$
21.95
LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY
POST PIONEERS
DOWLING COLLEGE
golden lions
return, LIU can really start expecting more
victories. Even with that, the Pioneers have
some areas to improve upon, and Collins has
already been making adjustments.
“Going into the year, we felt solid in
certain areas, but we had certain question
marks in other areas,” Collins said, “We have
to stop giving up the big play.”
Story by Kevin Freiheit
Photos by Morgan Harrison
The defense has had a rough time,
especially over the past two games, giving
up 86 combined points. It was a major
difference as the defense allowed just 28 in
the first pair of games. Collins is confident
that the Pioneers can recover from the losses
and put together a winning season.
DOWLING
Men’s
Soccer
A
Stands
Tall
“This team is sticking more together,”
Collins said, “Adversity causes some to
break, and others to break records. We’re
always working hard, and we have excellent
recruiting class that is showing.” A big piece
of the Pioneers’ puzzle is how the younger
players perform. “It’s a huge role from
younger players,” Collins said, “We’re very
happy with the freshmen class. We want to
he Dowling College men’s soccer
team was unsatisfied with their
T
“
We have a tremendous roster and Pioneers got off to a
This season, the
we have already won hot start again, winning the opening pair
more games
of games and scoring 71 points. However,
this year than all of last step backwards as they dropped
LIU took a year.
the next two games, falling back to .500
maintain a winning attitude, and make sure
the freshmen are seeing it.”
The confidence level for LIU is still
high, and the Pioneers believe that they are
a talented enough team to put together a
successful season. The coaches believe in
the players, and they are willing to work to
make them even better.
“I really do believe this is
a special group of players,”
Collins
said,
“They’re
preparing very hard to play
these games. Everything is
in place for them to succeed,
and we’re hoping for big
things from the Pioneers this
season.”
declining, and they have lost that winning
touch they held onto for so long.
results from a year ago. After
DiRico noted that the team lost eight
posting a 2-15-1 record, the Golden Lions games by only one-goal last year, but
knew that change was necessary. With regardless, it was still a disappointing
fter a disappointing finish to only 13 returning players, Dowlingfacing season. The Golden Eagles have played
last on the year. The Pioneers are has
already collected more wins than all one
season, the Long Island University an eerily similar situation to the of in four one-goal games this year, but have
Post Pioneers are looking to last year bythey were three ofseason, but are been on the winning side more frequently.
get that winning in last the first five
games this season.
back where they belong. Following two looking for a completely opposite
With an experienced coach like
successful winning football seasons, theHead coach John DiRico is game losing
outcome. Despite the two in his
DiRico, Dowling already has a starting
Pioneers finished with a 3-7 record 22nd year of coaching and understands
last streak, head Coach Bryan Collins is
point to get back on track. “We have a
year, falling short of their ultimate goal.
what itconfident that his team can get back on the
takes to win. The Golden Lions completely different team than last year,”
were right track.
Despite winning the first two games National champions in 2006 and DiRico said, “We have a tremendous
would consistentlyexpect season of 10 roster and we have already won more
of the year by a combined 91-36 score,
“I fully post us to compete,”
or
LIU was unable to keep the momentummore wins.said, “Our goal is the go 9-2, games this year than all of last year.”
Collins However, over to last
two one their performance has down.
going. Bloomsburg University halted years, week up and one week been
the energy and the Pioneers started an Attack the next opponent.” The
unfortunate string of defeats. Throughout Pioneers have been battling injuries
the rest of the season LIU would only during both this season, and the
win one other game,
Story by Kevin Freiheit a 20-15 victory over last one. While many coaches will
Millersville University
Photos by Morgan Harrison on homecoming never use injuries as an excuse,
weekend. A losing season can be looked they certainly hurt the overall
at in more ways than one. While it wasn’t quality of the team.
the anticipated or wanted outcome, the
“Our starting running back
Pioneers used the year to learn, rebuild has battled an ankle injury, but
and improve.
he’s playing through it,” Collins
“
KEEPSAKE POSTERS
Any Cover Available in
8.5 x11 Print
Freshman infielder Alex Hailes is
one of the new players on the team
and is looking to get his collegiate
career off to a good start. “This team
has gelled together really quickly
and I have high expectations,” Hailes
said. Hailes, who is from England,
didn’t hesitate to say that he is more
concerned than how the team is doing
than personal statistics. At the same
time, he knows that he is going to
have to step and contribute when
called upon. “Hopefully I can make
a big impact, stay off the bench and
make a difference,” Hailes said.
Returning striker Kariym Balthazer
knows what it’s like to play for
Dowling, as he did last year, but wants
to see the team be successful. “The
sky is the limit”, Balthazer said. “We
have a lot of work to do, but we’re
responding well. I’m happy with how
we already beat our record from last
year.”
said, “We’ve been struggling
with injuries. If we can get back
healthy, we’ll continue to get
better each week.” Once a few
of the injured players begin to
team become that successful once
again, but he’ll have to do it with a
completely new set of players, a lot
of whom are new. “This team has the
makeup, the talent and the chemistry
to get back to where we are used to
being,” DiRico said. “I have a good
sense of where this team can go.”
DiRico’s determination to win
translates to his players and he aims
to recruit players that have the same
mentality that he does. “I recruit
players from winning programs and
my players hate to lose more than they
love to win,” DiRico said.
Improving a record from a season
ago, but that’s just the first step for
Dowling soccer. The Golden Lions
made a name for themselves and were
a strong force, and an intimidating
team to play against.
Head coach John DiRico
DiRico has plans of seeing his
DiRico has set high standards for
the Golden Lions and he has every
season, regardless of past records or
performances. “The coach has high
expectations of you and doesn’t settle
for mediocracy,” Balthazer said, “I
respect him as a coach.”
The Golden Lions are off to a
good start, but the season has just
begun. Dowling will try to make
a deep run for the first time in three
years.
Any Cover or Article Poster
Available in 12 x 18 Print
$24.95
1(800)680-3213
1(800)680-3213
Any Cover Available in
8.5x11 Print with Frame
$34.95
SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
sharks
NAS SAU COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LIONS
“I believe that hard work beats talent,
every time talent does not work hard,”
says Kim Simpson, head coach of the
Suffolk County Community College Girls
Volleyball team. In Coach Simpsons past
five seasons with the �harks, the team
has made it to the regional semifinals
four times. Last season, the Sharks had a
record of 22-1 and went to nationals after
winning their region. The team included
an all-American nomination, as well as
multiple all-regional players.
about the game, I must also exhibit it. I
work my girls hard and expect a lot out
of them.” She says, “No matter how
talented, I expect my teams to work,
work, work until we hit our final goal of
winning the region.”
volleyball, you always know when she is
on the court.” Brittney led the team in
kills last season. “She works extremely
hard and is passionate about the game.
She loves to have fun at practice with her
teammates and loves to push them. She
is a true leader ”, according to Simpson.
With a bright future ahead, on and off the
court, Brittney is pursuing a future career
in nursing. Simpson says, “She is going
to do amazing things on the next level
when she leaves Suffolk.”
NASSAU LIONS OFF
TO A STRONG SEASON
Kim Simpson’s volleyball
career began at NYIT, where she was
a scholarship player for four years.
Since then, she has worked with
multiple volleyball programs such as
the Longwood PAL and the Long Island
United travel 18 year old volleyball
team. Coach Simpson’s enthusiastic
coaching and hard work by the players
has lead to indisputable success for the
Suffolk Volleyball program. Simpson
believes in leading by example, “I think
if I want them to have desire and passion
SUFFOLK
SHARKS
Team captains for the 2013
season include returning sophomores
Amanda Dill and Brittney Olazagasti.
Amanda Dill, from Patchogue,
was nominated to the all tournament
team at the regional playoffs in 2012,
where the team took first place. �impson
says, “I am very lucky to have someone
like Amanda on the team who pushes
others to be the best they can be.” This
dedicated student athlete is described as
a , “consistent, strong, and a mentally
tough player.”
Amanda hopes to
continue playing at a four year school
after graduating from SCCC.
Fellow team captain and
extremely talented player, Brittney
Olazagasti, from Selden, NY is a
first team all regional player. Coach
Simpson
says,
“Brittney
loves
Sophomore Katie Shannon
from Selden, controls the court for the
Sharks, and is the team’s setter. “The
team depends on her and she has done
such an amazing job setting up all of our
hitters so far this season. She loves the
game and wants to continue playing at
the next level. Katie is willing to work
on anything or try anything you ask her
to. Sometimes as a coach you know you
push people, and sometimes you must
stop before you break them, but there
is no breaking Katie. She wants to be
the best player she can be!” says Coach
Simpson. Simpson describes her as,
“a caring, dedicated and hardworking
Story By Kevin Freiheit // Photos By Kevin Sperandeo
look forward to
successful year
Story and Photos By Kevin Sperandeo
Suffolk Girls Volleyball
Suffolk Girls Volleyball
NASSAU COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOOTBALL
In their six wins this season, Nassau has put
up 240 points, an average of 40 points per game.
Those numbers increased after the Lions defeated
Hudson Valley Community College 68-20 in a
game that got out of hand quickly.
young lady.”
Fighting her way to a starting spot
with very talented group, freshman,
Carly Lomba rdo from Stony Brook has
been able to find her role on the team.
Coach Simpson says, “She is volleyballminded. She has been around the game
for so many years and is driven to be
successful.” Carly came to the team
from High School coming off not only
a Division 1 Suffolk Championship,
but also a Long Island Championship.
Described as a player that always brings
one hundred percent, Simpson says,
“She is a versatile player, I can ask her
to play any position on the court, and she
will gladly do so.”
Another key player for the team is
Kiersten Kissinger from Islip. This is
�iersten’s first year with the �harks.
According to Coach Simpson, “She
is a humble player; she works hard at
practice, and truly loves the game.”
Kiersten is a sophomore transfer student
from SUNY Oneonta. Coach Simpson
says, “We are lucky to have Kiersten
transfer back home to join the Suffolk
volleyball team.” Having a presence on
the court, Simpson describes Kiersten as
a, “strong, loud and aggressive player.
She is great to watch when she gets more
excited for a teammates accomplishments
then her own.”
With great teamwork, dedication,
respect and passion, Coach Simpson
believes the team will go far. The goal
is always to win the region and make it
to nationals, “That is always what the
girls are working to”, says Simpson.
This year’s team looks promising, and
they are set for another successful year.
Simpson says, “They have many talents
on the court, strong hitters, big blockers,
tough defense, but I love that these girls
know the true meaning of being a team
and what a teammate really is.”
The �harks played their first match
on September 3rd. They beat Hostos
Community College with a score of three
games to none.
The Lions defense has allowed more than
seven points in a game just twice this season and
have yielded 60 points overall, through the first
six games. By scoring four times more than the
opponent, Nassau isn’t going to have a problem
winning games.
They haven’t been relying on star senior
players, either. Nassau has been able to spread
the wealth and possesses numerous ways to score.
Any Cover or Article Poster
Available in
12x18 Print with Frame
$44.95
�ophomore quarterback Troy �ones has
led the Lions to victory at every chance he has
had this season. �ones has completed 56 of 97
attempts this season, along with 10 touchdowns.
His longest play of the year went for 82 yards and
he is averaging just over 1�0 per game. �ones has
plenty of talented wide outs to throw the ball to,
but if there’s a favorite target he has, that very
well may be sophomore Antwane Grant.
Grant has found the end zone six times this
season, including three in the win against Hudson
Valley. Grant has three 100-yard receiving games
and has made at least a reception during every
game, except one.
When they’re not throwing the ball, the Lions
have a great option in sophomore running back
Travis Lock, who has been a big part of the
offense this year and has made some big runs
all season long. Lock has gained �23 yards and
three touchdowns on 93 carries. His longest run
of the season was 56 yards.
“I believe that hard work
beats talent, every time
talent does not work hard”
Kim Simpson, head coach
Suffolk Girls Volleyball
With these offensive options, the Lions can
be an unpredictable group, and can win games
in different ways. Grant and �ones have created
problems for their opponents so far because they
are both so dynamic.
I
f there’s one word to describe the
Nassau Community College football
team, it’s “dominant”. The Lions are plain
and simple destroying their opponents this
season and have shown no signs of slowing
down.
The Lions are Volleyball
6-1 start and
Suffolk Girls off to athat they will have
proven, time after time,
be a
team to beat going forward. Nassau has been
on a roll and is building more momentum
and confidence with every win, making it
that much more difficult for another team to
stop them.
1(800)680-3213
1(800)680-3213
The Lions will look to both of these players to
keep doing what they have been as they continue.
The Lions had their toughest game of the season
recently, and the results were different this time.
Nassau suffered its lone loss of the season, which
snapped a six game winning streak. The Lions
fell to Georgia Military College, the �1 ranked
school, by a �5-22 score.
Playing the top seeded school is always tough,
but Nassau has the talent and mentality to bounce
back. The Lions have a few games remaining
on their schedule. They will take on Louisburg
College, Globe Tech and ASA College to close
out the regular season.
To Order:
Call 1.800.680.3213 or Email
[email protected]