; and #8 (McGrath) and #12 (Brown) a JR. & SR. with limited minutes in the past look awfully GOOD to me. It will be interesting to see how this group does against Hopkins and Army this weekend.

I am with you Basketball (and Lacrosse) people 110%. Remember, I was the one who started the controversy: go back northeast, reduce expenses, reallocate resources, fix title IX, fix sefcu & other venues. Only tried to point out here: historically, football underfunded @ UA, & Benson for good or bad brought here to try and upgrade football. I was NOT promoting or defending his failures!

Not to defend Benson; I am leaning heavy with those behind getting rid of him. But in his defense, he did come from a football school, a money accounting background ( and NOT Marketing I think) and certainly not a coach of any kind. He came here to build FOOTBALL and for those with short memories, FORD & CO., did build a dynasty, BUT from nothing with nothing and pretty much NOTHING stadium. So Benson was charged with a BIG task. The fact that he took the dynasty and tradition BACKWORDS is certainly reason to question his administration. The fact other sports seem to suffer and with title IX issues seemingly being ignored, are certainly reasons to question his administration. So without supporting/defending him, I do see WHY he tries "promoting" UA as a football school. AND for those looking for more strikes against him, he was NOT involved in the building and fund raising for "Bob Ford Field & ??????Stadium."