Sage to add field hockey, lacrosse

ALBANY, N.Y. >> Those hoping to play field hockey or men’s lacrosse at the next level when The Sage Colleges’ announced the addition of both varsity sports in a release Monday.

“The two programs will fit perfectly into Sage’s growing athletic department,” Director of Athletics Dani Drews said. “With high school participation centered in the Northeast and our new membership in the Empire 8, we are confident that we can successfully recruit over 50 new student-athletes to Sage and be immediately competitive within the conference.”

The Gators will compete in field hockey and men’s lacrosse

beginning with the 20182019 academic year to bring the total number of varsity athletic sports up to 17.

Sage has steadily expanded its athletic program offerings, now adding 10 teams from between 2008-2013. The addition of two more teams is part of Sage’s strategic plan intended to make a positive impact on both the Russell Sage and Sage College of Albany campuses.

“Sage’s Division III athletic programs are a vital part of the overall student experience,” Vice President for Student Life Trish Cellemme said. “The women’s field hockey and men’s lacrosse programs will add to our robust athletic offerings and contribute to our vibrant campus life.”

Sage will begin its search for head coaches this spring to ensure they are in place a year in advance of competition in order to recruit student-athletes for the new programs.

“That plan has worked well for us in the past with several of our new programs winning conference titles and earning NCAA tournament selections,” Drews said. “Hiring great coaches that will fit at Sage is the most important thing for us to do right now. We know that with the support of the Sage community, we will build strong programs and provide an excellent Division III student-athlete experience.”

NENYPGA Golf

NE ET WINS PROOF THE YEAR >> Clifton Park resident John Neet was awarded the Northeastern NewYork PGA Golf Professional of the Year at the organization’s annual Spring Membership Meeting Monday at Saratoga National Golf Club.

Neet has his roots in the traditional green grass industry, but has been the PGA Professional at Golf Galaxy in Albany since 2010.

Neet battled cancer for the last year and, while undergoing intensive treatments for his health, he experienced one of his best tournament-playing seasons ever. He is joined by the remaining NENY PGA Special Award Winners who will all be honored for their achievements at the NENY PGA Spring Membership Meeting.

Here are all the awards given out for the 2016-17 season:

Golf Professional of the Year: John Neet, PGA Golf Professional, Golf Galaxy, Albany

Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: Justin Hearley, PGA Assistant Professional, Normanside Country Club, Delmar Horton Smith (Education) Award Winner: Eric Keeler, PGA – Assistant Professional, Schuyler Meadows

Club, Loudonville

Teacher of the Year: Anders Mattson, PGA – Director of Instruction, Saratoga National Golf Club, Saratoga Springs

Youth Player Development Golf Leader: Bob Cain, PGA – Teaching Professional, Saratoga National Golf Club, Saratoga Springs

Roland Stafford Sportsmanship Award: Steve Plata, PGA – Head Professional, Saratoga National Golf Club, Saratoga Springs Bill Strausbaugh (Club Relations and Community Services) Award: Steve Jensen, PGA – Head Professional, Schuyler Meadows Club, Loudonville

Sales Person of the Year: Gar Fellman – Sales Representative, Kirk & Matz Awards

Player Development Award: Peter Gerard, PGA - Teaching Professional, Mill Road Acres Golf Course, Latham

Patriot Award: Ron Ireland, PGA – General Manager, Saratoga Golf & Polo Club, Saratoga Springs and Will King, PGA Owner, Plattsburgh Golf, Plattsburgh

Private Merchandiser of the Year: Eric Mabee, PGA – Head Professional, Country Club of Pittsfield, Pittsfield, Mass.

Public Merchandiser of the Year: Todd Manderson, PGA – Head Professional, Ballston Spa Country Club, Ballston Spa