March 26, 2010

Dear Alums & Friends,

Greetings from Kingston! Spring is almost finished with the players are off until the 29th. A little time off from our winter training that began after the holiday break. It is well deserved for the work they did! The off-season is a great time for the guy’s to work on weaknesses and develop their strengths in preparation for the spring as well as next season. Our schedule utilized our NCAA maximum 8 hours with the team (2 hours of which a ball can be used) in combination of fitness, strength and technical training sessions. We were up at 6:30 am each morning working on the track on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays and in the gym for technical sessions on Tuesday and Thursdays. In addition we were in the weight room three days per week, played pick up on their own a couple of days as well as help us with our weekly Rams FC Youth Soccer Academy.

Next week after spring break we start training outside and play five scrimmage dates on the weekends to complete the non-traditional season. Here is the 2010 Spring Non-traditional season schedule:

April 3
@University of Southern New Hampshire (Manchester, NH)
4:00 pm

April 10
@UMass Spring Invitational (Amherst, MA)
vs Syracuse University - 11:00 am
vs University of Massachusetts - 2:30 pm

April 17
SIENA COLLEGE (Kingston, RI)

April 24
@College of the Holy Cross Invite (Worcester, MA)
vs Holy Cross - 10:00 am
vs University of Vermont - Noon

April 25
ALUMNI GAME (Kingston, RI)
Noon

April 28
BRYANT UNIVERSITY (Kingston, RI)
7:00 pm

As you can see it is a competitive schedule and an exciting time for our players as they prepare to pursue their goal of an Atlantic 10 Conference Championship and NCAA Tournament bid.

On the academic side of things we had over 100 student-athletes honored during half-time of the St. Bonaventure versus URI men’s basketball game for earning a place on the Deans List for the spring or fall of 2009. URI men’s soccer was represented well by senior Gary Crooks (Falkirk, Scotland), Juniors Matt Preyss (Chagrin Falls, OH), Michael Tanke (Niles, MI) and Dwayne Williams (Westmoreland, Jamaica) as well as sophomore Eric Hutson (St. Louis, MO). Prior to the game URI President David Dooley addressed the group at a reception held in the Alumni room of the Ryan Center. It was a nice event and I was very proud of our guy’s for setting such a good example for the rest of the squad.

On the alumni front we have a lot to report beginning with Adam Howarth ’08 who joined us this winter for a couple of training session prior to participating in some professional trials in England. He played last season with AC Kajani in Finland but decided not to return. While he was here, we also got him to confirm the rumor that he is engaged. Ross Smith ‘03, who has recovered fully from surgery to correct a congenital heart defect that delayed his signing with Major League Soccer a year ago. He has worked himself back and has now found a home with the Portland Timbers. The Timbers are scheduled to be the next MLS expansion team. Speaking of MLS, Houston Dynamo All-Star Geoff Cameron ’08 received an invite into the United States National Team training camp in January and earned his first cap for US National Team in a World Cup friendly versus Guatemala at the beginning of the month. In other news former URI Assistant Coach Pat Laughlin was recently named the head coach at interstate rival Brown University. Pat was with us in 2006 but left to become the Head Men’s Coach at our alma mater University of Maine until they abruptly cut the program in the spring of 2009. He takes over from former coach Mike Noonan who left this winter for Clemson University. On the home front URI Director of Soccer Operations Frank Bergren will be retiring from teaching this spring after over 20 years in the Westerly School system. Bergs assured us that he’ll continue working with our program and we are happy to hear it because he has been an invaluable part of our staff.

Alumni, parents and Friends of URI Soccer, you are cordially invited to attend our 2009-2010 Team Banquet on Saturday May 1st at 12 Noon at the Institute for International Sport. The luncheon will be the final event of the academic year and a chance for us to honor players from the 2009 squad with our teams awards including the third annual Ed Bradley Alumni Service Award, recognition of the class of 2009 as well as the first screening of the highlight video which is always fun. Tickets are $10.00 per person and can be purchased by contacting Assistant Coach Mitch Stone at stone@mail.uri.edu. Donations for the banquet from those who cannot attend will be gladly accepted.

FORMER URI RAMS don’t forget the Alumni game Sunday April 25 at 12 Noon here at the URI Soccer Complex. The game as always pits our present players versus the veterans followed by a BBQ for players, family and supporters sponsored by the “Friends of Men’s Soccer”. I will send you another reminder in the next couple of weeks but until then pass the word and drop us a line back to let me know you will be attending. Please include any the names of family, friends or guests will be coming with you so we make sure we order enough food for everyone.

Before I sign off a reminder to alums to make sure you go to www.frontrush.com/URI in order to update your alumni profile on our new on-line database through a company called Frontrush. We are using it for recruiting as well as to keeping in contact with you our alums and the other “Friends of URI Soccer”. So, please help us to keep in touch with you and your friends, classmates and teammates.

Well, that is about it for now. Hope to see you all down the road in the very near future. Look out for more news down the road including our 2010 schedule as well as the URI class of 2010.

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C

December 23, 2009

Dear Friends & Alums,

The first real snow of the season has fallen, campus is quiet and our players have left for home following exams. Rob, Mitch and I are busy getting some last minute things done in the office before we take time to spend with our loved ones.

So, as we get closer and closer to the Christmas I wanted to send out best wishes and a Happy Holiday season from our staff and players to all of you and your families. We here at URI Men's Soccer appreciate all your support during the past year and look forward to what 2010 will bring us.

Happy New Year and a Joyous Holiday Season,
Coach O'C

November 14, 2009

Dear Alums & Friends,

It was a great run but it all ended too abruptly on a free kick by A-10 Defender of the Year Tim Ream with three minutes to go in the Atlantic 10 Semi-final versus St. Louis University. It was a heartbreaker as we fought back twice from 1 goal deficits and even generated two quality chances in the final ticks of the match. Until the final whistle sounded I thought we had it but it wasn't to be in Kingston.

Thursday night it was windy and cold but the URI students and Rhody faithful were out in droves to see the second quarterfinal match versus #18 Charlotte. The game started with a furious pace as Charlotte was flying around the field. The mayhem paid off as the 49ers drew first blood when a deflection off of one of our own found their feet and a 1-0 lead. Charlotte kept up the pressure and we did well to absorb the pressure as well as some outstanding saves from Chris Pennock (Spennymoor, England) as well as a goal saved off the line (his first of two on the weekend) by Michael Tanke (Niles, MI). We were on the ropes a bit like a boxer but did the famous Mohammed Ali "Rope a Dope" and wouldn't go down, getting into half just one goal down.

The second half was a different story as we got the wind and some momentum going our way. In the 67th minute freshmen forward Thomas Lindroos (Espoo, Finland) tracked down a ball behind the Charlotte defense and drove a ball to the back post where junior Greg Balicki (Wilbraham, MA) headed a laser beam past the 49er goalkeeper to knot it at one. The celebration, which can be seen here, is one for the ages as Greg runs to the sideline and tackles Rhody the Ram in front of the frenzied crowd of supporters. Both teams traded blows the rest of the way but Pennock and the Ram back four held tight.

Overtime came and again both teams traded chances but I think in everyone's mind we knew that this would be decided a the spot. In the shoot-out it didn't take long for your Rams to get out on top thanks to a Chris Pennock save on the second UNCC shooter. Our next guy unfortunately missed bringing the tally back even again. We traded successful goals in the next round but another break as the 49ers next kicker (their #10) hit the crossbar opening the door for the home squad. Our #10 Jon Pereira (Barrington, RI) drilled his home followed by UNCC's 5th kicker scoring and it was up to Andres Ruiz (Providence, RI) who calmly put his home to send us into the semi-final against #2 seed St. Louis University. After a quick soak in the pool and some food following the game, we had to get on to the next task. Classes on Friday would keep us busy during the day but I have a feeling the players were thinking about everything but books.

The semi-final began again not as we planned with SLU getting on the board in the 10th minute. But the boy's plugged away and final found the net when Domenic Petrarca (Johnston, RI) volleyed a ball past the Billiken GK after a Andres Ruiz cross and Erkko Puranen (Viitisaari, Finland) flick on. We knew it would be a quite a game as SLU responded two minutes later on an unassisted goal off a long punt which got behind the defense putting the score 2-1 going into half-time.

The second half which has been our best time all year proved to be it again as we knocked on the door several times early including some great combinations with sophomore defender Eric Hutson (St. Charles, MO) who had come on in the game for an injured Robby Gargaro (Naperville, IL). Goalkeeper Chris Pennock was on the top of his game throughout the weekend, making 2 or 3 key saves with the help of classmate Kevin Shaw (Denny, Scotland) who has been the difference in the back line since he moved from the midfield.

The team kept grinding away and it all paid off when senior midfielder Gary Crooks (Falkirk, Scotland) slipped a great pass to Erkko Puranen who scored from an angle with a defender on his hip and the goalkeeper rushing out of the goal. It was a class finish and one which excited the Rhody faithful. The game continued at a furious pace and although fatigue from Friday nights overtime with Charlotte we knew it was going to take something special to win it and unfortunately SLU got it on a hard hit direct free kick which dove and curled into the side netting past a diving Pennock.

I will say that although we are all disappointed everything was put into perspective after I got a nice e-mail from Aidan Byrne '99. He said "I was at the game tonight and was proud of the Rhody performance. I know it was not the result we all wanted but the guys never gave up." I think that says if all about this team and their performance over the second half of the season, going 6-2-1 down the stretch to earn the 4th seed in the A10 Tournament. It was a sad end for our seniors Kevin, Gary, Dom and Chris but I as I told them and the team, I was never so proud as to see them perform at the level they did when it counted. They played with Rhody Pride in the manner which befitted there ability.

Before I sign off it was great to see a lot of our alums at the games including Simon Gatti (who just won a USL Championship with the Montreal Impact), Anthony and David Ward-Smith, Gareth Elliott, Kevin Kennedy, Brian Bradley, Steve Froberg, Terry Casey, Dennis Richards, Mike Rogers and Dawid Badecki who flew in from Poland for the Championships. Thanks so much for your support.

It will be hard to watch the Atlantic 10 Final tomorrow as we wish we were the ones playing. I'm sure after a few days of decompression we will look back at the special moments of the 2009 season. We have a lot to look forward to and I know the boy's will be back hard at work this winter and spring in preparation for their next chance at an Atlantic 10 Championship. My sincere thanks to all our alums an supporters who have been with us all season and particularly this weekend when the conditions would often scare people away. It says a lot about what this program means to them and I look forward to keeping the standard at the level we are all accustom.

GO RHODY!
Coach O'C

November 9, 2009

Alums & Friends,

It was a busy but productive weekend and today the guy's are on their day off waiting for the Atlantic 10 Championships which begin Thursday here at the URI Soccer Complex. Going into Friday's match at George Washington we knew that if we win on the weekend we are in and the guy's were very focused. It didn't hurt that we had a huge contingent of family and alums there at the game to support us. In addition to our alums the Tanke's, Eckmayers, Petrarca's, Preyss's and Robby Gargaro's dad were there to cheer us on as well as an alum of mine from Chicago, some coaching friends from nearby Georgetown and my college teammate David LaPrise who is a huge supporter of ours. It was unbelievable!

The game was a big one for both teams as GW was still alive for a berth in the A-10 Championships. They started out well when their Herman Trophy watch list player Andy Stadler scored his 10th goal of the season just 15 minutes or so into the match. But, I saw something in the players that I haven't as of yet when we conceded a goal...they got mad! It was like an old coaching friend of mine Tim Schmiechen (Beloit College) said to me when I was at Chicago and they scored against us (we ended up winning 5-1)..."it was like poking a bear". The guy's responded well and turned it up a notch and it paid off when we got two in a span of less then 3 minutes. The first in the 41st minute when Andres Ruiz (Providence, RI) volleyed the equalizer in after mis-cleared free kick and the second in the 43rd minute on a Dwayne Williams (Westmoreland, Jamaica) header off a corner from Gary Crooks (Falkirk, Scotland). It took the wind out of the Colonials sails and we were on our way. We stretched the lead to 3-1 on Andres second goal of the game on a direct free kick and capped it with a Jaime Eckmayer (Harrington Park, NJ) tap in on assists from Thomas Lindroos (Espoo, Finland) and Franco LoPresti (Scarborough, Ontario). Our win combined with a Temple loss assured of a spot in the A-10 tourney. It was great.

Thanks so much to Joe Spofford, BJ Kochis, Kevin Algozer, Jeff Gonzalves, Kevin Hamill, DJ Burns, Matt Moriarty, Joel Dargan and others too many to name (sorry if I forgot anyone) who traveled to be there, sang and supported us. It meant a lot to me and the players for sure.

Friday night we travelled down to Richmond to get ready for the final game of the season and a chance to improve our ranking for the Atlantic 10 Championships. The guy's were in great spirits (rightly so) and we were treated to an impromptu "beat box" performance by Franco LoPresti on Saturday night for a group of young ladies from Virginia Commonwealth University who were at the Olive Garden with us celebrating their friends birthday. Rumor is that it WILL be posted on youtube.com soon. It is a classic!

Sundays game was played on a beautiful field at Ukrop Park in Richmond (UR is building a brand new stadium) under sunny skies and 75 degrees. It was senior day for the Spiders but we picked up where we left off attacking from the start. Thomas Lindroos earned a penalty in the 4th minute of play but unfortunately had it saved. But, 6 minutes later Dwayne "Bock" Williams tallied his second goal of the weekend off a Kevin Shaw (Denny, Scotland) corner. The game stayed tied through the half although statistically we had the edge in all departments. We were cautious with Richmond as they were the only team to blemish the record of regular seasons champs and #1 seeded Dayton so things kept tight. We got a couple of good chances which would have been nice to capitalize on and finally got the insurance goal in the 87th minute when freshmen Matt Ribbens (Tinley Park, IL) slipped a pass to Erkko Puranen (Viitasaari, Finland) for the nail in the coffin. it was Matts first career point and a good one. Our goal was to get a minimum of 6 wins in the conference and it was mission accomplished.

Now the second season begins this week with the programs seventh consecutive appearance in the Atlantic 10 Championships. We go in as the 4th seed and will play UNC-Charlotte at 7:30 pm on Thursday night. The opener at 5:00 pm pits Fordham (#3 seed) versus St. Bonaventure (#6 seed) with Dayton (#1) and St. Louis (#2) waiting in the wings. The semi-finals will be on Friday at the same time with the final on Sunday at 1:00 pm.

We are excited about hosting the championships and thank Athletic Director Thorr Bjorn and Senior Women's Administrator Sue Bergren for making it even more special by supporting the purchase of new bench shelter/awnings (see attached photo). They were put up over the weekend and look fantastic! It's the first phase in our improvements to the URI soccer complex (the next is a scorer's booth) and will add to the already beautiful facility we have to host the championships.

Hope we see you out at the games as we would love to see you supporting us in our quest for the Atlantic 10 Tournament Championship.

GO RAMS!
Coach O'C

October 26, 2009

Dear Alumni & Friends,

It was a good weekend in Amherst in spite of the rain and field conditions. It was better then last Sunday versus Temple and fortunately the result was the same. We went into the weekends match with our A-10 travel partner expecting another typical URI vs UMass battle and it ended up being just that in the end.

As expected UMass is a very good team and we both were looking for a positive result as we jockeyed for a place in the Atlantic 10 standings and the subsequent conference tournament down the road here in Kingston. So, this was an important game for everyone. The match started off with a flurry and it didn't take long for your Rams to get on the board. After a UMass foul on the side of the box, Erkko Puranen (Viitisaari, Finland) served a ball to the back post which looked like it might curl out of bounds. But, Andres Ruiz (Providence, RI) got on the end of it, heading back across the goal where Thomas Lindroos (Espoo, Finland) redirected in the goal for a 1-0 lead). It was just what we needed and rewarded the guy's for a good start to the game. It was 12 minutes in and we knew that we had a long time to go for it to be over.

In the second half the game went back and forth, mostly played between the 18 yard boxes but none the less both teams threatened. Michael Tanke (Niles, MI) nearly got the insurance goal when he curled a ball which rang the cross bar. UMass put on some added pressure by sticking an additional player up front and earning some dangerous corners but the team stood solid to grind out the win and well deserve shutout against a quality opponent.

If you have seen the A-10 standings as of now, you will notice that this weekend once again becomes a big one for all those involved. So, after a day off yesterday we'll be right back at it to get ready for St. Bonnies and Duquesne this weekend. Both games are doubleheaders with the women's team as they finish off their A-10 schedule. On Friday the women are at 5:00 pm and we play at 7:30 pm and on Sunday the women are at 11:00 am and we kick off at 1:30 pm. Sunday is "Senior Day" so it will add a little more importance to the team then just a "regular" Atlantic 10 match. If you are in the area we hope you can be here for the pre-game ceremony to honor our fourth year team members who will be playing their last regular season match at the URI Soccer Complex.

Before I sign off I just wanted to congratulate Mike Stricklin '77 who was recently voted into the New England Soccer Hall of Fame (http://neshof.org/blog/). He will be inducted on Sunday November 1st at 1:00 pm at the Riviera Inn, Providence, RI along with six others including former US Soccer President Hank Steinbrecher, former US National Team Player Janusz Michalik and Boston College Head men's soccer coach Ed Kelly. He is in good company and I know you will all join me a hearty "well done" for Mike...you will represent URI soccer well!

GO RAMS!
Coach O'C

October 13, 2009

Dear Alums & Friends,

It was a tough, tough weekend on all accounts and I would be lying if I didn't say we were disappointed. It was the beginning of the "second season" and we were confident after our performance up at Binghamton University we were prepared for our Atlantic 10 foes.

Friday's match at Dayton was a rematch of the A-10 Conference Quarterfinal from a year ago. A 3-2 loss in Pittsburgh had left the guy's with a sour taste in their mouths and so they were looking forward to facing the Flyers again. The field conditions were not great as rain had soaked it and a women's game prior to ours went to over-time making our kick-off nearly 9:00 pm. UD came into the game as winners of their last 5 so they exuded confidence which showed at kickoff. Again, our concentration and lack of communication in the first part of the game was a problem allowing Dayton on the board in the first 4 minutes. We had shot ourselves in the foot so to speak but responded well and started to put some things together. In the 32nd minute we were pushed a little deeper in a hole when a dubious at best penalty was called against goalkeeper Chris Pennock (Spennymoor, England) which could have only been called on a wet night with bad footing. We were down 2-0 going into the half but was a position before and new we had the where with all to fight back from.

We started the second half well and began to face a barrage of long balls served up by the Dayton defenders. On the counter it paid off as they found their third goal with the fourth sealing it in the final 5 minutes. The result was poor but the players kept battling to the very end. We scurried back to the hotel like rain soaked rats looking to forget the night and move ahead to Cincinnati.

On Sunday we made some changes and it seemed as though our shuffling paid off. After a hard fought first 45 minutes we came out flying and got what we had come for, a goal, the first of his career, from Matt Preyss (Chagrin Falls, OH) and a laser of a striker just 3 minutes into the second stanza. It didn't take long for us to get the second as just 10 minutes later after a Dom Petrarca (Johnston, RI) curling cross nicked off a Xavier defender and to the feet of senior mid-fielder Gary Crooks (Falkirk, Scotland) who calmly slotted it under the Muskateer goalkeeper for a 2-0 lead.

They say that 2-0 is the worst lead to have as one goal let's the other team feel they had a chance and it unfortunately proved true on this day. XU got a fortuitous deflecting off their "flip" throw-in and BANG it was 2-1. The squad seemed to sit back a little too much and began to absorb a aerial assault that was not uncommon for a team looking for the equalizer. In the 88th minute lightning struck and after our defense mis-cleared a ball after being "under nudged" by a XU forward, and the subsequent bouncing ball was rocketed into the net to tie it up. Overtime brought more sadness as again, Xavier was able to capitalize and get the winner and we walked away from the weekend with no points.

I would like to thank all our families and loyal fans who sat in the rain at Dayton as well as travelled down to Cincinnati for the games. The Pryess clan, Hadley & Angie Warwick, John & Valerie Tanke as well as the Gargaro and Ribbens families were a welcome site to a dreary weekend on the field. Following the game I got a chance to catch up with Mark Sauter '07 who came to the match with his dad. Mark is finishing his last year of law school at the University of Cincinnati and is in the process of his job search which he says will be tough with the economy. Any help with leads for Mark is welcome. It was a nice surprise to see him as well as one of my University of Chicago goalkeepers Micah Prochaska and his wife who I literally ran into while eating in Dayton. He is attending medical school at Dayton and was an honorary Ram for a night.

It was a long ride home Sunday (arriving in Providence at 11:45 pm) and yesterday we all took some much needed time to clear the heads and start thinking about the huge weekend that lies ahead. A chance a redemption as two more A-10 foes roll into town for our HOMECOMING. Friday it is the St. Joe's Hawks on a 7:00 pm for a COX televised game on Chariho Youth Soccer Night. Sunday Temple is in Kingston after playing our travel partner UMass so it looks to be another exciting weekend and one where we hope to get back even in the league.

Speaking of HOMECOMING, don't forget that on Saturday October 17th at 10:00 am we will be having an ALUMNI vs. ALUMNI game on the practice field. Registration will begin at 9:00 am and includes coffee, donuts and a FREE t-shirt courtesy of the Office of Alumni Relations. IF YOU PLAN ON COMING AND MORE SO PLAYING PLEASE RSVP TO ME ASAP. Following the game their will be a reception at the URI Athletic tent in Rhodyville with lunch available at a nominal cost. The homecoming football game follows at 12 Noon so come on with your Rhody Blue and join us for a fantastic weekend. For more information and a schedule on the upcoming Homecoming festivities you can contact us or go to the website at http://advance.uri.edu/alumni/events/homecoming/default.htmgo.

Hope to see you all there as the players NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

GO RAMS!
Coach O'C

October 4, 2009

Dear Alumni & Friends,

Well, the non-traditional half of the season is complete and we look forward to our A-10 conference games to begin next weekend. It has been quite a run in the first half here and it culminated with an exciting match up at Binghamton University last night.

It was as good an atmosphere to compete in, as the players will see over their careers. Not only did we play in front of a record crowd of over 2,600 fans, at a first class facility on homecoming weekend - the game was broadcast on Time Warner Cable Sports. Binghamton was also sporting three-year streak where they they had not lost at home. With a loud and boisterous group of supporters called the “Bearcat Hooligans” cheering and jeering from the stands - you bet it was something to be seen!

The game began as we thought it would, full of energy and enthusiasm. One of the themes we had talked about in pre-game was maintaining our concentration and poise through the first 20 minutes of the game. Over the first half of the season this has been a concern as we have conceded the majority of our goals during this time. I was very proud of the guys as they battled through it as Binghamton’s direct style of play which had us on our heals at times.

The back four of Dom Petrarca (Johnston, RI), Dwayne Williams (Westmoreland, Jamaica), Robby Gargaro (Naperville, IL) and Matt Preyss (Chagrin Falls, OH) absorbed a lot of pressure and goalkeeper Chris Pennock (Spennymoor, England) kept things organized while keeping Binghamton off the board.

After half-time we came out well - as we have all season - with the striking pair of Erkko Puranen (Viitasaari, Finland) and Jamie Eckmayer (Harrington Park, NJ) threatening several times and thus keeping the Binghamton defense busy. We were rewarded for our perseverance when senior midfielder Kevin Shaw (Denny, Scotland) picked up a miss cleared ball at the top of the box and fired a worm burner that skidded along the field turf hitting the back stanchion of the goal and caromed up into the net for the lead. The homecoming crowd was quieted.

The lead was enjoyed, but short-lived as 10 minutes later Binghamton was able to equalize off a free kick. The battle continued though the end of the half with both teams getting chances to win it - Binghamton hit the crossbar and Michael Tanke (Niles, MI) got a good look at the goal on a break, but put his shot past the right post.

In overtime, we looked strong and it appeared as though we would get the winner several times. The first was when Thomas Lindroos (Espoo, Finland) chased one ball on the end line, which a BU defender thought was going out, and fed Erkko Puranen who had his shot blocked. The second was a Greg Balicki (Wilbraham, MA) half-volley - reminiscent of his Yale game-winner - which almost made it through a forest of BU legs.

We almost had it in the final minute Jamie Eckmayer got behind the Binghamton defense on a pass from Robby Gargaro and lifted a bouncing ball over the goalkeeper that unfortunately deflected off the front of the crossbar and out. It would have been a storybook finish but it wasn’t to be...

Next weekend the second season begins with the opening Atlantic 10 games in Ohio versus Dayton and Xavier. I still believe that these early season games will serve us well in the Conference as they have prepared us for the always competitive A-10 games ahead. Our ultimate goal is to qualify for the A-10 Championship, get a first-round bye and advance into the NCAA tournament. It is a realistic goal and our road begins next week.

Before I sign off, I want to thank Brian Bradley for sending along some photos of his brother Michael, who recently shipped out to Afghanistan with the US Army as part of his commitment he made while in medical school. We hope you will keep him in your prayers for a safe six months.

Don’t forget HOMECOMING WEEKEND, October 16-18, and our Atlantic 10 doubleheader weekend/Alumni Game on Saturday the 17th at 10:00 am. Please let us know if you will be coming and especially if you will be playing in the game. Hope to see you all soon….

P.S. Take a look at this blog entry from Binghamton's Sports Communication Office: http://www.bubearcats.com/sports/msoc/2009dailyupdate1004.html

Very nice!..."You stay classy" Rhode Island!

GO RAMS!
Coach O’C