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Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Special athletics e-newsletter
Week of June 8
With some of our student-athletes still competing in competitions, we take a special look at our spring varsity sports teams at the Academies in this final electronic newsletter of the 2008-09 school year. The young men and women who comprised these teams -- some of whom were in Middle School -- did an outstanding job this past season and should be very proud of their accomplishments.
"All of us at The Albany Academies commend our spring sports teams for their commitment to excellence this season and drive to continually improve their skills. Our school's tradition of athletic excellence is a direct result of our commitment to making respect for physical health and strength an integral part of every student's educational experience. We passionately believe a young person's intellectual and character development is enhanced by the athletic experience. Our varsity spring sports teams illustrate the fact that no matter the result on the field, our student-athletes always carry themselves with honor, dignity and respect for themselves and others." -- Paul Gallucci, Athletic Director
Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team
Final record: 18-1
The Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team had an outstanding season that included winning the Section II Class C Championship. The girls season ended on June 6 against Nyack in the State Regional Final Game at Lakeland High School. The girls entered the game as the underdog against a powerful state-ranked team. In the second half, the team led 8-6 with 12 minutes left in the game, but lost in the final minutes 13-8.
COACH'S VIEWPOINT -- "The success of the girls lacrosse team lies in the fact that the girls truly believed in themselves," said Coach Greg Giombetti '89. "Everyone had a role on this team and each girl understood and accepted that role. We are looking for the same kind of success next season and can only hope to accomplish all that this team did. I am very proud of all our girls and hope that they cherish the memories of this special season."
STUDENT PERSPECTIVE -- "I could not have been more honored to serve as Co-Captain of our lacrosse team this season," said Caroline Gersuk '10 (recipient of the Coach Giombetti Lacrosse Award & Trimester III Female Athlete). "My teammates were extremely hardworking and committed throughout the entire season. Our success was attributed to both our dedication and the unwavering support and commitment of Coach Giombetti. He believed in us from the very beginning and each of my teammates can agree that his positive attitude and competitive drive helped us believe in ourselves."
Girls Varsity Track & Field Team
Final record: 4-6
In its first year in the challenging Colonial Council, the Girls Varsity Track & Field Team had a successful season and moved up to Class B Sectionals. The highlight of the season was the team's 9th place showing at Sectionals that included a 2nd place finish and school record in the 4 X 800 relay run by Catherine Dudek '12, Gillian Stewart '09, Nora Lankhof '11 and Olivia Huffman '11 in a time of 10:28.
COACH'S VIEWPOINT -- "I gained so much from my experience as an Albany Academy athlete," said Coach Jonathan Catlett '97, a track star during his time at the Academy. "My coaches and experiences taught me invaluable lessons about commitment, sportsmanship and teamwork. It's great to have the opportunity to share those insights and see the impact they have on the athletes that I coach a decade later. I was so proud of the members of the girls track team. We are looking forward to building upon the successes of this season with an even stronger showing next spring."
Girls JV Softball Team (there was no varsity team this season)
Final record: 12-6
COACH'S VIEWPOINT -- "In our first year in the Colonial Council, the Girls JV Softball Team put together an exceptional season," said Coach Michael McArthur. "This was especially satisfying considering the fact that many of the girls on the team were not used to playing such a high level of softball. As we move up to the varsity level next season, the team will be faced with even greater challenges but the success of this year gives us hope that we will be competitive. Many thanks to Coach Jessica Lawton for her diligence and support this year."
Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team
Final record: 8-8
The Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team -- back in Section II -- finished a solid season by defeating South Glens Falls 11-2 in the Section II Class B Quarterfinals before falling to top-ranked Niskayuna.
COACH'S VIEWPOINT -- "The Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team showed steady improvement this season and garnered a number four seed in Sectionals," said Coach Mark Wimmer. "A lot of time and hard work by our players and coaching staff -- led by Brendan Chin '09 (MVP), Marty Cole '09, Nathan Hofesang '09 (Coaches Award), Chris Lockwood '09 (Best Defenseman) and Joe O'Connor '09 resulted in a win in the Class B Sectionals and a trip to the semifinals. The boys have positioned the lacrosse program for success in the future."
STUDENT PERSPECTIVE -- "I would have to credit most of our team's success to our drive and willingness to work hard every day," said Chris Breiner '11. "We were all dedicated to being the best. We are a young team and hope to have even greater success next year; it would be excellent to win a Sectional championship!"
Boys Varsity Track & Field Team
Final record: 9-0 (regular season)
The Boys Varsity Track & Field Team completed a 9-0 undefeated season and won the Colonial Council Championship. The boys won a narrow, 4-point victory over Fonda and 14 other schools in the Class B Sectional meet on May 29.
COACH'S VIEWPOINT -- "I was so proud to witness the great success of the boys track team this season," said Coach Jim Poole '68. "I'm happy to report that the following members of the team qualified for this weekend's State meet in Syracuse during the State Qualifiers: Connor Ferris '10 -- qualified in the high jump with a height of 6'1"; Jelanie Currie '12 -- qualified in the triple jump with a school record jump of 44'5"; Amadou Gueye '09 -- qualified in the 110 hurdles with a Section II record time of 13.8 seconds; and the boys 4 X 400 relay team consisting of Jamel Fields '10, Alex Zacharczenko '10, Buddy White '10 & Amadou Gueye '09 -- qualified with a time of 3:28.2."
STUDENT PERSPECTIVE -- "I was not surprised by the success of the Boys Varsity Track Team because we have a lot of capable athletes who can step up in a variety of ways," said Amadou Gueye '09. "My role on the team was to fill in wherever needed and score big points. I just went out and battled despite being plagued all year by recurring quad injuries. I would like to thank my family, my coaches and especially Athletic Trainer Ron Hutchins for working tirelessly to get me back into race shape. The coaches spent many hours working to help us better ourselves."
Boys Varsity Tennis Team
Final record: 14-0
The Boys Varsity Tennis Team finished a special season by defeating Scotia 5-2 to capture the Class A Sectional Championship. The top four singles players (Matt Kandath '09, Julian Wrede '09, Stefan Kuhar '12 and Chris Savo '11) finished the team season a perfect 47-0.
The team sent Kandath in singles and Wrede & Kuhar in doubles to the state championships for the second straight year -- an accomplishment never equaled in Section II.
COACH'S VIEWPOINT -- "The Boys Varsity Tennis Team was successful on the court due to the work ethic of every member of the team," said Coach Tony Fruscio. "The team is a scholar-athlete team so their success on the court is a mirror image of their success in the classroom. It was a honor to coach this impressive group of young men. Special thanks to Assistant Coach Gorden Kuhar for his help and support this season."
Boys Varsity Baseball Team
Final record: 6-10
COACH'S VIEWPOINT -- "The Boys Varsity Baseball Team showed much improvement from last year and was the only team to defeat Lansingburgh -- the Colonial Council Champions -- in league play," said Coach Dave Rider '73. "With only three seniors graduating, the team is expecting even greater results next year."
Special note on Steve Quillinan '09 of the Boys Varsity Golf Team
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Steve Quillinan '09 finished in 9th place in the Section II State Golf Championship at Cornell University held in early June and finished in 2nd place in the Federation Tournament in Elmira this past Sunday.
COACH'S VIEWPOINT -- "Steve has had a great career as a golfer at the Academies," said Coach Jak Bestle. "He has been a key player on our varsity team since his rookie season as an eighth grader. It was fitting that he ended his high school career among the top ten high school golfers in the state at the NYS HS championships and Federation Tournament. With his dedication to the game and competitiveness, I believe he will be able to compete for a spot on Florida Atlantic University’s Division I team next fall." |
Register now for Summer Camp 2009!
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Summer Camp 2009 at the Academies is now underway... but there is still time to enroll your child if you have not already done so.
Our always popular LEAP Camp is offering more exciting options that ever before; new classes such as the Red Cross babysitting course and the SAT Prep Course are being offered this summer; and our Classic Day, Girls & Boys Basketball Camps, Junior Camp and a writing skills course are all a part of this summer's offerings. |
We are also offering a special referral program: if you enroll in our camp and pass along a referral postcard with your name on it (available through Shelly Reid on the West Campus), you'll receive $50 off your camp fee.
For more information, contact Camp Director Brian Fruscio at (518) 429-2313 or frusciob@albanyacademies.org.
2009 Legacy of Dreams
June 20
6 p.m.
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The 2009 Legacy of Dreams will truly be an event for the ages as hundreds of alumni, alumnae, faculty and special friends of the Academies come together on Saturday, June 20 at the Fort Orange Club in Albany.
The event will begin at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by food stations, music and a live auction at 7 p.m. |
Proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards athletic programs at the Academies, benefiting students, faculty and coaches.
The major sponsors of this event are the Hilton Garden Inn and the Recovery Room.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE FOR THE 2009 LEGACY OF DREAMS.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
We hope that you have enjoyed our weekly electronic newsletter showcasing the academic, athletic and artistic achievements of our students along with the many other activities and events that occur each day at the Academies.
We will be working with parents over the summer to make some exciting changes to the electronic newsletter; we welcome your input!
Also, be on the look out for a special publication that outlines many of the other Academies accomplishments in college acceptances, May Projects, arts and community service as well as the spring 2009 issue of A2 magazine -- due to hit mailboxes within the next few weeks.
Congratulations to the AA & AAG Classes of 2009! We wish these young men and women all the best as they head to many of the finest colleges and universities in the nation.
Have a wonderful summer and we'll see you in the fall!
The Albany Academies is committed to developing the potential of the whole individual by building a community that fosters scholarship, leadership, character, service, and creativity. Our Compass of Core Values includes responsibility, self-discipline, compassion, ingenuity, respect, service, integrity and perseverance.
If you have any questions or comments about this electronic newsletter, please contact Ann Wendth, Director of External Affairs, at (518) 429-2385 or wendtha@albanyacademies.org, or Adam Doling, Communications Associate, at (518) 429-2344 or dolinga@albanyacademies.org.
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2010-2011 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
SPRING/SUMMER 2010 ISSUE OF A2 ACADEMIES MAGAZINE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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