December 2011 Archives
Check out the highlights from UMass' 5-2 victory over #13 Cornell last night in the opening round of the Florida College Hockey Classic. Be sure to listen to tonight's game on 91.1 FM WMUA as the Mass Attack faces Maine for the championship!
Earlier today, the Minutemen went to the beach for a pregame jog and stretch. Check out the photo gallery on Facebook
Matt Vautour has a look at tonight's men's basketball match-up between UMass and Central Connecticut State as the Blue Devils visit the Mullins Center for a 7 PM tip-off.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story focusing on the qualities Charley Molnar is looking for in his new staff and incoming players.
New University of Massachusetts football coach Charley Molnar said he expects the Minutemen to be competitive in the Mid-American Conference quickly. As he recruits UMass' first class that will spend its entire career in the Bowl Subdivision, Molnar is telling players that they wouldn't just be serving as a springboard for future players' success. "I'm really talking to them about being the foundation of a championship football team. These guys aren't going to be just a step along the way so some group down the road can win a championship," Molnar said. "These guys are coming to the University of Massachusetts to win a championship in their time here. These guys are going to be hoisting a trophy up. That's the absolute plan. That's the vision and that's why they're coming to UMass." "One of the things I set out to do was hire a staff where every coach has full-time I-A experience," said Molnar, wearing a maroon dress shirt sitting a conference room in UMass' University Drive football offices. "Some have coached in the MAC and most of the coaches have some BCS experience at the full-time level."
Thanks to a pair of goals and an assist for Conor Sheary and 27 saves from Kevin Boyle, the UMass hockey team beat No. 13 Cornell 5-2 last night in the Everblades College Hockey Classic in Estero, Fla. UMass will face Maine tonight at 7:30 PM for the tournament championship. The game will be a non-conference match-up between the two Hockey East rivals and can be heard on 91.1 FM WMUA.
POSTGAME INTERVIEW:
Ron Chimelis of the Springfield Republican takes a look at the success UMass basketball is having in its non-conference schedule this season urging fans to get on board.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette previews the Everblades College Hockey Classic where UMass will face No. 13 Cornell tonight at 7:30 PM.
CBS Boston has a look at the transformation of Fenway Park in preparation for the Sun Life Frozen Fenway 2012 - just one week from this Friday when UMass takes on Vermont at 4 PM.
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican has a preview of tonight's meeting with No. 13 Cornell in the Everblades College Hockey Classic in Florida.
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican has his Baker's Dozen for the week where he looks at the match-ups in the Everblades College Hockey Classic which starts tonight along with other items surrounding the UMass hockey season.
Jeff Thomas of the Springfield Republican has an update on MAC teams and their bowl success this year. MAC teams have won three of four bowl games this year following Toledo's win over Air Force last night. Temple and Ohio each won their respective bowls, while Western Michigan lost a close game to Purdue.
Jeff Thomas reveals the Springfield Republican's No. 3 pick for Top 10 Sports Stories of 2011 as being UMass making the jump to the Football Bowl Subdivision and the Mid-American Conference. The complete Top-10 list will be published on Jan. 1 in the Republican.
In today's Republican, Dick Baker has a midseason review of the UMass women's basketball team's progress in the squad's second season under head coach Sharon Dawley.
The Minutewomen, who are in action this afternoon at the UVA Cavalier Classic facing Elon at 4:30 p.m., are currently on a three-game winning streak and sit at 4-8 on the year. "While the program progress may not appear rapid under Dawley, it's been clearly identifiable. She already has four new recruits for next season, and improving on last year's 3-11 conference mark this season seems quite likely. Her knowledge of the game cannot be questioned, and it's clear the former outstanding Vermont coach has a plan. The elevator may be going up at a filled-hotel- elevator speed, but it's going up while making the necessary stop at each floor."
After putting together an unbelievable regular-season performance, Victor Cruz has been selected as a second alternate for this year's NFL Pro Bowl in Honolulu.
Jeff Roberts of The Record has a feature on Cruz who says he feels "blessed" and that he's "having the most incredible year of my life."
David Moulton of NaplesNews.com has a look at the Everblades College Hockey Classic in Estero, Fla., where UMass will take on No. 13 Cornell on Thursday and either Clarkson or Maine on Friday.
The Associated Press reported yesterday that UMass alum Rick Pitino will not return to Louisville when his contract runs out following the 2016-17 season.
In his blog yesterday, ESPN's Andy Katz ranks UMass as his No. 3 Team That Impressed after the Minutemen's win over Davidson.
10 more teams that impressed this week - College Basketball Nation Blog - ESPN
1. North Carolina: The Tar Heels crushed Texas in Chapel Hill and finally looked like the dominant No. 1 team it was projected to be at the start of the season. 2. Providence: Yes, the Friars made the grade this week. They won easily at rival Rhode Island, which might not mean much considering the Rams have only one win, but it was a strong statement for first-year coach Ed Cooley, who has his program trending upward heading into Big East play. 3. UMass: The Minutemen have been erratic this season in key games, but a convincing win against Davidson at home, after the Wildcats had beaten Kansas, is proof that UMass has a shot to cause some trouble in the A-10. 4. Long Beach State: The 49ers were the runner-up at the Diamond Head Classic, falling to Kansas State on Sunday. But the 49ers enter Big West play as the clear favorites over UC Santa Barbara and have proven through their crazy nonconference schedule that they're not afraid to play against any team. 5. UTEP: The Miners finished in third in the Diamond Head Classic and showed their athleticism and grittiness throughout the tournament. The Miners will be a tough out in Conference USA, which should be an extremely competitive league race. 6. Missouri: The Tigers outlasted Illinois in their annual game in St. Louis. The Tigers continue to look the part of a top 10 team and a potential top two seed in the NCAA tournament. Missouri got pushed as hard as it has this season by Illinois, but still prevailed late by making the right decisions. 7. Creighton: The Bluejays rebounded well from a road loss at Saint Joseph's with a home win against Northwestern. Creighton has righted itself in time for what should be a brutal chase for the Missouri Valley Conference title. 8. Florida: The Gators didn't have to sweat much late in the game in an 82-64 win against Florida State, as they proved yet again that they are the premier program in the state. Patric Young continues to develop into a defensive force. 9. Georgetown: The Hoyas completed a season sweep of Memphis and have made the Verizon Center one of the tougher spots to get a win this season. Georgetown has been able to beat teams playing different styles, and has a variety of players capable of contributing. 10. LSU: The Tigers followed up a home win against Marquette by beating North Texas in Denton. What that means is the Tigers are now winning the games they should if we are to take them seriously going into SEC play.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette takes a look at the Atlantic 10 Conference and the media poll and where each of the team's stack up.
Ron Chimelis of the Springfield Republican looks at UMass' second half adjustments in games this year which have helped the Minutemen put together a four-game win streak heading into Friday's meeting with Central Connecticut (Mullins Center, 7 PM).
An amazing game by Victor Cruz against the Jets over the week where he had a 99-yard pass reception-and-run to help him set a new Giants single season receiving record. Along with his season total, the 99-yard play also ties a franchise record putting the UMass standout's name in the Giants record book twice.
John Torsiello of the Housatonic Times has a profile piece on UMass men's swimming freshman Alex Bieber.
Ricky Harris is interviewed following his 15-point game in leading the sOliver Baskets to a 64-55 win over FC Bayern Munich in the German BBL.
In 12 games, Harris ranks second on the team in scoring at 11.3 points per game.
CBS Boston (WBZ) has a feature story on former Minuteman and current New England Patriot James Ihedigbo that focuses on his life growing up and his HOPE Foundation which helps students in Africa gain a college education in the United States.
Chris Herring of the Wall Street Journal has a story on Vladimir Ducasse and his recent success with the Jets who are using him exclusively in "Jumbo Formations" where he plays as a third tackle/tightend.
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican has a look at UMass hockey's attendance figures through the first half of the season. UMass ranks 16th nationally after 8 home games.
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican has an update on three former Minutemen now in the NHL ranks: Jonathan Quick (L.A. Kings), Justin Braun (San Jose Sharks), and Casey Wellman (Minnesota Wild).
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a sidebar from the Davidson win on former UMass All-American Lou Roe who was in attendance at the Mullins Center last night.
A great night at the Mullins Center on Thursday as UMass defeated Davidson to reach a 10-3 record and remain perfect in home games this year at 6-0. Maxie Esho had a career-high 12 points, while Jesse Morgan led the Minutemen with 14. In all, five UMass players scored in double-figures.
HIGHLIGHTS: POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE:
In an editorial to the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Michel Fusia, son of former UMass football head coach Vic Fusia, writes on why the football move to the FBS is a critical one for the success of the University.
Ben Larsen of the Springfield Republican has a story on new UMass football coach Charley Molnar deciding to forgo coaching in the Champs Sports Bowl with his former team, Notre Dame, so that he can continue the momentum he has built in Amherst.
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican takes a look at UMass' next opponent, Cornell, which the Minutemen will face following Christmas in Florida.
UMass alum Mike Reiss has a profile of James Ihedigbo up on ESPNBoston.com. Included in the Q&A session is Ihedigbo recounting some of his favorite memories while at UMass including the 2006 win over Montana in the NCAA Playoffs in 2006.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a sidebar on the UMass men's basketball win over Quinnipiac and Terrell Vinson's role in the win.
An 18-0 run to start the second half gave UMass a 72-67 win over Quinnipiac despite the Bobcats chipping away late in the game to make it a three-point game with a minute to go. Terrell Vinson, Raphiael Putney and Chaz Williams all scored in double figures to lead UMass which has won three straight and remains undefeated at home (5-0).
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican has an update on Justin Braun (San Jose Sharks, NHL), Matt Irwin (Worcester Sharks, AHL) and Casey Wellman (Minnesota Wild, NHL).
Braun played a season-high 21 minutes in a 3-2 win over Edmonton, while Irwin was reassigned to Worcester. After being called up from Houston, Wellman has been sidelined with the an injury for the Wild. Jim Hague of the Daily Record of Morristown, N.J., has a feature on new UMass football coach Charley Molnar. The story recaps Molnar's process in taking the job and what the past few days have been like as he works to assemble his staff, recruit, meet people around campus and prepare to head back to Notre Dame to help coach the Irish in the Champs Sports Bowl.
If you are around campus today, be sure to stop by the UMass Sports Luncheon at 12 PM in Room 1009 of the Campus Center. Men's basketball coach Derek Kellogg, women's basketball coach Sharon Dawley, and hockey head coach Don "Toot" Cahoon will be the guest speakers.
Freshman goalie Kevin Boyle will also be honored as the UMass Athlete of the Week.
Victor Cruz of the New York Giants was a guest on Colin Cowherd's show on ESPN Radio yesterday. The former UMass standout talked about the win over the Cowboys, his season so far, and playing with Eli Manning.
After 13 years coaching the North Andover boys lacrosse program, Steve Connolly will step down this year as his son and recent UMass standout Ryan Connolly takes over as head coach.
Joe McConnell of Wicked Local North Andover has a Q&A with the former coach about the future with his son at the helm.
New UMass football head coach Charley Molnar was a guest on the Bertrand and Gasper Show on 98.5 FM The Sports Hub in Boston this past Saturday. Check out the audio of the interview below.
Happy birthday to Jordan Broadnax and Brendon Levengood of football, Michael Loughery of men's soccer and Kelsey McGovern of women's lacrosse!
Be sure to check out the Boston Bruins hosting the L.A. Kings tonight at 7 PM as Jonathan Quick makes a return trip to New England. You can watch the game on NESN or listen on 98.5 FM The Sports Hub.
The Holy Cross hockey team raised $7,400 for the Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund last Saturday after wearing special camouflaged jersey's in the game against Army. The Crusaders then auctioned off the sweaters.
The MSLF was founded by UMass alum Peter Trovato who was also in attendance at the game and took part in a ceremonial puck drop. REPUBLICAN: Ex-UMass goalie Jonathan Quick to get new coach - Former Springfield Indian John Stevens
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican takes a look at the coaching change with the L.A. Kings who have named John Stevens as the interim head coach.
Doug Harris of the Springfield (Ohio) News-Sun takes a look at the non-conference opponent success the Atlantic 10 has had this season with several quotes from UMass head coach Derek Kellogg.
GangGreenNation.com ran a story yesterday on Vladimir Ducasse and the New York Jets mixing him in the offensive line as an extra tight end in power sets.
Happy birthday to women's swimmer Katherine Foley and women's field hockey player Molly MacDonnell!
Congratulations to the women's basketball team on heading into the final exam break with a win over Maine on Sunday at the Mullins Center.
Full Court Press has this recap: Career Days for Robinson, Teuscher as UMass Moves Past Maine, 63-54
Also check out the postgame interviews with head coach Sharon Dawley and freshman Emily Mital:
With 7 catches for 83 yards in last night's win over Dallas, Victor Cruz of the New York Giants continues to show why he is one of the top wide receivers in the NFL.
*Cruz had seven receptions for 83 yards in 
UMass alum Dan Duggan has a story on New England Patriots' safety James Ihedigbo and how the veteran has contributed not just on the field but also in the locker room.
Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune has a feature on Casey Wellman that was picked up nationally. The story centers on the development of Wellman who is a rare Californian playing in the top professional ranks between the NHL's Minnesota Wild and the AHL's Houston Aeros - whom he helped nearly win the Calder Cup last season.
The San Jose Sharks of the NHL called up Matt Irwin on Sunday from the AHL Worcester Sharks. That gives the Sharks a pair of UMass blueliners as Irwin will join former teammate Justin Braun.
Braun has played in 14 games this season with a 1 goal, 2 assists and a +5 rating.
Jeff Thomas of the Springfield Republican takes a look at the transition process from the FCS to the FBS level with Charley Molnar at the helm of the UMass football program and the meaning the move will have on the University at the institutional level.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a piece on Charley Molnar and how he will use the example set by Boise State in transitioning UMass from the FCS level to the FBS level in the coming years.
UMass overcame an 11-point second-half deficit to pull out an 82-78 win over Siena on Friday night in the Hall of Fame Holiday Showcase at the Mass Mutual Center. Freddie Riley continued his streak of hot shooting draining six three-pointers for 20 points, while Chaz Williams tied his career-high with 22 points (20 in the second half).
In making an ambitious transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Mid-American Conference, the University of Massachusetts turned to a man with an equal amount of ambition as its next coach. The challenge of building a championship-caliber program is daunting, but Notre Dame offensive coordinator Charley Molnar embraced the opportunity when he was introduced yesterday as the Minutemen's 29th coach during a press conference at Gillette Stadium, where UMass will play five home games each of the next two seasons. "Why did I choose UMass to be the place where I'm going to put the rest of my professional reputation and my career [at stake] - why did I choose to come here?'' asked Molnar. "UMass has a vision to be greater than what it is today. I wanted to be involved in a program from the ground up. Some people like to be caretakers of college football programs; I've always envisioned myself to be a builder.Motivational speaking can be a bit of a tightrope. If it comes off at all oversold or disingenuous, it looks phony. Being a salesman is good. Being a used car salesman is very bad. But in his first appearance as the coach of the University of Massachusetts football program, Charley Molnar walked that line effectively, getting the most out of his first impression. The Notre Dame offensive coordinator's energy appeared genuine and more than a little infectious. He's never been a head coach before, but he came off as a polished speaker. Even during the question and answer session, Molnar stayed on message like an experienced campaigner. And while he seemed honored and excited to have the job, he came off very confident that he was the right man for it. CONTINUE READING: Charley Molnar passes first test at opening press conference | GazetteNET
Congratulations to Charley Molnar for being named the new head coach of the UMass football program yesterday at Gillette Stadium. Tons of coverage today on our newest Minuteman!
 NBC Sports: CFT: Winners of college football's awards NBCSports.com: UMass tabs Molnar as new head coach Boston Globe: UMass introduces new coach at Gillette Stadium Boston Herald: UMass hires Notre Dame assistant Charley Molnar Springfield Republican: Patriots safety James Ihedigbo gives his vote of confidence to new ... Springfield Republican: UMass football introduces new head coach Charley Molnar Daily Hampshire Gazette: New football coach Charley Molnar had eyed UMass since upgrade announced Daily Hampshire Gazette: James Ihedigbo excited for UMass program, upgrade Worcester Telegram: Charley Molnar new UMass football coach SouthCoastToday.com: UMass hires Notre Dame assistant as new football coach Fitchburg Sentinel: UMass introduces new football coach Enterprise News: UMass introduces new coach at Gillette Stadium The Ledger: UMass introduces new coach at Gillette Stadium Hustle Belt: Charley Molnar: Introducing The 14th MAC Coach Daily Collegian: Molnar officially announced as UMass football coach
Charley Molnar is introduced on Thursday as the next head coach of the UMass football team. Fans can watch the entire archived press conference here:
CBS3 and ABC40 both have coverage here as well:
With the women's basketball team in action on the road tonight at Boston College at 7 p.m., Eric Mansfield has this sidebar in today's Daily Collegian:
The Massachusetts women's basketball team, while on a six-game slide, has been keeping the early season non-conference games relatively close, losing four of its six games by five points or less.
Other than a blowout loss on the road to Miami (Ohio), UMass has been within striking distance of all of its opponents, the closest of which was a three-point loss to Central Connecticut at home in overtime on Nov. 16.
Minutewomen coach Sharon Dawley, while disappointed that the team hasn't come away with one of these close games, made it clear that she has been encouraged by her team's performance.
Congratulations to the men's basketball team on improving to 7-3 on the year after pulling out a 63-58 win on the road at East Carolina last night!
Here are recaps of the victory from several media outlets:
Gazette: UMass men's basketball holds off East Carolina
The Minutemen will be putting their seven game home unbeaten streak on the line tonight when the squad plays host to Yale at 7 p.m. With a 4-7-4 overall record this season, each of its four wins have come on home ice.
Both MassLive and the Daily Collegian have coverage looking ahead to tonight's matchup:
MassLive: UMass hockey: A Baker's Dozen of thoughts for the week
The Atlantic 10 has released the 2011-12 indoor track and field polls. You can check the men's and women's rankings out by clicking here.
The UMass men, who finished fourth at last year's A-10 Meet, are picked to finish fourth, while the Minutewomen come in at eighth in a field of 12 conference squads.
Former UMass Minutemen, Casey Wellman currently of the Minnesota Wild, Johnathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings, Victor Cruz of the New York Giants and Jeremy Horn of the Kansas City Chiefs continue to excel as their professional athletic careers continue to take form in the 2011/12 hockey and football seasons.
Victor Cruz: Yahoo! Sports: Giants WR Victor Cruz Knocking on 1000 Receiving Yards Yahoo! Sports: New York Giants' Report Card for Week 13: Fan's Take Jeremy Horne: Kansas City Chiefs Arrowhead Pride: Chiefs Depth Chart Has A Couple Of Changes For Steelers Week Jonathan Quick: Los Angeles Kings Bleacher Report: Los Angeles Kings: Why Jonathan Quick Will Win the Vezina Trophy ... Bleacher Report: Los Angeles Kings: Explaining Jonathan Quick's Dominance ... Casey Wellman: Minnesota Wild Boston Globe: Johnson lift Wild past Ducks, 5-3 China Post: Johnson boosts Wild past Ducks in 5-3 victory WJON News: Wild Down Anaheim 5-3
Overcoming a three game losing streak, the UMass men's hockey team fought hard against the Crimson and took the game in to overtime resulting in a 4-4 tie on Friday night.
Daily Collegian: Losing streak ends, hockey team draws with Crimson Daily Collegian: Scoring drought ends against Harvard; Boyle starts in net Daily Hampshire Gazette: UMass hockey settles for 4-4 tie with Harvard Friday Harvard Crimson: Comeback Crimson Finds Equalizer at UMass Amherst Harvard Crimson: Crimson Fights Back to Tie UMass Highlights: Post Game Interview:
The UMass Women's Lacross team was featured on the latest episode of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" when the hosts of the show took to the streets to promote "Stand Together," an anti-bullying campaign. The team made a the pledge and is featured at the 32:20- 32:30 mark.
Extreme Makeover Home Edition featuring UMass Women's Lacrosse: Walker Family  Happy birthday to baseball player Rich Graef!
Chaz Williams scored a career-high 22 points but it was not enough as the UMass men's basketball team fell at Miami on Saturday 83-75.
Daily Collegian: Minutemen basketball stormed by Hurricanes Daily Hampshire Gazett: Derek Kellogg, Jim Larranaga express mutual respect after game in Miami Daily Hampshire Gazett: UMass men's basketball can't finish rally in loss at Miami Sacramento Bee: Kadji leads Miami past UMass Sports Page Magazine: Miami Holds off UMass Men's Basketball, 83-75 Worcester Telegram: UMass can't come back to beat Miami Highlights: Press Conference:
Happy birthday to men's lacrosse player Mike Fetterly!
Check out the newest episode of One Moore Minute as Kevin Moore takes fans behind the scenes of Thanksgiving for the UMass hockey team.
Happy birthday to men's lacrosse player Anthony Biscardi, women's lacrosse player Dayna Defliese and men's hoops player Freddie Riley!
  
Peter Ruicci of The Sault Star has a feature on hockey freshman Zack LaRue and his adjustment to the college game.
Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com has a feature on James Ihedigbo has quickly become a key part of the New England Patriots defense and a spokesman in the locker room.
With four players in double figure scoring last night, UMass easily cruised by Towson 86-56 to stay perfect on the year at the Mullins Center and improve to 6-2 overall.
Boston Globe: UMass right at home Daily Collegian: Minutemen tame Tigers Daily Collegian: Kellogg features depth during UMass win Daily Hampshire Gazette: UMass basketball shakes up rotation, crushes Towson by 30 ESPNBoston.com: UMass nails 13 3s in blowout of winless Towson Springfield Republican: Freddie Riley and Cady Lalanne spark UMass rout over Towson Worcester Telegram: Balanced attack spurs Minutemen HIGHLIGHTS: PRESS CONFERENCE: MOST RECENT POSTS
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