Cross Country
Both the women and men are fresh off the most successful seasons in program history and will attempt to repeat that success in 2014.
The men finished first in the East Coast Conference and second at the NCCAA Championships while the women brought home their first NCCAA national title and first at the ECC championships.
“I’ve never coached a group of men who were more excited and more focused than this crew,” head coach Andrew Dorr said. “This team is a group of friends with a lot of talent and a singular objective – qualify for Division II Nationals.
“I think the most exciting thing about distance running is unexpected improvement. Every year, we have a few runners who come out of the woodwork to help out the team. With as much depth as this squad (the women) has, I can’t wait to see who has her breakout year.”
The women will this year, be led by NCCAA national runner-up Rachel Prutsman, Megan Hulton and Rachel Hutchinson.
Freshmen Emilee Durso and Emily Betts “both have a shot at a varsity top-seven spot, but with ten returners who all ran 19:40 or faster, they have their work cut out for them.”
Kevin Brown and Thomas Rodger return for the men to lead a core that includes Keith Pease, Justin Bender and Kyle Rapp.
Byron-Bergen grad Robbie Schrenker and Lyndon State transfer Aaron Bellomo add to the depth of the squad as newcomers.
The squads will begin the season at LeMoyne (September 6) and the Highlander Invitational at Houghton (September 20) before hosting the annual Harry F. Anderson Invitational September 27. Roberts will also host the East Coast Conference Championships this season November 8.
Women’s Volleyball
With all but one of last season’s key components returning, the Redhawks just need to reduce the streakiness of last season to find success. They had two winning streak of three or more, but three losing streaks of three or more.
“Our juniors and seniors are experienced and ready to lead the freshmen and sophomores, but everyone plays an important role,” co-head coach Jon Meyers said.
Among those upperclassmen are senior Jordan Wilson and junior Kendall Havener, who finished 1-2 in kills and blocks last season, along with junior setter Maggie Concannon, who dished out a team-high 1,067 assists.
Senior Hilton native Judy Schultz adds depth offensively after she finished fourth on the team in kills and third in blocks. Junior Olivia Zureck was tops on the team in digs with 396 and Alexandre Tahuri could see more playing time after a solid freshman season.
The top recruit is Texan Courtney Taylor, an outside hitter who will be given an immediate opportunity to contribute on the front line. Other newcomers are Elisabeth Rivera and Victor’s Celeste Hartaugh.
The team will begin its campaign with seven road contests before launching into their 16-match East Coast Conference schedule with their home opener September 16th against Daemen at Voller Athletic Center.
Golf
Coming off a season that resulted in two second place finishes and ending with a first place result in the season-ending Nazareth Invitational, the Redhawks are optimistic as they return three of their top four players.
Brockport High product Troy Allen enters his final collegiate season following three top-ten finishes last season, including a co-win in the final. Co-captain Shane Gleason had three top-five events last year.
Sophomore Tom Kolb, senior Alex Fitzpatrick and sophomore Luke Boshart complete the returning core of the squad.
Caleb Edwards arrives after his Livingston County MVP campaign last year along with Ottawa native Sean Leduc, who is expected to compete for a top-five spot right away.
“We are excited to have back three of our top four players this year to remain strong and competitive as we continue to transition to Division II golf,” assistant head coach Tyler French said. “The team is committed to continuing the success it has achieved over the past year and looks to take another step forward this season with our new additions and current players.”
The squad will begin its season with an overseas trip to the University of Stirling in Scotland September 9 to 11 as the highlight of their five event first half before concluding the season in the spring. The Adpro Invitational in Verona is the closest they come to home October 14 and 15.
Men’s Soccer
After a disappointing four-win campaign last fall, the Redhawks try to rebound around seniors Michael Cunningham, Stephen Stewart, Matt Hohler and Alex Harling.
The former two combined for about 20 percent of the team’s goals last season with three and two respectively. Hohler will anchor the defense and Harling the midfield with plenty of new faces competing for minutes right away.
“We are very excited about the upcoming season and being fully eligible for the NCAA Division II national tournament,” head coach Mark Fish said. “We have a strong returning team and new recruiting class which should make us very competitive in the very difficult NCAA Division II East Coast Conference.”
The recruits include goalkeeper John Ciavaglia, who will compete with senior Patrick Zachmeyer and junior Michael Scavone who did not play any minutes last season, twins Alex and Andrew Loete, Nick O’Dell, John Stewart, Logan Wood and Churchville-Chili grad Damian Pagano.
The squad kicks off the season with home games September 4 and 6 against Alfred and Nyack with their ten-game conference schedule opening on the road in mid-September.
