VESTAL, N.Y.—A record number of Binghamton student-athletes earned a 3.3 or higher grade-point average for the spring semester.

Director of Athletics Patrick Elliott announced Monday that 195 student-athletes met the lofty 3.3 GPA threshold in the spring and have been recognized on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll. The number of honorees represents 47 percent of BU’s total student-athlete body - also equaling the highest percentage in the four semesters since the Honor Roll was instituted.

“This long list of worthy individuals further indicates the academic commitment of our student-athletes and shows that their dedication on the playing field is matched with equal achievement in the classroom.” Elliott said.

The list of recipients on the AD Honor Roll includes members of all 21 athletics teams at Binghamton, including 22 members of the men’s track and cross country programs and 20 members of the women’s soccer program. Every sports program had at least five Honor Roll recipients.

The release comes on the heels of another stellar semester for the department, whose student-athletes produced an all-sports GPA of 3.10 - the 15th consecutive semester above a 3.0 and fifth time in the last seven semesters the student-athlete body has reached an even-higher 3.1 mark.

The women’s tennis team captured the department’s Team Academic Cup with a 3.48 GPA.

Binghamton Athletic Director’s Honor Roll Numbers (percentage of total student-athletes)
Fall 2011: 179 (42%)
Spring 2012: 172 (47%)
Fall 2012: 188 (45%)
Spring 2013: 195 (47%)

VESTAL, N.Y.—Binghamton University student-athletes continue to raise the bar for academic achievement. The University’s 417 student-athletes produced a 3.1 grade-point average for the 2013 spring semester.

Additionally, the group eclipsed the 3.0 threshold for the 15th consecutive semester. It also marked the fifth time in the last seven semesters that the student-athletes reached the 3.1 mark.

“We are proud of the academic achievements of our student-athletes during the spring semester,” Director of Athletics Patrick Elliott said. “These accomplishments speak to the their dedication and academic commitment. Additionally, with their meaningful community service and citizenship, our student-athletes truly embrace the vision of ‘excellence with honor.’”

Sixteen teams had a semester GPA of 3.0 or higher, headed by the women’s tennis team (3.48), which captured the department’s Academic Cup for maintaining the highest semester GPA among the 21 teams.

Both of BU’s America East spring championship teams – men’s tennis (3.47) and baseball (3.00) reached the high threshold during their title runs.

Individually, 64 percent of Binghamton student-athletes (268 total) recorded a 3.0 or higher. Forty-seven percent (195) earned a 3.3 or higher and nearly one-third of all student-athletes (128) achieved a 3.5 or higher.

Twenty-one student-athletes spanning 10 different teams earned a perfect semester GPA of 4.0.

INDIANAPOLIS – The NCAA and its Leadership Development Department announced the list of 300 student-athletes that will participate in the Career in Sports Forum (CSF) and recent graduate Taylor Johnston and senior-to-be Kyra Aloizos were among them. The forum, which provides education on career development and potential career opportunities, will take place June 8-11 in Indianapolis.

“We are extremely excited for both Taylor and Kyra to have been selected as participants for this year’s NCAA Career in Sports Forum,” Associate Director of Athletics for Student Services Ed Scott said. “Having facilitated the forum for two years, I know first-hand how valuable this experience will be for both of these talented student-athletes. Their selection to the Career in Sports Forum demonstrates the high caliber student-athletes that Binghamton University recruits.”

Johnston, a four-year letterwinner on the men’s basketball team, recently graduated in May with a degree in economics and is now enrolled in Binghamton’s MBA program. Aloizos, a member of the women’s basketball team, is a dual English and studio art major and will conclude her undergraduate work next year.

A committee of administrators from member institutions, conference offices and affiliate member organizations decided on the final group which encompasses student-athletes from Divisions I, II and III. Johnston and Aloizos were selected from a pool of over 1,000 nominations and more than 700 applicants, becoming the second and third Binghamton student-athletes to participate in the four-day event. In 2011, former volleyball player Julie Chambers enjoyed the opportunity to explore and be educated on careers in sports, with a primary focus on intercollegiate athletics.

The CSF brings career leaders together to discuss their professional career paths and to enlighten student-athletes on career choices and future decision they’ll need to consider. Some of the session topics include discussion on skills sets needed to perform at the highest level, non-traditional careers in athletics, best practices in athletics administration, personal and professional branding, resources for applying to graduate school and human resources hiring processes.

The dual track forum has attracted past presenters like former University of Notre Dame and University of Washington head football coach Tyrone Willingham and ESPN Columnist/Television personality Jemele Hill. Student-athletes can either be educated on a coaching or administrator track.

Johnston and Aloizos are continuing a lineage of Binghamton representatives at the national and regional Career in Sports Forums. Associate Director of Athletics for Student Services Ed Scott was a facilitator at the forum in 2010 and 2011, while Assistant Director for Student-Athlete Development Linda Reynolds participated in the regional forum in Pittsburgh in the fall of 2011. Also attending the regional forum with Reynolds were Binghamton graduates Cazal Arnett and Chris Veney.

The support was just as solid in terms of corporate partners, with nearly 53 organizations sponsoring the event. The major sponsors included Andrew R. Mancini & Associates, Sodexo, Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LeChase Construction, Wells Fargo, Time Warner Cable, Clark Patterson Lee and the Binghamton University Bookstore.

In the morning session, which had a Captain and Crew format, the winning score of 62 was turned in by the team of Jim Grace, Rich Allman, Tom Talbot & Ryan Molter. The afternoon session had a Texas Scramble format, with the quartet of Al Kenderes, Gary Hmurcik, Mike Karl and Armond George repeating as champions.

Founded in 1991, the BUAC is the philanthropic support group made up of alumni, parents, friends, community members, teams, coaches and students who have a deep interest in Binghamton University and its Athletics program. Binghamton University has long been proud of its student-athletes and their many accomplishments – whether they were competing as Colonials or as Bearcats.

The BUAC allows the Athletics Department to provide scholarships to the best and brightest student-athletes, state-of-the-art training equipment, facility and equipment enhancements and funding for the Student-Athlete Success Center that supports our student-athletes’ academic pursuits.

VESTAL, N.Y.—VESTAL, N.Y. – Binghamton University honored its student-athletes at the 66th Annual Varsity Awards Program Thursday night at the Events Center. More than 400 students, staff, families and supporters were on hand as the department unveiled its 2012-13 award winners. The event was streamed live on BU’s website for the seventh straight year. The evening also included a Senior Recognition Dinner and culminated with the annual highlight video, produced by former soccer player and webmaster Elsan Dzudza ‘98.

Four senior student-athletes spoke during the two ceremonies: track athlete Ashley AuPont, soccer player Trey Jasenski, basketball player Taylor Johnston and volleyball player Alex Roland.

Voice of the Bearcats Roger Neel served as master of ceremonies and University President Harvey Stenger and Director of Athletics Patrick Elliott offered remarks.

“You will have incredible memories,” Stenger said in his opening remarks to the senior class. “You will have friends for life … friends you will stay connected to throughout your life. Come back and be part of our tradition moving forward and be proud of what we all have accomplished. Congratulations!”

“This is the culmination of a lot of years of hard work at one of the finest academic institutions in the country,” Elliott said in his welcome. “As you celebrate your academic and athletic accomplishments, make sure you thank those people who helped you get to where you are tonight… We wish you all the best … always be a Bearcat.”

“Leaving home (Texas) was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” senior speaker and volleyball player Alex Roland said, about choosing to come to Binghamton. “Coach Kiriyama pushed me to reach high expectations and the entire athletics department was like a family. My experience taught me how to stay true to myself and I will represent the University forever. I’m just fortunate Binghamton chose me.”

“Cherish what you have here,” soccer player Trey Jasenski said in his comments at the podium. “Make your bonds stronger ... you don’t want to look back and ask ‘What if?’”

The major winners included Athletes of the Year Donnie Vinson (wrestling), Jessica Bump (softball) and Grace Vickers (volleyball). Other seniors earning recognition for their career achievements were soccer player Jake Keegan, Vinson, softball player Jessica Phillips and volleyball player Alex Roland. The full list of award winners is below.

2012-13 Athletes of the Year
MALE – Donnie Vinson (Gr., Wrestling)
Vinson is a repeat winner of the top award. In his final collegiate season, he again rose to the top of his weight class and produced a record-breaking season. Accolades included conference wrestler of the year honors for a second straight year, most outstanding wrestler at the conference championship - another repeat honor, a perfect 17-0 dual match season, a 33-3 overall record, a national ranking as high as No. 3 in the country and four wins and a top-12 showing at the NCAA Championship. Twenty of Vinson’s wins were by pin, technical fall or major decision and he will leave the program as its all-time wins leader.

Co-FEMALE - Jessica Bump (Jr., Softball)
Sharing top honors as Female Athlete of the Year is Bump, a softball standout who has helped lead the program to its best season during its NCAA Division I era. Heading into the final weekend of the regular season, she leads the America East Conference in runs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and triples. She is also tied for second in home runs and is tied for third in runs batted in. Two weeks ago, she broke the program’s single-season record for runs in a season. This coming weekend, she and the rest of her teammates will battle Albany for the America East regular-season title and the right to host next week’s conference tournament.

Co-FEMALE – Grace Vickers (Jr., Volleyball)
Vickers is a volleyball standout who collected an array of awards during her junior season. The two-year captain helped guide the volleyball team to its third America East title while being named the conference tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. After leading the league in hitting percentage, she was named first team all-conference and was the only America East volleyball player to be named to the All-Conference and All-Academic Teams. Equally impressive off the court, she was named the America East Scholar-Athlete for volleyball and has garnered a place on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll each semester since its inception.

Jake Pitler Award
(career achievement, leadership, given to senior male)
Jake Keegan (Sr., Soccer)
Keegan became the most prolific scorer during the soccer program’s Division I era. With 11 goals this season, he finished his career with 28 goals, the most by a Binghamton Division I men’s soccer player. In addition, his 69 total points are also tops in program history during the Division I era. He is a two-time all-conference selection who was a first-team selection this year.

Jessie A. Godfrey Award
(career achievement, leadership, given to senior female)
Alex Roland (Sr., Volleyball)
Roland is only the second Binghamton female student-athlete to win multiple America East championships during the school’s Division I tenure. She was a four-year starter and three-time all-conference selection who helped lead the volleyball team to America East titles and NCAA appearances in 2009 and 2012. She ranks among the top 10 in program history in blocks, kills and sets played. Off the court, Roland was a four-time member of the America East Honor Roll and has been named to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll twice. She also was one of the school’s 2012-13 NCAA Woman of the Year nominees.

John Bilos Alumni Awards (male and female)
(career performance in athletics)
MALE – Donnie Vinson (Gr., Wrestling)
A four-time NCAA qualifier and 2012 All-American, Vinson will leave the program as its all-time wins leader with 132 wins. He recorded the highest NCAA individual finish of any BU wrestler during the program’s Division I tenure when he placed 3rd at the 2012 national championship. A two-time conference wrestler of the year, he only lost 8 times in 79 career dual matches and was a perfect 17-0 this season in duals.

FEMALE – Jessica Phillips (Sr., Softball)
Phillips has rewritten the softball record books in a stellar career. She ranks first all time in runs, hits, doubles, home runs, walks, slugging percentage and total bases. She is also the program’s leader during its Division I era in batting average and on-base percentage. After being named the America East Rookie of the Year in 2010, she was the conference’s Co-Player of the Year in 2011. She is a two-time, first-team all-region selection and was the Binghamton Female Co-Athlete of the Year in 2011. Phillips is one of the school’s NCAA Woman of the Year nominees in 2012-13.

SUNY Chancellor Scholar-Athlete Awards
(combination of academic excellence and outstanding athletic achievement, selected by members of the SUNY administration)
Mike Antinozzi (Jr., Lacrosse)
Jake Keegan (Sr., Men’s Soccer)
Robin Lesage (So., Men’s Tennis)
Grace Vickers (Jr., Volleyball)

BUAC Citizenship Awards (male and female)
(sportsmanship, community service, academics)
MALE
Mike Danaher (Sr., Baseball)
Tommy Klim (Sr., Soccer)
Jimmy Gray (Sr., Basketball)
Shane Warner (Sr., Lacrosse)
FEMALE
Katherine Hunsberger (Sr., Lacrosse)
Jessie Rubin (Sr., Tennis)
Jamie Holliday (Sr., Soccer)
Ashley AuPont (Sr., Track & Field)
Abigail Elliott (Sr., Cross Country)

Bearcat Pride Award
(outstanding contributions to the athletics department)
Eric Backlund, Former Director, Events Center
Sue Crane, Former Assoc. Director, Events Center

Student-Trainer Awards
(Presented by Orthopedic Associates, the medical group that provides outstanding service and expertise to BU student-athletes throughout the year)
Athletic Trainer of the Year – Maritza Rodriguez
Scholarship Recipient – Lauren Villalva

Dr. Douglas Kerr Comeback Athlete of the Year
Matt Springer (Sr., Lacrosse)

Academic Achievement Awards
(Presented to seniors with the highest cumulative GPAs, 3.7 or higher)
Jordyn Suhr (volleyball), 3.92 GPA
Daniel Waters (track), 3.79
Shane Warner (lacrosse), 3.79
Lauri Crimmins (swimming), 3.75
Ryan Prinzo (golf), 3.75
Jason Santos (cross country, track), 3.73

Dan McCormack PhD Athletic Tutor of the Year
2012 recipient – Ashley Fancher
2013 recipient – Jie Mei

Team Most Valuable Players
Baseball - TBA
Men’s Basketball – Jordan Red
Women’s Basketball – Jasbriell Swain
Men’s Cross Country – Matt Johnson
Women’s Cross Country – Rachel Miura
Golf – Bryce Edmister
Men’s Lacrosse – Shane Warner
Women’s Lacrosse – Katherine Hunsberger
Men’s Soccer – Jake Keegan
Women’s Soccer – Sarah Furminger
Softball - TBA
Men’s Swimming & Diving – Tim Cabasino
Women’s Swimming & Diving – Shannon Lampe
Men’s Tennis – Sid Hazarika
Women’s Tennis – Katya Medianik
Men’s Track & Field - TBA
Women’s Track & Field - TBA
Volleyball – Amanda Dettmann
Wrestling - Donnie Vinson

In order to be eligible for induction into Chi Alpha Sigma, a student-athlete must have achieved junior academic standing by their fifth semester, have at least a 3.4 cumulative grade point average and have earned at least one varsity letter in a sport sponsored by the NCAA.

“We are very proud of each of these student-athletes,” Binghamton Director of Athletics Patrick Elliott said. “They represent the ideal student-athlete and embody the best of Binghamton University.”

Since 2006, 221 Binghamton student-athletes have been inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma.

CLASS OF 2013 INDUCTEES

Jason Bensaull (Men’s Track)
Luca Bottoni (Men’s Soccer)
Mallory Clark (Women’s Track)
Ismael Dinia (Men’s Tennis)
Missy Edelblum (Women’s Tennis)
Alex Fisher (Women’s Lacrosse)
Erica Foley (Women’s Lacrosse)
Karina Hain (Women’s Swimming)
Shannon Kane (Softball)
Kathleen Klein (Women’s Track)
Emma Kurth (Women’s Soccer)
Kaitlyn Martin (Women’s Soccer)
Taylor McCavanagh (Women’s Soccer)
Ben Nicholson (Men’s Soccer)
Emily Nuss (Women’s Soccer)
Nick Pancerella (Baseball)
Emily Pape (Women’s Soccer)
Andrew Roache (Men’s Cross Country & Track)
Matt Traylor (Men’s Track)
Florian Van Kann (Men’s Tennis)
San Yoon (Men’s Swimming)

VESTAL, N.Y. – The Binghamton University athletic department held a St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fundraising and Shavee Event for the second straight year over the weekend, eclipsing last year’s total by more than $8,000. St. Baldrick’s is a non-profit organization that raises money to fund pediatric cancer research. In 2012, the Binghamton Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) in association with Residential Life and Alpha Phi Omega raised over $13,000. On Saturday, the group surpassed that number by collecting $22, 018 in donations.

“I’m thrilled with the outcome of this year’s event,” Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development and SAAC Advisor Linda Reynolds said. “To raise nearly $10,000 more than we did last year is a testament to how these types of events can build over time and really bring together the Binghamton community.  Not only did our student-athletes and staff get involved, but general community members as well.”

Building off of last year’s momentum when SAAC orchestrated their first-ever St. Baldrick’s event, the three Binghamton student organizations decided on a goal of $21,000 for this year’s event - $1,000 for each of the Bearcats’ 21 sports teams. With the help of over 90 shavees and the greater Binghamton community the event succeeded in reaching its goal.

“The shavee event, itself, is really just the culmination of months of behind-the-scenes work that individuals have done to fundraise and promote the cause,” Reynolds continued. “If this event has even helped one child facing cancer to know there is hope, then we have done a tremendous job. The athletic department is already looking forward to next year and thinking of ways we can take this to the next level.”

Among the 90 shavees were SAAC members who assisted in pulling off a successful event. SAAC vice president Kate Price (softball), who raised $1,400 in 2012 by shaving her head, again surpassed the $1,000 mark after shedding her bright blonde hair. Fellow SAAC members Shawn Needham (men’s lacrosse) and Tyler Deuel (wrestling) also decided to sport the buzz-look while Kaitlyn Martin (women’s soccer) trimmed off 10-inches of her hair for Locks of Love.  Along with the SAAC members, a number of student-athletes from men’s lacrosse, wrestling, softball, swimming and diving and men’s and women’s soccer either shaved their heads or cut their hair for ‘Locks of Love’ in support of St. Baldrick’s.

Looking to capitalize on a day full of contests at the Bearcats Sports Complex, the Binghamton St. Baldrick’s event was supported by fans from the baseball, softball and men’s lacrosse games. However, the support was not limited to fans as Binghamton Director of Athletics Patrick Elliott joined the fight against childhood cancer.

“It was great to see the Bearcat community come together for such a special cause,” Director of Athletics Patrick Elliott said. “I thought we had a great turnout and it was fun to join our students, parents, colleagues and community members in supporting St. Baldrick’s and what they represent.”

Elliott wasn’t the only athletic department staff member to shave his head; Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs Dennis Kalina was one of the top individual fundraisers and a childhood cancer survivor himself. Kalina who shed his hair for the cause generated $1,904 for St. Baldrick’s.

“This is truly a personal cause for me because I was a childhood cancer survivor,” Kalina stated. “Participating in an event like this was a no-brainer and will hopefully help children burdened with this illness survive like I was able to. Just seeing the campus come together for this phenomenal event and support such a worthwhile cause was outstanding.”

Event participant Sean Wasser was the top individual fundraiser totaling $3,323 in donations, while ‘LifeSHAVERS’ were the top fundraising team with $4,645.

Worldwide, more than 160,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year and it remains the leading cause of death by disease among children in the United States. With only four percent of all federal cancer research funding dedicated to pediatric cancer research, St. Baldrick’s Foundation grant funds are critical to continue the battle against this devastating disease.

Since 2005, St. Baldrick’s has raised over $100 million, funding more childhood cancer research than any other organization besides the U.S. Government. In 2013 alone, there have been over 1,200 St. Baldrick’s events with more than 50,000 shavees helping raise over $25 million.

A special thanks to Cost Cutters for providing their services for the event.

For more information about St. Baldrick’s please visit www.stbaldricks.org or to donate to the Binghamton Athletics Event please click the link above.

VESTAL, N.Y. - The Binghamton University athletics department’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) in conjunction with Residential Life and Alpha Phi Omega are set to host the St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraising and shavee event for the second year in a row on Saturday, April 13 from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. Last year over 100 members of the Binghamton University community shaved their heads, collecting over $13,000 for pediatric cancer research. 

The event is scheduled to take place during baseball, softball and men’s lacrosse games at the Bearcats Sports Complex between the baseball and softball fields. Baseball will be opening its brand new stadium in a doubleheader against SUNY rival Albany at 1 p.m. while softball welcomes Maine for a pivotal conference matchup at noon. The men’s lacrosse team concludes the day’s events by hosting Hartford at 1 p.m.

During each game the student-athletes will be wearing neon-green shoelaces in recognition of the St. Baldrick’s event. Volunteers will also be selling green wristbands and raffling off St. Baldrick’s t-shirts to fans in attendance. Shaving services will be provided by Cost Cutters.

This year the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee has set the bar high for the 2013 event establishing a goal of $21,000, which will be donated to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. SAAC is encouraging each one of Binghamton’s 21 intercollegiate sports teams to raise at least $1,000 to assist in reaching the goal. Student-athletes can participate by becoming a shavee, volunteering, or donating money towards their favorite team. 

Last year, student-athletes such as softball player and SAAC vice president Kate Price, runner Jeff Martinez, men’s lacrosse player Shawn Needham, head track and field coach Mike Thompson as well as several members of the wrestling team helped the first Binghamton Athletics St. Baldrick’s event be a huge success by shaving their heads.

SAAC, Residential Life and Alpha Phi Omega were so successful they were recognized at the Dean of Students Leadership Awards for ‘Excellence in Collaborative Programming.’ To date, the trio of student organizations has already surpassed last year’s total, raising over $14,000.

St. Baldrick’s is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives.  St. Baldrick’s funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization in the nation besides the U.S. government.

In 2012, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation raised over $33,500,000 with 56,284 shavees in over 1,000 events. Following the success of last year, St. Baldrick’s has raised over $100 million in childhood cancer research grants since 2005.

Those who do not wish to shave off all their hair will have the option to donate trimmings to Locks of Love. At last year’s event, former SAAC president Julie Chambers, runners Ashley Horton and Kerri Valero as well as women’s tennis coach Libby McGovern chopped off 11 inches of their hair for the charity.

To sign up to become a shavee or volunteer, or to make a donation to this event please click here. All proceeds go directly to the St. Baldrick’s foundation. To learn more about St. Baldrick’s or sign up for a future event please click here.

In case of rain the event will be moved indoors to the lobby of the Events Center.

VESTAL, N.Y.—Binghamton University has hired Mike Cherry as its associate athletics director for facilities/Events Center manager, AD Patrick Elliott announced on Monday. The senior-level position is responsible for the supervision, administration and operational management of the Events Center, including its physical plant operations and equipment, along with scheduling of internal and external events.

Cherry has spent the last 10 years at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. There, he served as assistant director of operations and athletics facilities, coordinating and overseeing the functions of the Pirates’ expansive sports facilities. Primary among his oversight was the school’s 50,000-seat football complex, 8,000-seat basketball arena, 3,000-seat baseball stadium and the 1,000-seat softball and soccer stadiums. In all, Cherry was responsible for the maintenance and scheduling of more than 100,000 square feet of athletics buildings.

“We’re excited to have Mike join our team,” Elliott said. “He brings a wealth of Division I experience in facility and arena operations and has collaborated with both internal and external constituents throughout his career.”

Originally from the Saratoga area in Upstate New York, Cherry received his bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science from East Carolina in 2000. One year later he earned another degree in sports medicine from ECU and went on to receive his master’s degree in athletic administration from the school in 2003.

At ECU, Cherry had direct oversight of a game day staff that surpassed 50 employees and he recruited, trained and supervised a staff of more than a dozen student workers and interns each semester. He also spearheaded security procedures and created operations manuals for each facility. Cherry was the department’s liaison with a third-party security company, university police, external facility renters and staff across campus.

“I am extremely excited to join the outstanding staff at a fine institution such as Binghamton University,” Cherry said. “I want to thank Pat Elliott and all the athletics staff for selecting me to join their team. I embrace this opportunity to work with all the athletes, coaches and administrators. Athletics is an integral part of the community at Binghamton and I want to commend the previous staff for laying the foundation of excellence at the Events Center.  I look forward to starting the next chapter of my life as part of the Bearcats athletics family.”

Cherry will begin his appointment on April 8.

In the fall of 2008, BU Pep Band Director Mo Taylor had a goal to compose an official fight song for Binghamton University. He was entering his third year as the leader of the band (which is referred to as the Screamin’ Green).

Since he became the director, Taylor had grown the Screamin’ Green in both numbers and routines. But unlike the other pep bands in the America East, Binghamton lacked a fight song.

That was about to change.

“It took me about 30 minutes one night to write it,” Taylor said. “I love Binghamton and this song was going to be my tribute to the university.”

Fast forward to March 2, 2013. The Screamin’ Green and the Binghamton Wind Ensemble are gathered in the Anderson Center on Campus. Their goal is to make an official recording of the Binghamton fight song. That recording will become a permanent part of the university’s history and become a staple in bookstores and during presentations.

Binghamton Wind Ensemble Director Dan Fabricius was excited to be a part of the recording session. With many of his students having played in band settings during high school, the transition to joining the Screamin’ Green for this event was seamless.

“This is a great service to the university for us to take part in this event,” Fabricius said. “Many of our students played in marching bands and symphonies back in high school so this was an easy adjustment and a great experience for them.”

The Binghamton Fight Song was first played during the women’s basketball team’s game against Portland State at the Events Center on Nov. 21, 2008. The Screamin’ Green serenaded the Bearcats with it when they came out onto the court before the start of each half as well as after the game. At first, few of the spectators knew what to make of the new song.

Four months later, however, the Screamin’ Green was part of two of the biggest games in school history – the 2009 America East Men’s Basketball title game on ESPN2 and the first round NCAA Tournament men’s basketball game against Duke on CBS. By then, the Binghamton faithful knew exactly what the fight song meant.

The March 2 Binghamton fight song recording, however, meant the most to Taylor. Five years after he quickly composed the piece, it was being permanently recorded as a piece of Binghamton history.

“Never in a million years did I think a song that I wrote would be played in a symphony setting,” Taylor said. “This has been a totally unbelievable experience and a very inspiring night for me.”

VESTAL, N.Y.—When he takes the floor on Thursday in the final home game of his four-year career, men’s basketball senior captain Jimmy Gray will bookend a collegiate career that began in modest fashion on November 14, 2009. In his first game in the Events Center after a stellar scholastic career at Binghamton High, Gray logged two nondescript minutes in a win over Division II Bloomsburg. So much has transpired in the 3-1/2 years since that debut: Gray, the basketball player, has grown exponentially during a trying yet rewarding tenure at Binghamton; Gray, the young man, has grown even more.

In four years, he has worked with three head coaches and nine assistant coaches. He has played through injuries that would’ve shelved most others. He has absorbed the losses. Lots of them. And he has willingly met the media and answered the same questions after each setback, embracing a leadership role with unwavering integrity and class. Gray has seen the complete dismantling and rebuilding of the men’s basketball program under the guidance of three different athletic directors. Players have come and gone. But Gray has stayed. And endured. And matured.

Rewind the clock to the spring of 2009 when then-high school senior Gray completed a noteworthy career for the Binghamton High Patriots. He averaged 21.1 points as a senior and steered his team to sectional runner-up honors, earning All-Metro Player of the Year and all-state honors. Gray drained 70 three-pointers and torched defenses despite a reputation that resulted in full attention from every opponent.

By June, Gray was still undecided on his college choice, weighing some Division II and III options. At the time, he spoke with longtime Press & Sun-Bulletin reporter Kevin Stevens about his future goals.

“I want to play at the highest level I can play,” he told Stevens. “I want to be where there are smarter, better athletes, that’ll give me something to strive for. I want to be around people who are better than me, so I can strive to be better than them.”

Drastic changes accompany freshman year
With then-BU coach Kevin Broadus eying local talent to round out his reigning America East championship team roster, Gray was invited to join the program as a non-scholarship player. Little did he know that two months into college, the landscape of his playing career would change dramatically. Less than four weeks before the 2009-10 season began, Broadus and four starters were removed from the program and Gray bumped up the depth chart, now for interim coach Mark Macon. Still, with veteran guard Chretien Lukusa and budding star Dylan Talley in the backcourt and a nagging back injury front and center, Gray’s minutes were moderate. He appeared in 23 games and averaged under eight minutes per game. A 13-win season that featured an overachieving fifth-place conference finish ended on a sour note when the Bearcats were denied participation in the America East tournament just hours before boarding the team bus.

Gray recalls the many challenges from that first year on campus.

“I remember how hard a transition it was from being a high school student to a college student,” he said. “Both the academics and the basketball workouts were challenging. But whether or not I was getting playing time, I knew that my work ethic would eventually guide me to improve my game and focus in the classroom. With the issues surrounding the team that year, I had to take advantage of the opportunity for more playing time, and I did.”

As a sophomore, Gray moved into a more prominent role. He took over as a starter 12 games into the season and accumulated 203 points (6.5 ppg) while averaging nearly 28 minutes a game.
Included were several shining performances in front of the Events Center faithful: a 23-point performance against UMBC (5-for-8 three-pointers) and a 12-assist, 10-point double-double against Maine. Gray shot 44 percent from beyond the arc in his last 16 games and stepped up his production in conference play, averaging 8.1 points while logging nearly 33 minutes a game.

Lukusa, who was wrapping up his own impressive four-year career, noticed the change in Gray.

“When Jimmy first came in, you could tell he already had a good skill base,” Lukusa recalled. “But as the years went on and he got more comfortable, Jimmy definitely began to mature as a basketball player. Seeing how hard he worked and the time he dedicated to becoming a better player ... that pushed me on the days I didn’t want to practice or lift weights.”

Gray, in turn, took notice of Lukusa and other veteran players like Moussa Camara, Mahamoud Jabbi and Greer Wright.

“Those guys all were competitive players who pushed me every day and allowed me to become the player I have matured into today,” Gray said. “They also had good character and were good role models off the court. They taught me that education should be my focus and that basketball would take care of itself.”

As Gray was emerging as a quality America East point guard and team leader in his sophomore season, his surrounding parts were still in flux. Talley departed after collecting America East Rookie of the Year honors and, with several other roster depletions, the 2010-11 Bearcats finished the season with just eight recruited scholarship players and only eight wins. Gray secured one of those wins with a dramatic jumper in the final five seconds to beat Manhattan on the road. The team then showed its heart with a resounding 91-65 win over UMBC in the first round of the America East tournament, with Gray logging 34 minutes at the point.

In 2011-12, Gray was fully entrenched as a starter and, for the first year, as a scholarship player — and his game blossomed. With two years’ experience, he ran BU’s offense with precision and distributed and scored the basketball. He averaged 8.4 points, 3.6 assists and a conference-best 1.9 steals despite playing at times with three freshmen in the starting lineup.

Gray handles media attention with class
Serving as the “face” of the program, however, came with its hardships. As the team suffered through a winless streak that drew national attention, Gray, along with leading scorer Robert Mansell, kept up a routine that was both physically and emotionally draining. After logging more than 34 minutes a game, Gray would trudge to the media room and diligently answer questions about the latest defeat and the mindset of the team as the losses mounted. This is where Gray shined brightest. Amid any personal frustration, fatigue and injury, he spoke about standing tall as a team, pressing on and working as hard as possible. Never did he offer an excuse, though there were plenty of valid ones on an undermanned team handicapped by previous circumstances.

On the court, Gray continued his penchant for late-game dramatics. His pair of free throws with four seconds remaining sealed BU’s 57-53 upset of league-leading Vermont on February 21 — a win that snapped the team’s suffocating 27-game losing streak. Fans swarmed the Events Center floor to celebrate — the same way they shared the sweetness of BU’s conference championship game win three years earlier. It must have been bittersweet for Gray, who invested so much more in a 2-win season than many players put forth in 20-win campaigns.

Eight days later, Gray netted eight points in overtime and played the entire 45 minutes to lift the Bearcats to a 73-67 win over UMBC in the first round of the America East tournament. Gray calmly sank three free throws in the final 19 seconds to preserve the win. He capped his junior season with 16 points and nine assists in 40 gritty minutes against top-seeded Stony Brook.

For the season, Gray played nearly 35 minutes a game, fourth-most in the America East. Another off-season meant another change for Gray and the Bearcats, as a change in leadership brought in head coach Tommy Dempsey in spring 2012. Dempsey quickly leaned on Gray to help anchor the group of returning players and begin the process of breathing new life into the program.

Senior captain helps usher in Dempsey era
“I cannot tell you how much I appreciate Jimmy Gray,” Dempsey said. “His character and leadership qualities have helped my transition tremendously. I wish I had more time to coach Jimmy but I know he will be very successful moving forward.”

Gray embraced the captain reins in 2012-13, but even with the addition of freshman phenom Jordan Reed, the wins have been hard to come by. Despite battling through injuries and still going full speed for an exhausting 34 minutes a game, Gray has maintained his production and leadership. He is averaging 10.4 points and 3.4 assists and provided yet another signature moment with a game-winning three-pointer to beat Maine on Jan. 19.

Gray is scheduled to address the home crowd on Senior Night and he will no doubt be gracious and appreciative to the home fans — a loyal mass that has translated into nine consecutive America East attendance crowns for Binghamton. But on this night, it’s Gray, along with fellow seniors Taylor Johnston, Javon Ralling and Mike Horn, who will be celebrated.

With the finish line now in sight, Gray is on pace to finish third in career games played at Binghamton (112). He also ranks second in three other statistical categories: assists (284), three- pointers (154) and steals (140). Those numbers alone are enough to cement Gray’s legacy at Binghamton. But they don’t begin to define his impact on the program. When others went astray, he stood firm. When teammates left for greener pastures, he stayed put. When it would’ve been understandable for Gray to waive the white flag and “check out” mentally, he instead strengthened his resolve.

“I have thicker skin now,” he says.

“Jimmy was right there with us in the trenches,” Lukusa said of his overlapping two years with Gray. “He learned from the entire experience and has matured into a player who demands respect and leads by example. Because of that, I know he will be successful wherever his future plans take him.”

“Genuine” young man draws praise
Gray’s journey from walk-on player to scholarship captain with all-star credentials is a unique and inspiring story — one that wasn’t lost on former Binghamton High alumnus, North Carolina great and current Monmouth University coach King Rice, whose team came to Vestal in December.

“I’m proud of Jimmy,” Rice said. “Jimmy has done things not many people thought he could do. He had a dream of being a Division I basketball player ... and he’s been a pretty doggone good
one.”

But to define Gray as a basketball player-only would be shortsighted.

“Off the court, Jimmy is an extremely genuine person,” adds Lukusa. “He is willing to go the extra mile to help out his teammates or anyone in the community, whether it’s at the Boys & Girls Club or Magic Paintbrush or wherever ... on his own ... just putting in the time. That’s who he is. ”

Sports enthusiasts like to tout the lasting impact that participation can have on young men and women. Gray’s checklist of life lessons and personal growth is far more complete than that of most 23-year-olds: Handle adversity with integrity. Own your shortcomings and try to be better every day. Remain positive. Lead by example. Communicate. Be fair, honest and genuine. Win and lose with class. Strive for greatness. Don’t accept failure. Care for others and be a good citizen. On that stat sheet, Gray went a perfect 10-for-10.

“I’ve learned there is no gain without struggle,” he said. “I believe life is all about work ethic, no matter what your passion or career is. I’ve had challenges within the basketball program and in the classroom. But it’s how you handle those that’s important. I’ve had a great experience at Binghamton.”

With his hometown fans serving as a nightly backdrop, something special happened during Gray’s four-year journey at Binghamton. He taught us a thing or two about the intrinsic value of intercollegiate athletics and the depth of his own character. That is the legacy of Jimmy Gray.

Kocik was presented with a one-year supply of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee during a special recognition ceremony during halftime of the Bearcats’ men’s basketball game against Maine at the Events Center on Saturday.

“Dunkin’ Donuts believes in recognizing those who inspire others to be the best they can be,” said Eric Stensland, field marketing manager for Dunkin’ Donuts.  “We’re pleased to be able to honor John Kocik for his commitment to our future leaders, workers and thinkers.”

Kocik was selected based on an essay submitted by fifth-grade student, Anna Yuhnick, who credited Kocik for his commitment, patience and ability to make lessons informative and fun. Yuhnick said Kocik excels at reassuring his students during trying times. She closed her essay by saying of Kocik, “everyone I know thinks he’s awesome.”

“We are delighted to once again work with Dunkin Donuts to recognize another local Hometown Hero. We have so many deserving teachers in our community and are proud to help recognize the efforts of John Kocik from St. John’s the Evangelist School,” said Binghamton University Director of Athletics Patrick Elliott.

The Hometown Hero award is the culmination of a comprehensive season-long partnership between Dunkin’ Donuts and the Binghamton University Bearcats’ men’s and women’s basketball teams.

About the Binghamton University Bearcats
Midway through its 11th year as an NCAA Division I program, Binghamton University sponsors 21 sports (11 men’s 10 women’s) with more than 430 student-athletes.  It is a member of the America East Conference and its athletics program has crowned 18 conference championship teams in its Division I era.  Seventeen of those teams from seven different sports have advanced to NCAA Division I tournaments.  Another 39 athletes from individual sports have qualified for NCAA Division I Championships, including NCAA Division I individual champion (pole vaulter Rory Quiller in 2008).  Binghamton has produced 10 NCAA Division I All-Americans spanning six different sports, and its student-athletes have maintained a 3.0 or higher grade-point average for 10 straight semesters.  Additionally, it has produced 26 America East Scholar-Athletes (1 chosen per sport) in 11 years of membership.

About Dunkin’ Donuts
Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ Donuts is a market leader in the regular/decaf coffee, iced coffee, hot flavored coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin’ Donuts has earned the No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for six years running. The company has more than 10,000 restaurants in 32 countries worldwide. For the full-year 2011, Dunkin’ Donuts’ restaurants had global franchisee-reported sales of approximately $6.4 billion. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin’ Donuts is part of the Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com. 

For More Information, Please Contact:
Mark Bardack or David Filkins
Ed Lewi Associates
P: (518) 383-6183
C: Bardack (518) 867-7943 or Filkins (518) 852-0476
Email: mbardack@edlewi.com or dfilkins@edlewi.com

VESTAL, N.Y. – Sophomore diver Imani Williams began the America East Championship with a historic performance for the Bearcats swimming and diving program. Williams won Binghamton’s first-ever gold medal in a diving event (men or women) at the conference championship, placing first on the three-meter board. Her score of 272.80 broke a six-year old school record (270.60) set by Katherine Hassfurter in 2007 and bested the next competitor by more than five points.

The Binghamton swimming and diving program is in Orono, Maine this week to compete in the four-day America East Championship, Feb. 14-17. The first session kicked-off on Thursday morning with the meet continuing through Sunday, Feb. 17 at Maine’s Stanley M. Wallace Pool.

MEN’S PREVIEW

The 2013 America East Championship will witness just three teams battle for the title as Boston University and Stony Brook will not compete in the conference meet. The Terriers are ineligible for postseason competition as a result of their departure for the Patriot League and the Seawolves are currently on a one-year leave of absence. The America East Championship returns to Maine for the 10th time with Binghamton capturing its lone title in Orono in 2003.

At last year’s conference meet, Boston University (896.5) knocked off eight-time defending champion UMBC (842.5) for the school’s fourth title. Binghamton followed UMBC with a total 604 points for the program’s fifth straight third-place finish. Stony Brook (360) and Maine (316) rounded out the standings.

Binghamton completed its dual meet schedule with a 3-5 record, including a season-ending win at Marist. The Bearcats return three all-conference performers and have a championship-style meet under their belt, participating in the Bucknell Invitational last November for the first time in four years. Three Binghamton swimmers will enter the championship meet with the conference’s top qualifying times.

The Bearcats will be led seniors Tim Cabasino and Josh Saccurato as well as sophomore diver Devin Zdanowski, each earned top-three finishes at the 2012 conference meet. Cabasino took silver in the 100 free, while Saccurato and Zdanowski captured bronze in the 200 IM and and three-meter dive, respectively. Six other Bearcats garnered finalist honors (top-eight).

Top qualifiers for Binghamton are Cabasino, sophomore Emmett Jacobi and freshman Brian McKenna. Cabasino is the league’s top qualifier in the 100 fly (49.67), while Jacobi holds the conference’s fastest time in the 1650 free (16:08.13). McKenna headlines a talented freshman class, recording the fastest time in the 50 free (50.69).

WOMEN’ S PREVIEW

At the 2012 America East Championship, Binghamton placed seventh for the first time since the 2007 conference meet. Boston University captured its third title in four years and fifth overall, edging out defending champion UMBC by 37 points. New Hampshire (649.5), Vermont (366) and Stony Brook (331) rounded out the top five.

The field of participants will be trimmed to five as Boston University is ineligible for postseason competition as a result of their move to the Patriot League and Stony Brook is currently on a one-year leave of absence.

The Bearcats finished their dual meet schedule with a 2-7 record, registering wins over Drexel and Canisius. Binghamton earned valuable championship-style meet experience competing at the Bucknell Invitational last November for the first time in four seasons.

Binghamton returns its top two point-scorers from the last year’s squad, including defending 100 breast champion Corinne Zotter. The sophomore from Vestal, N.Y. will match up against Katie Mann (2012 Most Outstanding Swimmer and Rookie) of New Hampshire in both breaststroke events as the pair finished the season with the top two times in the conference.

Senior captain Olivia Baczek will look to build upon a solid 2012 Championship, collecting a pair of silver medals in the 50 free and 200 back. Sophomore Caitlin Kelly will look to earn her first finalist honor of her career, qualifying first in the 50 free.

For qualifying times for the men please click here and for the women please click here.

When Ford was hired as the Binghamton Bearcats announcer in 2006, he was also the play-by-play voice and Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the Binghamton Mets AA baseball team. The previous season, Ford was play-by-play announcer for the St. Rose men’s and women’s basketball programs.

During Ford’s four seasons with the Binghamton women’s basketball program, he covered the 2007 America East Tournament, which was held at the Events Center. In addition, he was the play-by-play announcer for three home games on Time Warner Cable Sports. On Monday nights during the basketball season, Ford co-hosted Horizon’s Bearcats Hoopstalk with Binghamton men’s play-by-play announcer Roger Neel.

“Working at Binghamton University helped me prepare for this opportunity with the Astros,” Ford said. “I can’t thank the people at Binghamton enough for their help and guidance.”

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Robert,” Binghamton head women’s basketball coach Nicole Scholl said. “He was a great announcer for us when he was here and we wish him the best with his new position.”

Even before he was hired by Binghamton, Ford had already made his mark in play-by-play announcing. He worked five years in minor league baseball and was named the Frontier League Broadcaster of the Year in 2003 and 2004.

In 2009, Ford was hired by the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball as its pregame and postgame host. He stayed on with the Bearcats until the Royals reported for spring training in February 2010. Ford held that job with the Royals until being hired by the Astros.

VESTAL, N.Y.—The America East announced on Thursday that UMass Lowell will be joining the conference beginning in the fall. The announcement was made at a press conference at the Tsongas Center on the Lowell campus. The addition of the River Hawks will keep the conference membership at nine schools. Boston University departs for the Patriot League in the fall.

“We are excited to have UMass Lowell join the America east as a member Institution,” Binghamton Director of Athletics Patriot Elliott said. “Their demonstrated commitment to academic and athletic excellence and their plan for quality growth is quite impressive.  They are a perfect partner to assist in moving our conference forward in the coming years.”

Lowell (16,300 enrollment) will officially enter the conference on July 1, 2013 and will begin competing in 14 sports for the 2013-14 academic year. The school won’t be eligible for postseason play until it completes the mandatory four-year NCAA reclassification from Division II to Division I. The River Hawks, who are currently members of the Northeast-10 Conference, will become full Division I members of America East for the 2017-18 year. The 17 sports sponsored by Lowell are baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, men’s golf, men’s ice hockey, rowing, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track & field and volleyball. The school plans to add men’s and women’s lacrosse for the 2014-15 year.

It will mark the first America East league expansion since 2002, when UMBC was elected to membership. Binghamton, Albany and Stony Brook were added in 2001.

“I am thrilled to welcome UMass Lowell as the newest member of America East,” America East Commissioner Amy Huchthausen said. “All throughout the membership evaluation process, our conference’s leadership has stressed the importance of finding peer institutions with similar profiles and an infrastructure of strong academics, competitive athletics programs and outstanding facilities. UMass Lowell has those assets and will strengthen America East in all facets.”

The Bearcats share history with UMass Lowell, having played two years against the River Hawks when both schools were members of the Division II New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) from 1998-2000. 

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Associate Director of Athletics for Student Services Ed Scott was selected by the America East to be featured in a four-part video series celebrating Black History Month. The fifth-year administrator discusses his background, playing baseball in high school and college and the impact of those who helped pave the way for educators like himself.

To commemorate Black History Month this year, the America East has dug into the storied athletic histories of each of our nine institutions. The result is a four-part video series which will air each Wednesday throughout the month of February via the conference website. These mini-documentaries will examine the meaning of Black History Month as well as the role athletics has played in fostering equality.

This series will attempt to cover athletics in a broad fashion, as we have interviewed current and former players, coaches and administrators. Some of these distinguished individuals have dedicated their lives to college athletics while others have gone on to become successful in business or education. All of them are leaders and many can be viewed as pioneers in one way or another. Many of them will continue to guide us in the coming years.

Please join us throughout the month of February as we celebrate Black History Month and these nine individuals: Ian Boyce (Vermont), Rob Dixon (New Hampshire), David Bobb (UMBC), Ed Scott (Binghamton) Lee McElroy (Albany), Andrew Goba (Stony Brook), Nick Creme (Hartford) and Noelle Leon-Palmer (Maine).

The Binghamton Athletic Department and the Binghamton Alumni Association coordinated the event.

Winter Madness 2013 sponsors included State Farm Insurance and Liberty Mutual.

Kocik will be honored during halftime of the Binghamton men’s basketball game against Maine on Feb. 16. At that time, he will be presented with the grand prize of free coffee for one year at any local Dunkin Donuts.

For the past 36 years, Kocik has taught within the Broome County Catholic School System. He presently teaches social studies, current events and religion to grades 4-6 St. John the Evangelist School, where he began in 1985.

Kocik’s students compete in the National Geographic Geography Bee each year and twice he has had a student qualify for the New York State Competition. In addition, he also holds a weekly after-school intramural program for the students.

To quote the students - “Mr. Kocik’s sense of humor makes class fun. Mr. Kocik always wants the best for us. Every year, Mr. Kocik enhances our knowledge of history, geography and current events.  He always makes sure we understand what we are learning.”

Kocik was informed of his award during an assembly at St. John’s the Evangelist School on Thursday morning. Yuhnick, who will also be present at the Feb. 16 ceremony, read her nomination after the announcement was made.

VESTAL, N.Y.—Award-winning and longtime Broome County sports announcer and Binghamton basketball radio play-by-play voice Roger Neel is now being honored for his athletic accomplishments. Neel will be inducted into the Slippery Rock (Pa.) High School Hall of Fame this Saturday. The ceremony and recognition dinner will pull Neel away from a Bearcats basketball broadcast for the first time in 15 years.

Neel was a two-sport athlete at Slippery Rock, excelling at football and baseball. He earned three letters in baseball and led the team with a .458 batting average as a senior captain and first baseman. He also was an offensive and defensive tackle on the football team for two years and graduated in 1969.

After graduation, Neel continued his athletics prowess at Westminster College (Pa.), where he was a three-year starter and starting member of the school’s first NAIA Championship team in 1970 and its national runnerup team in 1971. During Neel’s tenure, the Titans held the nation’s longest winning streak at 24 straight games. He earned Pittsburgh Press first team all-district honors as an offensive tackle in 1971 and played for two College Football Hall of Fame coaches in Dr. Harold Burry and Dr. Joseph Fusco. Neel also captained Westminster’s baseball team, where he played alongside future New York Yankee Darryl Jones. He graduated from Westminster in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in speech with a concentration in radio/television. 

Neel’s professional accomplishments are widespread. He began his broadcasting career in 1973 as the play-by-play voice of the Johnstown Jets of the North American Hockey League. In 1978, Neel arrived in Binghamton and began work at WNBF radio and as lead announcer for the Broome Dusters (and later Binghamton Whalers) of the American Hockey League. His work in hockey has resulted in election to the Binghamton Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003 and honors as the James Ellery Award winner for radio broadcasting and publicity in the AHL.

In 1998, Neel began his long tenure as basketball play-by-play man for Binghamton University and he hasn’t missed a game in 15 years. Along the way, Neel’s voice has resonated back to Broome County fans from the far reaches of Alaska, California, Texas, New Mexico, Florida and North Carolina. Neel called the historic 2009 NCAA first-round game between the Bearcats and Duke from Greensboro, N.C.

He has continued to work as brand manager and sports director for Townsquare Media radio stations 1290 WNBF and ESPN 1360 WYOS and hosts WNBF’s popular morning show.

Neel is the most visible and veteran broadcaster in Upstate New York and has done television work for NESN, MSG, Time Warner Cable and New York SportsChannel. He also served as the public address announcer for the Double-A Binghamton Mets in the Eastern League, working more than 800 games over a 12-year span.

On campus, Neel has also served as master of ceremonies for the athletic department’s annual awards banquet and has promoted BU’s 21 teams and 400+ student-athletes on a daily basis.

“I have known Roger for more than 20 years and have always been amazed at his unmatched level of professionalism and enthusiasm for our university, our student-athletes and the Binghamton community,” said John Hartrick, BU’s associate athletics director. “Roger keeps a hectic schedule that not many people could perform day-in, day out and he always has a smile on his face. He truly is one-of-a-kind and this area has been blessed to have him. Roger loves sports and appreciates and respects the talents of the athletes he covers ... yet he is so humble about his own achievements. We all salute Roger for his induction into the Slippery Rock Hall of Fame and thank him for sharing his expertise with us and the Binghamton Bearcats fans.” 

Neel and his wife, Beth, reside in Endicott.

VESTAL, N.Y.—Over 500 guests came to the Events Center on Monday afternoon for the eighth annual Celebrating Women’s Athletics Luncheon presented by M&T Bank. Held each February to recognize the achievements of Binghamton University’s female student-athletes, the luncheon raises money for the Binghamton University Athletic Club’s (BUAC) Women’s Scholarship Fund.

Shannon Miller, the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Gymnast, was Monday’s featured speaker. At the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, she won a pair of gold medals. Four years earlier, she captured a pair of silver medals and three bronze medals at the Barcelona Olympics. In addition, Miller won three gold medals at the 1993 World Championships and two more the following year.

“It is critical to highlight and celebrate the role of athletics in a woman’s life,” Miller said during her speech on Monday. “Anyone can have an Olympian mindset of a champion even if they never reach that level of competition. You need to win the day, every day. You do that by setting goals, keeping the focus on the team and not just on yourself and keeping a positive mindset.”

Senior women’s lacrosse player Katherine Hunsberger was this year’s student speaker. A recipient of one of the aforementioned BUAC athletic scholarships, she is a three-year starting midfielder as well as a team captain this season. In the classroom, Hunsberger has been named to the America East Commissioner’s Honor Roll three times during her career and was inducted into the National College Athlete Honor Society in 2010.

“I will always be forever grateful to Binghamton University and the lacrosse program for the opportunities that I have had here,” Hunsberger said. “I have been given all of the skills needed to succeed in the years beyond college. I will always remember my time here.”

Since 2006, the Celebrating Women’s Athletics Luncheon has raised over $130,000 to support the BUAC Women’s Scholarship Fund.  The scholarship was established in 2007, and is awarded annually to two deserving female student-athletes. The luncheon began in 2006, with just 75 attendees, and is today one of the Athletics Department’s primary fund-raisers.

“This is one of the most noteworthy events that we have on campus each year,” Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger said. “It shows that athletic opportunities have expanded to the point where everyone is included.”

“Every year, this has been a community-driven event and has been great for women’s athletics,” Binghamton University Athletic Director Patrick Elliott said. “In the places I was at before I came here (in 2010), I had never heard of an event taking place anywhere else. It is a model for the rest of college athletics.”

NOTE: This year’s featured speaker was arranged through the support of longtime athletics sponsor and university partner, Sodexo Education Services ... other major sponsors of the event were Dr. Bai Lee, State Farm-Jim Rollo Agency and Twin River Commons.