Athletics

Coach Whisperer: “Believe in them and what they can do” is the magic behind champion reiner and mentor RE Sears’ success

salibalr — Fri, 17 May 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Coach Whisperer: “Believe in them and what they can do” is the magic behind champion reiner and mentor RE Sears’ success salibalr Fri, 05/17/2024 - 00:00

Country music bounces non-stop off the concrete bleachers in the cavernous Syracuse Coliseum as the show ring gate swings open and the announcer crackles to life.

“Here’s draw number 20, back number 591, Holy Cannoli Katie and RE Sears.”

The chestnut mare jogs into the center of the ring and, with nearly invisible cues from Sears — a tap on the neck, a touch of the spur — spins four times to the left, four to the right.

Author

��Ƶ

A moment to settle and they shift as one into the rest of the pattern: circles at the gallop, flying lead changes, 180-degree pivots and sliding stops. The stops are reining’s signature move, a moment of rapid deceleration when the horse runs at top speed down the length of the arena then lowers its hindquarters to the ground as the front legs pedal for another 10 to 20 feet.

The mare sprays dirt in her wake as she comes to a complete stop. Sears pats her on the neck and scratches under her mane as they leave the arena. Job well done.

It’s a small gesture that’s part of his DNA as horseman, champion reiner, member of the ��Ƶ equine studies faculty, reining coach of the Western equestrian team and — in no small measure — fulfiller of dreams: School for excellence. Aim for perfection. Reward the try.

“All of these kids need someone to believe in them before they can believe in themselves,” Sears said as he finished a coaching session with two of his reining students. He’s trying to stay warm as a second group works in enclosed pens with young horses who aren’t completely convinced about this whole saddle up and be ridden thing.

“I try to point out their success,” he said. “I try to remind them that a few days ago they didn’t think they could do what they’re doing now. Show them the tools, hand them the tools and let them use the tools ... Believe in them and what they can do.”

Sears believed. And 2023 was the sort of year that believed back.

He rode his own Katie to solid placings, and Morrisville’s Hot Cocktail – aka Lola – to three Reserve Championships in the Central New York Reining Horse Association’s Open Division, the category for the most experienced exhibitors, trainers and professional horsemen. He coached Morrisville senior Maggie Herbert to four CNYRHA championships in the Green and Rookie Divisions aboard another college-owned horse, Kicks and Giggles, while junior Amelia Jaworski rode Hot Cocktail to High Point awards and a Reserve Championship in Green Reiner.

Don’t ask Sears to brag about his success in the show pen or on the coaching sidelines. It’s not going to happen. But watch him talking quietly to his riders before they enter the show ring, giving each the pep talk or the calming words they need, and understand completely the how and the why.

“He is the reason why we got as far as we did,” Jaworski said. She’s tacking up her horse for a lesson and nods to the barn and the indoor arena. “We have this great place to ride but it doesn’t work without a great coach ... I get anxious in the ring and he just looks at me and says, ‘Just breathe,’ and I am okay.”

As for Herbert, she said she’s dreamed since she was a child of competing at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. She bonded with Kicks and Giggles as her equine partner — “he recognizes my footsteps when I come in the barn,” she said — and then Sears’ coaching made “my dreams as an 8-year-old” come true. Showing for the first time at the national level, she and Kicks placed third out of 151 horses in the National Reining Horse Association’s Green Level 2 division and 14th out of 107 horses in Rookie Level 2.

“He knows exactly what the horse needs and what we, as riders, need to do to get them to reach their full potential,” Herbert said of her coach and mentor. “He constantly has the answer no matter what you ask. He knows so much, but he doesn’t overwhelm you. He makes sure you are ready for the next step.”

It’s that experience, knowledge and understanding of how his students learn — and giving to each the guidance they need — that makes Sears so good at what he does, said Julie Corey, associate professor of equine studies and a coach with him on the Western intercollegiate team.

“He does it for every student, not just the top riders. Any student that walked in here and asked for his attention would get it — his undivided attention,” Corey said. “He builds their confidence and takes them to another level.”

For Jaworski, that meant teaching her to appreciate the art of taking it slow: “I expect a lot at the beginning, and he’s very good at telling me, ‘One step at a time.’”

For Morrisville junior Jenna Tyson, who Sears coached to the championship of the CNYRHA Green as Grass class, it was recognizing that champions are made in the hours and days they spend preparing. “He helped us to see the bigger picture,” she said. “Not to have to have a perfect run, but to see steady improvement.”

Sears said that approach is something he had to learn when he went from being a few-hours-a-week adjunct at Cazenovia College to full-time faculty at Morrisville.

“Here, I’m here 40 hours a week,” he said — although the kids maintain it’s more like he’s always at the barn — “and I can give them a little bit at a time and let them digest it because it will be there tomorrow if they don’t get it.”

The luxury of time. It’s there in the banter in the arena, the space he gives each horse and rider to find harmony, and the advice he shares as a spin wobbles like a top, the extended lope is perilously close to a cavalry charge, or a circle resembles a slowly deflating football.

“Ride the wall a little more. She’s anticipating,” he told one rider, whose horse has clearly memorized the pattern they’re riding. “Don’t let her make all the decisions completely unchecked on her own,” he told another when the mare in question decided she knows best.

The pride in his riders is so deep, Sears said he can’t even express it in words. The testament is in the trophy case: Five CNYRHA championships; four reserve championships; year-end high point award championships to Herbert and Jaworski; third place at Congress; the CNYRHA high point horse championship to Hot Cocktail and reserve to Kicks and Giggles; and enough belt buckles — the currency of reining — to anchor a pony in a stiff breeze.

He is the reason why we got as far as we did. We have this great place to ride but it doesn’t work without a great coach ... I get anxious in the ring and he just looks at me and says, ‘Just breathe,’ and I am okay.

Amelia Jaworski

In the end, it all comes down to three words, Sears said: “Get out there.” It’s his biggest piece of advice for riding, but listen to the rest and change a few words, and it’s a formula for life. “It might not go as well as you’d like it to go, but you’ll always learn something. You’ll certainly learn more than you will sitting at home and watching a video. Sitting in your saddle will always teach you more than sitting on your couch.”

Published date

May 14, 2024

News Type

Anything is Possible: Sought-after trainer helps clients score their life goals

salibalr — Fri, 17 May 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Anything is Possible: Sought-after trainer helps clients score their life goals salibalr Fri, 05/17/2024 - 00:00

Doyen “Dolo” Grant’s past is always present in his professional life.

Hanging on the wall of Dolo’s Fitness — a gym Grant ’09 owns and operates in his hometown of Canarsie, New York — is a dark green ��Ƶ football jersey. When his gym opened in 2019, the former Mustangs football captain and star wide receiver had his No. 9 home uniform, flanked by two action photos, mounted in a customized black frame.

Grant’s cherished Morrisville memorabilia is prominently displayed for everyone to see. It also reminds Grant of the significant role his college experience played in launching his successful entrepreneurial career.

“I knew I wanted to open a gym eventually and I started that mind process at Morrisville,” Grant said. “I wanted to delve into entrepreneurship. I wanted to open up a gym in my neighborhood and have them benefit from all my hard work and the things I learned at Morrisville.”

The 37-year-old Grant channeled his college experience to help build a successful fitness brand that features not only a gym location, but also online classes, private training sessions, specialized workouts, nutrition and dietary assistance, meal planning and prep services.

Author

M.F. Piraino

“I’m a one-stop shop to help you get your body better,” Grant said.

Among his clients are a number of professional athletes, including the NFL’s Christian Wilkins and the NBA’s Nick Richards. In addition to his fitness accomplishments, Grant has also published a motivational quote book, “Life/Fitness/Success: Why Not You? Volume 1,” with some autobiographical content about the first stage of his life journey.

“If people see one good quote that’s going to motivate them and inspire them, they will want to do it,” Grant said.

Grant migrated from Jamaica at the age of 2 with his mother and grandfather. They put down roots in Canarsie, a residential neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, where Grant earned the nickname “Dolo,” meaning doing something by yourself or solo. He now resides 10 minutes away from his gym.

The foundation for Grant’s success began at ��Ƶ. With dreams of playing college football and a career in fitness, Grant chose ��Ƶ over a historically black college and university. He believed Morrisville offered a well-rounded education, academically and culturally.

He considered attending an HBCU school, but decided on Morrisville instead. “I ended up taking a ride up to Morrisville. I saw cows and cornfields. I asked my mother, ‘Where are we?’ But I really liked it. I didn’t want to stay in the same environment that I grew up in for 18 years in Canarsie. It was a good change of pace. I embraced that.”

For Grant, ��Ƶ offered a chance to play football as well as study business and fitness management. His favorite class was Professor Kristen Kane’s fitness management class.

“The class was based on actually opening and running a gym, which was suited to everything I wanted to do,” he said. “I loved doing classwork where everything was hands on, including internships.”

He applied skills from a capstone internship, serving as head strength and conditioning coach for the 2009 Mustangs football team, and another at the college’s Wellness Center, training for what he is doing on a daily basis.

“When you work with someone and see how they are affected by this movement or that movement, you apply that to the next person. I learned so much with hands-on experience at Morrisville,” Grant said.

I wanted to open a gym eventually and I started that mind process at Morrisville.

Doyen "Dolo" Grant

He left an indelible mark in the classroom. “He was a vibrant and creative student who brought new ideas to every class and internship he completed,” Kane said. “He is such an inspiring young man with so many achievements. He left a lasting impression on me as a professor.”

Grant, who set a number of weightlifting records during his final years at ��Ƶ, graduated with an Associate in Science degree in sports nutrition & fitness management and a Bachelor of Science degree in human performance & health promotion (now named exercise science).

After graduation in 2009, Grant started his fitness business as a traveling personal trainer. He slowly built a solid reputation and the positive word of mouth made him a highly sought-after trainer. In 2019, Grant achieved his goal of owning his own gym. His clients range in age from 8 to 88.

Devale Ellis, who grew up three blocks from Grant, worked with Grant in the early days, logging 15-to-18-hour days, seven days a week. Ellis, an actor and former wide receiver signed by the Detroit Lions, said his close friend is successful because of his unyielding work ethic and his people skills.

“People don’t train with Dolo just because he’s qualified. People train with Dolo because he actually cares about his clients,” said Ellis, who now resides in Georgia. “Most of his clients become family because Dolo will answer every call and attend every event to ensure his clients know they are supported. You can’t fake that. Dolo’s clients go to him because he is unequivocally genuine.”

Ellis added that Grant leads by example. In 2018, Grant trained for and completed the New York City Marathon to inspire his clients.

“He wanted to prove that change is a mindset,” Ellis said. “He lost over 40 pounds and dedicated the whole journey to the people who say, ‘They can’t.’”

Grant trains all his clients like they are elite athletes.

“Some people may think that’s intimidating, but I solely believe if I can do it, you can try it,” Grant said. “People need to take a leap sometimes. I want them to feel challenged. The workouts are tough but I want the best results. I want them to see the progress, feel the progress.”

Xiomara Trotman is one client who has benefited from Grant’s training philosophy. Working out with Grant inspired Trotman to start his own personal training business.

“Dolo pushes me to be and do my absolute best both inside and outside of the gym,” said Trotman, a seven-year client who now resides in Washington, D.C. “He’s incredibly courageous and he certainly isn’t afraid of standing out or doing things his own way. I know that whenever I visit his gym, I am not only going to get a great workout, but I am going to leave feeling incredibly motivated and inspired as well.”

The phrase “Anything is possible” is written above Grant’s ��Ƶ framed football jersey at his gym. It’s one of many inspirational quotes he lives by and is reflective of everything he has accomplished because of his college experience.

“College helped me learn so much about so many different things, things I still use to this day,” Grant said.

Published date

May 14, 2024

News Type

Mustang Greatness: ��Ƶ honors Athletics Wall of Fame Class of 2023

salibalr — Fri, 17 May 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Mustang Greatness: ��Ƶ honors Athletics Wall of Fame Class of 2023 salibalr Fri, 05/17/2024 - 00:00

From a simple knock at the door to knocking on the door of greatness.

From “arriving with nothing” to leaving with everything.

From honoring previous Mustang legends to now becoming one.

Those were just some of the memorable storylines highlighting the ��Ƶ Athletics Wall of Fame Class of 2023, which honored seven Mustangs:

Ritsuko Sonobe ’00
Brandon Hanks ’14
Lemar Johnson ’14
Shelby (Wood) Rosaschi ’15
Daniel Peckham ’16
Jordan Anderson ’17
Greg Carroll, Athletics Director, 2001-19

This year’s class was honored at a ceremony held during Mustang Weekend, before a capacity crowd consisting of family, friends, and former and current college administrators, coaches, faculty and staff. The night’s speeches from the inductees were filled with wonderful memories and lots of laughs as each fondly recalled their time at Morrisville.

One honoree was very familiar with the ceremony. Carroll, who served as Morrisville’s director of athletics from 2001-2019, returned to campus to now join the fellow Mustang members of the Wall of Fame who he once honored.

As he received his honor, Carroll playfully addressed the guests by reciting from memory the sportsmanship statement read prior to every home contest, before remarking on having the ability to carry out his vision thanks to the support of former Morrisville President Raymond Cross (also in the Wall of Fame), current President David Rogers and his “amazing team.”

“I am humbled by this experience,” said Carroll, whose leadership led to immense student-athlete success in athletics, academics and community service. “The best thing that ever happened to me professionally was the opportunity to become the Athletics Director at Morrisville and I am forever grateful for that.”

Carroll’s time as director saw Morrisville Athletics successfully transition from members of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) to the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), and this year’s induction class also crossed into both ranks.

Author

Eugenio Mercurio

2023 Wall of Fame Inductees

Sonobe had a phenomenal run for the Mustang women’s cross country team, twice earning NJCAA All-American accolades. Sonobe, who owns her own fitness lifestyle business as a certified personal trainer, thanked her parents for allowing her to pursue her education in the United States before acknowledging her teammates and longtime head cross country coach Derek Powers.

“I’m overwhelmed with gratitude to be inducted into the Athletics Wall of Fame,” Sonobe said. “I’m so honored to have my work recognized. I’d like to thank my dearest Coach Powers; none of my accomplishments could have been done without him.”

Anderson was recognized for her outstanding achievements in both women’s basketball and women’s lacrosse. A chance knock on the head lacrosse coach’s door asking if she could try out for the team her sophomore year has opened many doors for Anderson.

“Crazy that a knock on the door has taken me where I am today,” said Anderson, who is now an assistant lacrosse coach at Division II Slippery Rock University following two conference titles and two defensive-player-of-the-year awards as a Mustang.

“It’s surreal right now, this is such an incredible honor,” added Anderson, who also finished her basketball career as the program’s all-time leader in multiple categories. “Know that it’s never about your setbacks or obstacles, but the opportunities you gain and how you respond. I will be forever grateful and appreciative of this honor.”

Hanks was the catalyst for the men’s basketball program’s most historical run, leading the Mustangs to three straight conference championships, three NCAA Division III Tournament appearances, and first-ever trips to the Elite Eight and Sweet Sixteen rounds, respectively. Thanking his former professors who were in attendance as well former teammates who are still his best friends today – “it’s a testament to the genuine people that I met here” – Hanks recalled how he “didn’t have anything” when arriving to campus but Morrisville “set me straight and I’ll always appreciate that.”

Now a police officer in his hometown of Syracuse, New York, Hanks dedicated the honor to his head coach, Joe Smith, for setting the example that still motivates him today. “He could’ve given up on me a long time ago and he didn’t. He’s part of the reason why I do what I do helping youth as a police officer; I will never give up on them because Coach Smith never gave up on me.”

Forever in Mustang lore for his famous “Morrisville Hurdle” that was named a 2014 Geico Play of the Year, Johnson had a prolific run for the football program. A positional switch from defensive back (2010-11) to quarterback (2013-14) proved fruitful, as Johnson blossomed into an All-American, two-time offensive player of the year and the MVP of the program’s first-ever Bowl win.

“Morrisville has a special place in my heart,” said Johnson, who pursued other playing opportunities following graduation. “A lot of times I think about who I would be if I never came back to school, but I came back and now we’re here – hall of famer, it’s really nice. I truly appreciate this award.”

Dominant is the best way to describe the four-year career of Rosaschi. Setting several all-time records for the women’s lacrosse program, Rosaschi earned numerous player-of-the-year and all-star selections while guiding the Mustangs to a conference title and their first bid to the NCAA Tournament. Thanking her parents for their unwavering support and praising Morrisville’s training and sports information staffs, Rosaschi also acknowledged how her time on campus shaped the rest of her life.

“This campus means so much,” said Rosaschi, now a high school head coach while also working at UNC-Wilmington. “I met some of my best friends here, I met my husband here and now we have two beautiful daughters. It was the best four years of my life and I’m so honored to be in this wall of fame class.”

Peckham was one of the most decorated four-year student-athletes ever for the men’s soccer team, collecting All-American, all-star and defensive-player-of-the-year honors. An automotive technology bachelor’s degree graduate and now an auto industry professional in Rochester, New York, Peckham was integral to the program’s dominant stretch that included three conference titles and three appearances and two victories in the NCAA Tournament.

Thanking his parents, family, former coaches and various athletics administrators who were all in attendance, Peckham shared, “It feels like it was just yesterday since I was here. What an absolute journey it’s been to this point. Some of my best memories happened on this campus.”

To read more about each of the honoree’s accomplishments, please visit morrisvillemustangs.com.

Established in 1996, the Athletics Wall of Fame recognizes excellence and tradition by athletes, coaches, administrators and department staff members who have made outstanding contributions to the intercollegiate athletics program, as a joint project of the Morrisville College Alumni Corporation and the Athletics Department.

Published date

May 14, 2024

News Type

A Bold Move: ��Ƶ's new black turf goes viral

salibalr — Fri, 17 May 2024 04:00:00 +0000

A Bold Move: ��Ƶ's new black turf goes viral salibalr Fri, 05/17/2024 - 00:00

This past summer, the ��Ƶ Athletics Department decided to make a bold move. Needing to replace the turf playing surface of Drake Field for the first time since 2006, what set the project apart was the installation of a one-of-a-kind black turf.

The move went viral, as the reveal of the new turf instantly captured global attention, with coverage from prestigious sports outlets such as Sports Illustrated and ESPN to global features as far as Mexico and Europe en route to reaching more than 50 million viewers on social media worldwide.

“As we set out to replace our old turf, we wanted to move in a bold, new direction that would give our department and student-athletes a unique identity to rally around,” said Matt Grawrock, ��Ƶ director of athletics. “We wanted a look that reflected the institution and how we have a special campus with an education and opportunities that are different from many schools, embracing the differences that set us apart while providing a focal point for athletics that would distinguish us from our peers.”

With the overall discussion and design beginning in the early months of 2022, the physical process of replacing the old turf surface began in May of 2023 and was completed in early July. It also featured facility upgrades within the stadium’s locker room spaces, as well as new uprights and fencing that showcases the department’s branding.

“We have created a true home-field experience and advantage for our student-athletes,” Grawrock said. “We think they’re one-of-a-kind and we wanted to give them a home venue to match.”

The new design also includes various features for each of the six teams that compete on the field, including white traditional markings for football, red markings for men’s lacrosse, powder blue for women’s lacrosse, lime green for men’s and women’s soccer, and yellow for field hockey.

To pay tribute to the Mustangs’ history, the field showcases lettering along the home sideline of “Drake Field,” named after Athletics Wall of Fame member Robert Drake, who served as Morrisville’s athletics director as well as football, basketball and baseball coach from 1948 to 1978.

Author

��Ƶ

Published date

May 14, 2024

News Type

��Ƶ’s woods sports team gears up for season, seeks new members

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 14:55:20 +0000

��Ƶ’s woods sports team gears up for season, seeks new members valenzfr@morri… Thu, 09/14/2023 - 10:55

��Ƶ’s woods sports team is gearing up for a new season and is looking for new members to join them!

Coach Seth Carsten, a former professional woodsman, is seeking veterans and rookies of varying majors and abilities to join the team, which showcases speed and precision with axes, chainsaws and other tools associated with traditional lumberjacking challenges.

Anyone interested in joining the woods sports team is encouraged to stop by a practice on Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. at the practice field located on West Road near the dairy facility. For directions or more information, contact team co-captain Andrew LaRock at larock910@morrisville.edu.

“We are not just for conservation majors — the team is open to everyone and is a different type of competition,” LaRock said during a recent team demonstration for faculty, staff and students in the Natural Resources Conservation Department.

Morrisville’s team participates in intercollegiate lumberjacking competitions across the Northeast, traveling to a number of events per semester.

Co-captains and woods sports team veterans LaRock and Cody Wilk, both natural resources conservation majors, are among those competing.

New to the team is Triana Burgos-Farnan, who is looking forward to the team’s season, which starts with an exhibition in early October, followed by a competition at Paul Smith’s College on Oct. 21 and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry on Oct. 28.

Burgos-Farnan, enrolled in the new bachelor’s degree in agricultural science – agricultural outreach & education track, has her sights set on competing in chainsaw and axe throwing.

As an academic special project, ��Ƶ’s woods sports team has relied on donations for their competition registration fees and equipment. Carsten also makes and repairs some of their tools at home, instead of buying new.

The college’s wood for practices comes from felling trees through the college’s environmental conservation science program and other programs, which helps absorb some of the costs other teams face.

Faculty and campus departments have showed their support, stepping in to help where they can. In past seasons, students in the college’s residential construction program have helped cut practice logs, while faculty and students in the mechanical engineering department helped build the team’s Peavey tools.

Two former ��Ƶ woods sports teammates, Andrew O’Connell and Kyle Monahan, have gone on to various competitions. O’Connell earned a ticket to the national STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Series Championships, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Today, he is a traveling lumberjack for the Timberworks Lumberjack Show, sponsored by STIHL, doing exhibitions at fairs, sporting events and various shows.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

September 14, 2023

Gallery

10 a.m.

News Type

Nothing less than 100 percent - Ernesto Mitchell chases dream, ends season as one of the most decorated student-athletes

salibalr — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Nothing less than 100 percent - Ernesto Mitchell chases dream, ends season as one of the most decorated student-athletes salibalr Wed, 08/16/2023 - 07:00

Ernesto Mitchell ’23 went from chasing a dream to having a dream college career.

Mitchell, who graduated this May with a degree in criminal justice, wrapped up his collegiate playing career as one of the most decorated student-athletes in the history of the Mustang football program.

Through hard work and a relentless drive, see how Mitchell has tackled everything in his path since arriving at ��Ƶ, as told by Brandy Thurston ’95, Associate Athletic Director for Compliance & Sports Information.

There isn’t a time Ernesto Mitchell can remember that he wasn’t around the game of football, growing up the youngest of three siblings with a father and older brother who were involved in the game he loves. From the time he was three, the Wheatley Heights, New York native, begged to be on the sidelines as he watched his older brother play.

Mitchell would find his moment to shine on the field, becoming an all-star running back and linebacker for Half Hollow Hills High School East. It was only fitting that he carried his talents to the collegiate field, but no one — outside of Mitchell himself — could have predicted that he would become one of the most-decorated defensive players to see the field for the Mustangs.

Author

��Ƶ

It all began with his campus visit, where he met with now-head coach Ed Raby.

“From the get-go, the atmosphere was what I was looking for,” Mitchell said. “It was welcoming and I felt like part of the Mustang family from the very first visit – the facilities were outstanding, and the staff were exceptional.

“Growing up all you heard about was a future playing Division I or nothing at all, ��Ƶ and Coach Raby gave me the opportunity to chase my dream, to grow and be alongside a newfound family.”

Mitchell vividly recalls a moment from his freshman season that defined him as a player, a person and teammate, and it was one that came off the field.

“I had a teammate whose cousin had passed away – they were ready to leave football and college all together and I felt like I needed to talk to them,” he said. “I told them that life is more than just football – they have an impact on others around them, they play a role at Morrisville. Everyone has that moment where they feel like leaving; don’t do something you’re going to regret later on.”

Coach took notice. “He displayed all the attributes of being a leader, and is naturally a guy that takes control of the room,” Raby said. “A lot of individuals across campus and within the football program view him as the heart and soul.”

Growing up, Mitchell drew his inspiration and motivation from family, and today, continues to be that person who others admire and look up to as a role model.

“You can’t give anything less than 100% of what you have. You have to give it all you got,” he said.

That mentality led to a stellar career on and off the football gridiron. It also landed Mitchell the prestigious honor of being selected by his teammates to serve as team captain his junior and senior seasons.

“You can’t take on a captain role without leading by example and giving your all in everything you do – if you do that, you don’t have to worry about those next to you, because they will be doing the same,” he said.

Mitchell, a three-time Empire 8 All-Conference selection, had a magical senior season, being named the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year before becoming the first-ever Mustang on the defensive side of the ball to earn D3football.com All-America accolades. A selection to the Podyum All-Star Bowl, an elite collegiate all-star game held annually in Miami, also gave him one last opportunity to show off his Mustang Pride.

“The All-Star game meant everything to me,” Mitchell said. “To be able to represent one more time, to put Morrisville out there and let everyone know what it is, it was special to me.”

To Raby, it meant just as much. “I’m so proud of Ernesto. He really is amazing and a great representation of our program. He is so humble, he deserves all the credit in the world.”

Mitchell also excelled off the field, being named to the 2022 Empire 8 President’s List, one of the most prestigious honors the conference recognizes for academic and athletic excellence.

“I am excited for what Ernesto does with the rest of his life,” Raby said. “Football and his education at ��Ƶ have prepared him. He is ready for the real world and I know that with his personality, he will be giving his best in whatever he does.”

He also landed an internship with the Oneida City Courts, where he found a love within the court system and will be pursuing a career in a similar field.

“Morrisville is a special place,” he said. “My advice in anything you do — give it 100%, nothing less.”

An extended version of this story can be found at morrisvillemustangs.com.

Published date

August 16, 2023

News Type

Men's Ice Hockey team to hold benefit game for Center State Youth Hockey Association Feb. 3

mercure@morrisville.edu — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 20:54:00 +0000

Men's Ice Hockey team to hold benefit game for Center State Youth Hockey Association Feb. 3 mercure@morris… Wed, 02/01/2023 - 15:54

The ��Ƶ men’s ice hockey team will be lacing up their skates Friday night as they play host to SUNY Canton at the Morrisville IcePlex, but for the team, it’s more than just a game; it’s the opportunity to share something they love with the young eyes that one day hope for the same opportunity.

��Ƶ will be taking the ice in a benefit game for the Center State Youth Hockey Association, an organization that operates and plays out of the Morrisville IcePlex.

Offering youth hockey programs for all levels of play, from boys and girls as young as four years old in the learn-to-skate programs to as old as the 16-year-old level, the organization has seen a decline in its total membership over the past two years. During the 2022-23 season, the Mustangs have taken the initiative to work with the association on and off the ice, to not only teach the fundamentals of hockey, but important life skills that go along with being a part of a team and greater community.

The Mustangs are inviting all members of the ��Ƶ campus and surrounding community, along with members of the Center State Youth Hockey Association, to their Friday night benefit game. Morrisville will be wearing promotional gameday jerseys that will be made available in an online/in-person auction for purchase. All proceeds will be donated to the Center State Youth Hockey Association for an even better experience.

Bidding is currently open online with the online auction ending Thursday, February 2 at 5 p.m. Online bids through the Morrisville Mustangs’ social media platforms can be placed by contacting Mustang Assistant Coach Andrew Veglucci at vegluca@morrisville.edu. Available jerseys may also receive in-person bids on Friday, beginning at 5 p.m., at the IcePlex and will close at the conclusion of the second period.

“We're looking forward to a great event Friday night in support of the Center State Youth hockey program,” head coach Kevin Krogol said. “We've been able to strengthen our relationship with the Center State program over the course of the season with our heavy involvement, and we are looking forward to another opportunity to support and grow this tremendous program and continue to give more kids in the local area an opportunity to be involved in the game of hockey.

“In all, we're looking forward to outstanding events and a great opportunity to show not only our athletic department but our institutional support for the Center State program here on campus.”

For more information, contact the men’s hockey office at 315.684.6488.

To read the full feature story on the event, please visit our Morrisville Athletics website.

Author

Brandy Thurston

Published date

January 31, 2023

News Type

Athletics

Community

Graduate leads the way on and off of the ice

salibalr — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 15:44:48 +0000

Graduate leads the way on and off of the ice salibalr Mon, 08/09/2021 - 11:44

“It’s worth it if you put in the effort,” said Danielle Bunting ’21 while reflecting on her time as a ��Ƶ Mustang.

Bunting, a Thornville, Ohio native, capped off her stellar academic career at ��Ƶ with the prestigious State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence (CASE), which she was honored with this spring as she also completed her Bachelor of Science degree in human performance & health promotion. The CASE award, the highest bestowed upon a student by SUNY, acknowledges students for distinguished achievements, who have best demonstrated and been recognized for their integration of academic excellence with other aspects of their lives including leadership, campus involvement, community service, arts (creative or performing), athletics, and career achievement.

Author

Brandy Thurston

Bunting learned from her mother, Wendy, a work ethic that would lay the foundation for success in any avenue she pursued — never giving up on following dreams, giving all you can to whatever is thrown at you, whether it be academically, athletically or in life. Bunting credits much of her success to her mom, who has served as a role model for the aspiring medical student.

“My mom helped raise her siblings from the time she was 14 and encouraged success on so many levels,” she said. “She set the bar high in all that my brother and I did and was there to help guide us along in what we wanted to do, academically and athletically.”

When it came time for Bunting to start pursuing the next chapter of her life, she knew that her biggest fan would be supportive of her dream and began searching for the next place to make that happen.

From an early age, Bunting watched her brother play sports, and at less than three years old, began playing soccer, soon finding her way to the ice and learning how to skate. Once she saw how much fun her brother was having playing hockey, she wanted to join in. She already had the feel for the ice, showcasing her talents in figure skating.

When she first picked up a hockey stick at seven years old, Bunting knew this was a love that she could never skate away from. That passion led her across two states to the small Central New York village of Morrisville in August 2017.

Her affinity for hockey and love of science drew Bunting to ��Ƶ, a place she called home the past four years.

“From the time I stepped on campus, I knew that I could make a difference,” said Bunting. “The (women’s ice hockey) team had great leaders in Maria deWilde, Kaitlyn Schlake and Ciara Lark that made the environment welcoming and set the example for years to come with the program.”

She knew Morrisville would help guide her down the path to success later on.

From the time I stepped on campus, I knew that I could make a difference.

Danielle Bunting

Women’s hockey had one of the most successful seasons in the young program’s history during Bunting’s freshman campaign, capturing the Colonial Hockey Conference (CHC) regular season and tournament titles, and earning the league’s first automatic qualifying bid to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament.

A top competitor for the next two years, Bunting again made an impact on the ice, but it was what happened off of the ice that further developed the young student-athlete into who she is today.

Bunting chose the human performance & health promotion major with the initial plan of becoming a physical therapist. Like so many, that plan changed when her own personal struggles with uncontrollable skin issues took her down a different path, which led her to pursue a medical degree in dermatology.

Off the ice, Bunting also excelled academically. She pursued tough courses throughout her academic career when they weren’t typically in the ‘lineup,’ such as organic chemistry; found time to tutor in the college’s Academic Services Center; volunteered with various community service projects within the hockey program and across campus; and was also involved with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) as an officer. She also maintained Dean’s List and President’s List accolades.

“I had a jam-packed schedule,” she said with a smile when describing her typical day. “I started my day at 5 or 6 a.m. with practice, went to class, fit in tutoring during breaks, studying, hanging out with friends and other things I was involved with. Professors were willing to work with my schedule and made it easier to accomplish all I set out to do.”

In-between it all, she found time to give back, too.

“My teammates guided me to tutoring, but in a good way,” she said. “It has helped me build relationships with others, allowed me to give back when I can, and help others better understand things I love in a way to help them.”

Her efforts helping others didn’t go unrecognized, as she was named Morrisville’s 2020-21 Peer Tutor of the Year.

Bunting capped off her career with an internship at Park City Off the Mountain Gym in Utah during the spring term, an experience that turned into a personal training job for the budding doctor while she determines where her feet will land next.

Success comes as no surprise to those who know Bunting best. Determination has lauded her several accolades throughout her career, including ACHA All-American Scholar honors, All-Academic Team accolades, becoming one of the first inductees into the college’s Chi Alpha Sigma Alpha Lambda Chapter of the National Honor Society for Student-Athletes, and being named captain of the women’s hockey team.

“Finding the right group of people to lead the way is important,” said Bunting. “You can do whatever you put your mind to — you can achieve anything.”

Published date

August 15, 2021

News Type

Hat Trick: Three sets of sibling teammates bring out the best of each other on the field

salibalr — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 14:34:24 +0000

Hat Trick: Three sets of sibling teammates bring out the best of each other on the field salibalr Fri, 12/18/2020 - 09:34

Three pairs of siblings at ��Ƶ are bringing more than just their skill and abilities to the game — they bring their chemistry, the anticipation of the next move, the difference in balance that counters the other and the desire to make a difference in Mustang athletics.

Despite all spring- and fall-season athletics competitions being canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the siblings shared their thoughts about being teammates.

Felix and Guillermo Rosario-Acosta

Football sophomore Felix Rosario-Acosta was unsurprised when brother Guillermo decided to join the Mustang sidelines.

“I knew he’d follow me,” Felix said with a laugh. “He always does. But I also know that ��Ƶ provides the best opportunity for him and I’m excited to see what he can do for our program.”

Author

Brandy Thurston

“I look up to Felix, and it feels amazing to rejoin him,” Guillermo said. “Seeing what he was able to accomplish his first season last year gave me hope that I’d be able to have

a similar impact (on the team).”

The brothers left a lasting impression on the Indian River football program during high school, playing on opposite sides of the ball and excelling in their roles.

Felix, a standout linebacker for the state-ranked program, collected Section III first team accolades, All-North honors and was the recipient of the Indian River Athlete of the Year award his senior season.

Guillermo excelled on the opposite side of the ball as a running back, having a breakout season his junior year and rushing for more than 1,700 yards in each of his final two years to earn All-Section accolades.

The brothers have competed in basketball and lacrosse together as well.

Despite subtle differences, the brothers admit they are quite similar, both majoring in human performance & health promotion while pursuing potential careers in physical therapy or athletic training.

While they have had much success on their own, they both attribute their achievements on and off the field to their parents.

“Our dad saw something in us that we didn’t see at the time,” Felix said, describing how their father introduced them to a sport neither was interested in initially at 10 years old. “Our parents have always been there to support us in all we do.”

After high school careers playing on different sides and different roles, playing together at ��Ƶ has made the Puerto Rico natives that much closer as brothers.

“The best thing now is being able to see each other more than normal, especially during this pandemic,” Guillermo said.

Christopher and Connor Picciott

Brothers Christopher and Connor Picciott made their way to the Morrisville lacrosse field as attackmen.

Christopher joined the Mustang family in the fall of 2019. With the pandemic-forced cancellation of his first spring season, he will have the rare opportunity to play all four years of eligibility alongside his younger brother.

“I get an opportunity to play with Connor, to share with him something special as last season got cut short, and I am still looking to collect my first college win,” Christopher said.

The brothers, separated in age by just one year, played four years together at Paul V. Moore High School in Central Square, New York.

Christopher found his way to ��Ƶ through his father, a graduate of the automotive program. Lacrosse is an added bonus for the sophomore who is making his own path in athletics.

Connor found ��Ƶ was the perfect pick as well.

“Part of my decision to attend ��Ƶ was having Chris here,” Connor admitted. “But also, during the recruiting process, it was welcoming and made me feel like part of the program immediately, unlike other schools.”

Both readily admit that they are competitive with each other – that often there’s a competition in who will get the most points, with dinner sometimes including trash talk about who was better than the other.

Connor, who claims that he usually lets Christopher win any sibling argument, said that playing with his brother makes the overall strategy a smooth operation. “Playing with Chris, I know his next move, where to go and we feed off one another,” he said.

“I can rely on Connor to be where he needs to be,” Christopher said. “In high school, we often were relied on because of our relationship and ability to read one another.”

The spring was tough on the brothers who have only played lacrosse during their young careers. Connor admitted that, without his senior season in high school, the fire to play died a little until being able to rejoin his brother on the field.

“Chris motivates me,” he said.

Their goal is to be the next attacking duo to grace the Mustang field.

The automotive management students are considering going into the family business with their father.

Aislinn and Lauren McGreal

“There’s nothing better than a sister,” said Aislinn and Lauren McGreal, sisters who play for the women’s lacrosse team. Aislinn is a freshman and Lauren a sophomore.

Just two years apart in age, they have a bond that has carried them from the earliest of days when their parents forced them into sports together in first grade.

The pair started their athletic careers in gymnastics, moved on to figure skating, then found their way to two sports together for Pawling High in lacrosse and ice hockey, while maintaining their individual identities in soccer (Aislinn) and field hockey (Lauren).

Despite their bond as sisters, they are quite different and rely on one another to bring out the best in each other.

“I learned that during the time away from Aislinn I had to make myself better in my own way,” Lauren said.

Being best friends is what makes their sister bond stronger than any other.

Lauren began her Mustang story in 2018 as a nursing major at ��Ƶ.

“I was often overlooked in high school,” she said. “But coming here, I was able to put my own mark on the program even as a freshman, and I’m proud of what we’ve done as a team, even today during the pandemic.”

“I knew Aislinn would come here,” Lauren continued. “We depend on each other.”

Education played a big role in why Aislinn came to ��Ƶ to study equine science. “At the end of the day, it came down to what I wanted to major in, and being able to play lacrosse again with Lauren is an added bonus.”

The chemistry the sisters have off the field has transpired into ‘magic’ on the field, both being able to play nearly any and all positions. “She’s the calm in my game,” Lauren said. “She is determined and likes to follow the rules.”

“And Lauren is creative, she always adds some fancy move to whatever she is doing,” Aislinn cut in.

Being at Morrisville together has strengthened their bond. “I’m happy she’s here, she brings out the best in me,” Lauren said.

“It’s nice. I’m excited to see what happens,” Aislinn said. “I rely on her.”

Published date

December 15, 2020

News Type

NEWHL postpones women's hockey season to January 2021

mercure@morrisville.edu — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 16:15:32 +0000

NEWHL postpones women's hockey season to January 2021 mercure@morris… Mon, 08/10/2020 - 12:15

The Northeast Women's Hockey League (NEWHL), with whom ��Ƶ holds membership in the sport of women's ice hockey, issued a statement Thursday afternoon, suspending conference and non-conference competition until Jan. 1, 2021, due to the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NEWHL will continue to explore all options for a safe return to intercollegiate athletics for its member institutions in January, keeping the health and safety of all league members at the forefront of the decision.

"��Ƶ agrees with the NEWHL recommendation to suspend competition until Jan. 1," said Mary Bonderoff, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs. "We recognize that this is a necessary decision for the safety of all our students, faculty and staff, and we will continue to keep the health, safety and well-being of our entire campus community in mind as we explore alternate opportunities for our student-athletes to engage with the campus community in ways to build a strong sense of belonging and commitment to student success."

"While this has been another difficult decision, we understand and agree with it to keep our student-athletes and campus community safe," said Interim Athletic Director Todd Kleinhans. "We hope that delaying the season will allow for a safe way to return to the ice in January."

Fall intercollegiate competition for the Mustangs has been suspended by all league offices, with the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) postponing winter competition to a potential Jan. 1 start date.

Leadership from the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) announced a decision regarding winter and spring sports will be made at a later date.

"These are extraordinary times and we appreciate the commitment of our faculty, staff and students in creating a safe environment for ��Ƶ," Bonderoff said.

The full statement from the NEWHL office can be found on the league's website.

Author

Brandy Thurston

Published date

August 6, 2020

News Type

Coronavirus

Athletics

Athletics

Coach Whisperer: “Believe in them and what they can do” is the magic behind champion reiner and mentor RE Sears’ success

Anything is Possible: Sought-after trainer helps clients score their life goals

Mustang Greatness: ������Ƶ honors Athletics Wall of Fame Class of 2023

A Bold Move: ������Ƶ's new black turf goes viral

������Ƶ’s woods sports team gears up for season, seeks new members

Nothing less than 100 percent - Ernesto Mitchell chases dream, ends season as one of the most decorated student-athletes

Men's Ice Hockey team to hold benefit game for Center State Youth Hockey Association Feb. 3

Graduate leads the way on and off of the ice

Hat Trick: Three sets of sibling teammates bring out the best of each other on the field

Felix and Guillermo Rosario-Acosta

Christopher and Connor Picciott

Aislinn and Lauren McGreal

NEWHL postpones women's hockey season to January 2021

Mustang Greatness: ��Ƶ honors Athletics Wall of Fame Class of 2023

A Bold Move: ��Ƶ's new black turf goes viral

��Ƶ’s woods sports team gears up for season, seeks new members