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Western
New England College
"The Home of the Golden Bears"
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Western New England College - Athletic News
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE'S BOARD OF TRUSTEES HONORS NCAA DIVISION III TOURNAMENT TEAMS
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Dec. 10, 2002) — At its annual meeting on campus Tuesday, Western New England College's Board of Trustees honored three Golden Bears teams who participated in their first NCAA Division III Tournaments last spring.
Presenting the proclamations were board chairman Thomas Burton '70 to the men's lacrosse team, Brian P. Trelease '67 to the women's lacrosse squad, and Alfred A. Lariviere '51 to the softball team.
All three squads won conference championships to advance to their respective national tournaments.
Western New England College's athletics department thanks College president Anthony S. Caprio and the Board of Trustees for their sincere support of the intercollegiate athletics program.
SOPHOMORES KEVIN LEONARD AND JENNIFER McCORMICK SELECTED AS THE WNEC ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Dec. 10, 2002) — Kevin Leonard (Tewksbury, MA) of the ice hockey team and Jennifer McCormick (Cheshire, CT) of the women's swimming squad were honored Tuesday (Dec. 10) as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Leonard, a sophomore forward, scored two goals and had an assist in a 5-2 win over Assumption College that was only the Golden Bears' second win over the Ice Dogs in 18 meetings. He also scored a goal in a 5-2 loss at Stonehill College. Leonard, a computer information systems major, leads the team in scoring with 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists).
McCormick, a sophomore, placed second in the 400-yard individual medley with a school record time of 5 minutes, 22.07 seconds at the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Championship. She also finished third in the 100 butterfly (1:08.41) and third in the 200 breaststroke (2:48.46) events, and swam the third leg on the 200-medley relay team that took second in a school record time of 2:01.94. With McCormick helping to lead the way, WNEC placed second in the team standings for the second straight year. McCormick is an education/psychology major.
Western
New England College Fall Sports Banquet
Saturday, Dec. 7, 2002
List of Award Recipients
Men's
Cross Country
Most Valuable Runner — Senior Tom Michaud (Manchester, CT).
Coaches
Award for Leadership — Seniors Jon Harris (Monson, MA) and
Dave Vigliano (Ludlow, MA).
Women's
Cross Country
Most Valuable Runner — Senior Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA).
Most
Improved Runner — Junior Leanne Polidoro (Adams, MA).
Unsung
Hero — Junior Emily Thomas (East Sandwich, MA).
Field
Hockey
Most Valuable Player — Senior Teresa DeLucca (Red Hook, NY).
Unsung
Hero — Senior Kara Acken (Dover Plains, NY).
Rookie
of the Year — Freshman Alyssa Katz (Cortlandt Manor, NY).
Football
Offensive Most Valuable Player — Sophomore Mike Laroche (Berlin,
CT).
Defensive
Most Valuable Player — Senior Dom Sondrini (Dalton, MA).
Coaches
Award for Contributions to the Team — Senior Scott Hurlbut
(Mecklenburg, NY). Jimmy Geyer Award for Courage and Leadership —
Senior Anthony Verdile (East Longmeadow, MA).
Men's
Soccer
Offensive Most Valuable Player — Freshman Mike Schnepp (Feeding
Hills, MA).
Defensive
Most Valuable Player — Senior Nathan Soucy (Gilford,
NH).
Ed
Lindsey Freshman Award — Freshman Scott Meikle (New Milford,
CT).
Women's
Soccer
Most
Valuable Player — Senior Molly Burke (Westfield, MA).
Offensive
Most Valuable Player — Senior Jacquie Bailey (Easthampton,
MA).
Defensive
Most Valuable Player — Sophomore Jessica Vital (Ludlow, MA).
Women's
Tennis
Most Valuable Player — Junior Jacqueline O'Brien (Belchertown,
MA).
Coaches
Award for Academic and Athletic Excellence — Sophomore Adrienne
Nardelli (Wolcott, CT).
Rookie
of the Year — Freshman Monica Machon (Ellsworth, ME).
Women's
Volleyball
Most Valuable Player — Senior Brenda Post (Groton, CT).
Unsung
Hero — Senior Sarah Lerz (Wolcott, CT).
Most
Improved Player — Senior Nicole Holquin (Springfield, MA).
A
VIEW FROM THE TOP
Student-Athletes
Voices Heard on National Level
By
MIKE RAYMOND '02
NCAA
Division III Student Athlete Advisory Committee member
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Dec. 6, 2002) — Many people would have a hard time believing this, but the NCAA itself really doesn't have all that much power at all. It's not just a bunch of people sitting around an office in Indianapolis, Indiana and making decisions for everyone to follow.
No, the NCAA is much more than that.
It is a member-driven organization, an example of democracy. All of the major committees are made up of representatives from different institutions across the country. When decisions are made, legislation is passed, sanctions are levied, etc., it is the entire country that is reaching those conclusions.
And I am proud to say that the NCAA Student Athlete Advisory Committee is front and center while all this is occurring.
The National SAAC is split into three parts, one for each NCAA Division. As incoming vice-chair of the Division III component, I have seen during my tenure what the student athletes are capable of accomplishing on the national level. My first meeting was the 96th NCAA Convention in Indianapolis, and I witnessed first hand how much influence student-athletes have on legislative decisions.
The committee takes a position on every proposal, and then speaks to some of them on the floor of the Division III meeting. When student-athletes approach the microphone, all of the Division III membership sits at attention. That attention will be much needed once again at the 2003 Convention.
The National SAAC, after hearing feedback from student-athletes across the country, will stand in opposition to the proposal set forth that would further limit the amount of time student-athletes can spend practicing and playing their sport.
The "Playing and Practice Seasons Model" is the hottest topic on the agenda this January, and National SAAC will be at the forefront of the opposition. When not dealing with NCAA legislation, Division III SAAC keeps its plate full.
One of the primary responsibilities of committee members is to foster successful communication from the campus level on up. The process begins with the individual student-athletes and their teams, progresses to campus SAAC's, then to conference SAAC's, then up to the National level.
Each committee member represents two conferences in Division III. Each member receives feedback on important issues by attending those conference meetings when they are held. Likewise, members of conference SAAC's gain their feedback from the individual institutions.
The "trickle-up" effect is a very positive avenue of communication for Division III student-athletes, and a way for everyone to have a voice on the national level.
Another main area Division III SAAC is currently working in is the Regional Leadership Conferences. Stemming from an idea that National SAAC had two years ago, the Regional Leadership Conference are opportunities for Division III student-athletes from across the country to augment their leadership skills as well as explore Division III issues and learn about SAAC. The first conference was held this past November in the Northeast Region and was a tremendous success.
Overall, National SAAC is one of the most important components in the NCAA structure. The student-athletes that sit on the committee deals with issues on the national level as well as foster communication with every other student-athlete in the country. The NCAA exists to promote student-athlete welfare as well as to enhance the student-athlete experience in college, and National SAAC remains a key body in that process.
(Mike Raymond is a former captain of the Western New England College men's tennis team. A native of Vernon, Connecticut, he is presently attending graduate school at the College while serving as the school's assistant men's tennis coach.)
JOHN GLEASON NAMED ASSISTANT MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH AT WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Dec. 5, 2002) — John Gleason of Northampton, Massachusetts has been named assistant men's basketball coach at Western New England College.
Gleason is a 2002 graduate of Springfield College where he was a two-time New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) All-Star selection. Gleason played a guard position for the Pride and scored 1,059 points during his sensational four-year career. He holds the school records for career three-pointers (217), three-pointers in a season (91), and three-pointers in a game (10).
Gleason earned his bachelor of science degree in sport management and is pursuing a master of science degree in education at SC. He was a Dean's List student who was selected Who's Who Among University and College Students. Gleason previously served as an intern with the Boston Celtics and Connecticut Pride of the Continental Basketball Association.
Western New England College posted a 16-10 record last year for its fourth consecutive winning season under Coach Doug Pearson. The Golden Bears placed first in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) North Division with a 9-4 mark and advanced to the semifinals of the conference tournament.
MARY ROMANO NAMED ASSISTANT WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH AT WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Dec. 5, 2002) — Former Mount Holyoke College standout Mary Romano of Chicopee, Massachusetts has been named assistant women's basketball coach at Western New England College.
Romano earned a bachelor of arts degree in neuroscience and behavior at MHC in 2000. She was a two-time New England WomenÕs and MenÕs Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Academic honoree and a Seven Sister Scholar-Athlete. Romano received the school's Merrill Prize for Excellence in English.
At present, Romano is attending graduate school at the University of Massachusetts.
Western New England College posted a 20-8 record last year, which tied the school record for wins. It also was the Golden Bears' third straight winning season under Coach Wendy Davis.
BASKETBALL STANDOUTS KRIS HEBERT AND EMILY SWARD SELECTED AS THE WNEC ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Dec. 3, 2002) — Basketball standouts Kris Hebert (Chicopee, MA) and Emily Sward (Plainville, CT) were honored Tuesday as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Hebert, a senior forward, scored a career high 26 points in a 97-88 loss against Wesleyan University in the season opener. He was 9-of-14 from the field and 8-of-12 from the foul line. Hebert also contributed a game high 12 rebounds with three blocks and two steals. A team co-captain, he is an accounting major. WNEC (0-1) hosts Fitchburg State College at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 3).
Sward, a junior point guard, averaged 14.0 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.0 steals in a 2-1 week. She also was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Keene Holiday Invitational. Sward scored 18 points, including the last three of the game, in a 72-70 road win against WPI. She also added 16 points in a 63-54 victory over Worcester State College. Sward is an elementary education major. WNEC (3-1) hosts Fitchburg State College at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 3).
WNEC SENIOR JACQUIE BAILEY NAMED TO THE VERIZON ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 26, 2002) — Western New England College women's soccer co-captain Jacquie Bailey (Easthampton, MA) was named Tuesday to the 2002 Verizon Academic All-America College Division Women's Soccer third team.
Bailey, a senior midfielder, has a 3.88 cumulative grade-point-average in psychology/elementary education.
She is the first WNEC women's soccer player (and sixth student in school history) selected to a Verizon Academic team.
Bailey was one of two players from the New England region earning a spot on the 33-player Verizon Academic Team. Wentworth Institute of Technology junior Sarah Bearse (Tiverton, RI) was a second team honoree.
Bailey was the Golden Bears's second leading scorer with 26 points (7 goals, 12 assists) this fall. She was named to the All-Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) second team and the All-GNAC Tournament squad. Bailey was an All-GNAC first team choice in 2001.
Western New England College posted a 16-7 record for its eighth consecutive winning season and second highest win total in the program's 19-year history. The Golden Bears also repeated as GNAC Tournament champions and participated in the NCAA Division III Championship for the third time in four years.
Western New England College student-athletes on the Verizon Academic All-America Team
1981
— Roma St. George (Chicopee, Mass.), women's basketball
1982
— Roma St. George (Chicopee, Mass.), women's basketball
1989
— Gary Bourque (Torrington, Conn.), men's basketball
2001
— Laura Sturgis (Westborough, Mass.), women's lacrosse (1st)
2002
— Kate Farry (Pittsfield, Mass.), softball (2nd)
2002
— Marcie Bruder (Keene, N.H.), softball (3rd)
2002
— Jacquie Bailey (Easthampton, Mass.), women's soccer (3rd)
SENIOR SUZANNE MONAHAN AND FRESHMAN ANTHONY CORVINO SELECTED AS THE WNEC ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 26, 2002) — Swimming co-captain Suzanne Monahan (Madison, NJ) and wrestling standout Anthony Corvino (Stratford, CT) were honored Tuesday (Nov. 26) as the Western New England College Female and Male Athletes-of-the-Week.
Monahan, a senior, established a pair of school records in two meets last week. She won the 1650-yard freestyle event (19 minutes, 58.79 seconds) in a victory over WPI and took first in the 1000 freestyle (11:55.18) in a win over Gordon College. Monahan is a communications major.
Corvino, a freshman, placed third in the 141-lb. weight class at the Springfield Doug Parker Invitational and fifth in his division at the Roger Williams Invitational. He won four of six matches at the Doug Parker event to improve his record to 12-6. Corvino is a computer science major.
NATHAN SOUCY AND KEVIN LUTTER OF WNEC NAMED TO ALL-GNAC MEN'S SOCCER TEAM
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 26, 2002) — Western New England College senior defender Nathan Soucy (Gilford, NH) has been named to the All-Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Soccer first team. This is the third consecutive year that Soucy has gained all-conference recognition. He was a second team choice in 2000 and 2001.
A team tri-captain, Soucy anchored the Golden Bears' defense that allowed only 25 goals in 23 matches with 13 shutouts.
Sophomore midfielder Kevin Lutter (Downingtown, PA) was selected to the All-GNAC second team. He was second on the squad in scoring with 11 points (4 goals, 3 assists).
Western New England College posted a 13-7-3 record that was the third highest total in the program's 37-year history.
The Golden Bears also captured the GNAC regular season title with a 7-2 mark and participated in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) New England Division III Championship for the second straight year.
WNEC SENIOR MOLLY BURKE RECEIVES SECOND STRAIGHT GNAC WOMEN'S SOCCER PLAYER-OF-THE-YEAR AWARD
Five Golden Bears named All-GNAC; Ron Dias selected GNAC Coach-of-the-Year
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 19, 2002) — Western New England College senior forward Molly Burke (Westfield, MA) received her second straight Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) WomenÕs Soccer Player-of-the-Year Award on Tuesday.
Burke also made the All-GNAC first team with junior defender Elaina Johnson (Sandgate, VT) and sophomore goalkeeper Jessica Vital (Ludlow, MA).
Senior midfielder Jacquie Bailey (Easthampton, MA) and sophomore forward Jana Loper (Glastonbury, CT) were selected to the All-GNAC second team.
Burke, a team co-captain, led the Golden Bears in scoring with 67 points (27 goals, 13 assists) this past season. She finished her brilliant career with a school record 242 points (100 goals, 42 assists), which ranks eighth on the all-time NCAA Division III scoring list. During the season Burke also became the 10th player in NCAA Division III history to score 100 goals.
Johnson and Vital both made the All-GNAC first team for the second consecutive year after anchoring the Golden Bears defense that allowed only 11 goals during the season. Johnson also contributed eight points (1 goal, 6 assists) while Vital compiled a 0.48 goals-against-average with 14 shutouts.
Bailey was second on the team in scoring with 26 points (7 goals, 12 assists). A team co-captain, she was an All-GNAC first team choice in 2001.
Loper was a repeat selection on the All-GNAC second unit after finishing third on the squad in scoring with 22 points (8 goals, 6 assists). She had the winning goal in a 1-0 win over Johnson & Wales University in the GNAC Tournament championship match.
Ron Dias of Western New England College was voted the GNAC Coach-of-the-Year for the second straight season. A native of Ludlow, he has a 122-62-4 record (66.0 winning percentage) in nine seasons.
Western New England College posted a 16-7 record for its eighth consecutive winning season and second highest win total in the program's 19-year history. The Golden Bears also captured the GNAC Tournament title for the second straight year and participated in the NCAA Division III Championship for the third time in four years.
SOCCER STANDOUTS KEVIN LUTTER AND JESSICA VITAL NAMED WNEC ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 19, 2002) — Sophomore soccer standouts Kevin Lutter (Dowingtown, PA) and Jessica Vital (Ludlow, MA) were honored Tuesday as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Lutter, a midfielder, scored the winning goal in a 1-0 double overtime victory at MIT in a semifinal match of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) New England Division III Tournament.
An engineering major, he was second on the team in scoring this season with 11 points (4 goals, 3 assists).
WNEC posted a 13-7-3 record and captured the regular season Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) title with a 7-2 mark.
Vital, a goalkeeper, made six saves as Western New England College and host Bridgewater State College battled to a 0-0 tie after 110 minutes of regulation and two overtime periods in a first round match of the NCAA Division III Championship. Bridgewater advanced to the second round on penalty kicks (3-2).
A pharmacy major, Vital compiled a 0.48 goals-against-average with 13 shutouts this fall in gaining All-Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNC) first team recognition for the second straight year.
WNEC finished with a 16-7 record for its eighth consecutive winning season and second highest win total in the program's 19-year history. The Golden Bears also captured both the regular season and (GNAC) tournament titles for the second straight season, and participated in the national tournament for the third time in four years.
WNEC TRIO NAMED TO VERIZON DISTRICT 1 ACADEMIC TEAMS
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 18, 2002) — Western New England College football tri-captain Dom Sondrini (Dalton, MA) and women's soccer co-captain Jacquie Bailey (Easthampton, MA) have been named to the Verizon College Division District 1 Academic First Teams while senior women's volleyball player Nicole Holguin (Springfield, MA) made the Verizon second team. All three are seniors.
Sondrini, a linebacker/defensive end, has a 3.33 grade-point-average in Management. He compiled 48 tackles (22 unassisted) and led the Golden Bears in tackles for losses (13) and sacks (6). Sondrini also received an honorable mention on the New England Football Conference (NEFC). Bailey, a midfielder, posted a 3.88 GPA in psychology/elementary education. She was the team's second leading scorer with 26 points (7 goals, 12 assists). Holguin, a middle blocker, has a 3.83 GPA in biology. She recorded 121 kills with 40 service aces this fall.
FIVE WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE PLAYERS SELECTED TO NEFC ALL-STAR TEAM
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 18, 2002) — Five Western New England College players earned spots on the 2002 New England Football Conference (NEFC) All-Star Team.
Senior linebacker Charles Adams (Reading, MA) made the NEFC All-Star first team after compiling a conference high 92 tackles. He was a second team choice last year.
Senior defensive tackle Scott Hurlbut (Mecklenburg, NY) and senior defensive back John Marine (Hudson Falls, NY) both made the NEFC All-Star second team while graduate student offensive lineman Joe DeMars (Springfield, MA) and senior linebacker/defensive end Dom Sondrini (Dalton, MA) each received an honorable mention.
Hurlbut, Marine, and Sondrini served as team captains this season.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM LOSES ON PENALTY KICKS IN NCAA TOURNAMENT
BRIDGEWATER, Mass. (Nov. 12, 2002) — Western New England College and Bridgewater State College played a 0-0 tie after 110 minutes of regulation and two overtime periods, but the Golden Bears were eliminated from the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Tournament after losing the match of penalty kicks, 3-2.
Senior co-captain Molly Burke (Westfield, MA) and junior Kelly Quinn (East Longmeadow, MA) each scored to give WNEC a 2-1 lead after the first two rounds of the shoot-out.
BSC (14-5) then went ahead 3-2, but missed its last shot before goalie Maura Cacciatore preserved the win by making the last of three straight saves.
Cacciatore compiled six saves during the game, as did WNEC sophomore Jessica Vital (Ludlow, MA).
Western New England College ends its season with a 16-7 record, which are the second most wins in school history. This was the Golden Bears' second straight appearance in the national tournament and third visit in four years.
WNEC STANDOUT BRENDA POST NAMED GREAT NORTHEAST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL PLAYER-OF-THE-YEAR
Mandee Signor also gains All-GNAC recognition
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 13, 2002) — Western New England College senior co-captain Brenda Post (Groton, CT) was honored Wednesday (Nov. 13) as the 2002 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Volleyball Player-of-the-Year.
Post, who also was named to the All-GNAC first team, is the first player in school history to receive this prestigious award.
A history major, Post will etch her name in the school record book Sunday (Nov. 17) when she becomes the first Golden Bears' player to participate in the New England Women's Volleyball Association (NEWVA) Senior All-Star Classic at Clark University in Worcester.
Post enjoyed a spectacular season leading the team in hitting percentage (.337), kills (425), and service aces (130). She also became the school's first player to reach 1,000 kills, finishing with 1,224 kills in 113 career matches.
During the year, Post was named to the All-Tournament teams at the GNAC, Plymouth State, Springfield Tom Hay, and WNEC Invitationals. She holds 11 school records.
WNEC sophomore setter Mandee Signor (East Haven, CT) was selected to the All-GNAC second team. A sport management major, she led the Golden Bears in assists (968) and was second in hitting percentage (.279). Signor also was third on the squad in service aces (82).
Western New England posted a 21-13 record this fall, which set a school record for wins in a season (breaking the old mark of 19 set last year). The Golden Bears also tied for first place during the regular season in the GNAC with a 10-1 mark and advanced to the semifinals of the GNAC Tournament.
SOPHOMORES MIKE SZMEITER AND JANA LOPER HONORED AS THE WNEC ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 12, 2002) — Ice hockey standout Mike Szmeiter (Plainville, CT) and soccer star Jana Loper (Glastonbury, CT) were honored Tuesday (Nov. 12) as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Szmeiter, a sophomore forward, scored two short-handed goals in a 5-2 victory over Nichols College. He also netted the only goal in a 6-1 loss against nationally ranked and defending ECAC Northeast champion Wentworth institute of Technology. He is a computer information systems major. WNEC (1-1) hosts Fitchburg State College at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 12).
Loper, a sophomore forward, scored the game-winner in a 1-0 victory over Johnson & Wales University in the championship match of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Championship. She also had the winning goal in a 1-0 win over Norwich University in the conference tournament semifinal game. Loper was named the GNAC Player-of-the-Week on Monday (Nov. 11). She is third on the team in scoring with 22 points (8 goals, 6 assists). WNEC (16-6) will visit Bridgewater State College at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 13) in a first-round match of the NCAA Division III Championship.
KARA ACKEN, TERESA DeLUCCA, AND ALYSSA KATZ GAIN NORTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE FIELD HOCKEY HONORS
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 12, 2002) — Three Western New England players have been selected to the 2002 North Atlantic Conference (NAC) All-Star Field Hockey Team.
Senior midfielder Kara Acken (Dover Plains, NY) and senior defender Teresa DeLucca (Red Hook, NY) made the NAC first team.
This was the third straight year that Acken earned All-NAC recognition. She was third on the team in scoring this past season with 22 points (5 goals, 12 assists). DeLucca ranked among the top defensive players in the region.
Freshman forward Alyssa Katz (Cortlandt Manor, NY) was selected to the NAC second team after leading the Golden Bears in scoring with 33 points (11 goals, 11 assists).
All three players also were named to the NAC All-Tournament Team.
Western New England College posted a 12-10 record, which was a school record for wins and the squad's best mark since 1987.
The Golden Bears placed fifth in the conference during the regular season with a 3-2 mark, but placed second in the NAC Tournament. WNEC upset Husson College, Maine (4-3) and defending champion Becker College (1-0) before bowing to the University of Maine-Farmington (5-2) in the championship final.
WNEC VISITS BRIDGEWATER STATE COLLEGE IN NCAA DIVISION III WOMEN'S SOCCER TOURNAMENT
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 11, 2002) — Western New England College will visit Bridgewater State College in a first round match of the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Championship starting at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 13) at Swenson Field in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.
The Golden Bears qualified for their second straight national tournament (and third in four years) after repeating as Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament champions following a 1-0 win over Johnson & Wales University in a battle of 2000 and 2001 finalists.
WNEC enters the tournament with a 16-6 record, which is the second highest win total in school history. The Golden Bears have won their last eight matches, all by shutouts.
Senior co-captain Molly Burke (Westfield, MA) enjoyed a record-breaking season after establishing school marks in career points (242) and goals (100). She is only the 10th player in NCAA Division III history to reach the 100-goal mark. Burke, a forward, leads the team in scoring with 67 points (27 goals, 13 assists).
Senior midfielder and team co-captain Jacquie Bailey (Easthampton, MA) is second on the squad with 26 points (7 goals, 12 assists).
Sophomore forward Jana Loper (Glastonbury, CT) is third with 22 points (8 goals, 6 assists). Loper, the GNAC Player-of-the-Week, scored the winning goal against Johnson & Wales and netted the game-winner in a 1-0 victory over Norwich University in a GNAC Tournament semifinal contest.
Freshman midfielder Liz Eldridge (Westboro, MA) enjoyed a fine rookie season by scoring 16 points (6 goals, 4 assists).
Sophomore goalkeeper Jessica Vital (Ludlow, MA) has a 0.51 goals-against-average and 12 shutouts. Bridgewater State has a 13-5 record after defeating Framingham State College, 2-0, in the championship game of the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference.
The WNEC-Bridgewater State winner will visit Wheaton College (20-1) in a second round contest.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE'S MEN'S SOCCER TEAM VISITS MIT IN ECAC NEW ENGLAND DIVISION III TOURNAMENT
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 11, 2002) — Western New England College's men's soccer team will meet MIT at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 13) in a first round match of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) New England Division III Tournament in Cambridge.
This is the second straight year that the Golden Bears have qualified for the ECAC Division III Tournament. WNEC enters the tournament with a 12-6-3 record after losing a match on penalty kicks against Johnson & Wales University in a semifinal match of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament. The Golden Bears captured the regular season GNAC title with a 7-2 mark.
Freshman forward Mike Schneep (Feeding Hills, MA) leads the team in scoring with 21 points (8 goals, 5 assists) while freshman goalkeeper Brian Grimmick (Ballston Lake, NY) has a 0.89 goals-against-average with eight shutouts.
MIT has a 10-6-1 record after dropping a 1-0 decision to Babson College in the championship game of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Tournament.
ADRIENNE NARDELLI NAMED GNAC WOMEN'S TENNIS ROOKIE-OF-THE-YEAR
Jennifer Kolins (again) selected GNAC Co-Coach-of-the-Year
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 8, 2002) — Western New England College sophomore Adrienne Nardelli (Wolcott, CT) was honored Friday (Nov. 8) as the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Tennis Rookie-of-the-Year.
Nardelli, an accounting major, compiled a combined 19-5 record in singles and doubles competition this fall. She posted a 10-1 mark at the No. 2 singles position and 6-2 mark at the number one doubles spot during the regular season.
Nardeli also advanced to the finals at the number two singles and number one doubles positions at the conference tournament.
Jennifer Kolins of Western New England College was a repeat selection as the GNAC Women's Tennis Co-Coach-of-the-Year. She shared the honor this season with Allan Freedman of Johnson & Wales University.
WNEC posted a 9-2 record this fall and placed second in the conference during the regular season with a 7-1 mark. The Golden Bears finished second at the GNAC Tournament for the first time in school history.
WOMEN'S SOCCER CO-CAPTAIN JACQUIE BAILEY NAMED TO VERIZON DISTRICT 1 ACADEMIC TEAM
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 7, 2002) — Western New England College women's soccer co-captain Jacquie Bailey (Easthampton, MA) was named Thursday (Nov. 7) to the Verizon Academic District 1 College Division Women's Soccer Team.
Bailey, a senior midfielder, has a 3.88 cumulative grade-point-average in psychology/elementary education. She also is the team's second leading scorer with 26 points (7 goals, 12 assists).
Bailey's name will now be put on the national ballot with the announcement of the honor squad scheduled for November 26.
WNEC (15-6) will host Johnson & Wales University (14-6-1) in the championship match of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 9.
SENIOR KARA ACKEN AND SOPHOMORE BRAD ESTES HONORED AS THE WNEC ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 5, 2002) — Field hockey standout Kara Acken (Dover Plains, NY) and football player Brad Estes (Madison, ME) were honored Tuesday as the Western New England College Female and Male Athletes-of-the-Week.
Acken, a senior midfielder, scored the winning goal in a 4-3 victory over Husson College (Maine) in a quarterfinal game of the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Tournament. The win gave the Golden Bears an 11-9 record, which is a school record for wins in a season, and assured the team of its first winning season since 1987 (10-6-3). A math major, Acken also was named to the NAC All-Star Team for the third consecutive year.
Estes, a sophomore free safety, compiled seven tackles (four solo) with three fumble recoveries and two pass breakups in a loss against Curry College. He returned two punts for 71 yards and caught two passes for 53 yards. Estes, a math major, also was named to the weekly New England Football Conference (NEFC) honor roll.
MOLLY BURKE REACHES SOCCER MILESTONE FOR GOLDEN BEARS WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 2, 2002) — Western New England College senior co-captain Molly Burke (Westfield, MA) scored the 100th goal of her career and set a school record for points with 242 in a 3-0 victory over Saint Joseph College (Conn.) Saturday in a quarterfinal match of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Soccer Tournament.
The previous record was 241 points set by former teammate Kate Brunelle (1995-98).
Burke became only the 10th player in NCAA Division III history to score 100 goals. A criminal justice major, she leads the Golden Bears in scoring with 67 points (27 goals, 13 assists).
WNEC (14-6) will host Norwich University at 2 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 5) in a semifinal match of the GNAC Tournament.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES LITERACY PROGRAM FOR CITY OF SPRINGFIELD YOUNGSTERS
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 30, 2002) — Western New England College's department of athletics will kick-off the inaugural year of its newly-established Golden Bears Literacy Program Friday night (Nov. 1) at its annual Midnight Madness celebration.
"The goal of the literacy program is to collect a minimum of 500 books, which will be distributed to classroom libraries throughout the city of Springfield," said Jennifer Kolins, Western New England College outreach coordinator for athletics. "In addition, the College's athletes will go into schools, read to the students, and promote the importance of reading and education, upon the delivery of the books."
The program started with the idea that each student donates a book at Midnight Madness, an event that marks the opening of the winter sports season at Western New England College. Once word spread around campus, the College's faculty and staff started donating books, and it appears the goal of 500 books will be surpassed.
"This is an unbelievable opportunity for our athletes to make a difference in the lives of local youth. I am overwhelmed at the amount of book donations so far, and our coaches and athletes are very excited to implement the literacy program in our community," added Kolins who also serves as the school's head men and women's tennis coach.
Springfield School Volunteers has helped in bridging the relationship between WNEC and local schools. Not only will the WNEC athletes visit schools, but as incentives for reading, and good attendance, local students will be invited to WNEC athletic events free of charge, participate as ball kids, and take part in sports clinics provided by WNEC athletes.
"The literacy program will be the first of many collaborative projects between WNEC and Springfield school volunteers," noted Cyndi Costanzo, WNEC assistant athletics director. "Potential future projects include WNEC participating in incentive programming to discourage truancy in the public schools. The goal of our student athletes are to serve as role models and leaders in the community, and by action to emphasize the importance of academics for success."
Western New England College is a private, independent, coeducational institution founded in 1919. Located on an attractive 215-acre suburban campus in Springfield, Massachusetts, the College serves 4,700 students on its main campus and at 17 sites throughout the Commonwealth. Undergraduate and graduate programs are offered through the College's Schools of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Law.
MIDNIGHT MADNESS - SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday,
November 1, 2002
9:15
p.m. - Doors Open to AHLC (Class registration. children's book collection,
pizza)
9:45
p.m. - Doors Open to Field House
10:00
p.m. - Welcome, Introduction to the Clash of the Classes Competition,
National Anthem, Pep Band
10:07
p.m. - 4+1 Student/Faculty Basketball
10:25
p.m. - Introduction of the Bowling and Martial Arts Teams
10:28
p.m. - Book Relay with the Bowling and Martial Arts Teams
10:31
p.m. - Dash for Cash Promotion
10:35
p.m. - Introduction of Cheerleaders
10:40
p.m. - Introduction of the Women's Swimming Team
10:43
p.m. - Flipper Relay with Women's Swimming Team
10:46
p.m. - Cold Cash Promotion - Round 1 (Obstacle Course)
10:50
p.m. - Introduction of the Women's Basketball Team
10:55
p.m. - 4 Ball Shooting Contest with Women's Basketball Team
11:00
p.m. - Let's Make a Deal Promotion
11:03
p.m. - Introduction of Wrestling Team
11:06
p.m. - Wrestler Relay with Wrestling Team
11:11
p.m. - Pick an Envelope Promotion
11:13
p.m. - DZ Says (4 Minute Running Time)
11:20
p.m. - Introduction of Dance Team
11:26
p.m. - Cold Cash Promotion - Round 2 (Blind Fold Scavenger Hunt)
11:30
p.m. - Introduction of Men's Basketball Team
11:35
p.m. - 3 Point Shooting Contest with Men's Basketball Team
11:45
p.m. - Introduction of Men's Ice Hockey Team
11:50
p.m. - Hockey Shootout with Men's Ice Hockey Team
11:55
p.m. - Cold Cash Promotion - Final Round
12:00
a.m. - Tug-Of-War, Clash
of the Classes Trophy Presentation by WNEC athletics director Mike Theulen.
SENIOR KEVIN BENNISON AND JUNIOR JACQUELINE O'BRIEN HONORED AS THE WNEC ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 29, 2002) — Golf co-captain Kevin Bennison (Cobleskill, NY) and tennis standout Jacqueline O'Brien (Belchertown, MA) were honored Tuesday as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Bennison, a senior, was the Golden Bears' top performer at the New England Intercollegiate Golf Association (NEIGA) Championship finishing tied for 31st among 232 players with a two-day total of 156 (79-77) at the Captains Golf Course in Brewster. Bennison also was the medallist at the City of Springfield Championship with a 74 at Veterans Golf Course to help WNEC wins its third straight city title over AIC and Springfield College. A sport management major, Benison had a 78.4 average for 11 rounds this fall.
O'Brien, a junior, compiled a perfect 11-0 record at the No. 4 singles position in her first season on the team. She had a 9-2 mark at both the No. 1 and No. 2 doubles positions. O'Brien, a sociology major, also was selected the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Tennis Player-of-the-Week on Monday (Oct. 28). WNEC posted a 9-2 record this fall and placed second in the conference for the first time with a 7-1 mark.
In other news, Western New England College senior linebacker Charles Adams (Reading, PA) was named to the weekly New England Football Conference honor roll on Monday (Oct. 28). Adams had a career-high 15 tackles (five solo) with three stops for losses, a sack, and a fumble recovery in a loss against UMass-Dartmouth. Adams is a computer science major.
Western New England College senior co-captain Molly Burke (Westfield, MA) was named Monday (Oct. 28) as the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Soccer Player-of-the-Week. Burke had a school record 94th career goal and an assist in a win over Westfield State College. She also had the game-winner in a 1-0 victory over conference rival Johnson & Wales University. Burke, a criminal justice major, is second in the conference with 56 points (22 goals, 12 assists). WNEC (12-6) hosts Rivier College at 3 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 30) in the final game of the regular season. The Golden Bears (8-1 GNAC) can clinch first place in the conference and home field advantage throughout the playoffs with a victory.
Western New England College sophomore Jessica Vital (Ludlow, MA) is first among women's soccer goalkeepers in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) with a 0.69 goals-against-average. She has allowed only 11 goals in 1,578 minutes and has eight shutouts. Vital is a pharmacy major.
Western New England College freshman goalkeeper Brian Grimmick (Ballston Lake, NY) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Soccer Rookie-of-the-Week on Monday (Oct. 28). Grimmick, a business major, recorded two shutouts after making seven saves in a 2-0 win over the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and five stops in a key 1-0 conference victory over Emerson College. WNEC (11-4-3, 7-1 GNAC) visits Norwich University in the final game of the regular season on Wednesday (Oct. 30). The Golden Bears can win the regular season GNAC title with a win or tie against the Cadets.
SENIOR CAPTAINS JACQUIE BAILEY AND DOM SONDRINI SELECTED AS THE WNEC ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 22, 2002) — Soccer co-captain Jacquie Bailey (Easthampton, MA) and football tri-captain Dom Sondrini (Dalton, MA) were honored Tuesday as the Western New England College Female and Male Athletes-of-the-Week.
Bailey, a senior midfielder, scored two goals with two assists in an 8-0 victory over Daniel Webster College. She is second on the team in scoring with 16 points (4 goals, 8 assists). Bailey is a Dean's List psychology/elementary education major. WNEC has an overall 10-6 record and 6-1 mark entering a match Wednesday with conference leader Johnson & Wales University (11-4-1, 8-0).
Sondrini, a senior linebacker, had eight tackles (6 solo) with four stops for losses and three of the team's nine sacks in a 21-0 win at Framingham State College that was the Golden Bears first win of the season in six outings. Sondrini also was named the New England Football Conference (NEFC) Defensive Player-of-the-Week. He is a Dean's List business management major. WNEC (1-5) hosts UMass-Dartmouth (7-0) on Saturday (Oct. 26).
In other news, Western New England College sophomore running back Mike Laroche (Berlin, CT) was named Monday (Oct. 21) to the weekly New England Football Conference honor roll for the third time this season. Laroche had a career high 158 yards rushing and two touchdowns in a 21-0 victory at Framingham State College that was the Golden Bears' first win of the season. He leads the Golden Bears with 464 yards rushing and six touchdowns. Laroche is a sport management major.
Western New England College freshman Nick Day (Springfield, MA) was selected Monday (Oct. 21) as the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Soccer Rookie-of-the-Week. Day had one save in recording a shutout in his first collegiate start at Daniel Webster College (1-0 in overtime). Day is a government major. WNEC has a 9-4-3 overall record and is first in the conference with a 6-1 mark.
Western New England College sophomore Adrienne Nardelli (Wolcott, CT) was named Monday (Oct. 21) as the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Tennis Player-of-the-Week. Nardelli won seven of eight matches at both the No. 1 doubles and No. 2 singles positions as the Golden Bears improved their record to 8-2 overall and 6-1 in the conference. An accounting major, Nardelli has an overall record of 15-3 (9-1 ingles, 6-2 doubles).
Western New England College senior co-captain Brenda Post (Groton, CT) was honored Monday (Oct. 21) as the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Volleyball Player-of-the-Week. Post, a history major, had 41 kills, 13 digs, eight aces, and five blocks in four matches, including 24 kills against Emmanuel College. WNEC has a 16-10 record and is first in the conference with a perfect 7-0 mark.
MOLLY BURKE SETS SCHOOL RECORD FOR CAREER GOALS
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 21, 2002) — Senior co-captain Molly Burke (Westfield, MA) scored a goal and added an assist to lead Western New England College to a 3-0 non-conference victory over visiting Westfield State College Monday at Suprenant Field.
Burke's goal in the 78th minute was the school record 94th of her career, breaking the old mark of 93 set by former teammate Katie Brunelle.
Senior co-captain Jacquie Bailey (Easthampton, MA) and freshman Liz Eldridge (Westboro, MA) also scored for the Golden Bears who improved their record to 10-6. Sophomoe forward Jana Loper (Glastonbury, CT) contributed two assists while sophomore goalkeeper Jessica Vital (Ludlow, MA) made six saves.
WNEC hosts conference leader Johnson & Wales University (11-4-1, 8-0 GNAC) at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 23).
WNEC MEN'S GOLF TEAM WINS CITY OF SPRINGFIELD CHAMPIONSHIP
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 18, 2002) — With all five of its players scoring in the 70's, host Western New England College captured its third straight City of Springfield Men's Golf Championship Friday with a season best total of 301 at Veterans Golf Course. Springfield College was second at 331 while Amrican International College was third at 371.
WNEC senior co-captain Kevin Bennison (Cobleskill, NY) was the medalist with a season best two-over par 74. Freshman Adam D'Amario (Feeding Hills, MA) tied for second with a 75 that was his best performance of the season.
The Golden Bears' duo of senior co-captain Paul Winker (West Springfield, MA) and junior Andy Dastoli (Southampton, MA) tied for fourth with 76's. Senior Erik Timmons (Katonah, NY) was eighth with a 77 that was his best showing of the fall.
SENIOR JAMIE CARNEY AND SOPHOMORE JOHN SCHMALBERGER SELECTED AS THE WNEC ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Cross country captain Jamie Carney (Orleans, MA — Nauset Regional High School) and soccer player John Schmalberger (Berlin, CT — Manchester East Catholic High School) were honored Tuesday (Oct. 15) as the Western New England College Female and Male Athletes-of-the-Week.
Carney, a senior, finished fourth among 37 runners at the WNEC Invitational covering the wet 5,000-meter course in 23 minutes, 10 seconds. A biology major, Carney has been the team's top runner in all three meets this fall.
Schmalberger, a sophomore defender, contributed a goal in a 4-0 win over Suffolk University and added an assist in a 2-1 overtime win over host Albertus Magnus College that knocked the Falcons from the unbeaten ranks in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC). Schmalberger is a business major.
In other news, Western New England College senior Kara Acken (Dover Plains, NY — Dover Plains High School) was honored Tuesday (Oct. 15) for the second time this season as the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Field Hockey Player-of-the-Week. Acken, a midfielder, scored the winning goal in a 1-0 win at Regis College and had an assist in a 2-1 loss against Manhattanville College. A math major, she is tied for the team lead in scoring with 15 points (4 goals, 7 assists).
Western New England College senior strong safety Anthony Verdile (East Longmeadow, MA — East Longmeadow High School) and sophomore running back Mike Laroche (Berlin, CT — Berlin High School) were named Monday (Oct. 14) to the weekly New England Football Conference honor roll. Verdile had 10 tackles (6 solo) with two stops for losses in a 10-0 loss against MIT while Laroche ran for a career (and game) high 105 yards on 31 carries (3.4 avg.). Laroche leads the Golden Bears with 306 yards rushing in five contests. Verdile and Laroche are both sport management majors.
Western New England College freshman goalkeeper Brian Grimmick (Ballston Lake, NY — Shenendehowa High School) was honored Monday (Oct. 14) as the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Men's Soccer Rookie-of-the-Week. Grimmick had nine saves in a 2-1 overtime win at Albertus Magnus College that knocked the Falcons from the unbeaten ranks in the conference. He made three saves in a 4-0 win over Suffolk University for his fifth shutout of the season. Grimmick, a business major, leads the GNAC with a 0.92 goals-against-average in 10 matches (8 starts).
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE SENIOR PAUL WINKLER OF WEST SPRINGFIELD MEDALIST AT EPH CLASSIC
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 15, 2002) — Western New England College senior co-captain Paul Winkler (West Springfield, MA — West Springfield High School) fired an even par 71 to win top honors at the Eph Classic Sunday (Oct. 13) at the Taconic Golf Club in Williamstown. Senior co-captain Kevin Bennison (Cobleskill, NY — Cobleskill High School) tied for 15th in the 46-player field with a 77 as the Golden Bears placed sixth among nine schools in the team standings with a 311 that was the squad's second lowest total of the season.
On October 10, Winkler placed second among 54 players with a 74 at the WNEC Invitational at the Veterans Golf Course in Springfield. Bennison tied for 10th with a 78. WNEC finished fourth among 11 teams with a 316. Winkler, a finance major and Dean's List student, has been WNEC's top player in five of six tournaments this season. He leads the Golden Bears with a 77.1 average for eight rounds.
Bennison, a sport management major, also has made significant contributions to the team's success. He has a 79.0 average for eight rounds with a season best score of 76 at both the Skidmore Invitational and ECAC Division III New England Regional Qualifying Tournament.
Western Massachusetts players on the roster include junior Andy Dastoli (Southampton, MA — Holyoke Catholic High School), sophomores Brian Choquette (Adams, MA — C.H. McCann High School), John Crowley (Monson, MA — Monson High School), Sean Mahoney (Wilbraham, MA — Minnechaug Regional High School), and freshmen Brian Coombs (West Springfield, MA — West Springfield High School) and Adam D'Amario (Feeding Hills, MA — Agawam High School).
Seniors Jason Hover (Ghent, NY — Chatham High School) and Erik Timmons (Katonah, NY — Somers High School) and freshmen Steve Field (North Dighton, MA — Dighton-Rehoboth High SchooL) and Ryan Finn (Plymouth, MA — Plymouth North High School) round out the squad.
WNEC will host the City of Springfield Championship with AIC and Springfield College beginning at 12:30 p.m. Friday (Oct. 18) at Veterans Golf Course. The Golden Bears end their season at the 68th Annual New England Intercollegiate Golf Association (NEIGA) Fall Championship October 20-22 at the Captains Golf Course in Brewster on Cape Cod.
SENIOR BRENDA POST AND FRESHMAN MIKE SCHNEPP SELECTED AS THE WNEC ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Volleyball co-captain Brenda Post (Groton, CT — Fitch High School) and soccer player Mike Schnepp (Feeding Hills, MA — Springfield Christian High School) were honored Tuesday (Oct. 8) as the Western New England College Female and Male Athletes-of-the-Week.
Post, a senior, became the first player in school history to pass the 1,000-kill mark when she had 18 kills in a 3-1 victory over Rivier College. The win gave Western New England College a 12-5 record and moved the Golden Bears into first place in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) with a 5-0 mark. A history major, Post leads the team in hitting percentage (.339) and kills (212).
Schnepp, a freshman, scored the game-winner in a 1-0 Great Northeast Athletic Conference victory at Rivier College. He leads the team in scoring with 15 points (6 goals, 3 assists). An engineering major, Schnepp also had game-winning goals against Union College and Emmanuel College earlier this season.
In other news, Western New England College senior defensive end Scott Hurlbut (Mecklenburg, NY — Trumansburg High School) was selected Monday (Oct. 7) to the weekly New England Football Conference honor roll. Hurlbut had 13 tackles (10 solo), including three stops for losses and a sack, in a 20-14 overtime loss at Salve Regina University. He is a sport management major.
GOLDEN BEARS ATHLETIC WEB SITE A BIG HIT!
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 2, 2002) — Western New England College's athletics web site received 81,666 hits during the month of September. This is the highest monthly total this year. The previous high was 71,650 in April. We would like to thank everyone, including alumni (especially Tom Emberley, Kevin Hassett, and Mike Raymond), along with parents of our student-athletes, for your support and interest in our athletics program.
WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE WOMEN'S TENNIS TEAM UNDEFEATED IN GREAT NORTHEAST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 1, 2002) — Western New England College's women's tennis team is off to a 4-0 start following an 8-1 win at Emerson College last Saturday in Boston. With the victory, the Golden Bears remained undefeated and tied for first place with Simmons College in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) with a 3-0 mark.
WNEC's women's tennis program has enjoyed considerable success the last three seasons thanks mainly to the coaching efforts of Jennifer Kolins who joined the coaching staff in 2000. This is the first head collegiate coaching assignment for Kolins who led the Golden Bears to a 9-4 record in her rookie year and a 10-3 mark last fall. WNEC also qualified for the conference post-season tournament both years.
Kolins, who also serves as the school's men's tennis coach, inherited a women's program that posted a 6-5 record in 1999 that was its first varsity season in eight years. She was selected both the 2001 GNAC Women's Tennis and the 2002 GNAC Men's Tennis Coach-of-the-Year.
Kolins is a full-time staff member this year after receiving a grant from the NCAA, which made her the athletics department's Community Outreach Coordinator.
"This is a great time to be a part of the Western New England College athletic program," said Kolins. "Involving the athletes in the community, and the community into our enthusiastic athletics department, is an unbelievably uplifting adventure. Being full time has also allowed me to have a closer connection with my tennis teams," said Kolins.
A native of Philadelphia, Kolins is a 1999 graduate of the University of Hartford where she was a standout performer on the Hawks' tennis team. Kolins was active off the court during her collegiate career, serving as the Diversity Outreach Coordinator at the school while working as a volunteer with children in both the Philadelphia and Hartford Public Schools.
As for this year, Kolins has a nice blend of veteran and first-year players hoping to lead Western New England College to both the GNAC regular season and tournament titles.
The top player is sophomore Tricia Troiano (Stewart Manor, NY) who is 3-1 at both the No. 1 singles and doubles position. Troiano, who is also a member of the school's softball team, compiled an 11-2 mark at the No. 4 through No. 6 singles positions last year.
Sophomore Adrienne Nardelli (Wolcott, CT) is 4-0 at the No. 2 singles position in her first year with the program. Nardelli also was selected to the school's Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and is the GNAC SAAC Representative as well.
At the No. 3 singles spot is junior Nicole Tucker (Saugerties, NY) who sports a 3-1 mark. Junior Jacqueline O'Brien (Belchertown, MA) has a 4-0 record at both the No. 4 singles and No. 2 doubles positions in her first year on the squad. She was named the GNAC Player-of-the-Week on September 30 after winning three singles and doubles matches last week to improve her overall record to 8-0. O'Brien is a transfer from Assumption College.
Freshman Monica Machon (Ellsworth, ME) and senior co-captain Jessica Fasulo (Medford, NY) each have a 4-0 mark playing both the No. 5 and No. 6 singles spots. Machon was the GNAC Rookie-of-the-Week on Sept. 16.
Western New England College has captured 33 of its 36 matches (22-2 singles, 11-1 doubles).
WNEC returns to action with a home conference match at 4 p.m. Monday (Oct. 7) against Pine Manor College.
SOPHOMORE DAN SMITH AND FRESHMAN ALYSSA KATZ SELECTED AS THE WNEC ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 1, 2002) — Cross country standout Dan Smith (Enfield, CT— Enfield High School) and field hockey performer Alyssa Katz (Cortlandt Manor, NY — Lakeland High School) were honored Tuesday (Oct. 1) as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Smith, a sophomore, placed third among 52 runners in 17 minutes, 49 seconds for 5,000 meters to help Western New England College finish first among eight schools at the Elms Invitational. Smith is a computer science major.
Katz, a freshman, scored eight points (2 goals, 4 assists) in three contests last week. She had a goal and two assists in a 6-2 win over Nichols College on September 28 that gave the Golden Bears a 6-4 record. Earlier this season, Katz' first collegiate goal was the game-winner in a 1-0 overtime win at Framingham State College. She also had the winning goal in a 1-0 victory at Westfield State College. A marketing major, Katz is tied for second in scoring in the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) with 15 points (4 goals, 7 assists).
In other news, Western New England College senior Molly Burke (Westfield, MA — St. Mary High School) was selected Monday (Sept. 30) as the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Soccer Player-of-the-Week. Burke had 16 points (6 goals, 4 assists) in two matches last week. She scored five goals and had two assists against Pine Manor College and moved passed the 200-point mark (205) in career scoring. Burke is a criminal justice major.
Western New England College junior Jacqueline O'Brien (Belchertown, MA — Belchertown High School) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Tennis Player-of-the-Week on Monday (Sept. 30) after winning three singles and doubles matches last week. She has a 4-0 record at both the No. 4 singles and No. 2 doubles positions in her first year on the squad. O'Brien is a sociology major.
Western New England College men's golf team was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Team-of-the-Week on Monday (Sept. 30) after winning the ECAC New England Division III Regional Qualifying Tournament at the Holden Hills Country Club. WNEC is seeded second in the ECAC Division III Championship that will be held Oct. 5-6 at the Deerfield Country Club in Brockport, New York.
WNEC WINS ECAC NEW ENGLAND DIVISION III MEN'S GOLF QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT
HOLDEN, Mass. (Sept. 26, 2002) Ń Seniors Paul Winkler (West Springfield, MA) and Kevin Bennison (Cobleskill, NY), and junior Andy Dastoli (Southampton, MA) each shot a 76 as Western New England College captured the ECAC New England Regional Qualifying Tournament Thursday at the Holden Hills Country Club.
Sophomore Sean Mahoney (Wilbraham, MA) fired a 77 in his WNEC debut as the Golden Bears advance to the ECAC Division III Championship Oct. 5-6 in Brockport, New York.
WNEC had a score of 305 to finish three strokes ahead of Tufts. UMass-Dartmouth (311) was third followed by Salem State (313) and Babson (314) in the 16-team field.
"We grinded through the rain and came up with one of our best performances in a long time," said WNEC coach Bill Downes.
Team Scores Š 1. WNEC 305, 2. Tufts 308, 3. UMass-Dartmouth 311; 4. Salem State 313, 5. Babson 314; 6. Nichols 315; 7. Wentworth 323; 8. Trinity 324; 9. Wesleyan 329; 10. Elms 333; 11. Springfield 334; 12. WPI 337; 13. Worcester State 357; 14. tie between Massachusetts College 362 and MIT 362; 16. Brandeis 363.
SOPHOMORES MIKE LAROCHE AND MANDEE SIGNOR SELECTED AS THE WNEC ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 24, 2002) — Football running back Mike Laroche (Berlin, CT — Berlin High School) and women's volleyball player Mandee Signor (East Haven, CT — East Haven High School) were honored Tuesday as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Laroche, a sophomore, ran for a career high 82 yards on 13 carries (6.3 avg.) and scored two touchdowns on a pair of one-yard runs in a 26-25 loss against Fitchburgh State College.
Signor, a sophomore setter, compiled 74 assists and 10 service aces in a 2-1 week. She had 32 assists and 12 digs vs. Emerson College, and six aces against Southern Vermont College.
Laroche and Signor are both sport management majors.
HOMECOMING EVENTS FOR SATURDAY, SEPT. 21
10
a.m. - Field Hockey vs. Lasell
11 a.m. - Men's Soccer vs. Johnson & Wales
1 p.m. - Women's Volleyball vs. Emerson
1:30 p.m. - Football vs. Fitchburg State
5 p.m. - Women's Volleyball vs. Southern Vemont
Bonfire
to Kickoff 2002 Homecoming Weekend
By
DARRYL KONICKI '03
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 19, 2002) — The Sport Management Association of Western New England College will sponsor a Homecoming Bonfire and Pep Rally for the fall sports programs starting at 8 p.m. Friday (September 21) at the Tundra.
This is an annual event at the College that seems to get bigger every year along with the success of the fall sports teams. This year the Master of Ceremonies will be senior Joe Gworek and quest speakers will be Athletics Director Mike Theulen and Head Football Coach Gerry Martin. The event will also include contests and performances by the WNEC Pep Band.
FIVE FORMER WNEC STANDOUTS AND A COACHING LEGEND NAMED TO DOWNES ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
Fourth Induction Ceremony Scheduled for September 21
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 17, 2002) — Five former outstanding student-athletes and a coaching legend will be inducted into the fourth annual Western New England College Downes Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, September 21, during Homecoming Weekend.
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.
The Class of 2002 features Peter M. Black '87, men's lacrosse; Joy E. Clark '95, women's basketball/soccer; Alan J. Fabian '89, baseball; Brian J. Solomon '84 and his brother Gary J. Solomon '86, both wrestling, and former coach Patrick A. Ricci.
Black, a native of Ridgefield, Connecticut, is fourth on the school's all-time scoring list with 152 points (99 goals, 53 assists). As a junior, he set school records for points in a season (54) and goals in a game (eight vs. Nichols College). Black, an attackman, was a four-time Pilgrim League All-Star and an All-New England performer his senior year. He served as a team captain of the 1987 squad that captured the league tournament title and was a New England East-West Senior All-Star Game selection. Black, a three-time team MVP, earned his bachelor science degree in management. He resides in Simsbury, Connecticut.
Clark, a native of Agawam, Massachusetts, ranks among the top women's soccer players in school history. She was a three-year starter at a sweeper position and a team captain her senior season. Clark was named to the New England Women's Athletic Conference (NEWAC) All-Star Team. She also contributed 21 points (8 goals, 5 assists) during her career. In basketball, Clark was a four-year performer at a guard position. She is third in career three-pointers (80), and fifth in both assists (260) and steals (213). Clark earned a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering. She resides in Middletown, Connecticut.
Fabian, a native of Wilbraham, Massachusetts, compiled a school record .377 career batting average in four years, including a .414 mark his junior season. A catcher, he was named to several All-Star teams, including the 1986 All-New England squad. Fabian also played in the 1986 New England All-Star Game at Fenway Park. He holds numerous other school records, including career marks for hits (144), runs-batted-in (126), and home runs (24). Fabian earned his bachelor of science degree in computer information systems. He resides in Youngsville, Louisiana.
Gary Solomon was a four-time NCAA Division III/NAIA All-American in the 190-lb. weight class and a four-time New England Division III champion at both 177 and 190. He also was a two-time national academic award winner, a two-year team captain and twice the squad's and New England Division III Tournament MVP. This past winter Solomon was inducted into the New England College Conference Wrestling Association (NECCWA) Division III Hall of Fame. A native of Southington, Connecticut, Solomon earned his bachelor of science degree in computer information system. He resides in Durham, Connecticut.
Brian Solomon was a two-time All-America selection after placing second in the 167-lb. weight class at the 1984 NCAA Division III Championship and fifth at 158 pounds at the 1982 NAIA Tournament. He was twice a New England Division III champion and the 1982 tournament MVP. Solomon also was a three-time team MVP and a national academic award recipient in 1983 and 1984. A native of Southington, Connecticut, he earned his bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. He resides in Plantsville, Connecticut.
Ricci is the winningest baseball coach in school history with a 205-174-3 record from 1974-81 and 1983-87. His teams participated in 10 NAIA Tournaments while winning three District 5 playoffs. Ricci was twice named NAIA District 5 and Area 8 Coach-of-the-Year, and was a former president of the NAIA Baseball Coaches Association. Ricci coached numerous All-Stars, including Alan Fabian who also will be inducted into the Downes Athletic Hall of Fame. A native of Port Chester, New York, Ricci also was the first women's soccer coach in school history compiling a 15-11 record in 1984 and 1985. He led the Golden Bears to a 12-5 mark and a second place showing in the NAIA Eastern Regional playoffs in only their second year of competition. Ricci also coached the women's tennis team at Western New England College for two seasons (1978, 1979). The former Longmeadow resident now resides in San Diego, California.
BILL DOWNES GUEST OF HONOR AT FOURTH ANNUAL WESTERN NEW ENGLAND GOLF TOURNAMENT SEPTEMBER 18
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 16, 2002) — The fourth annual Western New England College Golf Tournament will be held on Wednesday, September 18 at the Crestview Country Club in Agawam.
The guest of honor at this year's tournament will be coaching legend Bill Downes who has been a member of the Golden Bears athletics staff for 34 years.
Although he officially "retired" in 1999, Downes continues to serve as the school's men's golf coach. The Downes Athletic Hall of Fame also is named in his honor. During his tenure at Western New England College, Downes coached men's basketball and men's soccer compiling over 100 victories in each sport. He also was a member of the teaching faculty and numerous organizations.
"Coach Downes is one of the athletic department's top goodwill, ambassadorsÓ said Mike Theulen, Western New England College director of athletics. "He has been an integral part of the success we have seen over the years and his impact on the lives of our student-athletes has been outstanding."
There will be a buffet luncheon starting at noon followed by a shotgun tee-off at 1:00 p.m. in the scramble format. Prizes will be awarded 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.
SENIORS MOLLY BURKE AND PAUL WINKLER SELECTED AS THE WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 17, 2002) — Women's soccer captain Molly Burke (Westfield, MA — St. Mary High School) and men's golf captain Paul Winkler (West Springfield, MA — West Springfield High School) were honored Tuesday (Sept. 17) as the Western New England College Female and Male Athletes-of-the-Week.
Burke, a senior forward, scored three goals in a 3-0 win over Plymouth State College in the Plattsburgh Cardinal Classic. She also added the winning assist in a 1-0 overtime victory at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Burke also was named to the Cardinal Classic All-Tournament Team.
Winkler, a senior, was the Golden Bears' top player at the Duke Nelson Tournament in Middlebury, Vermont. He had a two-day score of 159 (79-80) that tied for 44th place in the 123-player field. WNEC tied for 15th among 25 schools in the team competition.
In other Western New England College news,
WNEC freshman women's tennis player Monica Machon (Ellsworth, ME — Ellsworth High School) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Rookie-of-the-Week on Monday (Sept. 16). She started her collegiate career by winning her No. 6 singles and No. 2 doubles matches in an 8-1 victory over Saint Joseph College (Conn.).
WNEC senior women's soccer defender Jessica Hulsey (Springfield, MA — Central High School) was named to the Plattsburgh Cardinal Classic All-Tournament Team.
WNEC senior women's volleyball captain Brenda Post (Groton, CT — Fitch High School) was named to the WNEC Invitational All-Tournament Team. She leads the Golden Bears in hitting percentage (.290) and kills (99), and is second in service aces (27) through nine matches.
SENIOR TOM MICHAUD AND FRESHMAN JILLIAN BROWN SELECTED AS THE WNEC ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 10, 2002) — Men's cross country runner Tom Michaud (Manchester, CT — Manchester High School) and field hockey player Jillian Brown (Plymouth, MA — Plymouth North High School) were honored Tuesday (Sept. 10) as the Western New England College Male and Female Athletes-of-the-Week.
Michaud, a senior, made a strong showing in his first varsity race by finishing 50th among 131 runners at the Amherst Invitational. He led the Golden Bears with a time of 29 minutes, 59 seconds over the five-mile course. Michaud also serves as a captain of the WNEC men's tennis team.
Brown, a freshman goalie, made an impressive collegiate debut by compiling a remarkable 94.3 save percentage in two games. She had five saves in the first half in a 1-0 overtime victory over Framingham State College. Brown then made 28 saves in a 3-2 loss (in a game decided on penalty strokes) at No. 7 Springfield College in earning a spot on the Springfield Invitational All-Tournament Team.
In other Western New England College news, women's volleyball senior outside hitter/co-captain Brenda Post (Groton, CT — Fitch High School) was named to the All-Tournament at the Plymouth State Super 8 Invitational. She leads the team in hitting percentage (.301) and kills (41) after three matches.
GOLDEN BEARS RANKED 5TH IN NCAA NEW ENGLAND DIVISION III MEN'S SOCCER POLL
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 9, 2002) — Western New England College's men's soccer team is ranked fifth in the NCAA Division III New England poll released Monday.
Wheaton is first followed by Williams, and Bowdoin, Tufts. Western Connecticut is sixth followed by Gordon, Babson, and Norwich. Keene State and WPI are tied for 10th.
2002 FALL SPORTS CAPTAINS AT WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Aug. 30, 2002) — Twenty student-athletes will serve as team captains of the 2002 fall sports teams at Western New England College. They are:
Men's Cross Country — Jon Harris '03 (Monson, MA), Dave Vigliano '03 (Ludlow, MA).
Women's Cross Country — Jamie Carney '03 (Orleans, MA).
Field Hockey — Kara Acken '03 (Dover Plains, NY), Whitney Boucher '03 (Tyngsboro, MA), Heather Gaydos '03 (Barre, VT).
Football — Scott Hurlbut '03 (Mecklenburg, NY), John Marine '03 (Hudson Falls, NY), Dom Sondrini '03 (Dalton, MA).
Men's Golf — Kevin Bennison '03 (Cobleskill, NY), Paul Winkler '03 (West Springfield, MA).
Men's Soccer — Terrence Leahy '03 (East Longmeadow, MA), Nathan Soucy '03 (Gilford, NH), Scott Thornton '05 (Bedford, NH).
Women's Soccer — Jacquie Bailey '03 (Easthampton, MA), Molly Burke '03 (Westfield, MA).
Women's Tennis — Jessica Fasulo '03 (Medford, NY), Elayna Lazzaro '03 (Worcester, MA).
Women's Volleyball — Sarah Lerz '03 (Wolcott, CT), Brenda Post '03 (Groton, CT).
SARAH KELLY SELECTED ASSISTANT ATHLETIC TRAINER/FITNESS COORDINATOR AT WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Aug. 27, 2002) — Sarah Kelly of Enfield, New Hampshire has been named assistant athletic trainer and fitness coordinator at Western New England College.
Kelly is a graduate of Springfield College where she earned a bachelor of science degree in athletic training in 2000 and a master of education degree in strength & conditioning this past May.
While at SC, Kelly served as captain of the field hockey team and was a three-time National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-America selection. She also was named to the NFHCA Academic Team.
Kelly received her National Athletic Training Association (NATA) Certification in 2000.
ANDREA DALEY NAMED WOMENÕS SWIMMING COACH AT WNEC