Pickin' Splinters

Atlantic 10 adds VCU as full member

Casey — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:14:41 +0000

Courtesy of Atlantic10.com

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The Atlantic 10 Conference Council of Presidents has formally accepted Virginia Commonwealth University for membership, the league announced Tuesday.

VCU, which combines outstanding academics with successful athletic programs, will join the A-10 on July 1, 2012 and begin competition during the 2012-13 academic year. The immediate addition will bring the total number of Atlantic 10 members to 15 for the 2012-13 season. VCU fields 16 of the A-10’s 21 championship sports.

“The addition of Virginia Commonwealth University to the Atlantic 10 further strengthens us as the nation’s premier basketball-driven conference,” said Father Michael J. Graham, Xavier University President and Chair of the Atlantic 10 Council of Presidents. “Accepting VCU’s application makes sense on two important levels — its emphasis on the quality of the student experience of its student-athletes, especially in the classroom, and its commitment to the highest levels of competition. Both ideals square perfectly with the identity of the A-10 and all of its member institutions.”

Academically and athletically, VCU has an outstanding profile that is comparable with other Atlantic 10 institutions. A trademark of the Atlantic 10 Conference is its academic excellence; the league ranks third among all Division I conferences in the most recent NCAA graduation rates with an incredible 89 percent of student-athletes graduating. VCU’s latest NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) score is in step with all 14 current A-10 institutions.

“It is my privilege to be able to announce the addition of VCU to the Atlantic 10 Conference. It is an institution rich in tradition, academic excellence and broad-based athletic success,” said Atlantic 10 Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade. “One of the driving forces and priorities of the A-10 is to further enhance our national prominence in men’s basketball, build our brand and strengthen our current footprint. In addition to bringing in well-rounded sports programs across the board, VCU solidifies the A-10 academically and athletically.”

The Atlantic 10 has had 41 at-large NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament selections in the past 20 years, including three in 2012. The A-10 also has boasted 62 postseason appearances in the last decade. For the fifth year in a row, the Atlantic 10 Conference earned at least three bids and multiple at-large bids into the NCAA Tournament. Over the last six years, the Atlantic 10 has had 12 at-large selections – the seventh most among all other Division I conferences. A record eight A-10 institutions received invitations to the 2012 NCAA and NIT postseason tournaments, more than 29 of the 31 Division I conferences. The A-10 had eight institutions rated in the top 100 of the RPI at seasons end last year.

VCU went to the Final Four in 2011. Along with the recent addition of Butler University, it brings the total A-10 programs with at least one appearance in the Final Four to eight. VCU has made 11 total trips to the NCAA Tournament with four of those coming in the last six years. In seven of those 11 trips, the Rams have won at least one game, including their run to the 2011 Final Four. VCU has had eight postseason appearances since 2000.

“VCU believes the A-10 represents the best opportunity to meet our long-term aspirations for national academic and athletic achievement,” said VCU President Michael Rao. “As a Division I, nationally competitive athletics program, it is critical that VCU seizes the opportunity to further elevate its athletics as it raises its overall academic profile as a national research university. VCU’s Quest for Distinction strategic plan calls for excellence in all we do, including athletics. Moving to the Atlantic 10 Conference supports that quest for higher standards of excellence in our athletic programs.”

VCU has more than 31,000 students on two Richmond, Va., campuses in addition to a branch in Qatar and international partnerships in 11 other countries. Its graduate programs are ranked in the Top 25 by U.S. News & World Report and VCU boasts 32 top-ranked graduate and first professional programs. In addition, VCU has a strong research component, with more than $256 million in awards in sponsored research in 2011.

“The Atlantic 10 is a conference that gives us an opportunity to not only build our national brand, but also be associated and compete against great institutions with tremendous profiles, both athletically and academically,” said David Benedict, VCU’s interim director of athletics. “We believe that the transition to the A-10 allows us to enhance the experience of all of our student-athletes.”

During the 2011-12 season, Atlantic 10 men’s basketball conference teams appeared on television over 350 times, a record in the 36-year history of the league. One of just five conferences to have its men’s basketball championship air on network television (CBS), the A-10 currently has partnerships with CBS and ESPN. VCU enters the league as negotiations for the new media rights agreement are beginning. The Rams will also play their first A-10 Men’s Basketball Championship in the state-of-the-art Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

The Atlantic 10, one of the premier women’s basketball leagues in the country, is celebrating four consecutive years of 50 percent of its membership participating in postseason play. A program on the rise, VCU has won 20 games in three of the last four years with postseason appearances in each of those years.

The A-10 has had Olympic sport success as well, earning multiple NCAA bids in several sports, including a trip to the NCAA Men’s Soccer championship game, and at-large bids in men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball and men’s golf. UMass’ nationally-ranked women’s lacrosse team competed in the NCAA Championship this spring as did GW men’s tennis and Richmond’s women’s tennis.

One of the most successful programs in college athletics, VCU’s men’s tennis team has made 16 NCAA tournament appearances, and finished in the Top 25 rankings for 17 years. The women’s tennis team has 12 NCAA appearances and seven other VCU Olympic Sports have made multiple NCAA Championship appearances in recent years. This includes the Rams’ golf, men’s soccer and baseball teams, which have combined for 23 NCAA appearances.

VCU, along with current A-10 member the University of Richmond, are the only two Division I institutions in Richmond, Va., the nation’s 57th largest media market. The Atlantic 10 holds one of the most impressive media footprints in all of Division I with Atlantic 10 institutions residing in cities that comprise 21 percent of all American television households. There are nine A-10 schools in the top 25 media markets in the country and every institution is located in the top 65 markets.

About the A-10
The Atlantic 10 Conference was formed in 1976, is currently comprised of 14 member institutions and sponsors 21 championship sports. The mission and goal of the Atlantic 10 is to preserve, protect, and enhance the academic and athletic pursuits of the membership. The conference is committed to integrity, educational excellence and providing quality equitable championship experiences for more than 6,000 student-athletes, coaches, and support staff. The member institutions of the Atlantic 10 are the University of Dayton, Duquesne University, Fordham University, The George Washington University, La Salle University, University of Massachusetts, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University of Rhode Island, University of Richmond, St. Bonaventure University, Saint Joseph’s University, Saint Louis University, Temple University, and Xavier University.

McConnell-Serio, Duquesne reach long-term contract extension

Smitty — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:00:51 +0000

Courtesy of goduquesne.com

Courtesy of Duquesne Athletics

PITTSBURGH - Duquesne University Director of Athletics Greg Amodio announced today that head women’s basketball coachSuzie McConnell-Serio has agreed to a multi-year contract extension which secures her as the Dukes’ coach through the 2017-18 season.

“We are committed to Suzie and the job she has done in building and leading our women’s basketball program,” said Amodio. “Through passion and hard work, she has made our program into one that has not only made great strides, but also one that is positioned to do great things in the future. Duquesne women’s basketball is clearly heading in the right direction under Suzie’s guidance.”

“I am grateful for the commitment shown by the University and Department of Athletics to the women’s basketball program,” said McConnell-Serio. “We have been able to accomplish a lot in a short period of time at Duquesne, but we still have a number of more ambitious goals we are focused on attaining. I look forward to recruiting and coaching the kind of student-athletes who will continue to make Duquesne fans proud both on and off the court.”

McConnell-Serio, who will be entering her sixth season on the Bluff, has led the Dukes to four straight 20-win seasons as well as four consecutive appearances in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament. Under Coach Serio’s leadership, the Dukes are just one of four teams in the Atlantic 10 Conference to record at least 20 wins in the past four seasons.

Duquesne had never recorded a 20-win season or postseason tournament appearance prior to McConnell-Serio’s arrival.

Open Thread Thursday | May 10, 2012

Casey — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:09:26 +0000

Photo by Mickey Shuey

Hail to the readers. Please pick a topic and post it in a comment.

Scott Machado, Calvin Murphy, Edwin Ubiles and the MAAC Press Break

Casey — Thu, 10 May 2012 02:22:22 +0000

Scott Machado (Courtesy of Iona athletics)

The comings and goings of MAAC men’s basketball.

NBA Draft Profile: One-on-One with Scott Machado

Iona’s Scott Machado exploded onto the scene this past season, putting up big numbers: 13.6 points per game, 9.9 assists per game, 5.0 rebounds per game, and 1.6 steals per game. Yet, while Machado skyrocketed up draft projections and finally got media coverage this year, he was most certainly not a one-year performer. Instead, Machado had an extremely impressive college career.

In fact, over his four-year career, Machado averaged around 12 points and 6.5 assists per game. Even as a freshman, Machado was playing a substantial role on the team, averaging 27 minutes per game. What truly makes Machado a special player and what scouts are impressed with is his ability to improve each and every season. Machado is the ultimate workhorse, always putting in the time to improve his craft. No complacency whatsoever.

Now, Machado is projected as one of the best point guards in the nation and a likely early second, late first round draft pick.

Thus, the important question must be presented, did playing at a mid-major put Machado at a disadvantage in terms of being seen by pro scouts?

Ubiles named to NBA D-League First Team

After previously being named the NBA Developmental League Rookie of the Year, former Siena Saint Edwin Ubiles was named today to the 2012 All-NBA D-League First Team as one of the top five players overall in the league as voted by its 16 coaches. Ubiles made Siena history earlier in the year when he became the first Saint to appear in an NBA game when he checked in during the second quarter of the Wizards matchup against the Nets on March 21st. During his 10 day stay with the Wizards, Edwin saw action in four of six possible contests. His strongest performance came on the 24th vs the Hawks when Ubiles scored 10 points on 4-8 shooting to go along with 2 rebounds.

Davis joins Manhattan coaching staff

RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Manhattan head men’s basketball coach Steve Masiello has officially named Rasheen Davis an assistant coach on his staff. Davis, a New York City native, returns to his hometown bringing five years of high level NCAA Division I experience to the Jaspers basketball program. Davis spent the last two years as an assistant coach at Xavier on Chris Mack’s staff helping the Musketeers to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Sweet Sixteen in 2011-12.

Jasper standout Durelle Brown named Kingswood Oxford head coach

“It is literally a dream come true,” Brown said. “Twenty years ago this year, I was applying, interviewing and touring Kingswood Oxford School, and here I am now as the coach.”

Canisius announces roster changes

Canisius College men’s basketball coach Jim Baron announced today that three players have been granted a release from their commitment to the Golden Griffin men’s basketball program and will be transferring.

Canisius junior Gaby Belardo, sophomore David Santiago and freshman Franklin Milian will not be returning to Canisius for the 2012-13 academic year.

Niagara to host alumni weekend

The main event will be the games played at the legendary ‘Taps’ Gallagher Center – the Old-Timers’ Game and the Mihalich Era Game. The Old-Timers’ game will feature legends from Buffalo State, Canisius and St. Bonaventure against Niagara’s legends, while the Mihalich Era Game will feature alums from 1999-2012. The Old-Timers’ Game will start at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Mihalich Era Game. Tickets for the games will be $5. After the games, there will be a postgame autograph session and a reception.

Hall-of-Famer Calvin Murphy

Pound for pound, nobody played with more heart than Calvin Murphy. This big 5-foot-9 dynamo played pressure basketball at both ends of the court. He was a penetrator supreme on offense who could stop on a dime and stick a jump shot. His aggressive, belly-to-belly style also made him a top-notch defensive player despite guarding bigger players. A scoring phenomenon in high school and college, Murphy tallied 2,548 points (33.1 ppg) at Niagara University and once torched Syracuse for 68 points.

The case for the 20-year-old age limit in the NBA

And for elite players who play one college year before turning pro, that process remains stunted. That’s the single most important part of a player’s development and we ignore it like it doesn’t totally matter — basic foundation points like learning how to commit to a team, embracing the unity of a group, trusting your teammates, and working within a larger framework. Harvard coach Tommy Amaker puts it well, saying, “We’ve become a culture of skipping steps.” So many young NBA players might be physically gifted, but they skipped crucial development steps along the way. It would help if they were forced to make one or two more of those steps within the framework of the college game.

Academic All-Jesuit Capsules

Ryan Olander – Fairfield (Sr., C, 7-0, Mansfield, CT)

3.58 in Marketing … Named to the MAAC All-Academic team … Selected to the Academic All-Jesuit squad for the third year (first team in 2010-2011, honorable mention in 2009-2010) … Started at center in all 37 games for the Stags, leading the team in blocks while also being among the leaders in scoring (fourth) and rebounding (third).

Kyle Koncz named Fairfield Director of Basketball Operations

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Sydney Johnson announced the addition of Kyle Koncz to his staff this afternoon. Koncz will become the program’s Director of Basketball Operations, taking over for Martin Bahar who was elevated to assistant coach earlier this month.

“I am pleased to have Kyle join our staff as the director of basketball operations,” Coach Johnson said. “His experience will be an asset to our staff as well as a valuable source for our student-athletes.”

Machado one of four O’Connell Award winners

One of the top men’s basketball performers in Iona history
One of five Iona performers in history to earn the Haggerty Award for New York Metropolitan Area men’s basketball player of the year
Two-time All-MAAC and All-MBWA First Team performer was named the MAAC Player of the Year in 2012 and the MAAC Rookie of the Year in 2009.
Earned AP All-America Honorable Mention in 2012
Named a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award in 2012 given to the nation’s top point guard.

Siena set to face La Salle at Times Union Center

The Siena men’s basketball team has completed its 2012-13 schedule, nailing down a game against La Salle of the Atlantic 10 on Dec. 29 at Times Union Center.

The teams had been talking for a while, but there was some question whether La Salle might have a scheduling conflict because of a televised game. That has been resolved.

Rider report: resilient squad looks for more

Almost as many ups and downs as an elevator. A terrible start, followed by a nice mid-season turnaround, followed by some mediocre play, followed by two terrific wins to end the regular season, followed by a first-round ouster in the conference tournament. Still, an above-.500 finish in league play, which included season-ending victories over Loyola and Fairfield, the teams that competed in the MAAC tournament’s championship game. But, then, the Broncs lost to Fairfield in the tournament’s quarterfinal round when, trailing by two points with seven seconds left it failed to get a rebound on a missed Stags’ free throw. Still, Rider had a chance to tie it but a missed tip in attempt after a purposely missed free throw in the final second ended a classic of a game.

A high school senior is also a keen student of college recruiting

Kline is the 17-year-old impresario behind TheRecruitScoop.com, which in three years of existence has established itself as a highly authoritative observer of the college basketball recruiting scene. His reliable reporting has earned him 21,000 followers on Twitter, and on Monday, his upstart site will enter a new phase. That is when Kline, still in high school, will officially become a partner with Rivals.com and Yahoo Sports and take himself and his site to a new level of exposure.

Walker nabs Loyola’s Unsung Hero Award

The Men’s Unsung Hero Award went to men’s basketball senior Shane Walker. Head coach Jimmy Patsos often describes Walker as a coach among student-athletes, and his skill, willingness to accept his role and desire to win were critical for his team. Walker was the fifth-leading scorer, averaging 9.0 points and 6.3 rebounds, while helping the team to its most successful season in Division I history. Walker led the Greyhounds to a 24-9 overall record, a MAAC tournament title and the team’s first NCAA appearance since 1994.

Two sides sum up in former Marist coach’s case

Jurors will continue deliberations today in Marist College’s civil lawsuit against its former head men’s basketball coach, Matt Brady, after each side gave summations Tuesday.Attorney John Hannigan, representing Marist, said Tuesday that Brady breached his contract with the Town of Poughkeepsie school by leaving to take the same job at James Madison University in Virginia and keeping in contact with four high school players he recruited while at Marist. Brady subsequently signed scholarship offers for each player, and they played for him at James Madison.

Got anything to add to the Press Break? Please post it in a comment.

Schmidt, St. Bonaventure reach long-term contract extension

Casey — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:33:20 +0000

Courtesy of SBU athletics

Courtesy of GoBonnies.com.

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – Men’s basketball head coach Mark Schmidt has signed a long-term extension with St. Bonaventure University, director of athletics Steve Watson announced on Wednesday.

Schmidt, now under contract through the conclusion of the 2018-19 campaign, inked a five-year extension following a season that culminated with the program’s first Atlantic 10 Championship title and first NCAA Tournament berth since 2000. No further details of the contract will be announced.

“I’m happy we were able to reach a long-term agreement and give men’s basketball at St. Bonaventure the security and continuity it deserves,” Watson said. ”Mark and his staff have done a terrific job with the program on the court, in the classroom, on campus and in the community. We look forward to their continued success.”

The Sporting News Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year guided the Bonnies to 20 wins in 2011-12, the most in a season since 2000, while posting a 10-6 A-10 mark that earned a bye into the A-10 Championship in Atlantic City.

“I’m pleased and honored by the commitment the University made to me and my staff,” Schmidt said. “The players that my staff has successfully recruited the previous five years have brought our program back to prominence. We fully expect to continue building on the tradition of excellence and doing it the right way in years to come.”

SBU defeated three 20-win teams in as many days, highlighted by a 67-56 triumph of Xavier in the title game to advance to the NCAAs for the sixth time in school history.

The Bonnies received one vote in the final Associated Press Top 25 Poll and have increased their league-win total in each of Schmidt’s five seasons, while simultaneously improving the strength of schedule and Rating Percentage Index (RPI) metrics.

Additionally, the North Attleboro, Mass. native was instrumental in the development of A-10 Player of the Year and AP Honorable Mention All-American Andrew Nicholson, who ended his career ranked second in school history in scoring (2,103 points) and fourth in rebounds (887).

La Salle mourns the loss of Hall Of Athletes member Buddy Donnelly

Casey — Wed, 09 May 2012 07:35:42 +0000

Courtesy of GoExplorers.com.

PHILADELPHIA – La Salle mourns the passing Charles “Buddy” Donnelly ‘52, a member of the University’s Hall of Athletes and the captain of the 1952 NIT Championship men’s basketball team, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 81.

“Buddy meant a lot to the La Salle community as a member of the 1952 NIT Champions,” Director of Athletics Dr. Tom Brennan said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. Donnelly (June 11, 1930 – May 6, 2012) was the point guard and playmaker on the 1952 Explorers that defeated Dayton, 75-64, in the NIT Championship game.

Following graduation, Donnelly was the player/coach of the U.S. Army’s Ft. Belvoir (Va.) basketball team that featured Duke All-American Dick Groat. The team won the 1953 All-Army Tournament.

Mr. Donnelly was an insurance salesman for most of his career, once opening a business with former teammate Tom Gola.

He later coached Father Judge High School, compiling a 100-30 record in nine seasons. Mr. Donnelly also coached the Camden Bullets of the Eastern League and St. Joseph’s High School in Hammonton, N.J.

Mr. Donnelly was inducted into the La Salle Hall of Athletes in 1992.

He is survived by his three children Michael, Robert and Stacy. Donnelly is pre-deceased by his first wife, Mary, and his second wife, Alice.

The viewing will be held Thursday, May 10 beginning at 7 p.m. and on Friday, May 11 from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. at the Joseph A. Quinn Funeral Home, 5358 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, Pa.

The funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 11 at Saint Martin of Tours Church, 5450 Roosevelt Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa.

Butler’s move for the future has roots in the past

Casey — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:17:35 +0000

Courtesy: Butler Athletics

By Paul Casey Gotham

By the time last Wednesday’s deluge of tweets subsided, hunch became reality. The Butler Bulldogs officially announced their membership into the Atlantic 10 starting with the 2013-14 season.

Pundits abandoned the 140-character platform and turned to full-length analysis. Some suggested that the Butler charm “will be fundamentally altered.“ Others pointed out a need for an upgrade to facilities.

On the other hand, SI’s Luke Winn showed that Butler can hang with the increased competition provided by the Atlantic 10. Of course, Butler’s offensive efficiency might get a tad more resistance in the A-10.

If nothing else, the marriage of Butler and the Atlantic 10, called a “great fit” by Xavier University President and Chair of the Atlantic 10 Council of Presidents, Father Michael J. Graham, makes sense. It makes so much sense that one might wonder why it hadn’t happened sooner.

After winning 20 games this past season, the two-time national runner-up found itself on the outside looking in when the NCAA compiled its guest list. Somehow, the Horizon League was deemed not worthy while conferences like the Pac-12 received multiple bids. (Keep in mind that Cleveland State (a 26-game winner last season) beat Wake Forest (when the Demon Deacons still had a shred of relevance) in the opening round of the 08-09 tournament. All told, Horizon League teams went 11-3 in the NCAA Tournament from 2009-11. In fact, Horizon League teams won NCAA Tournament games every year from 2005-2011.

Yet no at-large bid went its way this year.

Butler’s decision, in effect, was made for it.

When the Bulldogs begin play in the A-10, they will reunite with five former conference rivals. Butler and Xavier were charter members of the Midwestern Collegiate Conference (originally known as the Midwestern City Conference) . The Musketeers competed in the MCC from 1979-80 until 1994-95. St. Louis joined the league in 1982 and stayed through the 1990-91 season. Dayton (1988-93), Duquesne (1992-93) and La Salle (1992-95) all followed from there.

At a time when the monetary lure of pigskin dictates conference realignments, Butler chose to make a move with basketball in mind. The Bulldogs add the legendary Hinkle Fieldhouse to a conference where the venues consist of the hallowed hardwoods of Rose Hill and the Palestra, the UD Arena, site of the most NCAA Tournament games and the Cintas and Reilly Centers, widely considered as two of the toughest arenas in the country. Butler will create new rivalries with Richmond, Rhode Island, St. Joseph’s and St. Bonaventure – campuses where basketball is king.

The A-10 will also continue discussions on the topic of increasing the number conference games. Something that will only work to heighten these battles.

Butler joins a conference with 41 at-large bids in the past 20 years. The A-10 has earned multiple at-large in each of the last five seasons.

Some might suggest Butler is in over their heads. If they are, it is where they belong – in a conference building the competition of basketball.

Butler’s move brings the past into the present, and paves the way for a bright future in the Atlantic 10.

Monroe season ends with loss in regional final

Casey — Mon, 07 May 2012 00:56:23 +0000

Jon Klein gave up one run in 10 innings of work to earn tournament Most Valuable Pitcher honors. (Courtesy: MCC Athletics)

By Paul Casey Gotham

BATAVIA, NY — A weekend which started with so much promise for the Monroe Community College Tribunes ended in defeat.

The Mercyhurst NE Saints pounded out 12 hits and took advantage of some untimely Tribune defensive miscues to capture the Region III Division II title 8-4 on Sunday.

The Saints pushed three runs across in the first and fourth innings to fight off a resilient MCC nine.

Tim Denman (Beaver Falls, PA/Blackhawk) plated a pair in the first with a single up the middle. Tyler Fisher (Erie, PA/ Villa Maria) came around to score. An outfield error allowed Shane Wagner (New Wilmington, PA/Wilmington) to score from first.

Mercyhurst added a run in the third on a single, stolen base, sacrifice fly and a wild pitch.

Down 4-1 in the fourth, the Tribunes battled back. Ralph Alloco (Rochester, NY/McQuaid) went opposite field with the first pitch of the stanza. He advanced to third on a hit-and-run single by Brad Kaczka (Pittsford, NY/ Sutherland). Alloco scored on fly ball to center field by Brian Dixon (East Amherst, NY/St. Joseph’s). Kaczka moved to second on the play and eventually to third on an errant pick-off attempt at second. Spencer Scorza (Penfield, NY/Penfield) made it a 4-3 game with a RBI sacrifice fly.

But Mercyhurst responded.

Fisher and Joe Lauria (Erie, PA/ Cathedral Prep) knocked back-to-back one-out singles. The Tribunes appeared to be out of the inning on a Denman ground ball, but a controversial play at second resulted in an error, and two runs scored on the play. It appeared that runner interference occurred, but none was called. Denman came around to score on a single, and the Saints led 7-3.

Monroe threatened in the sixth. Dixon singled with two outs. Scorza reached on an error, and the pair advanced on the throw. But the Black and Gold could not take advantage.

Kaczka worked a one-out walk in the eight and moved to second on a ground ball by Dixon. Scorza plated the run with a bloop single that landed just inside the right field line. That would be Monroe’s final run of the season.

Scorza went 2-4 with two RBI.

Dixon went 1-3 on the day and 9-16 for the weekend.

Kaczka had a hit, a walk and two runs scored.

Monroe finishes the season 20-24.

Monroe’s Jon Klein (Cheektowaga, NY/ Cheektowaga) gave up one run in 10 innings of work to earn Most Valuable Pitcher.

Mercyhurst’s Denman earned Most Valuable Position Player.

Charlotte 49ers join Conference USA

Casey — Sun, 06 May 2012 12:18:40 +0000

Courtesy of Charlotte49ers.com.

Charlotte, N.C. — The Charlotte 49ers are moving to Conference USA.

In a press conference held on-campus in the Student Union, today, UNC Charlotte Chancellor Dr. Philip Dubois announced that the university has accepted an invitation to join Conference USA, in all sports, beginning in the 2013-14 academic year.

“The invitation to join Conference USA is momentous in what it can do for our university,” Dubois said. “As stewards of this university, it is incumbent upon us to provide the best leadership for today and the best promise for tomorrow. We have yet to take a snap on McColl-Richardson field, yet to play our first game, yet to have even our first practice — but because of who we are, because of what we’ve done, and because of the great community we live in — we have the unique opportunity to become one of the first programs in history to go from no football to FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) football in the minimum time allowed by NCAA regulations.”

Conference USA is an FBS Conference that will provide a home for all 17 of the 49ers sports, including football. The 49ers football team will enjoy its inaugural season in 2013 as an independent FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) program and will compete in its first FBS season in Conference USA in 2015. Charlotte will be bowl eligible for football in the 2016 season. Each of the 49ers other 16 sports will begin play in Conference USA in 2013-14.

“In adding football, it was imperative that we find a conference to compete in – and today we struck gold,” said Director of Athletics Judy Rose. “We not only found a conference to play in – but we found an FBS Conference. A top 10 basketball conference. A conference that includes regional rivals, and holds national attention and it’s a conference that has an in-state opponent to fight for bragging rights. It’s a strong conference across the board.”

Conference USA, which is adding four other schools, will have a 13-team membership that includes Charlotte, East Carolina, Florida International, Louisiana Tech, Marshall, North Texas, Rice, Southern Mississippi, Tulane, Tulsa, UAB, UTEP and University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).

“We are so excited to welcome Charlotte back to Conference USA,” said C-USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky. “It is a dynamic time in intercollegiate athletics and the leadership at the University are taking bold steps to ensure its future. We are pleased to be able to partner with them at the launch of their football program, and work together towards a common vision of excellence.”

Charlotte was a member of Conference USA from 1995-96 to 2004-05. The 49ers joined the Atlantic 10 Conference in 2005-06 and will remain in that league through the 2012-13 season.

“We thank Conference USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky and the league’s presidents for this wonderful opportunity,” Rose added. “We enjoyed our time in the Atlantic 10 but we needed to find a permanent home for our football program. We found Conference USA — and it feels great.”

This is the school’s fifth membership in a Division I Conference. Charlotte was also a member of the Sun Belt Conference (1976-77 to 1990-91), the Metro Conference (1991-92 to 1994-95), Conference USA (1995-96 to 2004-05) and the Atlantic 10 conference (2005-06 to present).

“Being given the opportunity to move directly into an FBS Conference with our start-up football program is unprecedented,” said Gene Johnson, chair of the university’s Board of Trustees. “This is just something that does not happen. But this is a special time for us and special things are happening.”

—charlotte49ers.com—

TALKING POINTS

Conference USA makeup: Charlotte, East Carolina, Florida International, Louisiana Tech, Marshall, North Texas, Rice, Southern Miss, Tulane, Tulsa, UAB, UTEP, UT-San Antonio.

C-USA Strength: Charlotte succeeded in landing its football program in an FBS Conference while remaining in a top 10 men’s basketball conference. The league had an RPI of 11 this past year in women’s basketball, as well. In addition, the 49ers join a conference that has sent teams to 5 of the last 7 College Baseball World Series, sent five teams to last year’s golf and softball NCAA Tournaments and four teams to the last two NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournaments. Women’s soccer and volleyball have also been multiple bid sports for Conference USA. Conference USA has also crowned national champions in track and field and cross country and sent men’s and women’s tennis teams to last year’s NCAA Sweet 16.

FBS History: Charlotte’s football program is one of a very few that’s first conference will be an FBS Conference. The Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) is the top level of college football. There are 11 FBS Conferences in the country.

Timetable: Charlotte will begin play in Conference USA in 16 sports in 2013-14. Football’s first season of competition in Conference USA will be 2015-16. Charlotte’s football team will compete as an independent in 2013 and 2014.

Charlotte 49ers NCAA Div. I Conference Membership:

Sun Belt Conference, 1976-77 to 1990-91

Metro Conference, 1991-92 to 1994-95

Conference USA, 1995-96 to 2004-05

Atlantic 10 Conference, 2005-06 to 2012-13

Conference USA, 2013-14

C-USA TV Partners: C-USA enjoys significant television exposure through a multi-tiered selection process that is rooted in partnerships with FOX Sports Media Group, CBS Sports Network, and ESPN. By partnering with FOX Sports Media Group and extending an existing partnership with CBS Sports Network, the league has substantially increased the number of national and regional appearances for football, men’s and women’s basketball, and all other conference sports. ESPN carries the C-USA Football Championship.

C-USA & NCAA Governance: Along with the ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10 and SEC, Conference USA is one of the seven conferences having significant representation in the NCAA governance structure. The Presidents of the member institutions serve as the league’s Board of Directors.

Primary Bowl Ties:

We don’t know what the bowl picture will look like exactly when we become bowl eligible, but in 2013 they expect to have five primary ties along with one secondary tie (Military Bowl).

Liberty Bowl, Memphis, Tenn. (SEC)

Hawai’I Bowl, Honolulu, Hawai’I (Mountain West)

New Orleans Bowl, New Orleans, La. (Sun Belt)

Beef O’Brady’s Bowl, St. Petersburg, Fla. (Big East)

Ticket City Bowl, Dallas, Texas (Big Ten)

Monroe falls to Mercyhurst NE; championship set for Sunday

Casey — Sun, 06 May 2012 00:54:03 +0000

Courtesy: MCC Athletics

By Paul Casey Gotham

BATAVIA, NY — Brian Dixon (East Amherst, NY/ St. Joseph’s) paced a 14-hit attack, but the Monroe Community College Tribunes fell in Regional play.

The Mercyhurst NE Saints pushed runs across the plate in four of the first six innings to defeat Monroe 9-5 and set up a rematch Sunday for the Region III Division II Championship.

Mercyhurst scored two in the first and three in third. The Saints added a run in the fifth. Zach Melino (Rochester, NY/ Gates-Chili) entered the game with runners on first and second and no outs. After allowing a RBI single to the first batter he faced, the freshman worked out of the jam to keep the Tribs within striking distance.

The Saints stretched the lead to eight scoring three in the sixth for a 9-1 advantage.

MCC rallied with four in the eighth. Ralph Alloco (Rochester, NY/ McQuaid) sent the first pitch of the inning up the middle. Brad Kaczka (Pittsford, NY/ Sutherland) doubled off the fence in the left field. Dixon plated both with a single down the left field line. Spencer Scorza (Penfield, NY/Penfield) reached on a fielder’s choice, and Frank Poerio (Gibsonia, PA/Hampton) singled. Pat Moore (Webster, NY/Webster Thomas) loaded the bases with a walk, and Bobby Frantz (Webster, NY/Webster Thomas) slapped a single inside the bag at third scoring Scorza and Poeria.

But the Tribs could not take further advantage. MCC left nine runners on base including two each in the sixth, seventh and eighth. A pair of Tribunes were thrown out at the plate.

Dixon finished 4-5 with a double and two RBI.

Poerio had three hits in four trips with two runs scored.

Moore added two hits, a walk and two RBI.

Mercyhurst NE and MCC will square off on Sunday with the Region III title on the line.

First pitch is scheduled for noon on the Genesee Community College campus.

Tyler Wilson (Pittsford, NY/Mendon) gets the ball for the Tribs. Wilson tossed an inning and a third of shutout ball on Friday. He has made 10 appearances for Monroe. Sunday will be Wilson’s fifth start of the season. The right-hander is 3-3.