Albany Great Danes
Encyclopedia
The Albany Great Danes are the intercollegiate athletic programs of the University at Albany, SUNY
. The University's intercollegiate athletics date back to the late 1890s, but its development was hampered for several decades by inadequate facilities, uncertain financial support, and the relatively small number of male students in an institution designed to develop elementary school teachers. Tennis remained a constant from 1898 onward along with men’s basketball from 1909, but attempts to field teams in football (1922), baseball (1896–1901), swimming, and hockey were aborted. Expansion into men’s and women’s sports increased after World War II and then expanded greatly in the 1960s (men’s sports of lacrosse, track & field, cross-country and swimming moved from club to varsity status, and women’s tennis, softball, field hockey, basketball and swimming were introduced), as a direct result of the introduction of the new Uptown Campus and its expanded athletic facilities. A nickname change also occurred, the Pedagogues becoming the Great Danes — making Albany the only American college or university with that mascot.
All athletics are run by the University at Albany Department of Athletics and Recreation. After the 1972 NCAA restructuring, the university competed in Division III until the 1995–96 school year, when it moved to Division II. The university would remain in Division II until 1999. The school currently has 19 varsity sports (8 men, 11 women) competing at the Division I level. The school's sports teams have participated in the America East Conference
since 2001. Football participates in the Football Championship Subdivision (former Division I-AA) as an associate member of the Northeast Conference
. After the 2008-09 school year, Women's Golf was discontinued in the America East. Along with Boston University
and University of Hartford
, the program began competing in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
(MAAC) starting in the 2009-10 school year.
In addition to varsity sports, Albany's intercollegiate club sports include men's hockey, rugby, crew, and swimming. However, these teams are not affiliated with the Department of Athletics and Recreation and are instead funded by the Student Association.
° – Signifies Co-Champions
As an athletic department, UAlbany won the 2004–05 Stuart P. Haskell, Jr. Commissioner’s Cup. The Commissioner’s Cup annually recognizes the strongest athletic program in America East as determined by a scoring system which rewards a school for success both during the regular season and at championship competition in the conference’s 22 sports.
° – Signifies Co-Champions
. The architect of the University at Albany's football program, Ford has been Albany's only head coach since the program was reinstated after a 46-year absence. Ford joined the program in 1970 when it was a club. After only three seasons at the club level, the program was upgraded to varsity status in 1973, and finished with a 7–2 record. In 1974, the team finished 9–0, the school's only undefeated season. Ford has put together a record of 238-152 with the Great Danes, while his 247 career victories rank first among active NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) head coaches. His UAlbany teams own a 80-52 mark for a .606 winning percentage as a Division I FCS program. (records as of end of 2010 season). Ford recorded his 250th career win with a 38-10 victory against Duquesne
on October 8, 2011.
At his time with Albany, Ford has led the Great Danes to one ECAC
North Championships (D-III), one Division-III Playoff appearance, two East Football Conference Championships and three Northeast Conference
Championships (one Co-Championship).
Ford's knowledge has also created a "coaching factory scenario" at the university. More than 100 coaches, who have started their careers under Ford, are currently employed with 60 different high schools, colleges, and professional teams from around the world.
In 2002, Ford's team had it's first big successful season at the Division I level. The Great Danes, led by running-back Gary Jones, would win the program's first-ever Northeast Conference title. They would go on to defeat unbeaten Duquesne
in the 2002 ECAC Bowl
. Jones would set the single-season rushing record mark with 1509 yards (1,379.8 m) and scoring a program record 22 rushing touchdowns.
Jones would break his own single-season mark the following season, rushing for 1524 yards (1,393.5 m). He would also become the programs all-time leading rusher with 3033 yards (2,773.4 m) in only two seasons with the Great Danes.
Success for Ford's program continued during the 2006 season. The Great Danes would defeat #11 FCS ranked University of Delaware (a full-scholarship program) 17–10 in front of just over 22,000 people on September 16. Two weeks later, for the first time in the program’s history, the team would be ranked in both The Sports Network
and College Sporting News Division I-AA national polls, ranked at No. 23 in both national rankings. The Great Danes would finish the season 7–4.
The 2006 season also marked a major change in recruitment of athletes for the football program. The program, which had played non-scholarship football since being established, had begun offering scholarships to part of its roster players, joining other Northeast Conference programs in the expansion of the conferences football teams.
Despite starting the season 1–3, including loses to #19 Hofstra and #2 University of Montana, the Great Danes in 2007 would run through the NEC Conference, going 6–0, to win their second conference championship. In what was deemed the 'NEC Championship Game', UAlbany defeated Central Connecticut State University
49–14 in the final regular season game. The Great Danes became the fifth team in NEC history to go undefeated in conference play. The victory also gave them a postseason appearance against the University of Dayton of the Pioneer League
in the Gridiron Classic
in Dayton, Ohio
.
UAlbany continued its run during the 2008 season despite playing an un-orthodox schedule to start the season. The Great Danes would play their first five games of the season on the road, three against Top 25 ranked FCS opponents, and eight consecutive road games from the 2007 to the 2008 season. UAlbany would be the lone Football Bowl Subdivision and Football Championship Subdivision team to not play at home in August or September of the 2008 season.
Led by running-back David McCarty, who would break Gary Jones single season and career rushing record during the season, the Great Danes would go 7–0 to win their second consecutive NEC Championship. The undefeated season marked a 13 conference game winning streak, second longest in NEC History, and the second time in conference history a team won back-to-back championships. The Great Danes defeated the Jacksonville University Dolphins
in their second consecutive appearance in the Gridiron Classic
on December 6, 2008 by a score of 28–0.
to gain automatic access into the Division I Football Championship beginning in 2010. The NEC’s automatic access could come sooner than 2010 if its champion meets specified criteria of the Football Championship Committee for an at-large spot.
In 2011, after 39 years of running the program, Ford's program would reach a major accomplishment. The Great Danes would finish the season 8-3 (7-1 in conference), despite starting the season 0-2. The team would finish the season as co-champions with Duquesne. However, because of a 38-10 victory against the Dukes earlier in the season, the Great Danes would win their first ever trip to the NCAA Division I Football Championship. They would play former NEC opponent and Big South Champions, the Stony Brook Seawolves
in the first round of the Tournament. Stony Brook coach Chuck Priore
graduated from Albany, played for Bob Ford and was running back coach for Albany from 1983-85.
The Great Danes would have strong leaders on the 2011 team. Senior quarterback, Dan Di Lella would lead an offense that averaged 34.2 point per game. Di Lella would set a school record for most touchdowns passes in a single season. On defense, senior captain defensive-end Eddie Delaney would set a single season school record for sacks. Delaney would also get national recognition for his success on the field despite being diabetic and having been born without a left hand.
. Rudy Vido, who graduated in 1974 as a fullback and defensive end, became the first player in school history to try-out for an NFL team. He tried out for the New England Patriots, but never played in the league.
In 2005, Kurt Campbell
became the first player in the program's history to be drafted into the NFL. Campbell was selected in the 7th round by the Green Bay Packers
.
In the 2007 NFL Draft
, Rashad Barksdale
, who made the game winning interception against Delaware in 2006, became the second player in school history to be drafted. He was selected in the 6th round by the Philadelphia Eagles
. Barksdale was cut however at the end of training camp, but was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs
, and became the first player in school history placed on an NFL 53-man roster.
Barksdale made his National Football League debut on October 7, 2007 against the Jacksonville Jaguars
. It marked the first time a UAlbany player had appeared in an NFL regular-season game when he took the field on special teams. He also played on the punt cover and punt return units and recorded his first career tackle in the fourth-quarter.
Barksdale was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs
on August 31, 2008. However, he would sign with the New York Giants
as a member of the practice squad for the 2008 season. On December 30, 2008, Barksdale would become the first UA stand-out to make an NFL Playoff Roster after the Giants signed him to replace corner Sam Madison
, who went down with an ankle injury.
The Great Danes have sent multiple players to try-outs and NFL training camps as un-drafted free agents. In addition to the NFL, multiple alumni have participated in the Canadian Football League
and the Arena Football League. Many former coaching staff members have also coached in the NFL, including former NFL head coach Dave Campo
. From 2006-2010, Tony and Andy Sparano would be key figures on the Great Danes roster. At the same time their father, Tony Sparano
, would be head coach of the Miami Dolphins
.
The strongest connection to the NFL is the university hosting the New York Giants
summer training camp. Since 1996, the university's practice fields are handed over to the Giants, bringing fans and media from around New York and the United States to Albany. In 2007, the school dedicated the University’s football practice field in honor of Wellington Mara
and Preston Robert Tisch
, the late co-owners of the Giants. Mara and Tisch were instrumental in making the University at Albany home to the Giants’ summer training camp.
post-season tournament appearances in his tenure.
Sauers joined the program when the school was known as the State College for Teachers, and helped in the transition from the College Division into Division III and then Division II basketball. From 1975 to 1995, Sauers led the team to 10 NCAA Tournaments, 2 ECAC Championships (1978 and 1989), ten 20-win seasons and 26 17-win seasons.
Sauers finished his career with a 702–330 record in 41 seasons. Sauers achieved the prestigious 700-win mark on Feb. 8, 1997 in an 89–71 victory over the University of Bridgeport
. He would retire one month later.
A banner is flown in the rafters of the SEFCU Arena honoring Sauers accomplishment of 702 wins. The college is planning on naming the court at SEFCU Arena in his name in the near future. Sauers still coaches for UAlbany, now leading the Women's Golf program, in which he led the Great Danes to the 2004 and 2008 America East Championship. He also was head coach for men's golf from 1962–79. He was inducted into the university's Hall of Fame in 2004.
and UCLA Bruins
, both of which would play each other for the National Championship.
, defeating the University of Vermont
80–67 in a sold out RACC. The Great Danes were seeded #16 in the Washington, D.C.
region and were matched up against top-seeded UConn. Despite the #16 seed being 0–87 before Albany took the floor, head coach Will Brown
believed that his team had a chance to beat UConn in the tournament. With that, the team took the motto, "Why Not Us?". Fans and alumni wore shirts with the motto.
On March 17, 2006, the Danes nearly became the first #16 seed to defeat a #1 seed in the Division I tournament. The Danes, down only 1 at the half, went on a 13–0 run early in the second half to take a double-digit lead over the Huskies. With the game televised on CBS
, the Danes led 50–38 with just over 11 minutes left in the game. However, a late run by the Huskies' stifling defense stopped the Danes' offense, and the Huskies averted the upset, winning 72–59. The play against UConn gave the program instant notoriety.
The Great Danes, considered underdogs, would not falter. On March 10, 2007, the men's basketball team won their second consecutive America East title, beating Vermont 60–59 in the conference final on a last second steal by Carl Ross and Brent Wilson. The Great Danes would be seeded 13th in the South Division of the 2007 NCAA Division I Tournament
, and lost to the 4th seed Virginia Cavaliers
84–57 in the first round in Columbus, Ohio
.
Prior to the conclusion of the 2006–2007 season, the men's basketball program retired the number 31
of player Jamar Wilson. Wilson finished his career as the school’s all-time scorer with 2,164 points, plus ranked second in assists with 488. Wilson became the first player in school history to score 500 points or more in three different seasons. He also shattered the school standard with 620 points in a season, breaking a record set by Jason Graber in 1993–94. He would also win two America East Player of the Year Awards, something only three other people in conference history had achieved. Many believed that his commitment to the university was part of the early Division I success of UAlbany's men's basketball program. No athlete in the program's history has had their number retired prior.
The program has participated in ESPN
's BraketBuster series in 2005–06 at Virginia Commonwealth, 2006–07 at Boise State
, both of which were shown on one of ESPN's family of networks. They also competed in the events in 2007–08, against the Canisius Golden Griffins
. However, that game was not shown nationally.
Early in the 2007–08 season the Great Danes played a nationally televised game against the Duke Blue Devils
, losing by a score of 111–70.
In 2009, the University at Albany played host to its first America East Men’s Basketball Championship at the 4,538-seat SEFCU Arena on campus.
was given the reigns of the program. Even though the Great Danes finished with a 3–8 record in 2001, the Great Danes compiled an 8–6 regular season to take the regular season conference championship in the America East in 2002. They would reach the championship game but lose to the Stony Brook Seawolves
8–6.
Led by a new crop of recruits, some of the first lacrosse players in school history to be on scholarship, such as Kevin Rae and Luke Daquino, the Great Danes would start making a mark on college lacrosse in 2003. The Great Danes would go 8–6 and seek revenge against Stony Brook in the America East semifinals 11–5 to move on to face the University of Hartford
for the America East Championship. On May 3, 2003, Albany would defeat Hartford 7–5 to win their first ever America East Championship. They would go on to face and lose to Princeton University
in the first round on the NCAA Tournament.
The success for the Great Danes would not stop after 2003. With incoming recruits and a strong core of returning players, the Great Danes would continue their championship ways. In 2004, including an upset against the University of Massachusetts
, the Great Danes would go on to win another America East Championship. They would play Syracuse University
in the first round and lose 21–13.
The surge would continue into 2005 as the Great Danes defeated Stony Brook 16–7 to win their third straight America East Championship. However, the first round NCAA Tournament jinx would continue as the Great Danes were demolished by the University of Virginia 23–9.
2006 would be an off year for the Great Danes. With all-time career points leader at the time Luke Daquino and career saves leader Kevin Rae graduated, the team was young and over matched. The Great Danes would sneak into the America East Tournament, but lose 19–10 to UMBC. However, it would be soon that the Great Danes would go back to their winning ways.
Despite a season of struggles in 2006, the program took one major stride during the season. In the fall of 2005, John Fallon Field was completed and became the new home of the Great Danes. An all-weather facility, Albany finally had a place to call home. In previous seasons the team would play home games at University Field. However, do to harsh winters and wet springs, the field was usually not in playing condition come lacrosse season. This forced many home games to be played at local high schools and community colleges. With John Fallon Field
, Albany now had one of the premier outdoor lacrosse fields in the Northeast.
19–10 in front of nearly 3,000 people at John Fallon Field. One week later, the Great Danes were defeated by undefeated Cornell University
12–11 in the NCAA Quarterfinals at Princeton University.
The team finished ranked #4 in the Nike/Inside Lacrosse poll, the highest ranking for any team in school history. Head Coach Scott Marr was awarded the USILA Division I National Lacrosse Coach of the Year to cap the amazing season.
One of the big stars for the lacrosse team in 2007 was senior attackman Frank Resetarits
. He would become the first Great Dane in school history to earn first-team All-American
honors as he was selected to the 2007 USILA All-America Team. Resetarits was also named a finalist for the Tewaaraton Trophy. Resetarits would also become the first lacrosse player in school history to be drafted into the Major League Lacrosse
, selected by the Washington Bayhawks, but being traded and making his debut with the Long Island Lizards
. Resetarits would also join the National Lacrosse League
, drafted #5 overall by the San Jose Stealth
in 2007 NLL Draft.
Resetarits was joined in the pros by UAlbany elite goal scorer Merrick Thomson
. Thomson would sign a free agent contract with the New Jersey Pride
on the MLL, and then drafted #2 overall by the Philadelphia Wings
in the 2007 NLL Draft. Both Thomson and Resetarits are ranked one and two in career points at Albany. Thomson is also the all-time leading scorer in Great Danes history. Defender Liam Gleason was also signed by the New Jersey Pride shorty after the 2007 Major League Lacrosse draft.
Two other pieces of the championship team were drafted in the 2008 Major League Lacrosse draft. Midfielder Jordan Levine
was selected 10th Overall by the New Jersey Pride, re-uniting him with Thomson and Gleason. Star goaltender Brett Queener
was selected 48th Overall by the Rochester Rattlers making him the 5th UAlbany graduate to play professionally in Major League Lacrosse.
located in Loudonville
, NY. Both schools are separated by 8 miles (12.9 km) and both fan bases have strong hate for one another.
While teams from multiple sports will face each other annually, the strongest part of the rivalry lies with men's basketball. Both teams met for the 48th time in 2008. The first match-up was February 23, 1957 in which Siena defeated Albany 75–66 at Albany. After nearly twenty years, the series ended on February 3, 1977 with a 62–49 Albany victory.
All games since 2001 have taken place in the Times Union Center, officially making it a home game for Siena. Since 2001, the game has averaged an attendance over 10,000 for the annual match-up.
While the women's basketball match-up receives less fan fare then the men's game, it is part of the Albany Cup battle. Their first match-up was in the 1975–76 season.
While both the men's and women's basketball games battle for the Albany Cup, the rivalry has been dubbed the "Crosstown Showdown" by sportscasters in the Capital Region.
Bearcats. Both teams joined the America East conference around the same time, and are relatively new to Division I sports. Their SUNY connection as well as geographic proximity has fostered the rivalry and generated the name, "The I-88 Rivalry." Both teams post the largest away crowds at either school's athletic events. While Siena is sometimes viewed as Albany's top rival, Albany is largely considered Binghamton's biggest rival.
. UAlbany and UVM have twice met in the America East tournament finals (basketball) with Albany winning both games. The first win came in 2006 at home and the second came in 2007 at Vermont (Albany's first-ever win in Vermont).
The University’s first Homecoming Weekend was held October 31, 1953 and it featured a soccer game, punch party, and a dance. This first Homecoming appears to have been organized by the Senior Class, reuniting the Classes of 1951, 1952, and 1953.
Every fall since then, the UAlbany campus becomes a hub of activity during Homecoming/Family Weekend. One highlight of the Weekend is checking out Great Dane Athletics. The highest level of tail-gaiting takes place during this weekend while the University hosts the Homecoming Touchdown Tailgate.
During Homecoming Weekend, the Athletic Department also enshrines players, coaches and administration from the past into the UAlbany Athletic Hall of Fame. The most recent inductees can be found at the UAlbany Athletic Website.http://www.ualbanysports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=15800&KEY=&ATCLID=839038&SPID=9801&SPSID=82656
The Big Purple Growl is the annual winter homecoming. The Ferocious Feast kicks off the festivities with lots of great food and fun. The Growl usually features a doubleheader with both the women’s and men’s basketball teams playing home at the SEFCU Arena. Beginning in 1997, this annual event is an exciting fun-filled, spirited day for all members of the University community.
The University also hosts an annual Cross Country Meet (UAlbany Invitational), Track and Field (UAlbany Classic) and other events.
WOFX
AM 980 in Albany, NY
. Roger Wyland has been the voice of the Great Danes since 1994.
Select athletic events also air on TW3 (Albany, NY)
Television. TW3 has broadcast rights to select football, America East Conference Network (usually involving UAlbany teams) and men's and women's basketball games. The station has also aired select Lacrosse and Women's Volleyball games.
WCDB
90.9 FM
, the University Radio Station, also does select athletic events. The station was at one point the exclusive home of UAlbany Women's Basketball, Men's Lacrosse and Women's Volleyball, doing select games every year.
In 2007, the university began streaming live video coverage of selected events on the University Athletic Website. The America East Website http://www.AmericaEast.com also live streams selected events.
University at Albany, SUNY
The State University of New York at Albany, also known as University at Albany, State University of New York, SUNY Albany or simply UAlbany, is a public university located in Albany, Guilderland, and East Greenbush, New York, United States; is the senior campus of the State University of New York ...
. The University's intercollegiate athletics date back to the late 1890s, but its development was hampered for several decades by inadequate facilities, uncertain financial support, and the relatively small number of male students in an institution designed to develop elementary school teachers. Tennis remained a constant from 1898 onward along with men’s basketball from 1909, but attempts to field teams in football (1922), baseball (1896–1901), swimming, and hockey were aborted. Expansion into men’s and women’s sports increased after World War II and then expanded greatly in the 1960s (men’s sports of lacrosse, track & field, cross-country and swimming moved from club to varsity status, and women’s tennis, softball, field hockey, basketball and swimming were introduced), as a direct result of the introduction of the new Uptown Campus and its expanded athletic facilities. A nickname change also occurred, the Pedagogues becoming the Great Danes — making Albany the only American college or university with that mascot.
All athletics are run by the University at Albany Department of Athletics and Recreation. After the 1972 NCAA restructuring, the university competed in Division III until the 1995–96 school year, when it moved to Division II. The university would remain in Division II until 1999. The school currently has 19 varsity sports (8 men, 11 women) competing at the Division I level. The school's sports teams have participated in the America East Conference
America East Conference
The America East Conference is a NCAA Division I college athletic conference whose members are located mainly in the northeastern United States. The conference was known as the ECAC North from 1979 to 1988 and the North Atlantic Conference from the fall semester of 1988 to the end of the spring...
since 2001. Football participates in the Football Championship Subdivision (former Division I-AA) as an associate member of the Northeast Conference
Northeast Conference
The Northeast Conference is a college athletic conference whose schools are members of the NCAA. The NCAA designates the Northeast Conference to the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision for Division I Men's Football and to Division I Sports for all other sports.Founded in 1981 as the ECAC-Metro...
. After the 2008-09 school year, Women's Golf was discontinued in the America East. Along with Boston University
Boston University
Boston University is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. With more than 4,000 faculty members and more than 31,000 students, Boston University is one of the largest private universities in the United States and one of Boston's largest employers...
and University of Hartford
University of Hartford
The University of Hartford is a private, independent, nonsectarian, coeducational university located in West Hartford, Connecticut. The degree programs at the University of Hartford hold the highest levels of accreditation available in the US, including the Engineering Accreditation Commission of...
, the program began competing in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
(MAAC) starting in the 2009-10 school year.
In addition to varsity sports, Albany's intercollegiate club sports include men's hockey, rugby, crew, and swimming. However, these teams are not affiliated with the Department of Athletics and Recreation and are instead funded by the Student Association.
America East Conference
| Sport | Regular Season Championships | Conference Tournament Championships |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 2007 | |
| Men's Basketball | 2005–06 | 2005–06; 2006–07 |
| Field Hockey | 2006°; 2008; 2009 | 2008; 2010 |
| Women's Golf | 2004; 2008; 2009 | |
| Men's Lacrosse | 2002; 2003; 2007° | 2003; 2004; 2005; 2007 |
| Women's Lacrosse | 2010, 2011 | 2011 |
| Men's Soccer | 2004° | |
| Softball | 2004; 2005; 2008; 2011° | 2005; 2006; 2007; 2011 |
| Men's Indoor Track and Field | 2002–03; 2003–04; 2005–06 to 2010-11 (6 straight) | |
| Men's Outdoor Track and Field | 2003; 2005–2011 (7 straight) | |
| Women's Outdoor Track and Field | 2006; 2007; 2009-2011 (3 straight) | |
| Women's Indoor Track and Field | 2009–10; 2010–11 | |
| Women's Volleyball | 2004; 2005; 2006; 2008-11 (4 straight) | 2004; 2006-08 (3 straight); 2010; 2011 |
| Men's Cross Country | 2011 | |
° – Signifies Co-Champions
As an athletic department, UAlbany won the 2004–05 Stuart P. Haskell, Jr. Commissioner’s Cup. The Commissioner’s Cup annually recognizes the strongest athletic program in America East as determined by a scoring system which rewards a school for success both during the regular season and at championship competition in the conference’s 22 sports.
Northeast Conference - Football
| Conference Championships |
Postseason Game & Location | Opponents & Results |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | ECAC Football Classic ECAC Bowl The Eastern College Athletic Conference Bowl was a college football bowl game played from 1989 to 2003. From 1993 until its cancellation in 2003, the game pitted the champion of the Northeast Conference against the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference champion... (University Field – Albany, NY) |
Win vs. Duquesne Dukes Duquesne Dukes The Duquesne Dukes are the athletic teams of Duquesne University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.Duquesne has played men's basketball only in NCAA Division I and has played football as a club team from 1891–1894, 1896–1903, 1913–1914, and 1920–1928, in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision ... (24–0) |
| 2003° | ||
| 2007 | Gridiron Classic Gridiron Classic The Gridiron Classic was the name given to a college football game played between teams from the Pioneer Football League and Northeast Conference at the end of the 2006-2009 seasons... (Welcome Stadium Welcome Stadium Welcome Stadium is a 11,000-seat multi-purpose stadium in Dayton, Ohio, United States, owned and operated by the Dayton Public Schools. It opened in 1949, and is home to all Dayton public high schools as well as the University of Dayton Flyers football team. It hosted the 1961 Aviation Bowl and the... – Dayton, OH) |
Loss vs. Dayton Flyers Dayton Flyers The Dayton Flyers are the University of Dayton's intercollegiate athletic teams, which are based in Dayton, Ohio. The Flyers' home arena is the University of Dayton Arena. The name is a reference and homage to Daytonians Orville and Wilbur Wright who pioneered heavier than air flight... (42–21) |
| 2008 | Gridiron Classic (University Field – Albany, NY) |
Win vs. Jacksonville U. Dolphins Jacksonville University Jacksonville University is a private university in Jacksonville, Florida, on the banks of the St. Johns River. The school was founded in 1934 as a two year college and was known as Jacksonville Junior College until 1958, when it shifted its focus to four-year university degrees and adopted its... (28–0) |
| 2011° | NCAA Division I Football Championship - 1st Rd. (Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium The Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium is the main stadium for the State University of New York at Stony Brook in Stony Brook, New York, USA. Construction began in 2000 at a cost of approximately $22 million. With a capacity of 8,132 people, it is the largest outdoor facility in Suffolk County. The stadium... - Stony Brook, NY) |
Loss vs. Stony Brook Seawolves Stony Brook Seawolves The Stony Brook Seawolves are the athletic teams of Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, NY, United States. The school is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and participates in the America East Conference for all sports except football in which they participate as... (28-31) |
° – Signifies Co-Champions
Football
One of the most well known coaches at the university is football coach Bob FordBob Ford (American football)
Bob Ford is the current head football coach of the Albany Great Danes located in Albany, New York. Albany dropped its club team after the 1924 season. A 46-year absence followed before the university restored the football team. Ford was appointed as the head coach on April 27, 1970 where he has...
. The architect of the University at Albany's football program, Ford has been Albany's only head coach since the program was reinstated after a 46-year absence. Ford joined the program in 1970 when it was a club. After only three seasons at the club level, the program was upgraded to varsity status in 1973, and finished with a 7–2 record. In 1974, the team finished 9–0, the school's only undefeated season. Ford has put together a record of 238-152 with the Great Danes, while his 247 career victories rank first among active NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) head coaches. His UAlbany teams own a 80-52 mark for a .606 winning percentage as a Division I FCS program. (records as of end of 2010 season). Ford recorded his 250th career win with a 38-10 victory against Duquesne
Duquesne
-Individuals:* Abraham de Bellebat, marquis du Quesne, governor of Martinique in 1716* Abraham Duquesne, French admiral* Calleigh Duquesne, a character in the television series CSI: Miami...
on October 8, 2011.
At his time with Albany, Ford has led the Great Danes to one ECAC
Eastern College Athletic Conference
The Eastern College Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference comprising schools that compete in 21 sports . It has 317 member institutions in NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, ranging in location from Maine to North Carolina and west to Illinois...
North Championships (D-III), one Division-III Playoff appearance, two East Football Conference Championships and three Northeast Conference
Northeast Conference
The Northeast Conference is a college athletic conference whose schools are members of the NCAA. The NCAA designates the Northeast Conference to the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision for Division I Men's Football and to Division I Sports for all other sports.Founded in 1981 as the ECAC-Metro...
Championships (one Co-Championship).
Ford's knowledge has also created a "coaching factory scenario" at the university. More than 100 coaches, who have started their careers under Ford, are currently employed with 60 different high schools, colleges, and professional teams from around the world.
1999–2010: Start of Division I Football
The Great Danes have been successful in football since its first season on the Division I-AA level. In the 1999 season the Great Danes compiled a 7–2 overall record, finishing 6–1 in-conference, which was good for second in the NEC.In 2002, Ford's team had it's first big successful season at the Division I level. The Great Danes, led by running-back Gary Jones, would win the program's first-ever Northeast Conference title. They would go on to defeat unbeaten Duquesne
Duquesne
-Individuals:* Abraham de Bellebat, marquis du Quesne, governor of Martinique in 1716* Abraham Duquesne, French admiral* Calleigh Duquesne, a character in the television series CSI: Miami...
in the 2002 ECAC Bowl
ECAC Bowl
The Eastern College Athletic Conference Bowl was a college football bowl game played from 1989 to 2003. From 1993 until its cancellation in 2003, the game pitted the champion of the Northeast Conference against the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference champion...
. Jones would set the single-season rushing record mark with 1509 yards (1,379.8 m) and scoring a program record 22 rushing touchdowns.
Jones would break his own single-season mark the following season, rushing for 1524 yards (1,393.5 m). He would also become the programs all-time leading rusher with 3033 yards (2,773.4 m) in only two seasons with the Great Danes.
Success for Ford's program continued during the 2006 season. The Great Danes would defeat #11 FCS ranked University of Delaware (a full-scholarship program) 17–10 in front of just over 22,000 people on September 16. Two weeks later, for the first time in the program’s history, the team would be ranked in both The Sports Network
The Sports Network
The Sports Network, commonly abbreviated as TSN, is a Canadian English language Category C specialty channel and is Canada's leading English language sports TV channel. TSN premiered in 1984, in the first group of Canadian specialty cable channels...
and College Sporting News Division I-AA national polls, ranked at No. 23 in both national rankings. The Great Danes would finish the season 7–4.
The 2006 season also marked a major change in recruitment of athletes for the football program. The program, which had played non-scholarship football since being established, had begun offering scholarships to part of its roster players, joining other Northeast Conference programs in the expansion of the conferences football teams.
Despite starting the season 1–3, including loses to #19 Hofstra and #2 University of Montana, the Great Danes in 2007 would run through the NEC Conference, going 6–0, to win their second conference championship. In what was deemed the 'NEC Championship Game', UAlbany defeated Central Connecticut State University
Central Connecticut State University
Central Connecticut State University is a state university in New Britain, Connecticut, United States.The school was moved to its present campus in 1922...
49–14 in the final regular season game. The Great Danes became the fifth team in NEC history to go undefeated in conference play. The victory also gave them a postseason appearance against the University of Dayton of the Pioneer League
Pioneer Football League
The Pioneer Football League is a college athletic conference which operates in the East, Midwest, and California of the United States. It has member schools that range from New York, North Carolina, and Florida in the east to California in the west. The conference participates in the NCAA's...
in the Gridiron Classic
Gridiron Classic
The Gridiron Classic was the name given to a college football game played between teams from the Pioneer Football League and Northeast Conference at the end of the 2006-2009 seasons...
in Dayton, Ohio
Dayton, Ohio
Dayton is the 6th largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Montgomery County, the fifth most populous county in the state. The population was 141,527 at the 2010 census. The Dayton Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 841,502 in the 2010 census...
.
UAlbany continued its run during the 2008 season despite playing an un-orthodox schedule to start the season. The Great Danes would play their first five games of the season on the road, three against Top 25 ranked FCS opponents, and eight consecutive road games from the 2007 to the 2008 season. UAlbany would be the lone Football Bowl Subdivision and Football Championship Subdivision team to not play at home in August or September of the 2008 season.
Led by running-back David McCarty, who would break Gary Jones single season and career rushing record during the season, the Great Danes would go 7–0 to win their second consecutive NEC Championship. The undefeated season marked a 13 conference game winning streak, second longest in NEC History, and the second time in conference history a team won back-to-back championships. The Great Danes defeated the Jacksonville University Dolphins
Jacksonville University
Jacksonville University is a private university in Jacksonville, Florida, on the banks of the St. Johns River. The school was founded in 1934 as a two year college and was known as Jacksonville Junior College until 1958, when it shifted its focus to four-year university degrees and adopted its...
in their second consecutive appearance in the Gridiron Classic
Gridiron Classic
The Gridiron Classic was the name given to a college football game played between teams from the Pioneer Football League and Northeast Conference at the end of the 2006-2009 seasons...
on December 6, 2008 by a score of 28–0.
2011 Season
Prior to the 2008 season, the NCAA Board of Directors' approved the expansion of the Division I Football Championship Subdivision post-season bracket, allowing the Northeast ConferenceNortheast Conference
The Northeast Conference is a college athletic conference whose schools are members of the NCAA. The NCAA designates the Northeast Conference to the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision for Division I Men's Football and to Division I Sports for all other sports.Founded in 1981 as the ECAC-Metro...
to gain automatic access into the Division I Football Championship beginning in 2010. The NEC’s automatic access could come sooner than 2010 if its champion meets specified criteria of the Football Championship Committee for an at-large spot.
In 2011, after 39 years of running the program, Ford's program would reach a major accomplishment. The Great Danes would finish the season 8-3 (7-1 in conference), despite starting the season 0-2. The team would finish the season as co-champions with Duquesne. However, because of a 38-10 victory against the Dukes earlier in the season, the Great Danes would win their first ever trip to the NCAA Division I Football Championship. They would play former NEC opponent and Big South Champions, the Stony Brook Seawolves
Stony Brook Seawolves
The Stony Brook Seawolves are the athletic teams of Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, NY, United States. The school is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and participates in the America East Conference for all sports except football in which they participate as...
in the first round of the Tournament. Stony Brook coach Chuck Priore
Chuck Priore
-Playing history:Priore played football at Albany before graduating in 1982.-External links:*...
graduated from Albany, played for Bob Ford and was running back coach for Albany from 1983-85.
The Great Danes would have strong leaders on the 2011 team. Senior quarterback, Dan Di Lella would lead an offense that averaged 34.2 point per game. Di Lella would set a school record for most touchdowns passes in a single season. On defense, senior captain defensive-end Eddie Delaney would set a single season school record for sacks. Delaney would also get national recognition for his success on the field despite being diabetic and having been born without a left hand.
UAlbany and the NFL
The UAlbany football program continues to grow under Ford's leadership, leading to connections between the program and the National Football LeagueNational Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. Rudy Vido, who graduated in 1974 as a fullback and defensive end, became the first player in school history to try-out for an NFL team. He tried out for the New England Patriots, but never played in the league.
In 2005, Kurt Campbell
Kurt Campbell
Kurt Campbell is a professional American and Canadian football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted in the seventh round by the Green Bay Packers in 2005. He played college football at Albany....
became the first player in the program's history to be drafted into the NFL. Campbell was selected in the 7th round by the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
.
In the 2007 NFL Draft
2007 NFL Draft
The 2007 National Football League Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 28 and April 29, 2007. The draft was televised for the 28th consecutive year on ESPN and ESPN2. The NFL Network also broadcast coverage of the event, its second year doing so...
, Rashad Barksdale
Rashad Barksdale
Rashad Emmanuel Unique Barksdale is an American football cornerback for the Kansas City Command of the Arena Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
, who made the game winning interception against Delaware in 2006, became the second player in school history to be drafted. He was selected in the 6th round by the Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Barksdale was cut however at the end of training camp, but was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
, and became the first player in school history placed on an NFL 53-man roster.
Barksdale made his National Football League debut on October 7, 2007 against the Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. It marked the first time a UAlbany player had appeared in an NFL regular-season game when he took the field on special teams. He also played on the punt cover and punt return units and recorded his first career tackle in the fourth-quarter.
Barksdale was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
on August 31, 2008. However, he would sign with the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
as a member of the practice squad for the 2008 season. On December 30, 2008, Barksdale would become the first UA stand-out to make an NFL Playoff Roster after the Giants signed him to replace corner Sam Madison
Sam Madison
Samuel Adolfus Madison, Jr. is an American football cornerback who is retired. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisville....
, who went down with an ankle injury.
The Great Danes have sent multiple players to try-outs and NFL training camps as un-drafted free agents. In addition to the NFL, multiple alumni have participated in the Canadian Football League
Canadian Football League
The Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football....
and the Arena Football League. Many former coaching staff members have also coached in the NFL, including former NFL head coach Dave Campo
Dave Campo
Dave Campo is an American football coach, a former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, and currently secondary coach with the Cowboys.-High school years:...
. From 2006-2010, Tony and Andy Sparano would be key figures on the Great Danes roster. At the same time their father, Tony Sparano
Tony Sparano
Anthony "Tony" Sparano III is an American Football head coach of the Miami Dolphins. At age 17, Sparano had an incident which burnt his eyes, which is why he always wears his signature sunglasses even at night...
, would be head coach of the Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
The strongest connection to the NFL is the university hosting the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
summer training camp. Since 1996, the university's practice fields are handed over to the Giants, bringing fans and media from around New York and the United States to Albany. In 2007, the school dedicated the University’s football practice field in honor of Wellington Mara
Wellington Mara
Wellington Timothy Mara was the co-owner of the NFL's New York Giants from 1959 until his death, and one of the most influential and iconic figures in the history of the National Football League. He was the younger son of Tim Mara, who founded the Giants in 1925...
and Preston Robert Tisch
Preston Robert Tisch
Preston Robert "Bob" Tisch was the chairman, and, with his brother Laurence, part owner of the Loews Corporation. Tisch was born in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn in 1926. On August 16, 1986, he was appointed Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service, serving until February 1988...
, the late co-owners of the Giants. Mara and Tisch were instrumental in making the University at Albany home to the Giants’ summer training camp.
Sauers Era
The second longest serving coach in UAlbany history belongs to Richard “Doc” Sauers. Sauers served as Great Danes men's basketball coach from 1955–1997. Little known to many, Sauers is one of the most victorious coaches in the history of college basketball with 702 victories. He led the program to eleven NCAA and four NAIANational Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is an athletic association that organizes college and university-level athletic programs. Membership in the NAIA consists of smaller colleges and universities across the United States. The NAIA allows colleges and universities outside the USA...
post-season tournament appearances in his tenure.
Sauers joined the program when the school was known as the State College for Teachers, and helped in the transition from the College Division into Division III and then Division II basketball. From 1975 to 1995, Sauers led the team to 10 NCAA Tournaments, 2 ECAC Championships (1978 and 1989), ten 20-win seasons and 26 17-win seasons.
Sauers finished his career with a 702–330 record in 41 seasons. Sauers achieved the prestigious 700-win mark on Feb. 8, 1997 in an 89–71 victory over the University of Bridgeport
University of Bridgeport
The University of Bridgeport is a private, independent, non-sectarian, coeducational university located on the Long Island Sound in the South End neighborhood of Bridgeport, Connecticut. The University is fully Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges...
. He would retire one month later.
A banner is flown in the rafters of the SEFCU Arena honoring Sauers accomplishment of 702 wins. The college is planning on naming the court at SEFCU Arena in his name in the near future. Sauers still coaches for UAlbany, now leading the Women's Golf program, in which he led the Great Danes to the 2004 and 2008 America East Championship. He also was head coach for men's golf from 1962–79. He was inducted into the university's Hall of Fame in 2004.
Division I
The process to become a legit Division I program was slow. From the 1999–00 season, the first year in Division I, to the end of the 2004–05 season, UAlbany recorded a 48–118 record. The team finished with over 10 victories in only two seasons. However, in the 2005–06 campaign, the Great Danes compiled a 21–11 season. In that season, the Great Danes would take on both the eventual national champion Florida GatorsFlorida Gators
The Florida Gators are the intercollegiate sports teams that represent the University of Florida located in Gainesville, Florida. The "Lady Gators" is an alternative nickname sometimes used by the Gators women's teams...
and UCLA Bruins
UCLA Bruins
The UCLA Bruins are the sports teams for University of California, Los Angeles . The Bruin men's and women's teams participate in NCAA Division I as part of the Pacific-12 Conference and the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation . For football, they are in the Football Bowl Subdivision of Division I...
, both of which would play each other for the National Championship.
"Why Not Us?: The 2005–06 Season"
On March 11, 2006, the men's basketball team won the America East conference tournament, earning the school (and the SUNY system) its first ever berth to the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament2006 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament
The 2006 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament involved 65 schools playing in a single-elimination tournament to determine the national champion of men's NCAA Division I college basketball as a culmination of the 2005–06 basketball season...
, defeating the University of Vermont
University of Vermont
The University of Vermont comprises seven undergraduate schools, an honors college, a graduate college, and a college of medicine. The Honors College does not offer its own degrees; students in the Honors College concurrently enroll in one of the university's seven undergraduate colleges or...
80–67 in a sold out RACC. The Great Danes were seeded #16 in the Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
region and were matched up against top-seeded UConn. Despite the #16 seed being 0–87 before Albany took the floor, head coach Will Brown
Will Brown
Will Brown may refer to:*Will Brown, central figure in the Omaha Race Riot of 1919*Will Brown , head men's basketball coach at the University at Albany*Will Brown , played for Qatar SC until 2009-See also:...
believed that his team had a chance to beat UConn in the tournament. With that, the team took the motto, "Why Not Us?". Fans and alumni wore shirts with the motto.
On March 17, 2006, the Danes nearly became the first #16 seed to defeat a #1 seed in the Division I tournament. The Danes, down only 1 at the half, went on a 13–0 run early in the second half to take a double-digit lead over the Huskies. With the game televised on CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
, the Danes led 50–38 with just over 11 minutes left in the game. However, a late run by the Huskies' stifling defense stopped the Danes' offense, and the Huskies averted the upset, winning 72–59. The play against UConn gave the program instant notoriety.
2006–Present
In the 2006–07 season, the Great Danes faced a much stronger America East conference. The Great Danes would accomplish a 20–9 regular season, but be the #2 seed in the conference tournament. This forced the Great Danes to travel to Vermont, who was the #1 seed for the conference championship, where they were previously 0–7.The Great Danes, considered underdogs, would not falter. On March 10, 2007, the men's basketball team won their second consecutive America East title, beating Vermont 60–59 in the conference final on a last second steal by Carl Ross and Brent Wilson. The Great Danes would be seeded 13th in the South Division of the 2007 NCAA Division I Tournament
2007 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament
The 2007 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament involved 65 NCAA schools playing in a single-elimination tournament to determine the national champion of men's NCAA Division I college basketball as a culmination of the 2006–07 basketball season...
, and lost to the 4th seed Virginia Cavaliers
Virginia Cavaliers
The Virginia Cavaliers, also known as Wahoos or Hoos, are the athletic teams officially representing the University of Virginia in college sports. The Cavaliers compete in 25 NCAA Division I varsity sports and are members of the Atlantic Coast Conference...
84–57 in the first round in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. The broader metropolitan area encompasses several counties and is the third largest in Ohio behind those of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is the third largest city in the American Midwest, and the fifteenth largest city...
.
Prior to the conclusion of the 2006–2007 season, the men's basketball program retired the number 31
31 (number)
31 is the natural number following 30 and preceding 32.- In mathematics :Thirty-one is the third Mersenne prime as well as the fourth primorial prime, and together with twenty-nine, another primorial prime, it comprises a twin prime. As a Mersenne prime, 31 is related to the perfect number 496,...
of player Jamar Wilson. Wilson finished his career as the school’s all-time scorer with 2,164 points, plus ranked second in assists with 488. Wilson became the first player in school history to score 500 points or more in three different seasons. He also shattered the school standard with 620 points in a season, breaking a record set by Jason Graber in 1993–94. He would also win two America East Player of the Year Awards, something only three other people in conference history had achieved. Many believed that his commitment to the university was part of the early Division I success of UAlbany's men's basketball program. No athlete in the program's history has had their number retired prior.
The program has participated in ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
's BraketBuster series in 2005–06 at Virginia Commonwealth, 2006–07 at Boise State
Boise State Broncos
The Boise State Broncos are the official athletic program of Boise State University. The Broncos compete in a wide variety of sports. Perhaps the most well-known of these sports is the football program. The program attained a 13-0 season in 2006 capped by a memorable overtime win in the 2007 Fiesta...
, both of which were shown on one of ESPN's family of networks. They also competed in the events in 2007–08, against the Canisius Golden Griffins
Canisius College
Canisius College is a private Roman Catholic college in Buffalo, New York, United States. The college was founded in 1870 by members of the Society of Jesus from Germany and is named after St. Peter Canisius. The college is one of 28 institutions in the Association of Jesuit Colleges and...
. However, that game was not shown nationally.
Early in the 2007–08 season the Great Danes played a nationally televised game against the Duke Blue Devils
Duke Blue Devils
Duke University's 26 varsity sports teams, known as the Blue Devils, compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The name comes from the French "les Diables Bleus" or "the Blue Devils," which was the nickname given during World War I to the Chasseurs Alpins, the French Alpine light infantry...
, losing by a score of 111–70.
In 2009, the University at Albany played host to its first America East Men’s Basketball Championship at the 4,538-seat SEFCU Arena on campus.
Men's Lacrosse
One of the fastest growing programs in the school is the UAlbany Men's Lacrosse Program. The program began in 1970 with a 3–7 record competing in Division III. In 1975, the program would reach the ECAC Division III Tournament under coach Dave Armstrong. From 1975 to 1997, the Great Danes would reach two more ECAC Division III Tournaments. In 1997 the Great Danes would reach the finals of the ECAC Division II Tournament.2000–2006
In 2000, the Great Danes began play in the America East at the Division I level. In 2001, Scott MarrScott Marr
Scott Marr is an American lacrosse coach. He is currently the head coach for the University at Albany Great Danes men's lacrosse team. He previously served as the offensive coordinator at the University of Maryland and University of Delaware. Marr led the Great Danes to the school's first ever NCAA...
was given the reigns of the program. Even though the Great Danes finished with a 3–8 record in 2001, the Great Danes compiled an 8–6 regular season to take the regular season conference championship in the America East in 2002. They would reach the championship game but lose to the Stony Brook Seawolves
Stony Brook Seawolves men's lacrosse
The Stony Brook Seawolves men's lacrosse team represents Stony Brook University in NCAA Division I men's college lacrosse. Stony Brook currently competes in the America East Conference and plays its home games on Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium...
8–6.
Led by a new crop of recruits, some of the first lacrosse players in school history to be on scholarship, such as Kevin Rae and Luke Daquino, the Great Danes would start making a mark on college lacrosse in 2003. The Great Danes would go 8–6 and seek revenge against Stony Brook in the America East semifinals 11–5 to move on to face the University of Hartford
University of Hartford
The University of Hartford is a private, independent, nonsectarian, coeducational university located in West Hartford, Connecticut. The degree programs at the University of Hartford hold the highest levels of accreditation available in the US, including the Engineering Accreditation Commission of...
for the America East Championship. On May 3, 2003, Albany would defeat Hartford 7–5 to win their first ever America East Championship. They would go on to face and lose to Princeton University
Princeton University
Princeton University is a private research university located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States. The school is one of the eight universities of the Ivy League, and is one of the nine Colonial Colleges founded before the American Revolution....
in the first round on the NCAA Tournament.
The success for the Great Danes would not stop after 2003. With incoming recruits and a strong core of returning players, the Great Danes would continue their championship ways. In 2004, including an upset against the University of Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts
This article relates to the statewide university system. For the flagship campus often referred to as "UMass", see University of Massachusetts Amherst...
, the Great Danes would go on to win another America East Championship. They would play Syracuse University
Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...
in the first round and lose 21–13.
The surge would continue into 2005 as the Great Danes defeated Stony Brook 16–7 to win their third straight America East Championship. However, the first round NCAA Tournament jinx would continue as the Great Danes were demolished by the University of Virginia 23–9.
2006 would be an off year for the Great Danes. With all-time career points leader at the time Luke Daquino and career saves leader Kevin Rae graduated, the team was young and over matched. The Great Danes would sneak into the America East Tournament, but lose 19–10 to UMBC. However, it would be soon that the Great Danes would go back to their winning ways.
Despite a season of struggles in 2006, the program took one major stride during the season. In the fall of 2005, John Fallon Field was completed and became the new home of the Great Danes. An all-weather facility, Albany finally had a place to call home. In previous seasons the team would play home games at University Field. However, do to harsh winters and wet springs, the field was usually not in playing condition come lacrosse season. This forced many home games to be played at local high schools and community colleges. With John Fallon Field
John Fallon Field
John Fallon Field is a 2,800-seat multi-purpose field in Albany, New York. It is home to the University at Albany Men's and Women's Great Danes lacrosse teams. The field opened in 2005, as UAlbany's lacrosse program has grown into one of the National power-house teams in Division I lacrosse...
, Albany now had one of the premier outdoor lacrosse fields in the Northeast.
2007 season
In the 2007 season, the lacrosse team would be ranked in the top-25 in both USILA and Nike/Inside Lacrosse polls and reached a high of #2 in the USILA poll. Notable wins were against #1 ranked Johns Hopkins Blue Jays and #10 Delaware. On May 13, 2007, the men's lacrosse team became the first team at the Division I level to advance/win a match in the NCAA Tournament, defeating Loyola College in MarylandLoyola College in Maryland
Loyola University Maryland is a Roman Catholic, Jesuit private university in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. Established as Loyola College in Maryland by John Early and eight other members of the Society of Jesus in 1852, it is one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges...
19–10 in front of nearly 3,000 people at John Fallon Field. One week later, the Great Danes were defeated by undefeated Cornell University
Cornell University
Cornell University is an Ivy League university located in Ithaca, New York, United States. It is a private land-grant university, receiving annual funding from the State of New York for certain educational missions...
12–11 in the NCAA Quarterfinals at Princeton University.
The team finished ranked #4 in the Nike/Inside Lacrosse poll, the highest ranking for any team in school history. Head Coach Scott Marr was awarded the USILA Division I National Lacrosse Coach of the Year to cap the amazing season.
One of the big stars for the lacrosse team in 2007 was senior attackman Frank Resetarits
Frank Resetarits
Frank Resetarits is a lacrosse player from Hamburg, New York. As a high school player Resitarits ranks in the top three players all-time for points in a career. He plays forward for the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League and attack for the Long Island Lizards of Major League Lacrosse...
. He would become the first Great Dane in school history to earn first-team All-American
USILA All-American Team
The USILA All-American Team is an honor given annually to the best American men's college lacrosse players at their respective positions by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association. The term All-American is derived from the same practice in American college football, in which the...
honors as he was selected to the 2007 USILA All-America Team. Resetarits was also named a finalist for the Tewaaraton Trophy. Resetarits would also become the first lacrosse player in school history to be drafted into the Major League Lacrosse
Major League Lacrosse
Major League Lacrosse, or MLL, is a professional men's field lacrosse league that is made up of five teams in the United States and one team in Canada.- History :...
, selected by the Washington Bayhawks, but being traded and making his debut with the Long Island Lizards
Long Island Lizards
The Long Island Lizards are a Major League Lacrosse professional men's field lacrosse team based in Hempstead, New York, USA, located on Long Island. They are original members of the MLL and lost in the league's inaugural game on June 7, 2001 to the Baltimore Bayhawks , 16-13...
. Resetarits would also join the National Lacrosse League
National Lacrosse League
The National Lacrosse League is a men's professional indoor lacrosse league in North America. It currently has nine teams; three in Canada and six in the United States. Unlike other lacrosse leagues which play in the summer, the NLL plays its games in the winter and spring. Each year, the playoff...
, drafted #5 overall by the San Jose Stealth
San Jose Stealth
The San Jose Stealth were a member of the National Lacrosse League, the professional box lacrosse league of North America from 2004 until 2009. They played at the HP Pavilion at San Jose, which is also the home of the NHL's San Jose Sharks and the AFL's San Jose SaberCats. They relocated to San...
in 2007 NLL Draft.
Resetarits was joined in the pros by UAlbany elite goal scorer Merrick Thomson
Merrick Thomson
Merrick Thomson is a former lacrosse player from Hamilton, Ontario. He played the attack position for the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse and for the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League.-College career:...
. Thomson would sign a free agent contract with the New Jersey Pride
New Jersey Pride
The New Jersey Pride were a men's field lacrosse team formerly based in Piscataway, New Jersey, United States. They played in Major League Lacrosse from 2001-2008.-Franchise history:...
on the MLL, and then drafted #2 overall by the Philadelphia Wings
Philadelphia Wings
The Philadelphia Wings are a member of the National Lacrosse League, a professional box lacrosse league in North America. They play at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania....
in the 2007 NLL Draft. Both Thomson and Resetarits are ranked one and two in career points at Albany. Thomson is also the all-time leading scorer in Great Danes history. Defender Liam Gleason was also signed by the New Jersey Pride shorty after the 2007 Major League Lacrosse draft.
Two other pieces of the championship team were drafted in the 2008 Major League Lacrosse draft. Midfielder Jordan Levine
Jordan Levine
Jordan Levine is a midfielder lacrosse player for the Washington Bayhawks. He relies on his speed and quickness to get open.-Early life:...
was selected 10th Overall by the New Jersey Pride, re-uniting him with Thomson and Gleason. Star goaltender Brett Queener
Brett Queener
Brett Queener is an American lacrosse player. He is currently a member of the Hamilton Nationals in Major League Lacrosse and the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League...
was selected 48th Overall by the Rochester Rattlers making him the 5th UAlbany graduate to play professionally in Major League Lacrosse.
Other Division I Athletic Success
- The Athletic Program would win a record-tying eight conference titles in the 2006–2007 school year, including five during the spring sports period. The Great Danes took home the conference championship in women's volleyball, men’s indoor track & field, men’s basketball, men’s lacrosse, men’s & women’s outdoor track & field, baseball and softball.
- The women's volleyball team in 2006 became the first team in school history to host a Division I NCAA Tournament event. In 2007, the Great Danes won their second consecutive America East Conference championship and defeated Cleveland State 3–0 to win their first NCAA Division I Tournament matchNCAA Women's Volleyball ChampionshipThe NCAA has contested team championships in women's volleyball since 1981. The following is a list of the champions of each division with their record for the year in which they won the championship, and the runner up, city, site and other final four participants for division I...
, led by coach Kelly Sheffield. Sheffield would lead UAlbany to three NCAA Tournaments during his seven seasons as head coach. Even after Sheffield's departure, interim coach MJ Engstrom would lead the Danes volleyball team to its third consecutive America East Championship in 2008.
- The Track & Field team became the first team at Albany to sweep both men's and women's conference titles in 2006 and then repeated the effort again in 2007.
- Men's soccer goalkeeper Bouna CoundoulBouna CoundoulBouna Coundoul is a Senegalese footballer who most recently played for New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer, and for the Senegal national football team.-College:...
would sign a contract with the Colorado RapidsColorado RapidsThe Colorado Rapids are an American professional soccer club based in the Denver suburb of Commerce City, Colorado which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, having competed in the league...
of Major League SoccerMajor League SoccerMajor League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
and make his professional debut, the first for an Albany alumni in the major-American (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS etc...) sports, on May 13, 2006. In January 2008, Coundoul was named to the SenegalSenegalSenegal , officially the Republic of Senegal , is a country in western Africa. It owes its name to the Sénégal River that borders it to the east and north...
National Soccer Team to compete in the 2008 African Cup of Nations2008 African Cup of NationsThe 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, also known as the MTN Africa Cup of Nations due to the competition's sponsorship by MTN, was the 26th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, the biennial football tournament for nations affiliated to the Confederation of African Football . The tournament was staged at...
Tournament in GhanaGhanaGhana , officially the Republic of Ghana, is a country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south...
. The African Cup is the highest level soccer championship tournament in Africa. With being named, Coundoul became the first MLS player to ever compete in the tournament. In 2009, goalkeeper Steward CeusSteward CeusSteward Ceus is an American-born Haitian footballer who currently plays for Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer.-Youth and College:...
became the first Great Dane selected in the MLS Draft when he was selected by the Colorado Rapids to replace Coundoul after he left to free agency.
- Baseball won its first ever conference championship in 2007. They were selected as the #4 seed in the Fayetteville Regional in the 2007 NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament2007 NCAA Division I Baseball TournamentThe 2007 NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament was held from June 1-24, . Sixty four NCAA Division I college baseball teams advanced to the post season tournament after having played through a regular season, and for some, a conference tournament....
(#1 University of ArkansasUniversity of ArkansasThe University of Arkansas is a public, co-educational, land-grant, space-grant, research university. It is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a research university with very high research activity. It is the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas System and is located in...
, #2 CreightonCreighton UniversityCreighton University is a private, coeducational, Jesuit, Roman Catholic university located in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1878, the school is one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. The university is accredited by...
, #3 Oklahoma State).
- In 2011, the Women's Lacrosse team would finish the regular season a perfect 17-0. They would be the only team to finish the regular season undefeated in the nation going into the NCAA Tournament. The trip to the NCAA Tournament would be the first in program history. They would defeat UMBC 11-4 in the America East Championship. They would be seeded #7 in the tournament, however would have to play their first round game at DartmouthDartmouth CollegeDartmouth College is a private, Ivy League university in Hanover, New Hampshire, United States. The institution comprises a liberal arts college, Dartmouth Medical School, Thayer School of Engineering, and the Tuck School of Business, as well as 19 graduate programs in the arts and sciences...
(conflict with universities graduation weekend). They would defeat Dartmouth 10-7, however lose in the Quarterfinals 18-4 to NorthwesternNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University is a private research university in Evanston and Chicago, Illinois, USA. Northwestern has eleven undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools offering 124 undergraduate degrees and 145 graduate and professional degrees....
. They would finish the season a program best 18-1.
- UAlbany has had seven players selected in the Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
First-Year Player Draft: Terry Kenny (9th round, 1974, San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
), Steve Checksfield (10th round, 2001, Houston AstrosHouston AstrosThe Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
), Mike Grasso (11th round, 2002, Atlanta BravesAtlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
), Adam Kroft (30th round, 2004, San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
), Tom Hill (34th round, 2007, Kansas City RoyalsKansas City RoyalsThe Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
), Mike Konstanty (39th round, 2008, Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
) and Dave Kubiak (36th round, 2011, Tampa Bay RaysTampa Bay RaysThe Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...
). No Great Dane has ever played in the majors.
- Softball won three straight conference titles from 2005–2007. The team would win its first NCAA Division I Tournament game and advance to its first regional final after defeating Harvard 1–0 and HofstraHofstra UniversityHofstra University is a private, nonsectarian institution of higher learning located in the Village of Hempstead, New York, United States, about east of New York City: less than an hour away by train or car...
4–2 in 2007.
- Field Hockey won its first ever America East Championship in 2008 after being ranked within the top-20 nationally for the majority of the season. They would be eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament by the top seaded Maryland TerrapinsMaryland TerrapinsThe Maryland Terrapins, commonly referred to as the Terps, consist of 27 men's and women's athletic teams that represent the University of Maryland, College Park in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I competition...
.
- Three former student athletes have competed in the Olympic GamesOlympic GamesThe Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
. Andy Seras competed in the 149.5-pound Greco-Roman wrestling group in the 1988 Seoul Olympics for Team USA. Shawn Sheldon competed in the 114.5-pound Greco-Roman wrestling group in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics for Team USA. Rob Caracciolo competed in the 1,500 meter Track and Field event in the 2004 Athens Olympics for Equatorial GuineaEquatorial GuineaEquatorial Guinea, officially the Republic of Equatorial Guinea where the capital Malabo is situated.Annobón is the southernmost island of Equatorial Guinea and is situated just south of the equator. Bioko island is the northernmost point of Equatorial Guinea. Between the two islands and to the...
.
Siena
UAlbany's biggest rival is Siena CollegeSiena College
Siena College is an independent Roman Catholic liberal arts college in Loudonville, in the town of Colonie, New York, United States. Siena is a four-year, coeducational, independent college in the Franciscan tradition, founded by the Franciscan Friars in 1937. It has 3,000 full-time students and...
located in Loudonville
Loudonville, New York
Loudonville is a hamlet in the town of Colonie, in Albany County, New York, United States. Loudonville was a census-designated place in the 1970, 1980, and 1990 US Census, but ceased to be in the 2000 Census.The area is not precisely defined...
, NY. Both schools are separated by 8 miles (12.9 km) and both fan bases have strong hate for one another.
While teams from multiple sports will face each other annually, the strongest part of the rivalry lies with men's basketball. Both teams met for the 48th time in 2008. The first match-up was February 23, 1957 in which Siena defeated Albany 75–66 at Albany. After nearly twenty years, the series ended on February 3, 1977 with a 62–49 Albany victory.
All games since 2001 have taken place in the Times Union Center, officially making it a home game for Siena. Since 2001, the game has averaged an attendance over 10,000 for the annual match-up.
While the women's basketball match-up receives less fan fare then the men's game, it is part of the Albany Cup battle. Their first match-up was in the 1975–76 season.
While both the men's and women's basketball games battle for the Albany Cup, the rivalry has been dubbed the "Crosstown Showdown" by sportscasters in the Capital Region.
Binghamton
A notable rivalry exists between the Great Danes and the Binghamton UniversityBinghamton University
Binghamton University, also formally called State University of New York at Binghamton, , is a public research university in the State of New York. The University is one of the four university centers in the State University of New York system...
Bearcats. Both teams joined the America East conference around the same time, and are relatively new to Division I sports. Their SUNY connection as well as geographic proximity has fostered the rivalry and generated the name, "The I-88 Rivalry." Both teams post the largest away crowds at either school's athletic events. While Siena is sometimes viewed as Albany's top rival, Albany is largely considered Binghamton's biggest rival.
Vermont
The other notable athletic rivalry is between Albany and the University of VermontUniversity of Vermont
The University of Vermont comprises seven undergraduate schools, an honors college, a graduate college, and a college of medicine. The Honors College does not offer its own degrees; students in the Honors College concurrently enroll in one of the university's seven undergraduate colleges or...
. UAlbany and UVM have twice met in the America East tournament finals (basketball) with Albany winning both games. The first win came in 2006 at home and the second came in 2007 at Vermont (Albany's first-ever win in Vermont).
Annual Sporting Events
The Department of Athletics annually host two major sporting events. The first event is the Homecoming Football Game.The University’s first Homecoming Weekend was held October 31, 1953 and it featured a soccer game, punch party, and a dance. This first Homecoming appears to have been organized by the Senior Class, reuniting the Classes of 1951, 1952, and 1953.
Every fall since then, the UAlbany campus becomes a hub of activity during Homecoming/Family Weekend. One highlight of the Weekend is checking out Great Dane Athletics. The highest level of tail-gaiting takes place during this weekend while the University hosts the Homecoming Touchdown Tailgate.
During Homecoming Weekend, the Athletic Department also enshrines players, coaches and administration from the past into the UAlbany Athletic Hall of Fame. The most recent inductees can be found at the UAlbany Athletic Website.http://www.ualbanysports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=15800&KEY=&ATCLID=839038&SPID=9801&SPSID=82656
The Big Purple Growl is the annual winter homecoming. The Ferocious Feast kicks off the festivities with lots of great food and fun. The Growl usually features a doubleheader with both the women’s and men’s basketball teams playing home at the SEFCU Arena. Beginning in 1997, this annual event is an exciting fun-filled, spirited day for all members of the University community.
The University also hosts an annual Cross Country Meet (UAlbany Invitational), Track and Field (UAlbany Classic) and other events.
Media coverage
UAlbany Football and Men's Basketball games air on Fox Sports RadioFox Sports Radio
Fox Sports Radio, abbreviated FSR, is an international radio network consisting of sports talk programming. The network is a service of Premiere Networks...
WOFX
WOFX (AM)
WOFX, known as Fox Sports 980, is an AM radio station broadcasting on 980 kHz licensed to Troy, New York. The station is owned by Clear Channel Communications and runs a sports radio format and is the Fox Sports Radio affiliate for the Capital District, Adirondacks, and...
AM 980 in Albany, NY
Albany, New York
Albany is the capital city of the U.S. state of New York, the seat of Albany County, and the central city of New York's Capital District. Roughly north of New York City, Albany sits on the west bank of the Hudson River, about south of its confluence with the Mohawk River...
. Roger Wyland has been the voice of the Great Danes since 1994.
Select athletic events also air on TW3 (Albany, NY)
TW3 (Albany, NY)
TW3 is a is a Cable television broadcast on Time Warner Cable systems in the Capital District of New York and that area's suburbs including Saratoga County, the southern Adirondack region, the Mohawk Valley, and most of Berkshire County, Massachusetts....
Television. TW3 has broadcast rights to select football, America East Conference Network (usually involving UAlbany teams) and men's and women's basketball games. The station has also aired select Lacrosse and Women's Volleyball games.
WCDB
WCDB
WCDB is a college radio station run by students attending The University at Albany in Albany, New York. Located at 90.9 FM WCDB's programming includes a wide range of music, news, sports and public affairs programs...
90.9 FM
FM broadcasting
FM broadcasting is a broadcasting technology pioneered by Edwin Howard Armstrong which uses frequency modulation to provide high-fidelity sound over broadcast radio. The term "FM band" describes the "frequency band in which FM is used for broadcasting"...
, the University Radio Station, also does select athletic events. The station was at one point the exclusive home of UAlbany Women's Basketball, Men's Lacrosse and Women's Volleyball, doing select games every year.
In 2007, the university began streaming live video coverage of selected events on the University Athletic Website. The America East Website http://www.AmericaEast.com also live streams selected events.
Fight song
Purple and gold,
your colors shining through
Hear as the carillons
are ringing true
The State of New York
sends up its cheer to you
Let’s go Albany!
Hail, young and old
We shall prevail,
purple and gold
One true triumphant call
Albany Danes are standing tall
(repeat chorus)