NYIT Bears
| NYIT Bears | |
 | |
| University | New York Institute of Technology |
|---|---|
| Conference(s) | East Coast Conference |
| NCAA | Divisions I & II |
| Athletic director | Clyde Doughty, Jr. |
| Location | Old Westbury, NY |
| Varsity teams | 10 |
| Football stadium | President's Stadium |
| Basketball arena | Recreation Hall |
| Nickname | Bears |
| Fight song | |
| Colors | Blue and Gold
|
| Homepage | nyit.edu/athletics |
The NYIT Bears refer to the mascot and sports teams of the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), located in Old Westbury NY, United States. All of NYIT's teams compete in NCAA Division II except baseball, which competes in Division I. The NYIT Bears are part of the East Coast Conference (ECC), and the baseball team was part of the Great West Conference until it disbanded. The NYIT Bears are best known for their men's lacrosse team, which has won four NCAA Division II national championships.
Current sports programs
- Men's programs
- Women's programs
Facilities
President's Stadium: A 1,000-seat stadium that is the home of the lacrosse and men's and women's soccer teams. In 2006, the NYIT replaced the natural grass of the field with FieldTurf.
President's Field: The home of the NYIT baseball program. In the 2012-2013 academic year, President's Field is scheduled for a face lift with raised dugouts, a new press box behind home plate and will FieldTurf both the infield and outfield.
Recreation Hall: A 500-seat arena, Recreation Hall is home to men's and women's basketball, and volleyball.
NYIT Softball Complex: The home of the NYIT softball team.
NYIT Tennis Complex: Six courts, four upper and two lower, that the Bears men's and women's tennis teams call home.
Achievements
Baseball
Led by Bob Hirschfield the NYIT baseball team is the only sport that competes at the NCAA Division 1 level, as part of the Great West Conference. With over 650 wins under his belt Coach Hirschfield has helped several players reach the next level and sign professional contracts. The most recent signings are Joe Esposito, Mike Laluna, Kraig Binick, Mike Roth, Lou Bernardi, Jon Burke, Andrew Gurassi, Steve Faulkner and George Carroll. Some of the more notable Professional signings in recent and past years are Al Watson, Alan Ashkinazy, Mike MacMillan, Mike Gaffney, Chris Rojas, Brian Goelz, and Jimmy Goelz.
Bob Malvagna was named head coach in June 2012. He brings more than 20 years of experience with him and is joined by NYIT alum Chris Rojas, Stephen Malvagna, Vinny Rubino, and Anthony Bonomo Jr. During the Spring 2012 season, former Bear Mike MacMillan was appointed Interim Head Coach. March 2, 2012 was the first game in 30 Years NYIT baseball will play under a coach other than Bob Hirschfield.
Lacrosse
During lacrosse coach Jack Kaley's tenure (1993 - 2009), NYIT's lacrosse team rose to become a national powerhouse. Under Kaley, the Bears had a record of 152-28. They won the East Coast Conference championship four consecutive years(2002-5). They have reached the NCAA Division II national championship game six times, and have won the national championship four times, including an undefeated season in 2003. Upon Kaley's retirement, Bill Dunn was appointed head coach.
- NCAA National Finalists: 1994, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2008
- NCAA National Championships: 1997, 2003, 2005, 2008
Men's basketball
In 1980, the men's basketball team made their first and only appearance in the NCAA Division II national championship game, losing 80-74 to Virginia Union. Several Bears have gone on to play professionally overseas including Bryant Lassiter, Manix Auriantal, and Kirk Stewart.
- NCAA Tournament Appearances: 1978, 1980, 2004
- ECC Championship: 2006-2007
Volleyball
The volleyball team reached the NCAA tournament six consecutive years, 2001-2006. After a short hiatus, the Bears returned to the National tournament in the Fall of 2011 and advanced to the Regional semifinal in the Fall of 2012. Volleyball has two Honorable Mention All-Americans: Shelby Cable (2011, 2012) and Burcu Hakyemez (2004).
Women's basketball
In 2005-2006, the women's basketball team made its first appearance in the East Coast Conference tournament. The Bears advanced to the championship game. NYIT made another run at the ECC title in 2006-07. In 2009-2010, Anthony Crocitto was named head coach of the women's basketball program and since then the Bears have doubled their wins total each season. In 2011-2012, NYIT produced the program's best record in school history (16-13). The Bears made it back to the ECC Tournament but lost in the first round to neighboring LIU Post.
Men's soccer
Since coach Carlos Del Cid took over in 2001, NYIT's soccer team has become one of the best in the nation. In 2003, the Bears advanced to the NCAA playoffs after an absence of 18 years (1985). They have established a school record of 13 wins in a row and have been ranked as high as no. 7 in the nation. In 2005, the men's soccer team advanced to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight. They lost on penalty kicks to Franklin Pierce College. The Bears won their first ECC Championship in 2011. NYIT men's soccer has four All-Americans: Vinny Caccavale (2012), Kyle Cupid (2007), Eduardo Anacelto (2005), and Algernon Lawrence (1984).
Softball
The softball team made its first appearance in the NCAA tournament in 2009.
Notable alumni
- Don Cooper: Baseball (Pitching Coach, Chicago White Sox, Member of 2005 World Series Championship team)
- Ray Giannelli: Baseball
- Allen Watson: Baseball (Member of 2000 World Series Champion New York Yankees)
External links
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