SPORTS TALK

     Interim Director of Athletics Gail Cummings-Danson says to look for a new level of excitement this fall as the University's athletic program officially goes Division I (football, I-AA).
     “Division I brings to us a different level of athleticism, which is what I hope will attract our students, faculty and staff, as well as the general public to come to more games,” said Cummings-Danson, who is leading the athletics program through the transition.
     “My hope is that anyone coming to the games will experience an exciting atmosphere, plus witness high-caliber athletics. New giveaway events will happen during the games, such as a kick-off for cash in football and a free-throw contest in basketball. Our goal is to have each person want to come back for the next contest.”
     In addition to increased school spirit, Cummings-Danson said the move to Division I brings the University greater name recognition, which should aid overall student recruitment.
     “When you say the University of Virginia or Georgetown University, there is instant name recognition. The next step is to market our athletic program within the community. The University has grown tremendously over the last 30 years, and the commitment to athletics is part of that expansion. We have finally arrived at Division I, and it is time to let everyone know about it.”
     The 32-year-old Cummings-Danson was named to the interim athletic direc-tor's post May 27. A native of Huntsville, Ontario, she earned a Ph.D. from Temple University in 1998. Although a nationwide search for a permanent athletic director is ongoing, she is expected to hold the position through the end of the 1999-2000 academic year. Cummings-Danson said moving to Division I is one of the things that drew her to Albany in the first place as associate athletic director. “Otherwise, I would have stayed at Temple, which is a fine Division I school. I wanted to be part of this move. There are many challenges, but there is an incredible excitement to building something.”

     In football, Albany moves to the NCAA Division I-AA level and the Northeast Conference in 1999. The Great Danes ended their brief run in Division II with a second consecutive Eastern Football Conference champi-onship, an EFC Atlantic Division title, and a 10-1 record.
     “Last year was gratifying, because it is twice as hard to repeat,” explains Bob Ford, whose team rallied from a 24-point deficit against American International in the ‘98 EFC champi-onship. “We were truly a team.You would be hard pressed to find any stars.”
Ford, a two-time Football Gazette Division II non-scholarship national coach of the year, has guided the Great Danes from the club level to a point where the program has won 21 of its last 22 starts.
     Offense: Albany’s multiple-forma-tion offense returns a veteran cast, including a pair of standout quarter-backs, two all-conference linemen, and several outstanding skill players.
Eric Williams and Michael Oliva complemented each other in a two-quar-terback system. Williams threw for 1,339 yards and 14 touchdowns. Oliva, the EFC championship MVP, completed 57 percent of his attempts, and added 10 TD passes. 
     Tailback Greg Garrett and fullback Ben Kelcey are the likely starters in the backfield. Garrett, who led the Great Danes in all-purpose yards, rushed for 637 yards as a junior. Kelcey totaled 332 yards and two touchdowns.
     Mike Browne, a fifth-year senior, and Charles Gill, are ready to contribute as fullbacks, while sophomore tailback Brian Manigault will only add to the offensive arsenal.
     Flanker Greg Butryn and split end Michael Ettz are both among the school’s top-10 career reception leaders. Butryn led his team with 28 catches for 465 yards and six TDs. Ettz caught 21 passes for 241 yards and two scores. Transfers Chris Phillis and Jay McFarlane give this group added speed.
     Steve Checksfield hauled in the game-winning TD pass in the EFC title contest. He had 22 receptions for 432 yards and seven touchdowns. Checksfield also was UAlbany’s special teams MVP as the regular punter and kicker.
     Right tackle Jason Barra (6-5, 275) and left guard Billy Van Jura (6-1, 280) anchor Albany’s offensive line. Barra and Van Jura each earned All-America recognition.
Oji Fagan (6-0, 265) has started at center and guard, while left tackle J.T. Herfurth (6-6, 265) and right guard Rafael Cruz 96-4, 305) became starters in their first seasons.
     Defense: The Great Danes improved for the third straight season, and were ranked among the national leaders in scoring defense (13.5 ppg) and pass efficiency against (93.7 rating). Albany defenders posted three shutouts, and allowed fewer than 10 scoring passes for the third consecutive year.
     Mike Grever, the ‘98 Football Gazette Linebacker of the Year, provides the coaches with a key figure to build their 4-3-4 scheme around. A two-time All-American, Grever ranks fifth on the school’s career tackles chart.
Senior Ryan Tumbry should step in at the other inside position, while Greg Green will be penciled in at outside backer. Green was third on the team with 89 tackles and forced four fumbles. Tumbry (24 tackles) is solid, and plays his assignments without mental mistakes. 
Andrew Fitzpatrick and Brian Green are the leading candidates at roverback, a position which requires toughness and the ability to cover receivers one-on-one.
     In the trenches, Chris Wilgosz (6-0, 250) and William Fields (6-3, 240) were regulars in the lineup. Wilgosz, a senior defensive tackle, was the team’s most consistent lineman with 67 tackles and 4 sacks. Fields (35 tackles) can play both the tackle and end positions.
     Brian Campe (6-0, 245) made 38 hits from the tackle slot. Jason Martin (6-0, 285) and Davon Jones (6-2, 215) should provide imediate help for a unit which would prefer to rotate eight players on game day.
     Cornerback Damin Waring, who has 16 career pass break-ups and two interceptions, is the only returnee with starting experience. Jelani Dandles, made a smooth transition from wide receiver to free safety during spring practice.

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