On the weekend of April 29, the Athletic and Wellness Department will seek to recognize the achievements of the past by hosting Alumni Weekend 2011.
The weekend will include nine teams the department invited back to observe, remember and enjoy the multiple events the athletic department has put together.
“[We] invite alumni back to campus to see former teammates as well as see how their Alma Mater has changed. This is our second Alumni Weekend this year,” said Erick Hart, the assistant athletic director. “We are inviting nine teams back this time…This same weekend we also have four varsity programs competing at home. Alumni will also have an opportunity to see our current student-athletes compete against SUNYAC competition.”
Events include a golf outing at Apple Greens Golf Course, varsity games and alumni games for those who come during the weekend. A reception will be held at the end of the weekend for the alumni.
Organizers said the weekend is a time for alumni of the athletic program to return and reconnect with the campus where they built college athletic careers.
“Coaches do a great job promoting the event and inviting former student-athletes back to campus,” said Hart.
Hart believes those who attend the weekend’s events will have an opportunity to talk to alumni about New Paltz’s current standings and discuss what steps the athletic department has taken to improve the school’s athletic programs.
Hart also said the weekend will allow current student-athletes to interact with alumni who have played their sport years ago, giving the students a chance to be social and establish connections when they begin looking for employment.
The athletic teams that will play over the course of the weekend are the tennis team, lacrosse team, baseball team and softball team. The tennis team will be hosting a tournament with SUNY Cortland, SUNY Brockport, Hunter College, Mount St. Mary, SUNY Plattsburgh and SUNY Oneonta. The softball team will go up against Brockport on Friday and SUNY Geneseo on Saturday. The lacrosse team will play Buffalo State on Saturday and the baseball team will play Cortland on that same day.
Hart said that Alumni games will also be held on Saturday. Some events include games for Men’s Soccer, Men’s and Women’s Swimming and field hockey. Hart also said that he looks forward to the event and seeing the athletes of New Paltz’s past and present come together and connect over the program that they’re part of, as well as take pride in it.
“We hope our alumni become re-connected with the athletic program and university,” said Hart. “This weekend provides an opportunity to catch up with old friends and see how their Alma Mater has changed.”