NJAC NEWS ARCHIVE

 2001-02

Week of June 23, 2002

Week of June 16, 2002

Week of June 2, 2002

Week of May 28, 2002

NJAC ATHLETES EXCEL AT NCAA DIV. III OUTDOOR TRACK MEET

The New Jersey Athletic Conference was well-represented in the winner's circle at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships held at Macalester College this past weekend.  Individual national champions include Montclair State's Nacole Moore (shot put) and William Paterson's Robert Hargrove (200 m. dash).  Click here for the full story.

Week of May 20, 2002

RICHARD STOCKTON TO SPONSOR FIELD HOCKEY

Richard Stockton College will add field hockey as its 17th intercollegiate sport, and 10th women's sport, beginning this fall.  The college plans to implement  the program in stages, with team competing in a limited schedule in Fall 2002 and expanding to a full slate of games for Fall 2003.  The Ospreys eventually will compete for the NJAC championship, joining five other members which  sponsor the sport. "We are extremely excited to offer field hockey as part of our continuing effort to meet the needs of current and prospective Stockton students," said G. Larry James, Associate Dean of Students and Director of Athletics and Recreation.  The department has begun accepting applications for the position of full-time head field hockey coach with July 1 as a target date for the selected candidate to begin.

NJCU TO ADD MEN'S TRACK & FIELD FOR 2002-03

New Jersey City University has announced the addition of men's indoor and outdoor track and field to the intercollegiate athletic program, effective with the 2002-03 season.  The men's program will operate in conjunction with the currently existing women's program under the guidance of current head coach Mark Griffin. "Interest in men's track has been building over the years, and we feel it is  time to add these two sports to the men's program," said NJCU Director of Athletics Larry Schiner. The school had sponsored men's track and field but discontinued it in the early  80s.  The expansion brings the total number of varsity sports to 15, eight for women and seven for men.

Week of May 13, 2002

MONTCLAIR STATE  DROPS DREW TO WIN THIRD STRAIGHT ECAC SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Montclair State University won a rain-delayed 4-1 decision over Drew University on Wednesday to capture its third straight ECAC South Regional title.  The Red Hawks finish the season at 30-11 overall, the fourth year in a row that they have won 30 or more games.

NJAC HEADS HONOREES NAMED NJCBA BASEBALL ALL-STARS

The New Jersey Athletic Conference dominated the selection for the New Jersey Baseball Coaches Association state all-star team.  The College of New Jersey's Mike Kohri and Rutgers-Newark's Steve Ballerini shared the Div. II/III Player of the Year Award.  Kean University head coach Neil Ioveiro and Rutgers- Camden head coach Keith Williams were two of five coaches recognized for the achievements of their programs this season. First team members include Montclair State's Brian Ellerson, Joe Giacomazzio, and Corey Hamman; Kean's Chris Eickhorst, Ryan Flannery, Bob Baykowski and Mike Tambini; William Paterson's Dan Sherlock and Bryan Graham; TCNJ's Bob Capaldo; Rowan's Tim Staszewski; and Rutgers- Camden's Ricky Flores. Second team selections include TCNJ's Colin Renick and Greg Martinez; Rutgers-Newark's Matt Buck and Sean Burgos; Kean's Mike O'Donnell, John Pederson and Steve Bucchignano; Rutgers-Camden's Corey Hoffman, Brian  Murphy, and Dan McKenna; Rowan's Tom McCullen; Montclair State's Ethan Boyd; and Richard Stockton's Ryan Zegarski. On the All-Rookie Team are Ethan Boyd (MSU), Tom McCullen (Rowan), Mike Tambini (Kean), Felix Urena (Kean), Nate CasaGrande (TCNJ), Darlin Pena (NJCU), Bill Boyer (Rowan), and Brian Ciconte (Rowan).

MONTCLAIR STATE WOMEN IN ECAC SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP; ROWAN ELIMINATED FROM NCAA EAST REGIONAL

In a rain delayed championship round, Montclair State University will face Dew University at 10:00 am on Monday, May 13.  Drew eliminated Ramapo College on Sunday, 9-4, to advance to the finals.  If MSU wins, it will be the Red Hawks' third straight ECAC South Regional title. In the NCAA East Regional final round on Sunday, Salisbury University emerged from the loser's bracket to win a pair from Rowan University and advance to the Div. III Softball World Series.

KEAN AND TCNJ LAND IN MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL

NJAC baseball champion Kean University received the #2 seed in the NCAA Div. III Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament, while runner-up The College of New Jersey earned a bid and the #6 seed.  The Cougars will face #5 Alvernia College on Thursday at 3pm, while the Lions will take on #1 Johns Hopkins on Thursday at 11am.

Week of May 6, 2002

WPU'S KSZEPKA, ROWAN'S DICKEY TOP SOFTBALL ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM AWARDS

William Paterson University junior pitcher and utility player Sam Kszepka (Allentown HS/New Egypt, NJ) is the New Jersey Athletic Conference’s 2002 Player of the Year and Rowan University freshman pitcher Sara Dickey (Perkiomen Valley HS/Skippackk, PA) is the NJAC Pitcher of the Year. Kszepka was a factor both on the mound and at the plate for the Pioneers. With a 0.86 ERA, Kszepka finished the year with a 13-4 record and led WPU to first place in the NJAC regular season.  At the plate she batted a league- high .463 with 30 RBI. Dickey led the Profs to the NJAC title this season on the strength of a 13-6 pitching record. She ties Kszepka for the second best ERA in the conference. Montclair State University freshman slugger Kari McDonnell (Northern  Burlington HS/Wrightstown, NJ) is the NJAC Rookie of the Year.  With a .388 batting average, McDonnell led the conference in RBI (43) and home runs (11).  Rowan University head coach Kim Wilson earned the June Walker Coach of the Year award.  Wilson has so far guided the Profs to a 31-14 record, the NJAC championship for the second consecutive year, and a berth in the NCAA Division III tournament which begins on Friday.  Click here for the complete all-conference team roster.

KEAN WINS BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Kean University is the 2002 NJAC baseball champion.  The Cougars (31-8)  defeated The College of New Jersey, 8-6, on Monday to claim their first- ever conference baseball title and earn the NJAC AQ to the NCAA Division III tournament.  Click on the baseball page for complete information.

TCNJ'S KOHRI, MSU'S HAMMAN HEAD BASEBALL ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM

The College of New Jersey's senior shortstop Mike Kohri (Washington Twp. HS/ Sewell, NJ) is the 2002 New Jersey Athletic Conference Bill Dioguardi Baseball Player of the Year award recipient.  Batting .403, Kohri led the Lions to a first place regular season finish in the NJAC standings and the top seed in the conference tournament.   Corey Hamman (Flanders, NJ), a senior from Montclair State University, is Pitcher of the Year.  Hamman finished the regular season at 6-2 and a 2.63 ERA.  Relief Pitcher of the Year honors go to TCNJ senior Nick Maddalena (Middletown South HS/Leonardo, NJ).  In 62 innings of work Maddalena picked up 8 saves to lead the league. The Rookie of the Year award is shared by Rowan University second baseman Bill Boyer (Gloucester Catholic HS/Deptford, NJ) and Montclair State University outfielder Ethan Boyd (Perth Amboy HS/Perth Amboy, NJ). Boyer hit .329 for the season, while Boyd was .331 at the plate. Rutgers University-Camden head coach Keith Williams is a first-time recipient of the Coach of the Year award, guiding the much-improved Scarlet Raptors to a 12-6 conference record (31-7 overall) and a berth in the NJAC tournament.

Week of April 22, 2002

WILLIAM PATERSON TOP SEED IN SOFTBALL TOURNEY

On the final day of the regular season, the William Paterson University has clinched the #1 spot in the New Jersey Athletic Conference softball tournament.  The Pioneers (15-3 NJAC, 26-8 overall) will meet #4 seed Ramapo College (12-6 NJAC, 27-12 overall) in the first round of the double elimination tournament on Thursday at 1:00pm.  The two teams split games during the regular season.  William Paterson will be the host site for the entire tournament. The other first round game will feature #3 The College of New Jersey (12-6 NJAC, 27-12 overall) facing #2 Rowan University (14-4 NJAC, 27-13 overall) at 3:30pm. The defending champion Profs swept TCNJ twice during the regular season. The Pioneers, who lead the conference in batting average (.339) and scoring (5.57) will be led by pitcher Sam Kszepka (Allentown HS/New Egypt, NJ) who is the top ranked batter in the conference with a .466 average and fifth in the NJAC with a .95 ERA.  The Roadrunners will rely on sophomore pitcher Michelle Micklos (Tuxedo HS/Tuxedo, NY), who sports a 1.19 ERA and a team-high .390 average at the plate. The Profs’ lead the league in team ERA (1.00 per game) and will make a run for the title behind the pitching of junior Julie Undercuffler (Clearview Reg. HS/Mullica Hill, NJ) with a 1.13 ERA and freshman Sara Dickey (Perkiomen Valley HS/ Skippack, PA), with a .85 ERA.  Senior pitcher/infielder Audrey Bowen (Freedom HS/Bethlehem, PA) will try to make things happen for the Lions with a 2.12 ERA and a team-leading .369 batting average. The second round games will be held at 11:00am, 1:30pm and 4:00pm on Friday.  The championship game will be held on Saturday at 12:00n.    Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $2 for students, senior citizens and children.  The winner will receive the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament.

MONTCLAIR STATE'S COLLINS SIGNS WITH NY GIANTS

Montclair State University quarterback Ed Collins (Union, NJ/Union) has signed a free-agent contract with the New York Giants of the National Football League. Collins is the 19th player in MSU history to sign a contract with an NFL team and the second consecutive player to ink a contract with the Giants. Offensive lineman John Kuzora signed a free-agent deal with the team in 2000. Collins led Montclair State to a 25-9 record in his three years at the helm of the Red Hawk offense. He was the NJAC’s 2000 Offensive Player of the Year as well as a second-team All-East Region All Star by Football Gazette. In 2001, the strong-armed Collins set the MSU single-season marks for completions (252), yards (3,307) and touchdown passes (32) as well as setting the record for total offense. He again was named First-Team All-NJAC and was a Third-Team All-East selection by Football Gazette. Collins, who will graduate with a business degree in 2003, leaves the Red Hawk program as perhaps the finest QB in the history of the program. He is the holder of 16 single-game, season and career records. s in his three seasons. His TD passes are second all-time and he also set the career record for total offense with 8,497 yards.

BASEBALL, SOFTBALL TEAMS GEAR UP
FOR FINAL WEEK OF REGULAR SEASON

The New Jersey Athletic Conference baseball and softball competition enters the home stretch of regular season competition, and per usual it will be a horse race for the top four rungs in the standings and a berth in the conference tournament.  The tournament champions earn an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. In softball, the coaches' preseason poll isn't too far off from the current state of affairs.  The top five teams in the preseason mix are also battling for the top four slots, but in a different order.  William Paterson is in first place at the moment, followed by Rowan (the coaches' pick), Montclair State and a tie between The College of New Jersey and Ramapo.  A six-point spread separates the pack. There appear to be a few more upsets brewing on the baseball side.  While Montclair State and TCNJ were expected to be highly ranked at season-end, dark horses Kean and Rutgers-Camden are making a strong run for the play-offs.  Only two points separate the top four teams, and several make-up games still pending can further impact the final standings. Both tournaments will use a double elimination format.  The softball tournament will begin on Thursday, May 2 and all games will be played at the site of the highest seed.  Baseball will be hosted at Yogi Berra Stadium on the campus of Montclair State University beginning on Friday, May 3.

Week of April 1, 2002

NJAC PLACES FOUR TEAMS IN UPPER TIER
OF SEARS DIRECTORS CUP STANDINGS

The New Jersey Athletic Conference continues to perform well nationally, as evidenced by its strong showing in the latest Sears Directors Cup standings.  At the conclusion of the Winter 2002 season, four schools are ranked in the upper echelon of Division III:  The College of New Jersey is #2, Montclair State University is #32, Rowan University is #34, and Richard Stockton College is #52.  Affiliate member (football) SUNY Cortland is ranked #9.  Final standings will be released at the conclusion of the spring national championships.

Week of March 25, 2002

NJAC TAKES PAIR OF GAMES FROM CUNYAC
IN SENIOR ALL-STAR BASKETBALL CHALLENGE

After dropping the inaugural CUNY/NJAC Senior All-Star Challenge last season, the New Jersey schools took it right at the New York City team, as the men claimed the championship of the Metropolitan Area with a thrilling 115-113 victory at the College of Staten Island on Wednesday, March 20. The NJAC also walked away with an 75-70 victory in the first such clash between the senior women. The NJAC men's squad ended the first quarter on an 8-0 run to take a 37-29 lead and extended it to a 20-point margin halfway through the second quarter. Only a furious come- back by the City University of New York cut the deficit to two, 115-113 with ten seconds left, on a free throw by CUNY Player of the Year David Paul. On the subsequent play Medgar Evers’ Khalil Nixon made a steal, setting up a final shot by the CUNY team. But a basket by Staten Island’s Paul was clearly after the buzzer, resulting in a 115-113 win by the New Jersey Athletic Conference.  Rashaan Barner of William Paterson University was named MVP for the NJAC team due to a game-high 25 points on 11-13 shooting from the field. Also for New Jersey, Rutgers-Newark’s Asmar Fortney scored 18 points, New Jersey City’s Irv Jenkins had 17 points and Ramapo’s Robert Anderson chipped in with 12. For the women, the NJAC squad was up 41-35 at halftime of the 48-minute game but a 8-0 CUNY run in the middle of the fourth quarter knotted the score at 67-67, with 4:37 left to play. One minute later, holding a 69-68 advantage, Ramapo College’s Tara Larkin scored on a breakaway layup to hold off the CUNY team for the duration of the contest. Larkin (Mendham, NJ) was named the game’s Most Valuable Player from the winning team with 21 points. No one else scored in double-digits for the NJAC team, as all 12 players scored.

Week of March 18, 2002

NJAC DOMINATES ECAC METRO BASKETBALL ALL-STAR SELECTIONS

The New Jersey Athletic Conference landed three men and three women on the first teams of the ECAC Metro All-Star Basketball Teams for the winter 2002 season.  Rutgers Uni- versity -Camden junior center Joy Silver, the NJAC player of the year, was also named the ECAC Metro player of the year.  She is joined on the first team by Kelli Bakanowsky of Richard Stockton College and Kristi McCullough of Rowan University.  Kean's Kellie Rice and The College of New Jersey's Kristen McCandless received honorable mention. For the men, Rutgers-Camden's Brian Turner, William Paterson's Rashaan Barner and Ramapo's Robert Anderson all made the first team, while Ramapo's Tennyson Whitted and Rutgers-Newark's Asmar Fortney were chosen for the second team. D3 Hoops.com also recognized the NJAC on their regional team.  Turner, Barner, Ander- son and Fortney all were named first team; Whitted, NJCU's Samar Battle and Montclair State's Omar Boothe are on the the second team; and MSU's Joseph Thomas made third team.  Silver was a first team selection for the women, Bakanowsky and MSU's Jasmine Batts were named to the second team, and McCandless and McCullough to the third team.

Week of March 11, 2002

THREE NJAC TEAMS PLACE IN TOP 25 OF DIV. III SEARS CUP RACE

The New Jersey Athletic Conference has placed three schools in the top 25 of the Sears Director's Cup race for Division III at the conclusion of the Winter 2001-02 season.  The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletic (NACDA) and Sears, Roebuck and Company announced that The College of New Jersey is in first place, followed by Montclair State University at #16 and Richard Stockton College at #25. TCNJ, which has finished in the top five in the Division III Sears Directors' Cup standings in each of the program's six year, is coming off another banner fall and winter season.  TCNJ has accrued 463 points by scoring in men's and women's indoor track and field and wrestling thus far through the mid-way portion of the winter championships. The men's indoor track and field team finished in eighth place, while the women's team finished in 20th place. In addition, TCNJ's wrestling team finished in 11th place in the team standings to overtake Williams College in the standings after the fall season.  Points are awarded based on each institution's finish in up to 18 sports – nine for men and nine for women. Each national champion receives 100 points. Last year's Sears Directors’ Cup race was extremely tight with Williams College winning the Division III Sears’ Cup for the third straight year and for the fifth time in the six-year history of the program. The College of New Jersey Lions posted a third place finish for the third straight year when the points were tallied. The Sears Directors’ Cup is awarded by NACDA to the best overall athletic program and is in its fourth year on the Division III level. The Sears Directors’ Cup program, which awards Waterford Crystal trophies valued at $35,000 each, is presented in partnership by NACDA and Sears, Roebuck and Company, and is the only national awards and scholarship program to recognize all NCAA and NAIA championship sports for both women’s and men’s athletics.

LEDWIN ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION AS NJAC COMMISSIONER

After three years at the helm of the New Jersey Athletic Conference, commissioner Donna Ledwin will be stepping down from her post this summer to accept a similar position with the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference. “Since my family relocated to western Pennsylvania in late August, I have worked hard to maintain smooth operations for the conference,” she said.  “It just made sense to pursue opportunities closer to home.” Ledwin is the first commissioner in the conference’s history.  Hired on a part-time basis in May 1999, she was elevated to full-time status this past July.  Ledwin also serves as the sports information director for the NJAC.  During her tenure the conference launched a website, reorganized its operating structure, and added SUNY-Cortland as an affiliate member in football. “We will be seeking an energetic, organized and experienced individual to keep the NJAC moving forward along the path Donna has established,” said conference president Edward Cialella, Director of Athletics at Rutgers University-Camden.  “We’re especially interested in someone who can help us capitalize on the NJAC’s national reputation for competitive excellence and spearhead a fundraising and corporate sponsorship campaign.” The conference hopes to have a new commissioner and sports information director in place by July 1.  Click here for the position announcement and job description.

NJAC BASKETBALL PLAYERS FINALISTS FOR KODAK ALL-AMERICA TEAM

Three women's basketball players from the NJAC all-conference team are finalists for Kodak All-American honors.  Joy Silver (Rutgers University-Camden), Kristi McCullough (Rowan University) and Kelli Bakanowsky (Richard Stockton College) were all named as regional finalists.  The national selections will be announced later this week.

NJAC RISES TO THE TOP AT NCAA INDOOR TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP

The New Jersey Athletic Conference turned in numerous stellar performances in both team and individual events at the  NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships held at Ohio Northern University this past weekend.  Montclair State University led all conference team finishers for the men with a third place finish, followed by The College of New Jersey in 8th place.  For the women's teams, Montclair State placed 8th, New Jersey City University came in 15th, and TCNJ was 20th.  National champions include Montclair State University sophomore sprinter Enrigque Llanos (Camden, NJ/Camden), who captured the men’s 55 meter hurdles, and New Jersey City University sophomore sprinter Diana Lawson (Union, NJ/Queen of Peace) who won  the 55-meter dash.  The U.S. Track Coaches Association also named MSU head coach Bennie Benson the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Coach of the Year. Benson, now in his seventh season, was also named Atlantic Region Coach of the Year. Click here for more details.

Week of March 4, 2002

HORVATH LEADS TCNJ SWEEP OF WOMEN'S SWIMMING AWARDS

Sophomore sprinter Aubrey Horvath (Hillsborough HS/Hillsborough, NJ) is the New Jersey Athletic Conference Swimmer of the Year, leading The College of New Jersey Lions in a sweep of every top conference award for the 2001-02 season. Horvath received first team all-conference honors in two individual events (50 free, 100 free) and two relays (200 free, 400 free). Sophomore Kristen Simms (Rancocas Valley HS/Mt. Holly, NJ) is the Diver of the Year for the second year in a row.  Simms continued to dominate the 1-meter and 3-meter events in and out of conference competition.  Rookie of the Years honors go to Annelise Lunde (Warren Hills Regional HS/Washington, NJ), a first team all- conference standout in the 100 breaststroke and a member of the Lions’ standout 200 medley relay and 400 medley relay teams.Second year head coach Jennifer Harnett is the NJAC Coach of the Year, having led the Lions to their third consecutive conference crown and the Metropolitan Swim Championship title for the fourth consecutive year. Click here for the complete 2001-02 all-conference women's swimming & diving team

Week of February 25, 2002

COACHES PICK MSU AND ROWAN TO REPEAT IN BASEBALL, SOFTBALL

The New Jersey Athletic Conference baseball and softball coaches predict a mirror finish of Spring 2001 in the top spots of the conference this season, with national tournament finalists Montclair State University leading the baseball predictions and Rowan University heading the list of softball contenders in the NJAC pre-season coaches’ polls. The NJAC as a whole is expected to perform well again nationally, as evidenced by the American Baseball Coaches Association pre-season poll which ranks Montclair State #4 and William Paterson University #30.  The conference coaches have chosen Rutgers University-Camden as the NJAC team most likely to cause an upset on the diamond. NJAC softball competition is also expected to be fierce at the top.  The Profs will have their hands full fending off challenges from William Paterson, who upset Rowan in last year’s Mid-Atlantic regional to advance to the championship round; perennial power The College of New Jersey; 2001 ECAC champs Montclair State University; and dark horse Rutgers University-Camden, all eager to claim the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.  The National Softball Coaches Association has ranked William Paterson #8 and Rowan #18 in their pre-season poll. Click here for the complete poll results and individual team outlooks: Softball             Baseball

ALL-CONFERENCE TEAMS ANNOUNCED FOR BASKETBALL AND TRACK 

The NJAC has announced its 2001-02 all-conference teams in basketball and indoor track and field.  Rutgers University-Camden student-athletes earned Player of the Year honors for both men's and women's basketball.  Joy Silver, a junior center, is a repeat selection for women's basketball, while Brian Turner, a senior guard, topped the list for the men. Diana Lawson, a sophomore speedster from New Jersey City University, is the Outstanding Performer of the Year for women's indoor track.  Ernest Tymes, a Montclair State University, freshman, was selected as the men's Performer of the Year. Click the following for the full list of award winners and all-conference team members: women's basketball           men's basketball        indoor track and field

NJAC EARNS 7 ECAC BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT BIDS

Seven NJAC schools were selected to participate in the ECAC Metro Basketball men's and women tournaments.  First round play begins Wednesday night. For the women, Rutgers-Camden earned the #2 seed, and they will host #7 College of Staten Island.  Richard Stockton is the third seed, and will play at home against #6 Stevens Tech.  Ramapo, the #4 seed, will host #5 Medgar Evers.  NYU is the #1 seed. On the men's side, Richard Stockton was named the top seed and will host #8 Lehman.  Montclair State, the second seed, will be home to face #7 Baruch.  Sixth seed NJCU will travel to #3 Manhattanville, and #5 Ramapo will be on the road against #4 Medgar Evers. The semifinals and finals will be played at the site of the highest remaining seed after Wednesday's games.

KEAN WOMEN ON THE ROAD, WPU MEN TO HOST
IN NCAA HOOPS TOURNAMENTS

The NCAA announced the 2002 men's and women's basketball tournament brackets on Sunday night.  Kean University, the NJAC women's champions, will travel to Salve Regina University in Newport, RI on Wednesday for a first round match up.   William  Paterson, the men's titleists, received a first round bye.  On Saturday, the Pioneers will host the winner of a contest between Cabrini College and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Week of February 18, 2002

TCNJ TAKES FIFTH STRAIGHT INDOOR TRACK TITLES

The College of New Jersey breezed to its fifth conference indoor track and field championship on Sunday.  The Lions have won every men's and women's indoor track and field title since the inception of the conference championship in 1998.  Sixteen conference records were broken and one conference meet record was established (women's pole vault) in the event held at the New York Armory Track and Field Center.  Click here for more details.

WPU DEFEATS STOCKTON FOR MEN'S BASKETBALL CROWN

William Paterson University dropped Richard Stockton College, 55-49, to claim their third consecutive NJAC title and secure the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.  The  4th seeded Pioneers upset the second seeded Ospreys on the road Saturday night.

KEAN DEFEATS TCNJ TO WIN WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

The Kean University Cougars won their first NJAC women's basketball championship in 11 years, upsetting top-seeded The College of New Jersey Friday night, 66-57.  The Cougars were led by Kellie Rice (22 points) and Jaquana Abdullah (20 points), while the Lions were paced by Liz Martin (16 points).

WILLIAM PATERSON TO MEET RICHARD STOCKTON
 IN MEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Fourth seed William Paterson University upset #1 Montclair State University, 66-42, to earn a berth in the NJAC men's basketball championship game Saturday.  The Pioneers will travel to Pomona, where they will face Richard Stockton College, a 74-68 winner over Ramapo College.  The final will tip off at 7:00pm.  Tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for students, senior citizens and children.

TCNJ VS. KEAN IN WOMEN'S FINAL FRIDAY;
WPU MEN BEAT NJCU TO EARN #4 SEED

The College of New Jersey will host Kean University in the championship of the New Jersey Athletic Conference women's basketball tournament Friday at 7:00pm.   The top- seeded Lions defeated #4 Richard Stockton College in overtime,75-63 , while #2 Kean got past  #3 Rutgers University-Camden , 86-81, earlier this evening.  The two finalists split wins during the regular season. On the men's side, William Paterson University upended the New Jersey City University Gothic Knights, 60-44, to win the Tuesday night play-in game for the #4 seed.  The Pioneers will face top-seeded Montclair State University, a team they beat twice during the regular season.  Thursday's game time is 7:00pm.

 

Week of February 11, 2002

MONTCLAIR STATE MEN RANKED FIRST IN BASKETBALL PLAY-OFFS

The Montclair State University Red Hawks (12-6 NJAC, 18-7 overall) will enter the 2002 New Jersey Athletic Conference men’s basketball tournament as top seed in rankings that were determined on the final date of regular season competition.  They will host the winner of a play-in game for the #4 seed, to be contested on Tuesday at 7:00pm by the participants in last year’s NJAC championship game:  the William Paterson University Pioneers (11-7 NJAC, 16-9 overall) versus New Jersey City University (11-7 NJAC, 16-9 overall) where the Gothic Knights will have home court advantage.  The winner will travel to MSU on Thursday evening at 7:00pm.  The Red Hawks will be led by junior guard Joseph Thomas (Linden HS/Linden, NJ), averaging 13.4 ppg.  NJCU will look to last season’s NJAC rookie of the year Samar Battle (Clifford Scott HS/East Orange, NJ), a forward averaging 16.6 ppg and 7.2 rpg, while WPU will be led by senior guard Rashaan Barner (Hillside HS/Hillside, NJ) who is contributing 18.6 ppg. The other first round game will feature #3 Ramapo College (12-6, NJAC, 18-7 overall)  traveling to #2 seed Richard Stockton College (12-6 NJAC, 18-7 overall), also a 7:00pm start on Thursday.  The Roadrunners and the Ospreys split games during the regular season.   The most recent meeting occurred earlier today, with Richard Stockton coming out on top in overtime, 68-66. The Ospreys will depend on the efforts of  senior forward Conrad Burnside (Pleasantville HS /Pleasantville, NJ) who leads the team with 12.5 ppg and 7.4 rpg. Ramapo will be relying on the second highest scorer in the conference, senior shooting guard Robert Anderson (St. Paul’s HS/ Lumber Bridge, NC), averaging 19.2 ppg along with junior point guard Tennyson Whitted (St. Anthony HS/Jersey City, NJ) who leads the nation in both assists per game (10.7) and steals per game (4.7) The championship game will be held on Saturday at 7:00pm at the site of the highest remaining seed.    The winner will receive the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament.  Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $2 for students, senior citizens and children.

TCNJ WOMEN EARN TOP SEED IN BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

Defending champion The College of New Jersey (14-4 NJAC, 18-7 overall) is the top seed in the 2002 New Jersey Athletic Conference women’s basketball tournament which opens on Wednesday night.  The Lions will host #4 seed Richard Stockton College (13-5 NJAC, 17-8 overall), last year’s tournament runner-up and ECAC champions, at 7:00pm. TCNJ split with the Ospreys during the regular season.  The Lions are riding a 10-game winning streak into the tournament. TCNJ will be led by Liz Martin (Shawnee HS/Shamong, NJ), a sophomore center/forward who is contributing 10.7 ppg and 4.5 rpg.  The Ospreys will counter with junior forward/guard Kelli Bakanowsky (Eastern HS/ Gibbsboro, NJ) who is averaging 16.4 ppg and 6.2 rpg. The other first round game will feature #3 Rutgers-Camden (13-5 NJAC, 18-6 overall) traveling to #2 seed Kean University (13-5 NJAC, 17-8 overall).  The two teams also split decisions during the regular season, with Rutgers-Camden getting the upper hand in the second match-up earlier today in a 61-58 win on the road. Junior center Joy Silver (Woodrow Wilson HS/Camden, NJ), last year’s NJAC Player of the Year, is currently ranked first in the conference in both scoring (19.5 ppg) and rebounding (12.6 rpg) and hopes to carry the Scarlet Raptors to back-to-back wins over the Cougars.  Standing in her way will be junior center Jaquana Abdullah (South Shore HS/Brooklyn, NY), who is averaging 12.2 ppg and 9.5 rpg for Kean. The championship game will be held on Friday at 7:00pm at the site of the highest remaining seed.  The winner will receive the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament.             Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $2 for students, senior citizens and children.

Week of February 11, 2002

TWO NJAC  PLAYERS DRAFTED BY MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

The New Jersey Athletic Conference has claimed the only two Division III players selected in the 2002 Major League Soccer SuperDraft.  Jeff Moore (Goucester Twp./Triton HS), a senior defender for 2001 national champions Richard Stockton College, and Mario Gomez (Jersey City, NJ/Dickinson HS), a sophomore midfielder for the nationally ranked New Jersey City University men's soccer team, were selected in the rookie draft on Sunday.  Both were taken by the hometown New York-New Jersey MetroStars.  Gomez was the 56th overall pick while Moore was #66. Moore, an NCAA Div. III second-team All-American, was a three-time NJAC all-conference selection and the Ospreys' all-time assist career leader with 48.  Gomez, the first NJCU soccer player ever taken in the MLS draft, was the Fall 2000 NJAC Rookie-of-the-Year.  The pair will begin their professional careers when the team opens the 2002 campaign, their seventh season, with a home game at Giants Stadium against the New England Revolution on Saturday, March 23.

Week of January 28, 2002

TCNJ WOMEN SWIMMERS CLAIM FIRST CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
OF WINTER 2002 SEASON 

The College of New Jersey women's swimming and diving team captured its third straight NJAC title in defeating William Paterson University, 144-81, on Saturday, Feb. 2.  The Lions concluded their conference schedule with a perfect 4-0 record.  They are currently 8-2 overall in dual meet competition. It is the first conference championship to be earned in the winter 2001-02 season.  Still to be determined are titles in women's basketball (Feb. 20 & 22), men's basketball (Feb. 21 & 23) and men's and women's indoor track and field (Feb. 22 & 24).

NJAC RANKS AMONG NCAA STATISTICAL HOOPS LEADERS 

The New Jersey Athletic Conference is figuring prominently in many national statistical categories in both men's and women's basketball as the 2001-02 season heads into its final phase of regular season activity. For the men, Ramapo junior point guard Tennyson Whitted leads the nation in assists per game (10.8) and steals per game (4.8).  He is also ranked #26 in free throw percentage.  On the team side of the ledger, Rowan ranks first in field goal percentage defense (35.6%) and fourth in scoring defense (59.4 ppg).  Click here for a complete list of the NJAC men's national statistical leaders. On the women's side, Rutgers-Camden junior center Joy Silver ranks highly in three categories:  rebounds per game (#7), blocks per game (#20) and scoring (#23).  Rutgers-Camden is also #3 in rebound margin.  Ramapo ranks in three team statistical categories:  scoring defense (#6), three point field goals per game (#5) and field goal percentage defense (#30).  Click here for a complete list of the NJAC women's national statistical leaders.

Week of January 7, 2002

TCNJ MOURNS LOSS OF MEN'S SWIM TEAM MEMBER 

The College of New Jersey athletic department and the campus community are mourning the passing of men's swimmer, freshman Caleb Bohman (Sussex, NJ/Vernon Township), who passed away on Sunday, January 6.  The son of Douglas and Linda Bohman of Sussex, Caleb was a freshman on TCNJ's men's swimming team, where he competed for the Lions in the backstroke events and was a computer graphic design major. Bohman collapsed Sunday, while at practice and was taken to Mercer Medical Center, where he could not be revived. "Obviously, we are all terribly saddened by Caleb's death and our thought and prayers go out to his family," said TCNJ Athletic Director, Kevin McHugh. McHugh added, "but even in such a dark hour, there is some comfort in witnessing the spirit of love and kinship among the swimmers and the coaches, for Caleb and for each other, and in the strong support of the campus community." "With Caleb's sudden tragic death, we feel as though we have lost part of our family," said TCNJ's head men's swimming coach, Brian Bishop. Bishop added, "his teammates and I will do everything we can to reach out to his parents, his brother, and his friends to help them through this difficult time and to show much Caleb meant to us, how he inspired us and how we were touched by him. The wake will be held at the Ferguson Funeral Home in Vernon, New Jersey on Thursday and Friday, January 10 and 11. Calling hour s will take place on Thursday from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Additional calling hours will be held on Friday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m.  A memorial mass for Caleb has been set for Sunday, January 13 at 2:00 p.m. at the Vernon United Methodist Church, located at the intersection of Rt. 94 and Church Street in Vernon, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the American Heart Association, 2550 Route 1, North Brunswick, NJ 08902 Thus far on the season, Caleb had helped TCNJ's swim team win both the Franklin & Marshall College Invitational as well as the Lions' Invitational, while posting a 4-2 dual meet record.  While competing at the 2001 Franklin & Marshall Invitational, he posted a fourth place finish in the 100 yard backstroke (55.06) as well as a 13th place finish in the 200 yard backstroke (2:03.79). At the Lions' Invitational, Bohman recorded a sixth place showing in the 100 yard backstroke (56.87), a ninth place finish in the 200 yard backstroke (2:08.41). He was also part of the Lions' ninth place 400 yard medley relay team and the seventh place 800 yard freestyle relay team (7:50.24).  Against Montclair State University, he won the 200 backstroke with his time of 2:12.49, while also helping the team take second in the 400 medley relay (3:48.08). A stand-out performer at Vernon Township High School, Caleb was a member of the National Honor Society as well as an honor student and a peer tutor. As a senior, he captained the swim team and was a four-year letterwinner as both a swimmer and a track and field athlete at Vernon Township. A four-year all-league performer in swimming, he took third place in the state championship as a member of both the 400 freestyle relay and the 200 medley relay teams.

Week of December 3, 2001

ROWAN'S RACIOPPI HEADS LIST OF NJAC PLAYERS
ON 2001 ECAC ALL-STAR FOOTBALL TEAMS 

Rowan University junior quarterback Tony Racioppi is the 2001 ECAC Co-Player of the Year for the Southeast region, heading a team which includes 17 NJAC players on the first team.  William Paterson wide receiver Brian Lowenstein was named the Southeast region's Rookie of the Year.  SUNY Cortland also placed two players on the Northwest region first team team. Joining Racioppi on the first team offense are running back Frankie Sinclair (NJCU), wide receiver Scott Lipford (Rowan), tight end Rich Gildner (TCNJ), and offensive linemen Joe Panzica (William Paterson), Rob Rieck (Rowan) and Anthony Vitale (Montclair State).  Both special teams selections were from the NJAC:  Lipford as the return specialist and punter/kicker Mickey Hulse (William Paterson).  Cortland's Dom Narcisco was chosen as the top return specialist for the Northwest region. On defense, first team honors went to lineman Gerit Tosh (Rowan), linebackers Omar Lucas (Montclair State), Matt Scaravaglione (TNCJ), and Earle Whilby (Rowan); and defensive backs Sharif Battle (NJCU), Mark Hall (Montclair State), Kenyatta Jefferson (William Paterson) and Clinton Tabb (Rowan).  Lineman Justin Gualtieri (Cortland) was named first team defense for the Northwest region. Honorable mention went to defensive linemen Bill Heaney (Montclair State) and Michael Garcia (Rowan), wide receiver Eric Magrini (Montclair State), linebacker Bobby Fisher (Rowan), and offensive lineman Dave Pinto (William Paterson).

Week of November 26, 2001

ALL FIVE NJAC SCHOOLS REPRESENTED
ON ECAC FIELD HOCKEY ALL-STAR TEAM

The New Jersey Athletic Conference landed seven players on the ECAC Division III Field Hockey All-Star Team.  All five NJAC schools which sponsor field hockey were represented.  First team members include Rowan midfielder Abby Singley and NJAC Defensive Player of the Year Megan McCall of The College of New Jersey.  Second team selections include NJAC Offensive Player of the Year Lesley Dube of William Paterson, defenders Cheryl Perone of Kean and Ali Bellino of Montclair State, midfielder Kerri Hunt of TCNJ, and goalkeeper Lesley Snock of Rowan.

MEMORIAL SERVICE PLANNED FOR TCNJ'S WALKER

The College of New Jersey will hold an on campus memorial service to pay tribute to legendary softball coach and administrator, Dr. June Walker. Walker passed away at her home in Cuthbert, Georgia after suffering a short illness on October 27. She was 67 years old. The service will be held on Friday, December 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the Music Building located on the Ewing campus.  For more information, contact the Department of Athletics at (609) 771-2230.

TCNJ IN FIRST PLACE IN SEARS CUP STANDINGS

The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletic (NACDA) and Sears, Roebuck and Company have released the first standings for the Sears Director ’s Cup race for Division III for the 2001-2002 academic year and The College of New Jersey is in first place. TCNJ, which has finished in the top five in the Division III Sears Directors' Cup standings in each of the program's six year, is coming off another banner fall season. TCNJ has posted 253 points by scoring in all four sports contested thus far. The Lions placed third in field hockey, fifth in women's soccer, eighth in men's cross country and tenth in women's cross country.  In second place is Williams College, a five-time champion, with 188 points. They are followed by the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse with 175 points; Calvin College in fourth with 158 points; and Amherst College in fifth with 155 points.  Points are awarded based on each institution's finish in up to 18 sports – nine for men and nine for women. Each national champion receives 100 points. The Sears Directors’ Cup is awarded by NACDA to the best overall athletic program and is in its fourth year on the Division III level. The Sears Directors’ Cup program, which awards Waterford Crystal trophies valued at $35,000 each, is presented in partnership by NACDA and Sears, Roebuck and Company, and is the only national awards and scholarship program to recognize all NCAA and NAIA championship sports for both women’s and men’s athletics.

Week of November 19, 2001

ROWAN'S RACIOPPI, MSU'S LUCAS HEAD NJAC
FOOTBALL ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM

Junior quarterback Tony Racioppi (Red Bank Regional HS/Tinton Falls, NJ) is the New Jersey Athletic Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year and senior linebacker Omar Lucas (Irvington HS/Irvington, NJ) is the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year in football for the Fall 2001 season. In leading the Profs to the NJAC title, Racioppi was the conference’s top rated passer (171.20 efficiency).  He threw for 2600 yards and 37 touchdowns in the regular season, averaging 310.8 ypg total offense.  Montclair State’s Lucas anchored the conference’s top-rated defense, helping them to a runner-up finish in the conference and an NCAA tournament bid.  He averaged 7.9 tackles per game, including 16 solo tackles for losses. SUNY Cortland tailback Steven Davis (Central Islip HS/Central Islip, NY) is the Offensive Rookie of the Year.  The conference’s second leading rusher (77.3 ypg), he was the only freshman selected to the first team on either offense or defense.  He also led the Red Dragons in scoring, averaging 6.0 ppg.   New Jersey City University’s Amir Womack (Dickinson HS/Jersey City, NJ) is the Defensive Rookie of the Year.  An outside linebacker, Womack averaged 6.0 tackles per game.  He also earned second team all-conference honors. Rowan University head coach K.C. Keeler was named Coach of the Year.  He led the Profs to an 8-1 regular season record, the NJAC title, and an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament.

TCNJ SWEEPS TOP CROSS COUNTRY ALL-CONFERENCE AWARDS

The College of New Jersey senior Eamon O’Brien (Paramus HS/ Paramus, NJ) has repeated as the New Jersey Athletic Conference’s Male Runner of the Year and TCNJ sophomore Beth Vesey (Ramsey HS/Ramsey, NJ) the NJAC Female Runner of the Year for the Fall 2001 Cross Country Season.  Both finished first in their respective races at the NJAC Cross Country Championship on October 28, leading the Lions to the men’s and women’s titles.  O’Brien ran the 8K course in 25:51, while Vesey posted a time of 18:45 for the 5K course.     TCNJ head coach Steve Dolan earned both Men’s and Women’s Coach of the Year honors.  In addition to winning both NJAC team titles, the Lions also qualified for the national Division III championship meet.   Both squads finished in the top ten, with the men in eighth place and the women in tenth.

UPDATE ON NJAC IN THE NCAA

The Richard Stockton College men's soccer team advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament, defeating Rowan University 1-0 this past Sunday.  The Ospreys will host St. Lawrence University on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 6:30pm for the chance to move on to the Final Four. The College of New Jersey men's and women's cross country teams both advanced to the national meet, which will be held this Saturday at Augustana College.  The men finished second and the women third at the Mid-Atlantic Regionals to earn the right to compete at the national level. And the NJAC placed two teams in the Division III football tournament.   Conference champion Rowan University will face SUNY Brockport at home this Saturday at noon, while runner-up Montclair State University hosts Ithaca College, also at noon.

Week of October 28, 2001

TCNJ MOURNS LOSS OF LEGENDARY COACH, DR. JUNE WALKER

The College of New Jersey athletic community is mourning the loss of legendary softball coach and administrator, Dr. June Walker. Walker passed away at her home in Cuthbert, Georgia after suffering a short illness on October 27. She was 67 years old and would have celebrated her 68th birthday on October 28. Walker served as head softball coach at Trenton State College, now The College of New Jersey, for 22 seasons, spanning from 1974 until 1995. During that time, she guided the softball program to an amazing 721 wins with only 154 losses, while coaching her players to numerous championship titles and honors. In addition to coaching, Walker also served as Associate Director of Athletics at The College during her tenure. A 1954 graduate of the University of Georgia, Walker earned both her undergraduate and a master's degree there and later earned her doctoral degree from the University of Texas in 1969. A pioneer and a legend among women's coaches, Walker was a respected member of the college athletic community and fought for women's rights in all aspects of college athletics. She was voted Division III Coach of the Year five times during her career and placed Trenton State College's softball at the pinnacle of non-athletic scholarship programs. During her career, her Lion softball teams from 1982 until 1995 became the only Division III program in the country to have earned 16 consecutive national championship tournament berths, while also advancing all 16 times to the semifinals (twice under the auspices of the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women and 14 times in NCAA post-season competition), never finishing lower than fourth. Walker was inducted into the NSCA Hall of Fame in 1992 following her fourth selection as Coach of the Year. During her career, she produced 65 All-American performers, which was at the time, more than any other coach on the Division I, II, or III level. Her 48 players honored as First Team All-Americans was also more than any coach in Division I, II, or III, past or present. Entering the 2001 season, her 721 career wins ranked 16th highest among all coaches, Division I, II, and III, and still remains first among Division III coaches. Entering the 2001 season, her .824 career win percentage was ranked fifth among coaches on all levels, while her win percentage among Division III coaches is still first. Her Lion softball teams posted a record of 78-22 (.780 win percentage) lifetime in NCAA post-season play and never failed to reach the College World Series in 14 years of tournament participation.

CORTLAND NAMES ROBERT McBEE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS