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Western New England College - Athletic News
WESTERN NEW ENGLND COLLEGE READY TO CHALLENGE FOR SECOND STRAIGHT NEWLA TITLE
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College goes after its second straight New England Women's Lacrosse Association (NEWLA) Tournament title this spring with eight starters among 14 returning letter winners leading the way.
Last spring the Golden Bears posted a 14-4 record for its fifth consecutive winning season, which included a 6-0 mark in the NEWLA.
Coach Aimee Klepacki's team captured its second NEWLA title in three years with a win over Bridgewater State College before losing an opening round game in the NCAA Division III Championship to the University of Scranton.
Western New England College enters the new season without its top three scorers from a year ago, including NEWLA Offensive Player-of-the-Year Shannon Pizzingrilli who graduated after compiling a school record 275 points (164 goals, 111 assists).
All-NEWLA players Jamie Carney (116 career points) who scored 61 points last season and Whitney Boucher (77 career points) who had 40 points a year ago, also graduated.
The top returning attack player is junior Alyson Nowell (Feeding Hills, MA) (87 career points) who totaled 39 points (21 goals, 18 assists). Also back are senior Kristin Pimental (Tiverton, RI) who scored 37 points, and sophomores Jessica Vogel (Tonawanda, NY), 32 points, and Audrey Kelton (Wilder, VT), 30 points. Vogel was named the NEWLA Rookie-of-the-Year.
Senior Sarah Cunningham (LaGrangeville, NY), the NEWLA Defensive Player-of-the-Year, junior Alia Andrews (Westfield, MA), junior goalie Tara Cushman (Scituate, MA), 7.58 goals-against-average, and sophomore Lindsey Burns (Fairport, NY) lead the defensive unit.
Andrews, Burns, Cunningham, Cushman, Kelton, and Vogel made the All-NEWLA Team last year.
Among the top freshmen are Julianna Mulroy (Wellesley, MA) at attack, Kayte Devine (New Fairfield, CT) at midfield, and Melissa Roy (West Haven, CT) at goalie.
"We're definitely going to miss Shannon, but we have some pretty good returning players," says Klepacki who has a 60-26 record in five seasons. "Without our top three scorers back, we have a big void to fill, however we have players ready to step up and meet the challenge."
Western New England College opens its seventh varsity season at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, against Sweet Briar (Va.) in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Golden Bears open their home season at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, March 24, against Bridgewater State.
FORMER WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE STANDOUT BRENNA PLUTINO NAMED ASSISTANT WOMEN'S LACROSSE COACH
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Former Golden Bears standout Brenna Plutino has been named assistant women's lacrosse coach at Western New England College.
Plutino, a native of Pitman, New Jersey, graduated from Western New England College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 2003.
A three-year starter on the women's lacrosse team, she is fourth on the school's all-time scoring list with 118 points (80 goals, 38 assists) in 50 games.
Plutino was selected the team's Most Improved Player her sophomore year and named to the All-New England Women's Lacrosse Association (NEWLA) First Team her senior season.
During the 2003-04 school year Plutino served as an assistant field hockey and lacrosse coach at Elms College.
She was the acting head women's lacrosse at Western New England College last fall when Aimee Klepacki was out on maternity leave.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE BASEBALL TEAM AIMS FOR RETURN TRIP TO NCAA DIVISION III TOURNAMENT IN 2005
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College's baseball team hopes to defend its Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) title this spring with seven starters and two of its top pitchers returning from last year's 33-14 team, which set a school record for wins while placing third at the NCAA Division III New England Regional Championship.
The Golden Bears split four games at the national tournament marking the first time a Western New England College men's team has won a contest in a NCAA Championship. With a 62.0 winning percentage over the last five years, WNEC ranks among the top programs in the New England region.
"We have finally become a veteran team," says sixth-year coach Matt LaBranche. "With the entire starting lineup returning, our goals are to repeat as GNAC champions and give ourselves a chance to compete for the regional championship."
Senior co-captains, centerfielder Jeff Maurutis (Milford, CT) and catcher Matt Hackney (Bristol, CT) head the list of returnees. Maurutis, a two-time All-GNAC performer, hit .330 last year with a school record 24 stolen bases. He holds the school record for career hits (153). Hackney, an All-New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association (NEIBA) and three-time All-GNAC selection, hit .324 and passed the career hit mark as well and is now second (152) behind Maurutis.
The Golden Bears have another top player in senior leftfielder Chris Mahoney (Yorkville, NY) who led the squad with a .412 batting average in his first season with the team. Mahoney, who has a 33-game hitting streak, also made the All-GNAC and NEIBA First Teams.
Senior shortstop Justin McGee (Wilbraham, MA) is a four-year starter who hit .314 a year ago while compiling a respectable .955 fielding percentage.
Western New England College has a pair of talented sophomores in first baseman Tom Horgan (Westfield, MA) who was second on the team with a .371 batting average in 39 contests (36 starts) in gaining All-GNAC recognition and third baseman Josh Jacobs (Essex Junction, VT) who hit a solid .312 in 39 games (34 starts).
Junior Jason Connelly (Scituate, MA) is among the top pitchers in the region; he compiled a 9-3 record and 2.76 ERA last season in gaining numerous awards, including GNAC Pitcher-of-the-Year and GNAC Tournament MVP. Connelly, who plays second base when not pitching, also hit .277 last season. Senior Ryan Macdonald (Milford, CT) posted a 7-3 record and team best 1.97 ERA along with three shutouts.
"The nucleus of this team has laid the foundation for a program that now expects to compete at the highest level in our region and beyond," notes LaBranche. "This is a well-balanced team that will be tough to beat come tournament time."
Western New England College opens its 37th season at 12:45 p.m. Saturday (March 12) against SUNY Cortland in Port Charlotte, Florida. The Golden Bears will play eight games in the Sunshine State during spring break before returning north for a contest at Springfield College on March 23.
SEVEN WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE PLAYERS NAMED TO 2004 NFHCA DIVISION III ACADEMIC TEAM
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) named seven Western New England College players to its 2004 Academic Team on Friday (Mar. 4).
They were senior Adrienne Guay (Enfield, NH), English; junior Kaitlin Boyd (Coram, NY), Government; sophomores Melissa Ezold (York, ME), Psychology, and Allison Jameson (Brattleboro, VT), Business, and freshmen Amy Cunningham (LaGrangeville, NY), Math, Cori Eggert (Denville, NJ), Math, and Emily Popham (Orange, MA), Business.
Boyd made the honor team for the third consecutive year while Guay (a team tri-captain), Ezold, and Jameson were repeat selections.
To earn a spot on the NFHCA Academic Team, a player must be a starter or important reserve, and have a minimum 3.3 cumulative grade-point-average in her major. In addition, the NFHCA recognized Western New England College for having a 3.0 or better team grade-point-average.
Western New England College, under second-year coach Sarah Kelly posted a 14-9 record that was a school record for wins. The Golden Bears finished first in the North Atlantic Conference during the regular season with an 8-1 mark and placed second in the conference tournament.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE MEN'S LACROSSE TEAM AIMS FOR PILGRIM LEAGUE TOURNAMENT TITLE
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Weather permitting, Western New England College will open its 24th men's lacrosse season at 4:00 p.m. Thursday (March 3) against Roger Williams University at Golden Bear Stadium. The Golden Bears, under the direction of fourth-year coach John Klepacki, hope to challenge for the Pilgrim League Tournament title this spring with seven starters among its 18 returning lettermen.
Western New England College posted a 14-7 record a year ago that was a school record for wins, breaking the old mark of 12 set in 2002. The Golden Bears captured the Pilgrim League West Division title with a 5-1 mark and placed second in the Pilgrim League Tournament. WNEC capped its season by winning the ECAC Division III New England Tournament for the program's first ever post-season championship.
"This team has some much-needed explosive depth in the offensive end," says Klepacki who has a 34-21 record (61.8%) in three seasons. "Our defense came together as a unit during our fall scrimmages. The coaching staff is extremely excited about the potential of this group."
Heading the list of returnees is senior attack player CJ Annunciata (Waltham, MA) who led the team with 87 points (37 goals, 50 assists) in his first season. Annunciata, a transfer from Roger Williams was selected to the 2005 Face-Off Yearbook and Inside Lacrosse Pre-Season Division III All-America Team.
The Golden Bears have another rising star in sophomore attack player Adam Cherry (Westfield, MA) who was named the Pilgrim League Rookie-of-the-Year after compiling 65 points (43 goals, 22 assists) that was second on the team.
Among the other players to watch are senior midfielder Patrick Matthews (Middle Island, NY) who totaled 52 points (31 goals, 21 assists) a year ago and junior defenseman Kevin Batson (Kennebunk, ME).
Annunciata, Cherry, Matthews, and Batson made the 2004 Pilgrim League All-Star Second Team.
The Golden Bears also feature sophomore twins Jason Whitehouse (Gilmanton, NH) at midfield and Justin Whitehouse (Gilmanton, NH) at defense.
Freshmen Chris Body (Newtown, CT) and James Ells (Cheshire, CT) are the top candidates for the starting goalie position.
Newcomers to watch include freshman attack player Bryan Cofrin (Londonderry, NH), and freshmen midfielders Kelley Luchs (Glastonbury, CT), Brian Praetorius (Saugerties, NY), Brody Savoie (Wilbraham, MA), and Gary Schuldt (Yorktown Heights, NY).
After a home contest against Union (N.Y.) on Saturday, March 5, the Golden Bears travel to Sanford, Florida for games against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on Sunday March 13 and McDaniel (Md.) on Wednesday, March 16.
BRIAN CALANDRUCCIO NAMED ASSISTANT MEN'S LACROSSE COACH AT WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Former Springfield College captain Brian Calandruccio has been named assistant men's lacrosse coach at Western New England College. Calandruccio, a native of Baldwin Place, New York, was a four-year defenseman for the Pride. He served as a team captain last spring when Springfield posted a 13-4 record while winning the Pilgrim League Tournament and participating in the NCAA Division III Championship. Calandruccio received a Bachelor of Science degree in American Studies last May.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE BASKETBALL PLAYERS JON GODBOUT AND JIM BAYNE NAMED TO ALL-GNAC FIRST TEAM
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The Bristol, Connecticut connection of junior guard Jon Godbout and sophomore forward Jim Bayne were the best players on the Western New England College men's basketball team this past season.
On Monday (Feb. 28), both players were named to the All-Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Basketball First Team.
Godbout, a repeat First Team selection, leads the Golden Bears in scoring (16.7 avg.), free-throw percentage (80.2), and steals (53), and is second in field-goal percentage (44.5), three-pointers (37), and assists (67). He is a team co-captain and accounting major.
Bayne was second in scoring (15.6) and free-throw percentage (79.8), and first in rebounding (10.5) and field-goal percentage (45.5). He set a school record earlier this season by making 30 consecutive free throws. Bayne is a business major.
Western New England College (17-9) will visit Plymouth State University (19-9) in a quarterfinal round game of the ECAC Division III New England Tournament at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday (March 2) in Plymouth, New Hampshire. The Golden Bears are seeded seventh in the tournament, the Panthers second.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAMS INVITED TO ECAC DIVISION III NEW ENGLAND TOURNAMENTS
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College men and women's basketball teams both received invitations to Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III New England Championships on Monday (Feb. 28).
The Golden Bears' men's team received the seventh seed and will visit second-seeded Plymouth State University in a quarterfinal round game starting at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday (March 2) in Plymouth, New Hampshire.
Coach Mike Theulen's squad enters its first ECAC Tournament with a 17-9 record after tying for second place in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) with a 13-5 mark. The Golden Bears lost in the opening round of the GNAC Tournament to Johnson & Wales University.
Plymouth State (19-9) lost to Western Connecticut in the Little East Conference Tournament championship game 135-130 in double overtime. The Panthers defeated the Golden Bears in the only other meeting between the schools 73-64 during the 1984-85 season.
Junior guard Jon Godbout (Bristol, CT) and sophomore forward Jim Bayne (Bristol, CT) lead the Golden Bears in scoring with averages of 16.7 and 15.6, respectively. Bayne also is first in rebounding (10.5).
Western New England College's women's team earned the eighth seed and will meet top-seeded Brandeis University in a quarterfinal round game at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday (March 2) in Waltham, Massachusetts.
The Golden Bears (19-7) are seeded eighth in the tournament while the Judges (20-4) are seeded first. The two teams met earlier this season with Brandeis defeating Western New England College 66-50 on December 11 in Waltham.
This is Western New England College 's second appearance in the ECAC Tournament in the last four years.
Coach Wendy Davis has one of the top players in the region in junior center Lisa Masella (Newtown, CT) who leads the team in scoring (9.8 avg.), rebounding (9.7) and field-goal percentage (52.2).
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE JUNIOR CENTER LISA MASELLA SELECTED TO ALL-GNAC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL FIRST TEAM
Wendy Davis named GNAC Women's Basketball '"Coach-of-the-Year"
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College junior center Lisa Masella (Newtown, CT) was named Monay (Feb. 28) to the 2005 All-Great Northeast Athletic Conference Women's Basketball First Team.
Masella, a second team All-GNAC selection the last two years, leads the Golden Bears in scoring (9.8 avg.) and rebounding (9.7). She has eight double doubles this season. A team tri-captain, Masella is a communications major.
Wendy Davis of Western New England College was voted the GNAC Coach-of-the-Year after guiding the Golden Bears to a 19-7 record and second place showing in the conference with a 10-2 mark. The former UConn standout also gained her 100th career victory at Daniel Webster.
Western New England College will meet Brandeis University (20-4) in a quarterfinal round game of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III New England Tournament at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday in Waltham, Massachusetts. The Golden Bears are seeded eighth in the tournament while the Judges are seeded first.
FRESHMEN MIKE BISHOP AND JENNIFER DABROWSKI SELECTED WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Wrestling standout Mike Bishop (Belchertown, MA) and basketball standout Jennifer Dabrowski (Plainville, CT) were honored Tuesday (Feb. 22) as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Bishop, a freshman, placed fifth in the 197-lb. weight class at the New England College Conference Wrestling Association (NECCWA) Championship to become the school's first place-winner at the meet in three years. An engineering major, Bishop also is a member of the Golden Bears' football team.
Dabrowski, a freshman guard, averaged 12.7 points in three victories coming off the bench while shooting 66.7% from the field (18-for-27). She scored a career high 22 points in a win over Emerson College. Dabrowski is a business major.
HANK BAZAN, "THE FATHER OF WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE FOOTBALL," PASSES AWAY AT THE AGE OF 69
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Hank Bazan, "The Father of Football" at Western New England College and a former professor of management and business at the College, passed away Monday night (Feb. 21) at the age of 69.
Bazan, a native of Chicopee, Massachusetts, started the football program and served as head coach of the club team from 1970-79. His squads compiled a 38-34-3 record (52.7%), which included six winning seasons. Bazan was selected the National Club Sports Association (NCSA) "Coach-of-the-Year" in 1974 after his Golden Bears posted a 7-1 record.
Bazan also was instrumental in fundraising and construction of the football stands and press box that stood in them middle of campus until 2002. He was a member of the second class of the Western New England College Downes Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000.
Calling hours will be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday (Feb. 25) at the Cierpial Funeral Home in Chicopee Falls. The funeral will take place starting at 9:00 a.m. Saturday (Feb. 26) at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus with burial in St. Stanislaus Cemetery.
Remembering Hank Bazan
Mike Theulen, former colleague and long-time Western New England College coach. "Hank was one of the first people I met when I became the director of athletics (in 1999). He was personable, friendly, and well connected with the athletics program, more specifically, the football program. The Western New England College athletic family is deeply saddened by the passing of the "Father of Football."
Bill Downes, former colleague and coach emeritus at Western New England College coach. "When Hank started football, it was a club program, but he had some outstanding teams. His industriousness and enthusiasm were cornerstones to building to WNEC football program."
Gerry Martin, Western New England College football coach (1991-2004). "Hank was a great guy and without him, there would be no Western New England College football. He got the program going and everything we have today is because of him. Hank knew how to do things the right way and he was well respected. Hank many times spoke to our team at halftime and at the end of a game, and he was always very inspirational. He loved the football program at the College."
Ken Cerino, Western New England College director of athletic communications. "I only knew Hank for five years, but felt like I knew him a lot longer. We both shared a love for record keeping. Hank gave the athletics department valuable scrapbooks that contained pictures, newspaper articles, and other information for our archives. Hank also made beautiful trophies featuring the Golden Bear. He enjoyed talking about his former players, and it was always nice to see him at home game and hear his encouraging words about the team."
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE SENIOR WOMEN'S SWIMMING CO-CAPTAIN KELLI ARSENAULT WINS KAY FROMER AWARD
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College women's swimming co-captain Kelli Arsenault (Branford, CT) ended her career in sensational fashion by becoming the first individual in school history to receive the Kay Fromer Award as the senior swimmer scoring the most career points at the New England Intercollegiate Swimming and Diving Association (NEISDA) Championship.
Arsenault, a social work major, totaled 86 points (60 individual, 26 relays) of the team's 142 points as the Golden Bears finished 14th in the 22-team field in the championship hosted by Bentley College February 18-20. She scored 242 individual points in four years competing in the NEISDA championship.
Arsenault placed fourth in three events this past weekend Ñ 50-yard backstroke (30.01 prelims, 30.04), 100 backstroke (school record 1:03.21 prelims, 1:03.22), and 200 backstroke (school record 2:15.75, 2:16.34). She also swam the first leg on the 200-yard (15th) and 400 medley (16th) relays teams, and the anchor leg on the 200 medley (15th) and 200 freestyle (18th) relays squads that scored points.
"Kelli was a standout swimmer from day one," said WNEC coach Andrea Daley. "She has always been an asset to the team, not only as an athlete, but also as a leader. She is positive and supportive of her teammates and she works hard for her success. Kelli has played a key role in putting our swimming program on the map. She is an amazing person."
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE BASKETBALL TEAMS HOME FOR QUARTERFINAL ROUND GAMES OF THE GNAC TOURNAMENT
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Both the Western New England College men's and women's basketball teams will play quarterfinal round games of their respective Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournaments in the Alumni Healthful Living Center.
In the GNAC Men's Tournament, Western New England College (17-8) will meet Johnson & Wales University (14-10) at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday (Feb. 22). The Golden Bears finished in a three-way tie for second place in the conference with a 13-5 mark, but received the fourth seed after head-to-head comparisons. The Wildcats earned the fifth seed after posting a 12-6 mark in the GNAC.
WNEC split a pair of games with JWU this season, losing 67-60 on January 15 in Providence before taking a 63-60 decision last Thursday (Feb. 17) at the AHLC.
The men's tournament continues Thursday (Feb. 24) with semifinal games at campus sites with the championship game slated for Saturday (Feb. 26) at the highest remaining seed.
In the GNAC Women's Tournament, Western New England College (18-6) will entertain St. Joseph, Connecticut (12-12) at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday (Feb. 23). The Golden Bears are seeded second in the tournament after compiling a 10-2 mark in the conference. The Blue Jays are seeded seventh after finishing with a 6-6 record.
Western New England College defeated St. Joseph, Connecticut, 62-46, on February 12 in Springfield.
The highest remaining seed will host both the semifinal and championship round games of the tournament on Friday (Feb. 25) and Saturday (Feb. 26).
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE JUNIOR GUARD JON GODBOUT NAMED TO ESPN THE MAGAZINE DISTRICT 1 ACADEMIC TEAM
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College junior guard Jon Godbout (Bristol, CT) was named Thursday (Feb. 17) to the 2005 ESPN The Magazine College Division Men's Basketball District 1 Academic First Team selected by the region's college sports information directors.
Godbout, a team co-captain, has a 3.73 cumulative grade-point-average in accounting. He also leads the Golden Bears (16-7) in scoring (16.3 avg.), free-throw percentage (77.2), and steals (46), and is second in field-goal percentage (46.3), assists (59) and three-pointers (36).
By making the District 1 First Team, Godbout automatically becomes a candidate for the national academic squad that will be announced on March 2.
BASKETBALL PLAYERS JIM BAYNE AND SHARON SIMONCELLI SELECTED WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Sophomore basketball standouts Jim Bayne (Bristol, CT) and Sharon Simoncelli (Litchfield, CT) were honored Tuesday (Feb. 15) as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Bayne, a forward, averaged 25.5 points and 9.5 rebounds in a 2-0 week while shooting 61.1% from the field (22-for-36) and 100% from the foul line (7-for-70. He had his 13th double double of the season with 23 points and 12 rebounds (along with three blocks) in a 77-66 win at Southern Vermont on February 8.
A business major, Bayne tied his career high with 28 points, including all 22 of the team's points in the second half, in a 64-58 overtime upset win over Great Northeast Athletic Conference leader Norwich on February 12. For his performance, Bayne was named the GNAC Men's Basketball Player-of-the-Week.
Simoncelli, a reserve forward, returned to the lineup after missing three games with an injury to score 18 points in a 78-40 victory at Daniel Webster on February 8. She also compiled 11 points and five rebounds in a 62-46 win over St. Joseph (Conn.) on February 12. Simoncelli is a sport management major.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE BASKETBALL STAR JESSICA HARRICA COPES WITH INJURY
By
RYAN EMERSON '05
Senior
Student Assistant Athletic Communications
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College women's basketball junior guard tri-captain Jess Harrica (Morrisonville, NY) has had a tough time watching from the sidelines after suffering a season ending injury in a pre-season practice.
Last November 15, Harrica tore her Achilles tendon doing what comes naturally to her, making a hustle play. She endured surgery just a week later and is still rehabilitating trying to regain her strength and mobility.
"This has been the hardest thing I have ever had to go through in my life, but luckily I have had a great support system from my teammates, coaches, friends, and family," says Harrica.
Harrica started all 26 games last year and led the team in assists (116) and steals (51). She was also named WNEC Defensive Player-ofÐtheÐYear for her tenacious, in your face, style of play. Harrica had displayed her leadership on and off the court last year and was rewarded this year by becoming a tri-captain. However, her leadership is even more important because she is on the sideline.
Despite her injury Harrica remains positive offering advice and support at games and practices.
Senior forward tri-captain Shelley Everson says, "Jess is always right there at practice with us. She gives the guards and everyone pointers about what she sees from the sidelines. She really knows the game and has been like another coach to us."
Harrica says, that her biggest disappointment is that "I cannot lead the team on the floor and be out there to help my teammates, especially on defense. The girls stay motivated by themselves, but I try to help them with things I see from the sidelines that they may not necessarily see. These girls work their butts off everyday, and I try to keep them positive when they get down on themselves."
The Golden Bears have had a successful year thus far, compiling a 14-5 record and 7-1 mark in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) entering a game February 10 at Simmons College in Boston.
Although Harrica would love to be on the court with her teammates, she says, "It's really hard to watch from the sidelines because this is something I love and I have always worked hard for; however, it is a lot more fun to watch us win then it is to watch us lose.Ó
Everson added, "Jess is one of the most conditioned and athletic people I have ever met. Her rehab is and will continue to go smoothly. She'll be back on the court in no time and I can't wait to come back and watch. This team is going to be great next year."
SENIOR KEVIN LEONARD AND FRESHMAN TIFFANY DeROSA NAMED WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Senior hockey tri-captain Kevin Leonard (Tewksbury, MA) and freshman basketball player Tiffany DeRosa (Hamden, CT) were honored Tuesday (Feb. 8) as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Leonard, a forward, scored the game winner on a power play goal at 9:24 of the third period in a 2-1 victory over visiting Suffolk University. He also had an assist on the Golden Bears' first goal that tied the contest at 8:31 of the second period. Leonard leads the squad with 24 points (14 goals, 10 assists). Leonard is a business major.
DeRosa, a guard, scored a career high 15 points and had five rebounds and three steals in 16 minutes coming off the bench in a 74-45 victory at Southern Vermont College. She is a psychology major.
JUNIOR LISA MASELLA AND SOPHOMORE BRANDON HAYES NAMED WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Basketball tri-captain Lisa Masella (Newtown, CT) and wrestling standout Brandon Hayes (Watertown, NY) were honored Tuesday (Feb. 1) as the Western New England College Female and Male Athletes-of-the-Week.
Masella, a junior center, averaged 11.7 points and 9.3 rebounds in a 3-0 week as the Golden Bears (11-4) ran their winning streak to eight games. She also shot 50% (14-for-28) from the field. Masella had a double double with 12 points and 14 rebounds at Western Connecticut, 13 points and eight rebounds at Suffolk, and 10 points and six rebounds against Norwich. She is a communications major.
Hayes, a sophomore, won three of four matches competing in the 184-lb. weight class. He defeated opponents from Rhode Island College, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and Trinity. Hayes is a mechanical engineering major.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ANNOUNCES SEARCH FOR NEW FOOTBALL COACH AFTER POSITION IS UPGRADED TO FULL-TIME STATUS
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College has upgraded the position of head football coach from part-time to full-time status and will conduct a search for a new coach shortly, athletics director Mike Theulen announced Thursday (Jan. 27). "We hope to have the new coach on board sometime this summer," said Theulen.
"We've been discussing hiring a full-time coach the last couple of years and recently received approval for this position."
Gerry Martin, who coached the Golden Bears for the past 14 seasons, will not be a candidate for the position because he has a full-time job working in downtown Springfield for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. "I've worked for the state for 23 years and can't afford to leave because of personal and financial considerations," he said.
Martin added, "Coaching at Western New England College was a very rewarding experience. I'm going to miss my association with the football program and players immensely, but hope to be involved with the athletics department in another capacity. It was fun watching the football program grow at the College the last 14 years and now it's time to watch my family grow. Hopefully, I've been a decent role model for my players and a credit to the program."
Martin, a native of Springfield, and his wife Lori have three children, Tommy (16), Andrew (14), and Gerald (4).
"Gerry did a tremendous job for us and was a wonderful ambassador for the College," stated Theulen. "He was a hardworking, loyal coach who provided an unparalleled student-athlete experience for his players."
Martin guided the Golden Bears to a 5-4 record this past fall for the program's first winning season in six years. His squad defeated Westfield State (26-21) to win the President's Trophy in the season opener and rallied from a 28-7 half-time deficit to beat Nichols (35-31) in the season finale.
SOPHOMORE ASHLEY KORBUT AND FRESHMAN STEVE HENNESSEY NAMED WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Swimming standout Ashley Korbut (South Hadley, MA) and ice hockey player Steve Hennessey (Essex Junction, VT) were honored Tuesday (Jan. 25) as the Western New England College Female and Male Athletes-of-the-Week.
Korbut, a sophomore, captured two events in a 132-97 victory over visiting Wheelock College on January 22. She placed first in the 50-yard freestyle (29.47) and 1000 freestyle (12:30.03) events. Korbut, an accounting major, also swam the third leg on the 200-medley relay squad that finished first in 2:09.44.
Hennessey, a freshman forward, scored two goals in 25 seconds at the 18:16 and 18:41 mark of the third period in a 6-4 come-from-behind win over Worcester State College on January 20. The goals were the third and fourth of the season for Hennessey who served as a back-up goalie on the Golden Bears' men's soccer team this past fall. Hennessey is a business major.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE TO HOST GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12
The 6th Annual Western New England College Girls and Women in Sports Day is scheduled for Saturday, February 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Alumni Healthful Living Center on the College's main campus. The free event is a community service program designed for girls between the ages of 7 and 12 from the greater Springfield area. Participants are to bring a personal hygiene product (hair products, deodorant, toothpaste, paper towels). Items will be donated to a local domestic violence shelter. For more information, visit www.wnec.edu/athletics/gwsday or call 413-782-1202.
According to Cyndi Costanzo, Western New England College Assistant Athletic Director, the purpose of the program is to encourage girls to continue to be physically active throughout their lives. Participants will have the opportunity to select two sport clinics: basketball, lacrosse, softball, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. Clinics will be instructed by Western New England College coaches and varsity athletes and include both instruction and time for play. In addition, recreation time will be made available for swimming, racquetball, and squash. A complimentary lunch will be served. The event is held in conjunction with National Girls and Women in Sports Month.
All
participants and their families are invited to remain at the Alumni Healthful
Living Center and attend at no charge the Western New England College
women's basketball game vs. St. Joseph College (Conn.) at 1:00 p.m. and
the men's basketball game vs. Norwich at 3:00 p.m.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE TEAMS RETURN TO ACTION SATURDAY
MEN'S BASKETBALL FOURTH NATIONALLY IN FG% DEFENSE
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — After a three-week break for the holidays, four Western New England College teams return to action Saturday (Jan. 8) with away events.
The Golden Bears' men's basketball team (5-3) visits Suffolk in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) contest while the women's basketball team (2-3) is at Framingham State in a non-conference game.
Western New England College's men's ice hockey squad (1-7-1) visits Franklin Pierce in an ECAC Northeast match-up. The Golden Bears' wrestling squad competes in the North-South Duals at Ursinus College (Pa.).
In the latest NCAA statistics, the men's basketball squad is fourth nationally in field-goal percentage defense (35.3) behind William Paterson (N.J.) (33.3), Lawrence (WI) (34.7), and Lebanon Valley (Pa.) (35.0).
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM HEADS INTO HOLIDAY BREAK WITH A 2-3 RECORD
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College's women's basketball team has a 2-3 record heading into the holiday break after dropping a 66-50 decision at No. 13 Brandeis in its last start on December 11. The young Golden Bears hope to challenge for the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) title later this winter with their three-guard offense that features two sophomores and a freshman point guard.
"We played five tough opponents the first semester and many young players had to step up and perform immediately because of the loss of Jess Harrica," said Western New England College coach Wendy Davis. "This playing experience will help us as we enter the second semester. We have quite a schedule playing three games a week for the rest of the season. I believe this team has yet to play its best basketball, which is a good thing. Hopefully, we will time it so we're playing well come conference time."
Western New England College opened its season with a six point overtime win at WPI (56-50) before dropping home contests to Fitchburg State (62-59) and Springfield (62-53). The Golden Bears then defeated visiting Westfield State (64-52) before the loss at Brandeis.
WNEC's top player is junior center Lisa Masella (Newtown, CT) who leads the team in scoring (10.8 avg.), rebounding (12.6 that is second in the GNAC), and field-throw percentage (.510 that is sixth in the conference). Masella has four double-doubles this season and 23 for her career.
Sophomore guard Laura Booth (Chicopee, MA) is second in scoring with an 8.4 average and second in the GNAC in free-throw percentage (.938). Freshman point guard Megan Ferguson (Plainville, CT) is averaging 6.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, and is sixth in the GNAC in assist/turnover ratio (1.15). Sophomore guard and defensive specialist Jenna Cullen (East Haddam, CT) is averaging 6.0 points.
The only senior on the team is forward Shelley Everson (Plainville, CT) who is third in scoring (7.2) and second in rebounding (4.2). Sophomore center Kerri Sullivan (Cumberland, RI) and freshman guard Jen Dabrowski (Plainville, CT) are both averaging 4.4 points in reserve roles.
Western New England College returns to action with a non-conference game at Framingham State College on Saturday, January 8.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM SHOWS IMPROVEMENT WITH 5-3 RECORD AT SEMESTER BREAK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — With a 5-3 record at the semester break, first-year Western New England College men's basketball coach Mike Theulen likes what he sees. The Golden Bears ended the 2004 portion of their schedule with a three-game winning streak and are 2-0 in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC).
"I'm pleased with the way we started the season," said Theulen, the school's athletics director. "However, we still have to be more efficient on the offensive end."
Western New England College is first in the conference in scoring defense (61.1) and field-goal percentage defense (.353), and second in scoring margin (+5.3), but only ninth (out of 10 teams) in scoring offense (66.4).
Sophomore forward Jim Bayne (Bristol, CT) is seventh in the GNAC in scoring (15.2) and second in rebounding (10.1). He also has a conference high 34 offensive rebounds and is sixth in blocked shots (9).
Junior guard Jon Godbout (Bristol, CT) is eighth in scoring (15.0), fourth in three-point field-goal percentage (.484), seventh in field-goal percentage (.500), eighth in free-throw percentage (.767), and ninth in three-pointers (15).
Senior forward Anthony Charbatji (Attleboro, MA) is ninth in both scoring (14.6) and three-point field-goal percentage (.393), and third in three-pointers (22). Senior guard Jeremy Sternstein (Ithaca, NY) is fifth in assists (3.88), 10th in steals (14), and third in assist/turnover ratio (1.82). Sophomore center Malik Champlain (Norwich, CT) is fifth in rebounding (7.50).
Western New England College returns to action with a GNAC contest starting at 2:00 p.m. Saturday (Jan .8) at Suffolk University.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE SENIOR CJ ANNUNCIATA NAMED PRE-SEASON All-AMERICA BY INSIDE LACROSSE MAGAZINE
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College senior CJ Annunciata (Waltham, MA) received an honorable mention on the 2005 Inside Lacrosse Magazine Division III Men's Lacrosse All-America Team that was released Thursday (Dec. 17).
Annunciata, an attack player, led the Golden Bears in scoring last year with a school record 87 points (37 goals, 50 assists) in his first season on the squad. He was named to the Pilgrim League All-Star and Pilgrim League Academic Teams. A sport management major, he is a transfer from Roger Williams University.
With Annunciata helping to lead the way, Western New England College posted a 14-7 record that was a school record for wins, captured the Pilgrim League West Division title with a 5-1 mark, and placed second in the Pilgrim League Tournament.
The Golden Bears capped their most successful campaign by winning the program's first Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III New England Championship.
Western New England College opens its season against Roger Williams at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, at Golden Bear Stadium.
BASKETBALL CAPTAIN JON GODBOUT AND SWIMMING CAPTAIN JEN McCORMICK WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Basketball co-captain Jon Godbout (Bristol, CT) and swimming co-captain Jen McCormick (Cheshire, CT) were honored Tuesday (Dec. 14) as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Godbout, a junior guard, averaged 18.3 points in a 3-0 week for the Golden Bears while shooting 51.3 percent from the field (20-39), 46.7 percent from three-point territory (7-15), and 80.0 percent from the foul line (8-10). He had a career high 27 points in a 77-66 win at Elms. Godbout is second on the team in scoring (15.0 avg.) and first in both field-goal percentage (50.0) and free-throw percentage (76.7). He is an accounting major.
McCormick, a senior, won the 400-yard individual medley with a school record time of 5:14.20 in a meet against Simmons, breaking her old mark of 5:15.42. She also placed first the 50 butterfly (30.70) and second in the 100 butterfly (1:05.72). McCormick is an elementary education major.
TIM LAROCCA AND SCOTT THORNTON OF WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE NAMED TO 2004 NSCAA ALL-NEW ENGLAND TEAM
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College sophomore defender Tim Larocca (East Longmeadow, MA) and senior midfielder Scott Thornton (Bedford, NH) have been named to the 2004 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/Adidas Division III All-New England Team.
Larocca earned a spot on the third team while Thornton was a fourth squad selection. They are the first two players in school history to make the NSCAA All-New England squad.
Larocca, a marketing major, anchored the Golden Bears' defense that recorded a school record 14 shutouts this fall while limiting opponents to only 16 goals in 23 matches. He also contributed nine points (2 goals, 5 assists) in earning a spot on the All-Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) First Team.
Thornton, the only three-year captain in the program's 39-year history, tied for second in scoring this past season with 16 points (6 goals, 4 assists). An electrical engineering major, he ended his career with 51 points (18 goals, 15 assists). Thornton was a two-time All-GNAC First Team performer.
"I am thrilled that Tim and Scott have been recognized with this tremendous honor," said Western New England College coach Erin Sullivan. "Both individuals were integral parts of our team's success this year both on and off the field. This is a worthy mark of distinction as they are great two-way players and outstanding leaders."
Western New England College posted a 16-6-1 record that was a school record for wins, breaking the old mark of 15 set in 1975. The Golden Bears also captured the regular season Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) title with a perfect 9-0 mark (all by shutouts) and won their first GNAC Tournament title. WNEC ended its best season ever by making its inaugural appearance in the NCAA Division III Championship.
Sullivan's team was ranked seventh in both the final NSCAA/Adidas and NCAA Division III New England Regional rankings.
Western
New England College Fall Sports Banquet
Saturday,
Dec. 11, 2004
List
of Award Recipients
Men's
Cross Country
Most
Valuable Runner - Junior Andrew Lutz (Pittsford, NY)
Coaches
Award - Senior Dan Smith (Enfield, CT)
Rookie-of-the-Year
- Freshman Asif Abdul-Wadud (Springfield, MA)
Women's
Cross Country
Most
Valuable Runner - Freshman Kaylee Martin (Holmes, NY)
Coaches
Award - Sophomore Lauren Dannenberg (Poughkeepsie, NY)
Rookie-of-the-Year
- Freshman Andrea Bennett (Torrington, CT)
Field
Hockey
Offensive Player-of-the-Year - Sophomore Allison Jameson (Brattleboro,
VT)
Coaches Award - Junior Alyssa Katz (Cortlandt Manor, NY)
Rookie-of-the-Year - Freshman Amy Cunningham (LaGrangeville, NY)
Football
Offensive
Most Valuable Player - Senior Mike Laroche (Berlin, CT)
Defensive
Most Valuable Player - Senior Ryan Ascenzo (Bristol, CT)
Coaches
Award - Senior Greg Clarke (South Dartmouth, MA)
Jimmy
Geyer Award for Courage and Leadership - Senior Pat Belmonte (Beverly,
MA)
Men's
Soccer
Coaches
Award - Senior Tom Murray (Dalton, MA)
Unsung
Hero Award - Sophomore Rob Hensinger (Madison, CT)
Ed
Lindsey Freshman Award - Dan Lawrence (Easthampton, MA)
Women's
Soccer
Most
Valuable Player - Junior Renee Robichaud (Peabody, MA)
Offensive
Most Valuable Player - Sophomore Megan DeAngelo (East Longmeadow,
MA)
Defensive
Most Valuable Player - Senior Amy Camerota (Westfield, MA)
Women's
Tennis
Most Valuable Player - Senior Adrienne Nardelli (Wolcott, CT)
Coaches
Award - Senior Danielle Dunn (Hanover, CT)
Rookie-of-the-Year
- Freshman Meredith Hughes (Springfield, MA)
Women's
Volleyball
Most
Valuable Player - Freshman Ashley O'Keefe (South Dennis, MA)
Unsung
Hero Award - Senior Ashleigh Smarrella (Sandy Hook, CT)
Most
Improved Player - Sophomore Teddy Woeppel (Cooperstown, NY)
SWIMMER KELLI ARSENAULT AND WRESTLER JAMIE DURKIN NAMED WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Swimming co-captain Kelli Arsenault (Branford, CT) and wrestler Jamie Durkin (Lawrence, MA) were honored Tuesday (Dec. 7) as the Western New England College Female and Male Athletes-of-the-Week.
Durkin, a junior, made a successful Golden Bears' debut by winning his 165-lb. match against Bridgewater State College. He also won two of three matches at the Williams Duals Championship. Durkin defeated opponents from host Williams and New York Maritime, losing only against a rival from Division I Princeton. Durkin, a transfer from Clarion (Pa.), is a political science major.
Arsenault, a senior co-captain, captured three events as the Golden Bears placed second among six teams at the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Swimming Championship. She won gold medals in the 50-yard backstroke (30.73, 30.28 prelims), 100 backstroke (GNAC record 1:05.09), and the 200 freestyle (2:14.09, 2:13.81 prelims). A social work major, Arsenault also swam the first leg on the 200 medley relay squad that finished second.
In other news, Western New England College junior center Lisa Masella (Newtown, CT) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Basketball Player-of-the-Week on Monday (Dec. 6). She averaged 11.7 points and 15.0 rebounds in three games. Masella was selected to the All-Pioneer Valley Hoop Classic Team after scoring 23 points while pulling down 33 rebounds in two contests. She had 13 points and a tournament record 19 rebounds in a 64-52 win over Westfield State. A communications major, Masella leads the Golden Bears (2-2) in scoring (11.8), rebounding (15.3), and field-goal percentage (50.0).
Western New England College sophomore forward Jim Bayne (Bristol, CT) was named to the All-Pioneer Valley Classic Hoop Classic Team after averaging 17 points and 8.5 rebounds in two games. He had a double double with 18 points and 10 rebounds in a loss against No. 8 Amherst. Bayne, a business major, is averaging a team high 15.4 points and 9.4 rebounds through five games for the Golden Bears (2-3).
Western New England College assistant men and women's tennis coach Tom Michaud (Manchester, CT) placed 99th among approximately 11,000 runners at the recent 68th Annual Manchester Road Race. He ran the 4.748-mile course in 28 minutes, 7 seconds. WNEC men and women's cross-country coach Brian Walsh (Southwick, MA) was 162nd with a time of 29:14. Patrick Nthiwa of Kenya was first in 22:16.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE PLACES SECOND AMONG SIX TEAMS AT GREAT NORTHEAST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE WOMEN'S SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIP
BOSTON, Mass. — Western New England College placed second among six teams at the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Swimming Championship last Saturday (Dec. 4) at Simmons College. Host Simmons won the event with 260 points followed by WNEC at 115. St. Joseph (Connecticut) was third (79) followed by Elms (70), Wheelock (56), and Norwich (53).
Senior co-captain Kelli Arsenault (Branford, CT) led the Golden Bears by winning three events, the 50-yard backstroke (30.73, 30.28 prelims), 100 backstroke (GNAC record 1:05.09), and 200 freestyle (2:14.09, 2:13.81 prelims).
Sophomore Ashley Korbut (South Hadley, MA) was a double winner taking the 500 freestyle (5:55.08) and 50 butterfly (31.19, 30.98 prelims) events while placing third in the 100 butterfly (1:14.10).
Senior co-captain Jennifer McCormick (Cheshire, CT) finished second in the 100 butterfly (1:06.80) and third in both the 100 breaststroke (1:17.07) and 200 individual medley (2:30.37, 2:29.34 prelims).
Other point scorers: Junior Karen McCauley (Middletown, CT) placed fourth in the 100 butterfly (1:17.98, 1:16.65 prelims) and fifth in both the 100 backstroke (1:16.94, 1:15.97 prelims) and 1000 freestyle (13:09.23, 13:08.49 prelims).
Freshman Lindsay Frenkel (Watertown, CT) placed sixth in the 50 backstroke (35.70, 35.59 prelims), sixth in the 100 backstroke (1:19.60, 1:17.96 prelims), and eighth in the 50 freestyle (31.69, 31.56 prelims).
Freshman Christa Melillo (Adams, MA) finished sixth in the 50 breaststroke (39.50).
Sophomore Christina Fournier (Manchester, NH) took eighth in both the 100 freestyle (1:10.34) and 100 breaststroke (1:30.36, 1:28.62 prelims).
Western New England College's 200 medley relay team of Arsenault, McCormick, Korbut, and McCauley finished second in 2:07.77.
Western New England College's 400 freestyle relay team of Fournier, Melillo, freshman Laura Sobolewski (East Hartford, CT), and Frenkel placed sixth in 4:55.66 (4:55.54 prelims).
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE HOST OF THIRD ANNUAL PIONEER VALLEY WOMEN'S HOOP CLASSIC
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The Alumni Healthful Living Center at Western New England College will be the site of the third annual Pioneer Valley Women's Hoop Classic this Friday and Saturday (Dec. 3-4).
In opening round action Friday, WNEC hosts Springfield College at 6:00 p.m. followed by a game between Amherst College and Westfield State College at approximately 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, Amherst meets Springfield at 2:00 p.m. followed by the WNEC-Westfield State match-up at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Western New England College (1-1) opened its season with a 56-50 overtime win at WPI followed by a 62-59 loss against Fitchburg State in its home opener. Junior center Lisa Masella (Newtown, CT) is the Golden Bears' top player averaging 12.0 points and 14.0 rebounds a contest. Senior forward Shelley Everson (Plainville, CT) is second in scoring (9.0) and rebounding (4.5). Masella and Everson are serving as team captains. A third captain, junior guard Jessica Harrica (Morrisonville, NY) is out for the season with an injury.
Springfield (2-1) defeated host Virginia Wesleyan (66-60) and lost to St. Benedict, Minnesota (84-52) at the Tyson Tip-Off Classic. The Pride beat Western Connecticut (61-45) in its home debut. Junior forward Courtney Parvin (Brackney, PA) leads the team in scoring with a 12.7 average. Senior forward Kacey Wunsch (Londonderry, NH) is the top rebounder (10.3).
Amherst (3-1) opened its season with a second place showing at the Colby-Sawyer Tip-Off Tournament beating Albertus Magnus (72-47) and losing to host Colby-Sawyer (55-46). Amherst posted a victory over Mount Holyoke (67-51) in its first home game and defeated host Keene State in its last start (55-33). Junior Katie Latham (Wakefield, MA) is the leading scorer (11.7 avg.) while freshman forward Matia Kostakis (Andover, MA) is the top rebounder (9.5).
Westfield State (2-1) opened its season by finishing third at the Franklin & Marshall Tournament. The Owls lost to Defiance, Ohio (67-60) in the first round before defeating host F&M (70-52). Westfield State recorded an impressive road victory over Trinity (72-61) in its last start. Freshman Kyana Zavala (Springfield, MA) leads the Owls in scoring (17.0 avg.); she is coming off a 19-point performance against Trinity. Junior forward Amanda Chapin (Westfield, MA) is the squad's top rebounder (10.0).
Amherst has a perfect 4-0 record in the classic tournament format followed by Springfield and Westfield State each with 2-2 marks, and WNEC at 0-4.
2003
Results at Amherst
Friday,
Dec. 5 — Westfield State 57, WNEC 35; Amherst 60, Springfield 59.
Saturday,
Dec. 6 — Springfield 51, Westfield State 50; Amherst 84, WNEC 59.
2002
Results at Springfield
Friday,
Dec. 6 — Westfield State 56, Springfield 50; Amherst 64, WNEC 43.
Saturday,
Dec. 7 — Amherst 61, Westfield State 56; Springfield 60, WNEC 46.
BASKETBALL PLAYERS ANTHONY CHARBATJI AND MEGAN FERGUSON WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Basketball players Anthony Charbatji (Attleboro, MA) and Megan Ferguson (Plainville, CT) were honored Tuesday (Nov. 30) as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Charbatji, a senior forward and team co-captain, was named to the Muhlenberg Scotty Wood All-Tournament Team after scoring 30 points with seven rebounds in two games. He had 18 points with five rebounds, two assists, and two steals in a 62-49 victory over Hartwick College in the third-place game. Charbatji is a Business major.
Ferguson, a freshman guard, scored 12 points in her collegiate debut and made a key free throw with 1/10 of the second left in regulation in a 56-50 overtime win at WPI. She made 10-o-13 free throws, including all four shots in the final 29 seconds to preserve the win. Ferguson also pulled down six rebounds and had five assists. A Business major, she also was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Basketball Rookie-of-the-Week on Monday (Nov. 29).
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE SOPHOMORE ALLISON JAMESON NAMED TO NFHCA DIVISION III NEW ENGLAND EAST REGION TEAM
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College sophomore forward Allison Jameson (Brattleboro, VT) was named Monday (Nov. 22) to the 2004 STX/National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division III New England East Region All-Star First Team.
Jameson led the Golden Bears in scoring for the second straight year with 50 points (22 goals, 6 assists) this fall that was the second best total in school history. She is a two-time North Atlantic Conference (NAC) First Team selection. Last year Jameson was the NAC Rookie-of-the-Year. A business major, she is fourth on the school's all-time scoring list with 76 points.
Western New England College posted a 14-9 record that was a school record for wins, breaking the old mark of 12 set two years ago. The Golden Bears captured the regular season NAC title with an 8-1 mark and placed second in the conference tournament.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL GUARD JESSICA HARRICA OUT FOR SEASON WITH INJURY
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College women's basketball junior guard Jessica Harrica (Morrisonville, NY) will miss the 2004-05 season with a torn right Achilles tendon, coach Wendy Davis announced Wednesday (Nov. 17).
Harrica, a team captain, suffered the injury in practice on Monday (Nov. 15). She will have surgery to repair the damage next Tuesday (Nov. 23), the same day the Golden Bears open their season at WPI.
"This is a big blow to our team because Jessica is a leader on the court," said Davis. "She plays hard and with a lot of passion, and was our rock to lean on. We need to regroup and find players who are willing to step up to this new challenge."
A psychology major, Harrica started all 26 games last year averaging 5.0 points last season while leading the team in assists (116) and steals (51).
WNEC posted a 16-10 a year ago for its sixth consecutive winning season and fifth under Davis.
SENIOR LOREN ESTABROOK AND JUNIOR ERINNE GOODWIN WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Football place-kicker Loren Estabrook (Sharon, NH) and soccer midfielder Erinne Goodwin (East Longmeadow, MA) were honored Tuesday (Nov. 16) as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Estabrook, a senior math major, was named to the All-New England Football Conference First Team. He led the conference in field goals (7-for-12, 58.3%) and was second in kick scoring (44 points). Estabrook also made 23-of-26 extra points. He ended his career as the school's top kick scorer (95 points) after making 59-of-67 extra points and 12-of-24 field goals. Western New England College posted a 5-4 record this fall for its first winning season in six years.
Goodwin, a junior psychology major, was selected to the All-Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) First Team after scoring 20 points (7 goals, 6 assists) that was second on the team in scoring this fall. Western New England College posted a 12-8-1 record and placed second in the GNAC Tournament for the second straight year.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE SENIOR JOHN SCHMALBERGER NAMED GNAC MEN'S SOCCER PLAYER-OF-THE-YEAR
Erin Sullivan tabbed GNAC Coach-of-the-Year; Eight players make All-GNAC squad
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College senior back John Schmalberger (Berlin, CT) has been named the 2004 All-Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Soccer Player-of-the-Year.
Schmalberger anchored the Golden Bears defense that compiled 14 shutouts this fall while allowing only 16 goals in 23 matches. He also made the All-GNAC First Team with senior goalie Jay Martyn (Poughkeepsie, NY), senior midfielder Scott Thornton (Bedford, NH), sophomore midfielder Tim Larocca (East Longmeadow, MA), and sophomore forward Kofi Oteng (Worcester, MA).
All-GNAC Second Team honors were awarded to junior forward Mike Schnepp (Feeding Hills, MA), junior back Scott Meikle (New Milford, CT), and sophomore back Mike Zawislak (Newark, DE).
Martyn compiled a 0.50 goals-against-average with nine shutouts in 17 matches. Thornton (6 goals, 4 assists) and Schnepp (5 goals, 6 assists) tied for second on the team in scoring with 16 points. Oteng contributed 11 points (4 goals, 3 assists) while Larocca added nine points (2 goals, 5 assists). Meikle and Zawislak helped lead the defensive unit that posted a school record 14 shutouts this season.
Erin Sullivan was voted the GNAC Coach-of-the-Year after directing the Golden Bears to a 16-6-1 record that was a school record for wins, breaking the old mark of 15 established in 1975.
Western New England College captured the GNAC regular season title with a 9-0 mark (all by shutouts) and won their first GNAC Tournament crown with a 1-0 victory over Johnson & Wales University. WNEC advanced to its first NCAA Division III Championship dropping a 1-0 decision at Roger Williams University in a first round match.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE LANDS SEVEN PLAYERS ON ALL-GNAC WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Seven Western New England College players have been selected to the 2004 All-Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Soccer Team.
All-GNAC First Team honors went to junior back Melissa Fleshman (Troy, NY), junior midfielder Erinne Goodwin (East Longmeadow, MA), sophomore forward Megan DeAngelo (East Longmeadow, MA), and sophomore goalie Marisa Sullivan (Halesite, NY).
Junior back Renee Robichaud (Peabody, MA), sophomore midfielder Kristin Thornton (Bedford, NH), and freshman forward Danielle Matte (Nashua, NH) made the All-GNAC Second Team.
DeAngelo led the Golden Bears in scoring with 41 points (16 goals, 9 assists) followed by Goodwin with 20 points (7 goals, 6 assists), and Matte with 19 points (8 goals, 3 assists).
Thornton was a repeat selection on the second squad after scoring 14 points (3 goals, 8 assists) despite playing with injuries most of the season.
Fleshman (a honorable mention selection last year) and Robichaud anchored the defensive unit that allowed only 29 goals in 21 matches.
Sullivan started all 21 contests compiling a 1.30 goals-against-average with nine shutouts.
Western New England College posted a 12-8-1 record and placed second in the GNAC Tournament for the second straight year. The Golden Bears outscored their opponents by a 63-29 margin this past season.
FIVE WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE PLAYERS NAMED TO ALL-NEW ENGLAND FOOTBALL CONFERENCE TEAM
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Five Western New England College players were selected to the 2004 All-New England Football Conference (NEFC) Team.
Gaining first team honors were a pair of seniors, running back Mike Laroche (Berlin, CT) and place-kicker Loren Estabook (Sharon, NH). Sophomore kickoff return specialist Vitaly Dzhenzheruka (Chicopee, MA) was a second team selection while senior defensive end Ryan Ascenzo (Bristol, CT) and senior offensive tackle Andrew Zell (Hurley, NY) both received an honorable mention.
Laroche, a finance major, finished second in the NEFC in rushing with 975 yards (108.3 avg.) and first in scoring with 90 points (15 touchdowns). He made his final collegiate game a memorable one by rushing for a career high 250 yards and four touchdowns (including a school record 92-yarder) in a 35-31 win over Nichols College. Laroche ended his career second on the all-time school-rushing list (2,587 yards) and second in scoring (158 points).
Estabrook, a math major, led the conference in field goals (7-for-12, 58.3%) and was second in kick scoring (44 points). He also made 23-of-26 extra points. Estabrook ended his career as the school's top kick scorer (95 points) after making 59-of-67 extra points and 12-of-24 field goals.
Dzhenzheruka, a business major, was second in the NEFC with a 23.2 average for 20 kickoff returns, including a 79-yard return for his first collegiate touchdown against Salve Regina University.
Ascenzo, a history major, was second on the team with 62 tackles, including 7 1/2 for losses along with two forced fumbles.
Zell, a sport management major, received an honorable mention on the NEFC team for the second straight season.
Western New England College posted a 5-4 record this fall for its first winning season in six years. The Golden Bears were first in the conference in fourth down conversion (14-for-23, 60.9%), second in red zone offense (26-for-31, 83.9%), fourth in scoring offense (24.9 avg.) and fifth in turnover margin (0.67).
THREE WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE PLAYERS SELECTED TO ALL-NORTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE (NAC) FIELD HOCKEY TEAM
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Three Western New England College players have been selected to the 2004 North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Field Hockey Team.
Sophomore forward Allison Jameson (Brattleboro, VT) and junior forward Alyssa Katz (Cortlandt Manor, NY) made the All-NAC First Team while junior defender Megan Cloutier (Greenfield, MA) was named to the All-NAC Second Team.
Jameson is a repeat selection on the first unit after leading the Golden Bears in scoring for the second straight year with 50 points (22 goals, 6 assists) that was the second best total in school history. Last year she was the NAC Rookie-of-the-Year. A business major, Jameson is fourth on the school's all-time scoring list with 76 points.
Katz, a marketing major, was second on the team with 30 points (11 goals, 8 assists). She was an All-NAC Second Team selection her freshman season. Katz is the school's third all-time leading scorer with 82 points.
Cloutier was the squad's top defensive player who also contributed seven points (3 goals, 1 assist). She is a criminal justice major and a pitcher on the school's nationally ranked softball team.
Western New England College posted a 14-9 record that was a school record for wins, breaking the old mark of 12 set two years ago. The Golden Bears captured the regular season NAC title with an 8-1 mark and placed second in the conference tournament.
BOB SKELTON RETIRES AS WRESTLING COACH AT WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE AFTER 30 YEARS
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Citing health reasons, Bob Skelton has retired as the wrestling coach at Western New England College effective immediately.
Skelton informed athletics director Mike Theulen of his decision on Friday.
Skelton started the wrestling program at Western New England College in 1974 and compiled a 402-256-7 record (61.0 winning percentage) in 30 seasons.
A former president of the NCAA Division III Wrestling Coaches Association, Skelton coached one Olympian (Rodney Smith), 137 All-New England Division III wrestlers, 27 New England champions, 13 NCAA Division III All-Americans, and 33 Academic All-Americans.
Skelton was elected to the NCAA Division III National Coaches Hall of Fame in 1997 and the WNEC Downes Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.
Theulen also announced that assistant coaches Dwayne Dawson and Jeff Peterson would serve as co-head coaches for the remainder of the season.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE FRESHMAN ASHLEY O'KEEFE NAMED GNAC WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL ROOKIE-OF-THE-YEAR
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College freshman Ashley O'Keefe (South Dennis, MA) has been selected the 2004 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Volleyball Rookie-of-the-Year.
O'Keefe, a 5'11" middle hitter, also was named to the All-GNAC First Team after leading the Golden Bears in hitting percentage (.347), solo blocks (81), and total blocks (187).
Senior setter Mandee Signor (East Haven, CT) and sophomore outside hitter Amy Lorinovich (Hampstead, NH) made the All-GNAC Second Team.
Signor led the team in assists (729) while Lorinovich was first in kills (302). She was a three-time All-GNAC Second Team honoree. Lorinovich made the All-GNAC Third team as a rookie.
O'Keefe and Signor are sport management majors while Lorinovich is a marketing/advertising major.
Western New England College posted a 20-15 record for its sixth straight winning season and third straight 20-win campaign. The Golden Bears also placed third in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) with an 8-2 mark.
SENIOR RUNNING BACK MIKE LAROCHE RECIPIENT OF BOSTON GLOBE GOLD HELMET AWARD AS NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE DIVISION PLAYER-OF-THE-WEEK
Berlin, Connecticut native also receives other honors for brillant performance
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College senior running back Mike Laroche (Berlin, CT) received The Boston Globe Gold Helmet Award as the New England Football College Division (II-III) Player-of-the-Week Wednesday (Nov. 10) at the football writers luncheon held at Harvard University.
Laroche made his final collegiate game a memorable one by rushing for a career high 250 yards on a school record 52 carries with a school record tying four touchdowns in a 35-31 win over Nichols College last Saturday. It was the Golden Bears' first win over the Bison in five meetings and only the seventh victory in 21 games.
More importantly, it gave Western New England College a 5-4 record for its first winning season in six years (WNEC was 5-4 in 1998).
Laroche was the main reason scoring three of his touchdowns (school record 92 yards, 1 and 1 yards) in the third quarter to help the Golden Bears rally from a 21-point half-time deficit (28-7). He also scored the game's first touchdown on a 10-yard run.
A finance major, Laroche finished second in the New England Football Conference in rushing with 975 yards (108.3 per game average) and first in scoring with 90 points (15 touchdowns). He ended his career second on the all-time Western New England College rushing list (2,587 yards) and second in scoring (158 points).
Laroche, the NEFC offensive Player-of-the-Week, had four 100-yard games this season and 10 during his career.
Mike's
weekly honors
1.
Boston Globe/New England Football Writers College Division Gold
Helmet Award Winner
2.
NEFC Offensive Player-of-the-Week
3.
ECAC Division III New England Co-Player-of-the-Week
4. d3football.com
Team-of-the-Week
SOCCER CAPTAIN JOHN SCHMALBERGER AND KIM BEZIO NAMED WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Soccer captain John Schmalberger (Berlin, CT) and volleyball player Kim Bezio (Plattsburgh, NY) were honored Tuesday (Nov. 9) as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Schmalberger, a senior defender, was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2004 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Soccer Tournament after the Golden Bears captured their first conference title with wins over Rivier (4-1), Norwich (3-0), and Johnson & Wales (1-0). He also was named the GNAC Men's Soccer Player-of-the-Week. With Schmalberger leading the way, WNEC (16-5-1) set a school record for wins, breaking the old mark of 15 set in 1975. The Golden Bears also recorded 14 shutouts. Western New England College will make its inaugural appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament with a first round match at Roger Williams on Wednesday (Nov. 10). Schmalberger is a business major.
Bezio, a freshman outside hitter, had 24 kills, eight digs, three blocks, and a .324 hitting percentage in matches against Suffolk and Johnson & Wales in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Volleyball Tournament. A business major, Bezio was second on the team in hitting percentage (.276) and third in kills (267). The Golden Bears posted a 20-15 record for their sixth consecutive winning season and third straight 20-win campaign.
In other news, Western New England College senior Jay Martyn (Poughkeepsie, NY) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Soccer Goalie-of-the-Week for the fifth time this season on Monday (Nov. 8). Martyn allowed only one goal in 255 minutes covering three matches as the Golden Bears captured their first GNAC tournament title with wins over Rivier (4-1), Norwich (3-0), and Johnson & Wales (1-0). He has a 0.46 goals-against-average and nine shutouts in 16 matches. Martyn is a sport management major. Western New England College will make its inaugural appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament with a first round match at Roger Williams on Wednesday (Nov. 10).
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE FIELD HOCKEY TEAM VISITS BABSON COLLEGE IN ECAC DIVISION III NEW ENGLAND FIELD HOCKEY TOURNAMENT
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The best season in Western New England College field hockey history continues when the fifth-seeded Golden Bears visit fourth-seeded Babson College at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 10) in a quarterfinal round game of the 2004 ECAC Division III New England Tournament.
This will be the program's first ECAC post-season appearance in its 24-year history. The Golden Bears enter the tournament with a 14-8 record, which is a school record for wins, breaking the old mark of 12 set two years ago.
Sophomore Allison Jameson (Brattleboro, VT) leads the team in scoring with 50 points (22 goals, 6 assists) followed by junior Alyssa Katz (Cortlandt Manor, NY) with 30 points (11 goals, 8 assists), and freshman Cori Eggert (Denville, NJ) with 21 points (9 goals, 3 assists). Junior goalie Jillian Brown (Plymouth, MA) has a 2.58 goals-against-average and 76.6 save percentage.
Babson blanked Western New England College 6-0 in the regular season meeting on October 26.
Western New England College captured its first ever regular season North Atlantic Conference (NAC) crown with an 8-1 mark, but finished second in the NAC Tournament after losing to Maine-Farmington 2-1 in the championship game last Saturday.
In other games Wednesday, top-seeded Plymouth State hosts No. 8 Worcester State; No. 2 Wellesley entertains No. 7 Simmons, and No. 6 Clark hosts No. 3 Endicott. The highest remaining seeds will host tournament semifinals on Saturday followed by the championship game on Sunday.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE VISITS ROGER WILLIAMS COLLEGE IN FIRST ROUND OF NCAA DIVISION III MEN'S SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College men's soccer team will make its inaugural appearance in the NCAA Division III Championship at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 10) against Roger Williams College in a first round match in Bristol, Rhode Island.
The Golden Bears advanced to the national tournament after capturing its first Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament title with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Johnson & Wales University last Saturday at Suprenant Field.
Sophomore forward Kwame Ofosu (Aurora, CO) scored the winning goal with an assist from senior Scott Thornton (Bedford, NH) just 43 seconds into the second half. Senior back John Schmalberger (Berlin, CT) was named the Most Valuable Player of the GNAC Tournament after anchoring the Golden Bears' defense that allowed only one goal (a WNEC own goal) in three matches.
Ofosu, senior goalie Jay Martyn (Poughkeepsie, NY), and sophomore midfielder Tim Larocca (East Longmeadow, MA) made the GNAC All-Tournament Team.
After a pre-season trip to Europe in August for a series of exhibition matches against various club teams, Western New England College (16-5-1) established a school record for wins this season, breaking the old mark of 15 set in 1975 when the Golden Bears placed fourth at the NAIA Championship.
Fifth-year coach Erin Sullivan saw his team compile a school-record 14 shutouts this fall that included nine consecutive regular season wins over conference opponents. The Golden Bears also posted a 1-0 victory over then No. 15 Keene State College and a 3-1 decision over city rival Springfield College in non-conference action.
Western New England College outscored its rivals by a 60-15 margin as ten players scored 10 or more points.
Sophomore forward Evan Heymann (Ipswich, MA) leads the team with 17 points (6 goals, 5 assists) in 20 matches off the bench followed by Thornton (6-4) and junior forward Mike Schnepp (Feeding Hills, MA) (5-6) each with 16 points. Martyn has a 0.46 goals-against-average with nine shutouts.
"I am absolutely overjoyed for our entire team, especially for our seven seniors, who have been the architects of this program from day one," said Sullivan. "They have endured some difficult post season performances only to return more dedicated. Our victory over Johnson & Wales is the culmination of four years of their hard work and sacrifices.
Sullivan added, "We are honored to represent our program, College, and conference in the NCAA Tournament. We consider it a privilege and look forward to competing on the national stage." WNEC lost to Roger Williams 1-0 in a semifinal match of the 2002 ECAC Division III New England Tournament.
"Roger Williams has an outstanding program that we have emulated the last couple of years," noted Sullivan. "We regard them as one of the top teams in the New England region and they deserve a tremendous amount of credit for their performance this season."
Roger Williams (14-4-4) captured the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Tournament crown with a 1-0 victory over top-seeded Salve Regina University last Saturday. The Hawks were seeded third in the tournament.
The WNEC-Roger Williams winner will play a second round match at St. Lawrence University (15-2-1) on Saturday in Canton, New York.
MIDNIGHT MADNESS AT WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE SET FOR FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College will host its annual Midnight Madness event on Friday, November 5 in the Alumni Healthful Living Center. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. with activities beginning at 10.
Highlight of the event will be the introduction of the Golden Bears' men's basketball, women's basketball, men's ice hockey, women's swimming, and wrestling teams.
In addition, there will be the popular "Clash of the Classes" between the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior classes. Each class competes in five events ranging from a three-point shooting contest to the tug-of-war. The class with the most points will be crowned the "most spirited."
The cheerleading and step squads, pep band, and dance team will perform during the event and prizes. There also will be various promotional contests with numerous prizes awarded during the evening.
The College's Sport Management Association is the sponsor of Midnight Madness.
Students from the Sport Facility and Management class also are collecting children books for the Shriners Hospital of Springfield. The organization's Potentate will accept the books from the students and the Shriners' clowns also will be performing throughout the event.
"Midnight Madness is a great event that brings the entire student body together for a fun evening that really shows our school spirit," said senior Ryan Emerson, the president of the Sport Management Association. "We are doing more promotions and contests, so this is going to be our best event ever. We are especially excited that we can help the children with the donation of books to the Shriners Hospital."
FRESHMEN CROSS-COUNTRY RUNNERS ASIF ABDUL-WADUD AND ANDREA BENNETT SELECTED THE WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Freshman cross-country runners Asif Abdul-Wadud (Springfield, MA) and Andrea Bennett (Torrington, CT) were honored Tuesday (Nov. 2) as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Abdul-Wadud was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Cross-Country Runner-of-the-Year after finishing first among 78 runners at the conference championship last Saturday in Nashua, New Hampshire with a time of 27 minutes, 18 seconds for 8,000 meters. With Abdul-Wadud leading the way, the Golden Bears captured their third consecutive GNAC title. Abdul-Wadud is an electrical engineering major.
Bennett placed seventh among 64 runners at the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Cross-Country Championship last Saturday in Nashua, New Hampshire covering the 5,000-meter course in 22 minutes, 13 seconds. She earned All-GNAC recognition for her performance. Bennett is an education/psychology major. WNEC placed second in the seven-team field.
In other news, Western New England College sophomore Allison Jameson (Brattleboro, VT) was selected the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Field Hockey Player-of-the-Week on Tuesday (Nov. 2). She scored a career-high four goals in a win over Husson College in a quarterfinal game of the conference tournament. A business major, Jameson leads the Golden Bears with 48 points (21 goals, 6 assists). WNEC (13-7) set a school record for wins, breaking the old mark of 12 set two years ago.
Western New England College senior Jessica Cate (Ocean Grove, NJ) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Volleyball Player-of-the-Week on Monday (Nov. 1). She compiled 21 kills in victories over conference opponents Albertus Magnus College and Daniel Webster College on "Senior Day." Cate is a psychology major. The Golden Bears (19-14) finished third in the conference during the regular season with an 8-2 mark.
Western New England College freshman Kaylee Martin (Holmes, NY) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Cross-Country Rookie-of-the-Week on Monday (Nov. 1) for the second time this season. She was the top freshman finisher and third overall among 78 runners at the conference championship with a time of 21 minutes, 45 seconds over the 5,000-meter course. A marketing/advertising major, Martin earned All-GNAC recognition for her performance.
Western New England College freshman Ashley O'Keefe (South Dennis, MA) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Volleyball Rookie-of-the-Week on Monday (Nov. 1). O'Keefe, a sport management major, stepped into the starting setter role against Eastern Connecticut State University and came through with 48 assists and eight blocks in the 3-2 road victory.
Western New England College freshman Danielle Matte (Nashua, NH) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Soccer Rookie-of-the-Week on Monday (No. 1) for the third time this season. Matte scored a goal in a win over Rivier College in the regular season finale and had another goal in a victory over Norwich University in a quarterfinal match of the conference tournament. Matte, a business major, has scored a goal in four consecutive matches. She is the top-scoring freshman on the WNEC squad with 19 points (8 goals, 3 assists).
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY TEAM WINS THIRD STRAIGHT GNAC TITLE
Golden Bears' women's squad places second
NASHUA, N.H. — Freshman Asif Abdul-Wadud (Springfield, MA) placed first among 78 runners as the Western New England College men's cross-country team captured its third consecutive Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) title over nine other conference opponents.
Abdul-Wadud earned All-GNAC recognition along with junior Andrew Lutz (Pittsford, NY) who was fourth and freshman Nick Soule (Manchester, NH) who placed seventh.
The Golden Bears' women's squad placed second in the 12-team field with two runners gaining All-GNAC honors, freshmen Kaylee Martin (Holmes, NY) who was third and Andrea Bennett (Torrington, CT) who finished seventh.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE FIELD HOCKEY TEAM TOP SEED IN NORTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE (NAC) TOURNAMENT
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College is the top-seeded team in the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Field Hockey Tournament that begins Saturday (Oct. 30) at four campus sites.
WNEC will host #8 Husson College (Maine) at 6:00 p.m. at Golden Bear Stadium. Western New England College enters the tournament with a 12-7 record that ties the school record for wins set two years.
The Golden Bears posted an 8-1 mark against conference opponents. Sophomore Allison Jameson (Brattleboro, VT) leads the team in scoring with 40 points (17 goals, 6 assists) followed by junior Alyssa Katz (Cortlandt Manor, NY) with 25 points (9 goals, 7 assists), and freshman Cori Eggert (Denville, NJ) with 19 points (9 goals, 1 assist).
Junior goalie Jillian Brown (Plymouth, MA) has a 2.72 goals-against-average and 75.3 save percentage.
In other games Saturday, #7 Elms visits #2 Maine-Farmington, #6 Thomas (Maine) plays at #3 Simmons, and #5 Becker visits #4 Lasell.
The NAC Tournament semifinals will take place on Tuesday (Nov. 2) with the championship game slated for Saturday (Nov. 6).
TENNIS CAPTAIN ADRIENNE NARDELLI AND SOCCER PLAYER TIM LAROCCA SELECTED THE WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Tennis captain Adrienne Nardelli (Wolcott, CT) and soccer player Tim Larocca (East Longmeadow, MA) were honored Tuesday (Oct. 26) as the Western New England College Female and Male Athletes-of-the-Week.
Nardelli, a senior, was the top player on the Golden Bears' squad that posted a 10-2 record for its sixth consecutive winning season. She compiled an overall record of 18-4 for an 81.8 winning percentage. An accounting major, Nardelli was 11-1 at No. 1 singles and 7-3 at No. 1 doubles. She finished her career with a 58-12 record (82.9%) in three seasons.
Larocca, a sophomore midfielder, scored a goal in a 4-0 victory over Emerson College as the Golden Bears remained undefeated and unscored upon in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) with an 8-0 record. WNEC (12-5-1) also captured the regular season Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) title for the second time in three years. Larocca is a marketing major.
In other news, Western New England College senior Jay Martyn (Poughkeepsie, NY) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Soccer Goalie-of-the-Week on Monday (Oct. 25) for the fourth time this season. Martyn had two saves in a 1-0 win over No. 15 Keene State College and four saves in a 4-0 victory over Emerson College. He has a 0.49 goal-against-average and seven shutouts in 13 matches this fall. Martyn is a sport management major.
Western New England College freshman Danielle Matte (Nashua, NH) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Soccer Rookie-of-the-Week on Monday (Oct. 25). Matte sparked the Golden Bears to a pair of conference victories with a goal and assist against Albertus Magnus College (10-0) and a goal at St. Joseph College, Connecticut (4-1). A business major, Matte is the top-scoring freshman on the WNEC squad with 15 points (6 goals, 3 assists).
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE OPENS SEASON SATURDAY AT ST. JOSEPH (CONN.) RELAYS
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College women's swimming team will open its 2004-05 season at 1:00 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 30) at the St. Joseph College (Conn.) Relays in West Hartford, Connecticut.
Last year WNEC posted a 7-4 record for its second straight winning season under coach Andrea Daley. The Golden Bears also captured their first Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Championship title, and finished ninth among 21 teams at the New England Intercollegiate Swimming & Diving Association (NEISDA) Championship.
Heading the list of five returning letterwinners is senior Kelli Arsenault (Branford, CT) who was fourth in both the 100 and 200-yard backstroke events, and sixth in the 50 backstroke at the NEISDA Championship. She also won her third straight 200 backstroke title at the GNAC Championship, finished first in the 50 backstroke, and swam on the winning 200 medley and 400 freestyle relay teams.
Arsenault will serve as a team captain with senior Jennifer McCormick (Cheshire, CT) who led the team with 198 individual points last year. McCormick competes in the butterfly and individual medley events.
The other returning letterwinners are junior Karen McCauley (Middletown, CT) in the freestyle and butterfly events, and sophomores Ashley Korbut (South Hadley, MA) in the distance freestyle and individual medley events and Samantha Munson (West Hartford, CT) in the freestyle and backstroke events.
There are seven new members on the Golden Bears roster this season, sophomores Christina Fournier (Manchester, NH) and Jessica Mastriani (Southbury, CT), and freshmen Christina Carlsen (Auburn, MA), Lindsay Frenkel (Watertown, CT), Christa Melillo (Adams, MA), Caityln Russo (Weston, CT), and Laura Sobolewski (East Hartford, CT).
"Last year we broke a lot of records and had great success as a team," said Daley who is in her third season. "This year we have a large number of newcomers so right now we are focusing on individual successes and meeting personal goals. We have a variety of talents and expect some standout swims."
FORMER LUDLOW HIGH SCHOOL COACH JEFF PETERSON NAMED WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ASSISTANT WRESTLING COACH
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Former Ludlow High School coach Jeff Peterson has been named assistant wrestling coach at Western New England College.
Peterson, a resident of Feeding Hills, compiled a 156-44 record as the head wrestling coach at Ludlow High School from 1994 to 2003.
His teams captured the seven Pioneer Valley League championships (1997-2003) and five Western Massachusetts Sectional titles (1999-2003).
Peterson was selected the 2003 Massachusetts Coach-of-the-Year after leading the Lions to the state championship.
Peterson is a 1992 graduate of the University of Massachusetts where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Fitness Administration. He earned his Master of Education degree in Educational Administration at Westfield State College in 1999.
Since 2001, Peterson has served as the Vice Principal at Chicopee Comprehensive High School.
CHRIS AGOGLIA AND BILL DOWNES NAMED ASSISTANT MEN'S BASKETBALL COACHES AT WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Chris Agoglia and Bill Downes will serve as assistant men's basketball coaches at Western New England College this season, head coach Mike Theulen announced Wednesday (Oct. 20).
Agoglia, a native of Brockton, Massachusetts, received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from Springfield College in 1998 and Master of Science degree in Physical Education from SC in 2000.
He was a four-year starter and a team captain his final season as the Pride advanced to the Sweet Sixteen in 1998 for the first time in school history.
Agoglia also played in the New England Basketball Coaches Association (NEBCA) All-Star Game his senior season. He ranks sixth on the all-time Springfield College list in three pointers made (120) and attempted (361).
Agoglia served as an assistant coach at Drew University in New Jersey the past four seasons (2000-04).
Downes was a member of the Western New England College coaching staff and faculty for 31 years. He joins the Golden Bears' basketball staff at the invitation of Theulen who took over as head coach this past May.
Downes compiled 182 victories as the men's soccer coach (1970-89) and 100 as the men's basketball coach (1977-86). He also coached the baseball squad for three seasons (1971-73). Although he officially retired in 1999, Downes has coached the men's golf squad for the past 17 years.
The Western New England College Downes Athletic Hall of Fame was named in his honor and he was a member of the inaugural class in 1999.
Downes earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education at Springfield College in 1963 and Master of Business Administration degree at Western New England College in 1983.
FIELD HOCKEY STAR ALYSSA KATZ AND FOOTBALL PLAYER JON TALLERICO NAMED WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
Tennis standout Adrienne Nardelli gains GNAC honor
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Field hockey standout Alyssa Katz (Cortlandt Manor, NY) and football player Jon Tallerico (Port Chester, NY) were honored Tuesday (Oct. 19) as the Western New England College Female and Male Athletes-of-the-Week.
Katz, a junior forward, had the game-winning goal in a 2-0 overtime victory at Nichols College. She also scored goals in wins over Lasell College (2-1) and Wheelock College (6-0). Katz has scored a goal in each of her last four games. She is second on the team in scoring with 24 points 99 goals, 6 assists) and fourth on the school's all-time scoring list with 76 points (27 goals, 22 assists). Katz, a marketing major, also was named the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Player-of-the-Week. Western New England College is 11-4 and first in the NAC with a 7-0 mark.
Tallerico, a sophomore quarterback, completed 14-of-17 passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns (49, 59 26 yards) in a 44-20 win at Framingham State College. He was named to the weekly New England Football Conference (NEFC) weekly honor roll. He is third in the conference in pass efficiency (125.9 rating) and sixth in both passing yards per game (159.0). With three games remaining, WNEC has a 4-2 record for its most wins since 2000.
In other news, Western New England College senior captain Adrienne Nardelli (Wolcott, CT) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Tennis Player-of-the-Week on Monday (Oct. 18). She won both her No. 1 singles matches against opponents from Johnson & Wales University and Simmons College. Nardelli, an accounting major, has a 15-3 record (9-1 at No. 1 singles, 6-2 at No. 1 doubles) entering the GNAC Tournament. WNEC (9-1) finished second in the conference during the regular season with a 7-1 mark.
WESTERN NW ENGLAND COLLEGE BOWLING TEAM WINS PENNSYLVANIA CLASSIC OPEN DIVISION TOURNAMENT
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Make it two for two for the Western New England College bowling team.
WNEC placed first among 22 teams at the Pennsylvania Classic Open Division Tournament October 16-17 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Golden Bears totaled 11,269 points to finish ahead of St. John's University (10,821), Shippensburg University (10,779), Penn State University (10,724), and St. Peter's College (10,514).
Junior Vito Genova (Franklin Square, NY) led the way by placing third with a 231.44 average for nine games. Junior Matt Antonio (Albany, NY) was sixth (228.67) while senior Dan Roy (Enfield, CT) was 11th (220.11).
The Golden Bears also received solid performances from sophomore Krystle Unser (Albany, NY) (216.44), junior Norm Major (Enfield, CT) (209.44), freshman James Tierney (Champlain, NY) (198.00), and senior James Oshman (Yorktown Heights, NY) (187.11).
Western New England College opened its season by winning the Blue Hen Tournament earlier this month in Wilmington, Delaware.
The Golden Bears will hold a bowling fundraiser at the Shaker Lanes in East Longmeadow on Friday (Oct. 22).
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE VISITS SIMMONS COLLEGE FOR GNAC REGULAR SEASON TITLE
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Undefeated Western New England College and Simmons College will meet for the regular season Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) title starting at noon Saturday (Oct. 16, 2004) in Springfield.
Both teams enter the match with identical 7-0 records against conference opponents.
WNEC (9-0) has captured 25 consecutive matches after posting a 5-4 victory over Johnson & Wales University last Monday. Simmons is 7-3.
The Golden Bears' top player is senior Adrienne Nardelli (Wolcott, CT) who has a 14-2 record at the No. 1 singles (8-1) and No. 1 doubles (6-1) positions.
Freshman Meredith Hughes (Springfield, MA) also is 14-2 at the No. 2 singles (8-1) and No. 1 doubles (6-1) spots.
Senior Tricia Troiano (Stewart Manor, NY) is enjoying a banner year after missing last season with an injury. She has a perfect 16-0 mark at the No. 3 singles (9-0) and No. 2 doubles (7-0 positions).
Senior Danielle Dunn (Hanover, CT) has an 8-1 record at the No. 4 singles position.
Junior Monica Machon (Ellsworth, ME) has an overall 14-2 record at No. 5 and No. 6 singles (7-2), and No. 2 doubles (7-0) while freshman Devon Masse (Southbridge, MA) is 6-3 at the No. 5 and No. 6 singles spots.
Junior Kelly Danielson (Southbury, CT) and sophomore Susanne Johnson (Great Barrington, MA) are 6-1 at No. 3 doubles.
"The success of our team has come from hard work and dedication by all of our players," says fifth-year coach Jennifer Kolins. "We are excited and ready to compete this weekend, and I have great confidence in the focus and determination of our team."
Kolins has a 53-9 record (32-6 GNAC) for an 85.5 winning percentage since taking over as head coach in 2000.
2004 WNEC Downes Athletic Hall of Fame
The 2004 Western New England College Downes Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place September 18 during Homecoming Weekend. College president Anthony S. Caprio (left) and athletics director Mike Theulen (right) pose with the new honorees. They are (from left): Chicopee native (and Enfield resident) Gary R. "Captain" LaPerle '75, baseball and soccer; Ludlow native Anthony "Tony" Pio '79, soccer; Sebby Amato '84, wrestling; East Longmeadow native Kathryn M. "Kate" Brunelle Roman '99, soccer; Longmeadow native (and Wilbraham resident) Joel D. Castleman L'87, lacrosse coach, and Springfield resident Kevin McCaskill '84, basketball.
SOCCER PLAYER KWAME OFOSU AND VOLLEYBALL PERFORMER ASHLEY O'KEEFE NAMED WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Soccer player Kwame Ofosu (Aurora, CO) and volleyball performer Ashley O'Keefe (Dennis, MA) were honored Tuesday (Oct. 12) as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Ofosu, a sophomore forward, scored the game-winning goal in a 1-0 overtime victory at Albertus Magnus College. He also had an assist in a 3-0 win over Suffolk University. With Ofosu helping to lead the way, Western New England College (9-4-1) leads the Great Northeast Athletic Athletic Conference (GNAC) with a 6-0 record. Ofosu is a pharmacy major.
O'Keefe, a freshman middle hitter, compiled 47 kills, 24 blocks, 11 assists, seven digs, and six aces in five matches to earn a spot on the Eastern Connecticut Crabtree Classic All-Tournament Team. With O'Keefe leading the way, the Golden Bears won three of five matches at the event to finish third among eight schools. O'Keefe leads the squad in hitting percentage (.350), kills (209), and blocks (115). She is a sport management major. WNEC (16-8) leads the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) with a 6-0 mark.
In other news, Western New England College senior running back Mike Laroche (Berlin, CT) was named the New England Football Conference (NEFC) Offensive Player-of-the-Week on Monday (Oct. 11). Laroche rushed for a career high 203 yards on 32 carries (6.0 average) with two touchdowns (22, 10 yards) in a 24-14 win over MIT. He is fourth in the conference with 463 yards and tied for first in scoring (42 points). A finance major, Laroche (2,075 career yards) also became the fourth player in school history to pass the 2,000-yard mark in rushing.
Western New England College senior Jay Martyn (Poughkeepsie, NY) was selected the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Soccer Goalkeeper-of-the-Week on Monday (Oct. 11) for the third time this fall. He made six saves in posting shutouts over Albertus Magnus (1-0 in overtime) and Suffolk (3-0). Martyn, a sport management major, has a 0.34 goals-against-average and five shutouts.
Western New England College freshman Meredith Hughes (Springfield, MA) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Tennis Rookie-of-the-Week on Monday (Oct. 11) for the second time this season. Hughes won both her matches at No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles against Emmanuel and Suffolk to improve her record to 12-2 this season.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE TEAM MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN "SAVE OUR KIDS" PROGRAM
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Five members of the Western New England College women's basketball team along with coach Wendy Davis participated in the "Save Our Kids" program on Tuesday, October , 2004.
They were junior guard Jessica Harrica (Morrisonville, NY), junior center Lisa Masella (Newtown, CT), sophomore forwards Lauren Picozzi (Hope, RI) and Sharon Simoncelli (Litchfield, CT), and freshman guard Amanda Deni (Enfield, CT).
"Save Our Kids" is an organization located in Springfield that gives underprivileged children a place to go after school, get homework assistance, and interact in a safe environment. Team members visit the children weekly serving as tutors.
FOOTBALL CAPTAIN MIKE LAROCHE AND CROSS-COUNTRY STANDOUT KAYLEE MARTIN NAMED WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Football captain Mike Laroche (Berlin, CT) and cross-country standout Kaylee Martin (Holmes, NY) were honored Tuesday (Oct. 5) as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Laroche, a senior running back, rushed for a season high 122 yards on 32 carries with four touchdowns that tied the school record in a 37-27 victory at Salve Regina University. It was his seventh career 100-yard game and fourth best performance. This was the first time that Western New England College beat Salve Regina in 12 meetings dating back to 1993. WNEC (2-2) hosts MIT at 1:00 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 9) at Golden Bear Stadium. Laroche is a finance major.
Martin, a freshman, placed first among 62 runners at the WNEC Invitational last Saturday covering the 5,000-meter course in 20 minutes, 29 seconds. With Martin leading the way, Western New England College finished first among seven schools. Martin has been the Golden Bears' top runner in four meets this season. She is a marketing advertising major.
In other news, Western New England College junior Andrew Lutz (Pittsford, NY) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Cross Country Runner-of-the-Week on Monday (Oct. 4). He placed first among 52 performers at the WNEC Invitational with a time of 29 minutes, 17 seconds for 8,000 meters. Lutz helped the Golden Bears take top honors in the six-team field. He is a mechanical engineering major.
Western New England College junior captain Adam D'Amario (Feeding Hills, MA) was selected the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Golf Player-of-the-Week. He tied for 21st among 95 players at the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Tournament with a two-day total of 160 (84-76) at the Ravenwood Golf Club in Victor, New York. D'Amario is a finance major.
Western New England College freshman Asif Abdul-Wadud (Springfield, MA) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Cross Country Rookie-of-the-Week. He finished second among 95 competitors at the WNEC Invitational after covering the 8,000-meter course in 29 minutes, 29 seconds. Abdul-Wadud helped the Golden Bears take top honors in the six-team field. He is an electrical engineering major.
Western New England College freshman Jill Caracciolo (Burnt Hills, NY) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Soccer Rookie-of-the-Week. Caracciolo scored her first collegiate goal that gave the Golden Bears a 1-0 lead in a 2-2 overtime tie against defending GNAC champion Emmanuel College. She also had an assist in a 3-0 win at Southern Vermont College. Caracciolo is a psychology major.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE BOWLING TEAM OPENS SEASON WITH FIRST PLACE SHOWING AT BLUE HEN OPEN IN DELAWARE
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College's bowling team opened its 2004-05 season by finishing first at the Blue Hen Open Invitational last Saturday and Sunday (October 2-3) in Wilmington, Delaware. The Golden Bears totaled 9,271 points to outdistance Sacred Heart (9,008) and Penn State (8,775) in the 15-team field.
Senior Dan Roy (Enfield, CT) placed first among 95 competitors after averaging 233 for six games. Junior Vito Genova (Franklin Square, NY) was eighth with a 209 average while junior Norm Major (Enfield, CT) was ninth with a 206 average.
Also for the Golden Bears, freshman James Tierney (Champlain, NY) was 14th (201 average) while senior Joe Trippconey (Westbrook, CT) was 15th (201 average). Junior Bryan Gordon (Concord, NC) was 27th (191 average) while sophomore Krystle Unser (Albany, NY) was 37th (184 average).
Krystle's father Ron Unser is in his first year as the Western New England College coach.
WNEC will compete in the Penn Classic Saturday-Sunday (October 16-17) in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
WESTERN
NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE DEDICATES
GEORGE
E. TRELEASE MEMORIAL BASEBALL PARK
SPRINGFIELD,
Mass.
- Western New England College dedicated its new George
E. Trelease Memorial Baseball Park on September 19. Taking
part in the ceremony were former baseball coach Pat Ricci along
with (standing from left) College president Anthony S. Caprio,
baseball coach Matt LaBranche, athletics director Mike Theulen,
and College Board of Trustee member Brian Trelease '67, '71 MBA
(son of the late George Trelease). Several members of the Trelease family
attended the event. The playing surface will be known as Pat
Ricci Field in honor of Pat who is the winningest baseball
coach in school history with 188 victories.
SOPHOMORES E.J. CZAJKOWSKI AND ALLISON JAMESON SELECTED AS THE WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Sophomores E.J. Czajkowski (Burlington, CT) and Allison Jameson (Brattleboro, VT) were honored Tuesday (Sept. 28) as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Czajkowski, a member of the men's golf team, tied for second among 80 players with a two over par 74 at the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III New England Qualifying Tournament. His performance helped the Golden Bears finish sixth in the 16-team field. WNEC now advances to the ECAC Division III Tournament October 1-3 in Rochester, New York. Czajkowski, an accounting major, also was selected the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Golf Player-of-the-Week.
Jameson, a forward on the field hockey team, scored the game-winner in a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Elms College. She also had an assist in a 3-2 overtime loss against tough Mount Holyoke College. Jameson is tied for first in scoring in the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) with 22 points (9 goals, 4 assists). Jameson is a business major.
In other news,
Western New England College senior Dan Smith (Enfield, CT) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Cross Country Runner-of-the-Week for the second time this season. Smith was the Golden Bears' top finisher at the Gordon College Pop Crowell Invitational finishing 21st among 151 runners in 29 minutes, 32 seconds (5 miles). With Smith helping to lead the way, Western New England College placed sixth among 17 schools in the team standings. He is a computer science major.
Western New England College freshman Kara Koope (Somers, CT) was selected the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Cross Country Rookie-of-the-Week. She placed in the upper half of the field at the Gordon College Pop Crowell Invitational covering the 5,000-meter course in 23 minutes, 44 seconds. Koope is a history major.
Western New England College freshman Cori Eggert (Denville, NJ) was voted the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Field Hockey Player-of-the-Week. She had the tying goal in a 2-1 win over Elms College and both goals in a 3-2 overtime loss against tough Mount Holyoke College. She has 12 points (6 goals) in five contests this season. Eggert is a math major.
Western New England College senior captain Scott Thornton (Bedford, NH) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Soccer Player-of-the-Week. He scored three goals (two against Southern Vermont) in a 3-0 week. An electrical engineering major, Thornton leads the Golden Bears in scoring with 12 points (5 goals, 2 assists).
Western New England College freshman Meredith Hughes (Springfield, MA) was selected the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Tennis Rookie-of-the-Week. Hughes won her No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles matches against St. Joseph (Conn.). She has a 7-2 record (4-1 singles, 3-1 doubles) this fall.
SENIOR JAY MARTYN AND FRESHMAN CORI EGGERT HONORED AS THE WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
Six students receive GNAC awards
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Soccer captain Jay Martyn (Poughkeepsie, NY) and field hockey standout Cori Eggert (Denville, NJ) were honored Tuesday (Sept. 21) as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Martyn, a senior goalie, posted two shutouts while making 17 saves. He had six stops, including two in overtime, to preserve a 0-0 tie against Trinity College. In the second match, Martyn compiled eight saves in a 2-0 win over Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) rival Johnson & Wales University. For his efforts, Martyn was selected the GNAC Men's Soccer Goalkeeper of the Week. He is a sport management major.
Eggert, a freshman forward, scored the tying goal with 1:04 remaining in the second half and the game-winner with 7:46 into overtime in a 3-2 victory over defending North Atlantic Conference champion University of Maine-Farmington. In the previous game Eggert scored her first collegiate goal in a 6-1 win over Thomas College (Maine). She is a math major.
In other news,
Western New England College junior Andrew Lutz (Pittsford, NY) was selected the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Cross Country Runner-of-the-Week while WNEC freshman Kaylee Martin (Holmes, NY) was voted the GNAC Women's Cross Country Runner-of-the-Week.
Both individuals were the Golden Bears' top finishers at the UMass-Dartmouth Invitational. Lutz ran the 7,980-meter course in 28 minutes, 22 seconds while Martin ran the 5,000-meter course in 20 minutes, 23 seconds (second fastest time in school history) to place 63rd among 255 competitors. Lutz is a mechanical engineering major while Martin is a marketing and advertising major.
Western New England College freshman Andrea Bennett (Torrington, CT) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Cross Country Rookie-of-the-Week. She was the Golden Bears' fourth leading runner at the UMass-Dartmouth Invitational. Bennett is an education major.
Western New England College freshman Danielle Matte (Nashua, NH) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Soccer Rookie-of-the-Week. She scored two goals with two assists in a 6-0 win over Lasell College and had the first goal that tied the score in a 6-3 loss at Connecticut College. Matte is a marketing major.
Western New England College senior Tricia Troiano (Stewart Manor, NY) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Tennis Player-of-the-Week. She won matches at No. 3 singles and No. 2 doubles in a 5-4 victory over city rival Springfield College. Troiano is a sport management major and president of the WNEC Student Athlete Advisory Committee.
FIVE FORMER WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE STANDOUTS AND COACH JOEL CASTLEMAN NAMED TO DOWNES ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
Sixth Induction Ceremony Scheduled for Saturday, September 18, 2004
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Five former outstanding student-athletes and a former coach will be inducted into the sixth annual Western New England College Downes Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, September 18, 2004, during Homecoming Weekend.
The Class of 2004 features Gary R. LaPerle '75, baseball/soccer; Anthony (Tony) Pio '79, soccer; Sebastian S. (Sebby) Amato '84, wrestling; Kevin McCaskill '84, basketball; Kathryn M. (Kate) Brunelle-Roman '99, soccer, and former men's lacrosse coach Joel D. Castleman L'87.
LaPerle, nicknamed "The Captain", served as a captain of the baseball and soccer teams for two seasons. A first baseman on the baseball squad, he helped the Golden Bears win the New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association (NEIBA) championship his sophomore season. LaPerle also played goalie and fullback on the soccer squad for three seasons. He was voted the Best Defensive Player on both teams and was the school's Scholar Athlete-of-the-Year as a senior. LaPerle received his Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics and master's degree in business administration at Western New England College. A native of Chicopee, he now resides in Enfield, Connecticut.
Pio, a native of Ludlow, was among the top members on the soccer team that won the NAIA District VIII New England Championship while placing fourth at the national championship in 1975. He also served as a captain of the Golden Bears' squad his senior season. Pio started all 74 matches during his career scoring 90 points (35 goals, 20 assists). WNEC compiled a 46-22-6 record (66.2%) with Anthony in the lineup. For the past 25 years, Pio has been a member of the Pioneer Valley Soccer Officials Association and a member of the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association since 1983. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.
Amato, a two-year wrestling captain, placed first in the 142-lb. weight class at the New England Championship his senior season and second as a sophomore, He participated in three national tournaments and the 1983 New England All-Star Meet. Amato earned his bachelor of science degree in marketing. He will start his 19th season as wrestling coach at Trinity College this winter. He was the 2001 New England College Conference Wrestling Association (NECCWA) Coach-of-the-Year after his team won the team title for the first time in school history. Trinity also won the 2003 New England Dual Meet Championship. During his tenure at Trinity, Amato has coached 11 Academic All-Americans, eight All-Americans, and seven New England champions. A native of New Britain, Connecticut, Amato resides in Newington, Connecticut.
McCaskill scored 1,254 points during his four seasons on the men's basketball team that ranks eighth on the school's all-time scoring chart. He was named to the NAIA District 5 All-Star Team his junior and senior seasons. McCaskill also served as the men's basketball coach at Springfield Technical Community College and assistant coach at Springfield College under present WNEC athletics director Mike Theulen. Since 1992, McCaskill has coached the Holyoke Community College men's basketball team. He was the National Junior College Athletic Association Region 21 (New England) Coach-of-the-Year at both STCC and HCC. McCaskill earned his bachelor of arts degree in mathematics. He earned his master of education degree in educational administration at Westfield State College. A long educator and community leader in Springfield, McCaskill is the new principal at the Roger L. Putnam Vocational High School in Springfield. A native of Patterson, New Jersey, he resides in Springfield.
Brunelle-Roman, a native of East Longmeadow, is the second leading scorer in women's soccer at Western New England College with 241 points (93 goals, 55 assists) that ranks 10th all-time among NCAA Division III players. She was first nationally in points (83) and second in points per game (4.15) her senior season. Brunelle-Roman holds the school single season marks for points (87) and goals (34), both set in 1998, and is 11th on the all-time NCAA Division III list in points per game (3.05). Brunelle-Roman was honored as the school's 1999 Female Scholar-Athlete and Senior Female Athlete-of-the-Year.
As a freshman, Brunelle-Roman was selected the MVP of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament after leading the Golden Bears to the program's post-season championship title. She was a two-time selection on the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Division III All-Metro Team. Brunelle-Roman also was named to the New England Women's Intercollegiate Soccer Association (NEWISA) All-Star Team her senior season.
Brunelle-Roman, a two-year captain, led the Golden Bears to a school best 20-2 record in 1998 along with a first place showing ECAC Division III Metro Tournament, which was the school's first ever ECAC Tournament title. Western New England College posted a 57-21-1 record (72.8%) with Brunelle-Roman in the lineup. She also served as an assistant coach at Western New England College for two seasons. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology.
Castleman compiled a 32-14 record in four years (1986-89) as the men's lacrosse coach at Western New England College that were the first four winning seasons in school history. His squad posted a 10-1 record in 1987 and captured the program's first Pilgrim League Tournament title in only its sixth year of existence. More importantly, he started the winning tradition in men's lacrosse at Western New England College that continues today. Castleman was a lacrosse official for 11 years officiating in three NCAA Tournament games. He also founded the Pioneer Valley Summer Lacrosse League in 1988 serving as its commissioner for seven years. Castleman received his undergraduate degree from Colby College and law degree from Western New England College. A native of Longmeadow, Castleman lives in Wilbraham.
Western New England College's Athletic Hall of Fame is named in honor of former professor and present men's golf coach William Arthur (Red) Downes who was among the inaugural group inducted in 1999.
DAYNE POIROT AND MEGAN De ANGELO HONORED AS THE WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Football captain Dayne Poirot (Cheshire, MA) and women's soccer standout Megan De Angelo (East Longmeadow, MA) were honored Tuesday (Sept. 14) as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Poirot, a senior defensive tackle and team captain, made a successful debut as the Golden Bears' punter averaging 40.7 yards for seven kicks in a 26-21 victory over Westfield State College in the season opener. He had a long of 53 with three punts inside the 20. Poirot, a history/education major, also compiled two solo tackles, four assisted stops, and a forced fumble. For his efforts, he also was named the New England Football Conference (NEFC) Defensive Player-of-the-Week and selected to the national d3football.com Team-of-the-Week.
De Angelo, a sophomore forward, scored a goal and assisted on the winning score in a 2-1 overtime victory decision over city rival Springfield College. She also had a goal and the assist on the winning score in a 2-1 overtime win over first-time opponent University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in the previous match. De Angelo, a transfer from Bryant College, also was selected the Great Northeast Athletic Conference Co-Player-of-the-Week.
ATHLETIC TRADITIONS GROWING IN POPULARITY AT WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Traditions.
They're an important part of any college campus, especially the area of athletics.
At Western New England College, athletic traditions are relatively new, but growing in popularity as they become an important part for the 450 student athletes who compete on 19 varsity and two non-sponsored NCAA teams.
The Golden Bears compete in approximately 400 events during the school year and the special events that take place are designed to promote school spirit and generate increased visibility for student-athletes, teams, and alumni, among others.
The list of athletic traditions includes the popular Downes Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony during Homecoming Weekend, the Athletics Department Golf Classic, and two special events coordinated by students from the Sport Management Association, the Fall Bonfire and Midnight Madness.
In addition, there is a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Captains Council, along with Athletic Banquets, the Western New England College Coca-Cola Athletes-of-the-Year, and the Academic Recognition Ceremony that honors the school's Male and Female Scholar Athlete-of-the-Year. Several teams also conduct alumni games each year.
"This is a great time to be a student-athlete at Western New England College," said athletics director Mike Theulen, the person most responsible for creating these programs. "Things get quite hectic during the school year, but we have worked hard to provide a valuable, meaningful experience for our students. They are the focal point of everything we do."
Others agree.
"I remember when we used to have sports banquets in the 1970s, but they were discontinued because of financial reasons," said Western New England College coach emeritus Bill Downes. "We have a lot of nice events in place for everyone now."
When Kim Coia Mulligan '95 and her new baby son Douglas stopped by to watch a softball game last spring, she noticed the improved school spirit on campus. Mulligan, a member of the Downes Hall of Fame and classmate of softball coach Lori Mayhew, was quite impressed with the attitude and excitement displayed by the players.
"It was fun to get back on campus and get that fun college feeling again," said the school's all-time leading women's basketball scorer. "I wish I was attending Western New England College now because of all the amazing things going on. There is so much pride in the air."
Ryan Emerson, a senior from Rumford, Rhode Island, isn't a varsity athlete, but serves as a student assistant in the athletic communications office and president of the Sports Management Association. He and his group of volunteers have a busy schedule running various activities during the school year.
"Students from Dr. Sharianne Walker's facilities management class and volunteers from the Association had to work with many people on campus in order to get the Bonfire and Midnight Madness off and running. I personally learned many skills in having to interact with so many important people on campus," Ryan said. "At the Bonfire, we introduced the teams, coaches, and captains, and had a punt and pass competition where we picked people out of the crowd to compete and then awarded gift certificates.
"We introduced the winter sports teams at Midnight Madness and had a series of class competitions. Our goal was to promote and strengthen campus spirit and to have an on-campus event where everyone was welcome. We also used these events as part of community service projects that are part of our educational experience," explained Ryan.
With Aramark Food Services as the title sponsor, several hundred students and staff attended Midnight Madness and 1,170 books were collected from the campus community for distribution to the City of Springfield youth as part of the athletics department's Golden Bears Literacy program.
Theulen is especially impressed with the Captains Council that meets twice monthly throughout the school year. In-season captains comprise the working Council and all captains have the opportunity to provide valuable input regarding the athletics department and their teams.
Scott Thornton, a senior Dean's List electrical engineering major from Bedford, New Hampshire, will begin his third year as a captain of the men's soccer team in the fall. He and his teammates understand the impact traditions have on the athletics program.
"Events and programs such as the sports banquets, captains council, and SAAC bring a unique opportunity to share ideas," he said. "Being active in these programs bring tradition to the current student athletes as each team passes on the responsibility to the incoming freshmen."
Thornton, whose sister Kristin is a sophomore on the women's soccer team, went on to point out that "the traditions that are most important to me are those that involve our alumni. Every fall when we have our alumni game, the players not only gets the opportunity to play against the great players of the past, but we have the opportunity to build working relationships with these individuals. I have been able to build these relationships throughout my career here and will be able to carry them on past graduation."
Jennifer Mikulec '02 was a standout goalie on both the field hockey and women's lacrosse teams at Western New England College, and an assistant coach with both squads. She noted "School spirit has not just drastically improved with students, but also faculty. As a player, it was so nice to look over on the sidelines and see the president of our College, the Dean of Students, the athletic administrators, and our professors supporting our teams. It is comforting as a student-athlete to have support; it is truly an aspect that has made our athletic department continue to grow and get better."
It's interesting to note that more and more alumni are finding their way back to campus to watch the present Golden Bears in action. That's one tradition everyone hopes never goes away.
THE
GOLDEN BEARS WATCH
At the fall, winter, and spring sports banquets, the athletics department presents seniors with a watch that features the Golden Bears emblem on it. "We give this gift to them to say thank you and also to recognize their contributions to our program," said Western New England College athletics director Mike Theulen. "We hope they wear it proudly and think of us often, especially when they're working, and know when it's time to give back."
SCOTT MEIKLE AND CASEY KASENETZ HONORED AS THE WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Soccer captain Scott Meikle (New Milford, CT) and volleyball standout Casey Kasenetz (Torrington, CT) were honored Tuesday (Sept. 7) as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Meikle, a junior defender, scored the first goal in a 2-1 win over Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and had the lone score for the Golden Bears in a 2-1 loss against nationally-ranked Wheaton College in the season opener. He is a criminal justice major.
Kasenetz, a sophomore outside hitter, was named to the Plymouth (NH) Best Inn Invitational All-Tournament Team after compiling a team high .363 hitting percentage with 42 kills and 10 digs in four matches. A biology major, she had 13 kills against both Johnson & Wales University and Lasell College.
FORMER SOCCER CAPTAIN ED LINDSAY GUEST OF HONOR AT SIXTH ANNUAL WESTERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF TOURNAMENT SEPTEMBER 27
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Former men's soccer captain Ed Lindsay of Cumberland, Rhode Island will be the guest of honor at the sixth annual Western New England College Athletics Department Golf Tournament Monday, September 27, at the Crestview Country Club in Agawam.
Ed, a 1978 graduate, was a four-year performer at sweeper back for the Golden Bears. He was named to the All-New England NAIA Team his senior season. Ed also was a member of the 1975 squad that won the New England NAIA Tournament while placing fourth at the NAIA Championship. WNEC posted a 47-20-7 record (68.2%) with Ed in the lineup.
At present Ed serves as the Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager for TNT Marketing in Arlington, Texas. Prior to that, he was the Northeast Regional Sales Manager for Tropicana.
Western New England College holds a special place in the hearts of the Lindsay Family. Ed's wife Paula '77 and three brothers (Bill, Bob, Jim) also attended the College. Ed's son Kyle is a junior member of the men's soccer team at Western New England College.
ÒEd has been a long-time supporter of our athletics program and we thank him for his wonderful loyalty and generous support over the years," said WNEC athletics director Mike Theulen.
The tournament again will feature prizes for the low gross and low net winners, closest to the pin, straightest drive, and longest drive. Players will be able to purchase raffle and mulligan tickets. The raffle and auction follow the tournament.
All proceeds from the tournament benefit the Western New England College athletics department. For further information, please call (413) 782-1202.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE'S ATHLETICS TEAMS ENJOY ANOTHER WINNING SEASON IN 2003-04
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College's athletics program enjoyed another successful season during the 2003-04 school year by compiling an overall record of 213-150-8 for a 58.5 winning percentage. The Golden Bears had a 209-152-5 (57.8%) mark in 2002-03. Once again the College's five spring squads led the way with a 102-44 record for a 69.9 winning percentage.
The Golden Bears had three teams participate in NCAA Division III Championships (baseball, softball, women's lacrosse). The baseball squad made school history by placing third at the NCAA Division III New England Regional Championship.
Western New England College's baseball (33), women's tennis (16), and men's lacrosse (14) teams established school records for wins in a season.
Western New England College captured Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament titles in baseball, men's cross country, softball, women's swimming (first time) and women's tennis (first time) while the women's lacrosse squad won the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA) Tournament title. The Golden Bears' women's soccer and men's tennis teams finished second at their respective GNAC Tournaments while the men's lacrosse squad placed second in the Pilgrim League Tournament.
WNEC's men's lacrosse squad captured the program's first ECAC Division III New England Tournament crown while the men's golf team qualified for the ECAC Division III Tournament finishing seventh among 18 schools. The Golden Bears' women's tennis squad posted a 16-0 record for the first unbeaten record in school history. The men's tennis team compiled an 8-8 record for its 14th consecutive non-losing season.
WNEC enjoys successful 2003-04 season Matt LaBranche (baseball), Brian Walsh (men's cross country), Lori Mayhew (softball), and Jennifer Kolins (womenÕs tennis) received GNAC Coach-of-the-Year honors while John Klepacki (men's lacrosse) was the Co-Coach-of-the-Year in the Pilgrim League.
Western New England College wrestling coach Bob Skelton (400), LaBranche (100), men's basketball coach Doug Pearson (100), and women's volleyball coach Greg Poole (100) recorded milestone wins. Women's basketball coach Wendy Davis became the school's all-time win leader (86).
Numerous students received athletic and academic awards for their performances on the playing fields and in the classroom.
Junior Jackie Shedlock (Oak Ridge, NJ) was the GNAC Softball Pitcher-of-the-Year while sophomore Jason Connelly (Scituate, MA) was the GNAC Baseball Pitcher-of-the-Year. Shedlock and Connelly also were the MVPs of their respective GNAC Tournaments.
Junior leftfielder Chris Mahoney (Yorkville, NY) was selected to the New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association (NEIBA) Division III All-Star First Team.
Sophomore Andrew Lutz (Pittsford, NY) was the individual champion at the GNAC Men's Cross Country championship and named the GNAC Most Valuable Runner.
Western New England College swept the NEWLA awards as senior center Shannon Pizzingrilli (East Rochester, NY) was the NEWLA Offensive Player-of-the-Year while junior back Sarah Cunningham (LaGrangeville, NY) was the NEWLA Defensive Player-of-the-Year. Freshman attacker Jessica Vogel (Tonawanda, NY) was the NEWLA Rookie-of-the-Year.
Freshman forward Allison Jameson (Brattleboro, VT) was the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Field Hockey Rookie-of-the-Year while freshman forward Kwame Ofosu (Worcester, MA) was voted the GNAC Men's Soccer Rookie-of-the-Year. Freshman men's lacrosse attacker Adam Cherry (Westfield, MA) was the Pilgrim League Rookie-of-the-Year.
Pizzingrilli also became the first player in school history to play in the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Division III North-South All-Star Game while senior Marco Le Gette (Severna Park, MD) was the first men's lacrosse performer to play in the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) Division III North-South All-Star contest. Le Gette also was the MVP of the ECAC Division III New England Tournament.
Pizzingrilli capped one of the best seasons ever by a Golden Bears athlete with her selection to the College Sports Information Directors of Americas (CoSIDA) Academic All-America College Division Women's At-Large First Team (she was a second team honoree last year). Pizzingrilli also was a three-time NEWLA Scholar Athlete-of-the-Year.
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