AP

It is finally official.

University at Albany coach Will Brown has signed a contract extension through the 2017-18 season. Coming off a trip to the NCAA tournament, his third as the head coach for the Great Danes.

Brown was offered an extension in March, after he led UAlbany to an America East title and a berth in the NCAA tournament, but it took five months for everything to become finalized.

Here is the UAlbany release.

The incoming class for the Siena men's basketball team got even bigger on Friday.

The Saints have added Maurice White, a 6-foot-3, 197-pound guard from Baltimore.

White joins Lavon Long, Javion Ogunyemi, Michael Wolfe, Marquis Wright, transfer Patrick Cole and walk-ons Mike Wilson and Jimmy Merrill for new coach Jimmy Patsos. 

Here is the Siena release.

Here is the full schedule for the Saints.

From the Saratogian

SARATOGA SPRINGS – A former Siena College basketball coach was charged late Thursday with resisting arrest after fighting with police on Caroline Street.

Robert C. Beyer, 51, of Maitland, Fla., was Siena’s coach from 1994 to 1997 and was recently named an assistant coach with the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats.

City Police said that Beyer, Ryan P. Chartrand, 36, of Saratoga Springs; and Edward J. Parenteau, 34, of Lynbrook; were involved in an altercation with bouncers inside a Caroline Street bar at 11:15 p.m.

Beyer and Chartrand were escorted out of the bar by bouncers and Parenteau is allegedly assaulted one of the bouncers by punching him in the face and cutting his nose, police said.

While police were arresting Parenteau, Beyer and Chartrand allegedly attempted to stop officers from arresting Parenteau and were subsequently arrested, police said.

Beyer then began fighting with the police and was charged accordingly, police said.

Beyer was charged with second-degree obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

Chartrand was charged with second-degree obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct.

Parenteau was charged with third-degree assault, with intent to cause physical injury.

In addition to serving as the head coach at Siena, Beyer also served as an assistant under Mike Deane from 1989 to 1993. His NBA resume also includes stints with the Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, and Golden State Warriors before he was hired by Charlotte last month.

AP

One year ago, Drew Smith was working with his University at Albany teammates, trying to get ready for the season opener against Colgate.

This season, Smith is hoping just to make the team -- in the NFL -- with the Buffalo Bills.

Smith went undrafted after finishing off a terrific career for the Great Danes, but was signed as a free agent by Buffalo and invited to training camp at St. John Fisher College, in Rochester.

He's listed as a fullback and fighting for a precious roster spot with the Bills.

Smith has already started to make a name for himself, catching a touchdown from fellow rookie EJ Manuel, in a scrimmage and making one catch in the Bills first preseason game against Indianapolis.

Smith's success at the highest level hasn't surprised his former offensive coordinator Ryan McCarthy.

“He’s just a guy that everybody we played, whether it was Youngstown State, Maine, New Hampshire, they all knew exactly who that guy was.”

Smith rushed for more than 1,000 yards, as a junior and a senior for UAlbany, and while he wasn't playing against talent like he'll see in the NFL, his 6-foot-2, 225-pound frame is certainly big league.

“He looks like he belongs to me," McCarthy said. "He looks like one of those guys. I would not be surprised if he makes that roster.”

Smith's versatility could help his chances to make the roster. For the Great Danes, he played quarterback, running back, fullback, receiver and was on special teams. 

“I think the NFL teams want to see that on tape, see a guy moving around,” said McCarthy. 

Smith is a guy who certainly has the looks of a pro, but now he's hoping his play will keep him on the field for the Bills. 

“Everything I’ve heard is he has a legitimate shot to make the team," McCarthy said. "I hope nothing but the best for him. He’s the most versatile player I’ve every coached since I’ve been here."

AP

On Tuesday afternoon, I asked on Twitter for people to react to the news that UAlbany football coach Bob Ford would be retiring following the 2013 season.

Below are tweets that were sent to me or that were sent out to the twittersphere on Coach Ford and what he's meant to people.

Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senator

@ChuckSchumer: “Congrats to legendary UAlbany football coach Bob Ford on impending retirement after 43 yrs of leading the #purplefam”

UAlbany Athletics

@UAlbanySports: “Coach Ford, the most modest man alive, announcing that the 2013 season will be his last with @UAlbanyFootball #44seasons”

Tim McDonnell, CAA Communications Assistant

@timmcd_123: “Do people really realize how much of a legend Bob Ford is? Guy literally built the UAlbany football program. #CAAFB”

Will Brown, UAlbany men’s basketball coach

@UAHOOPSWB: “On vacation but have seen many tweets about Coach Bob Ford. Great guy and a great coach. Has impacted the lives of so many he has coached!”

Mike McMahon/The Record

Jim Fiore, Stony Brook AD

@JDFiore: “Much congratulations & respect to @UAlbanySports football coach Bob Ford on his retirement announcement. Hall of fame coach; better person”

Greg Viscomi, Monmouth Assistant AD

@OneandOnlyGregV: MT: “Class act, great coach – best of luck”

Anthony Sciarra QB (’04)

@danefan: “Coach Ford is without a doubt one of the greatest human beings I’ve ever encountered. That is true both on and off the field. His number one goal was to turn out fine young men and that was evident in everything he did. He developed skills in so many of us that we never could have imagined we had. He will be impossible to replace, but we’re looking forward to his next chapter.”

Paul Layton P (’10-12)

@PunterLayton: “Congrats to Coach Ford announcing his retirement for after this season”

Dave Plungas ILB (’08-12)

@TheGR8Plungini: “If you didn't play for or know coach ford you don't understand. Never once seen him in a bad mood. Retiring a legend.”

Justin Brancaccio LB (’06-09)

@JBran54: “It’s crazy to think this is the last season #BobFord will coach @UAlbanyFootball the program he built & tradition will grow! #Purplefam

Rashad Barksdale DB (’07) 

@RB25HUD: “gave me a chance that made my dream come true! not just a great coach, he’s a great guy! Him & his straw hat u can’t replace!

Ryan Kirchner WR (’09-12)

@RyKirch8: “There is no coach to ever have an impact on his players in both football and especially life like Ford has had. He’s a legend.”

Kevin Richards OL (’06-09)

@KevinRichards75: “Coach Ford is UA’s best rep and his coaching tree is massive. It’s VERYHARD to find a coach in the Northeast NOT connected with him.”

WFAN’s Paul Dottino

@giantswfan: “Albany’s Bob Ford and RMorris’ Joe Walton are retiring at end of year. Great FB guys. Thanks for the memories. Best to both of them.”

John Carpenter, Stony Brook Equipment Manager

@John_Carpenter1: “Congratulations to Coach Bob Ford on an outstanding career at @UAlbanyFootball. He is a true legend of CFB.”

Once again, I've been asked to take part in The Sports Network Top 25 voting.

While this is not required, I will post my ballot here on the blog every week after I cast it.

The preseason poll came out today. It's no surprise that two-time defending champion North Dakota State starts the season at No. 1. The University at Albany is receiving votes, but I did not put the Great Danes on my ballot. UAlbany is also receiving votes in the preseason FCS Coaches Top 25.

Below is my ballot. The numbers in (xx) is where the team is listed on the poll.

1. North Dakota State
2. Georgia Southern (9)
3. Montana State (2)
4. Sam Houston State (3)
5. Eastern Washington (4)
6. South Dakota State
7. Villanova (5)
8. Wofford
9. Central Arkansas (7)
10. Towson (11)
11. Illinois State (13)
12. New Hampshire (10)
13. Appalachian State (12)
14. Cal Poly
15. Richmond
16. Northern Arizona (18)
17. Northern Iowa
18. Montana (20)
19. James Madison
20. Stony Brook (16)
21. Chattanooga (24)
22. Eastern Illinois  (21)
23. Youngstown State (NR)
24. Coastal Carolina (25)
25. Delaware (NR)

Not on my ballot, but in poll.
22. Lehigh
23. Bethune Cookman

Others receiving votes: Eastern Kentucky 468, Youngstown State 463, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 174, Colgate 174, Tennessee State 151, Wagner 140, Delaware 130, The Citadel 100, Indiana State 90, Penn 57, McNeese State 46, Sacramento State 44, Samford 39, Southern Illinois 39, Harvard 35, South Carolina State 32, Southeastern Louisiana 30, Tennessee-Martin 29, Stephen F. Austin 17, San Diego 15, ALBANY 13, Liberty 12, Bucknell 11, Grambling State 8, North Carolina Central 8, Tennessee Tech 6, Jackson State 6, Furman 4, Alabama A&M 4, Alabama State 4, Alcorn State 4, William & Mary 4, Jacksonville State 3, Missouri State 3, Weber State 2, Murray State 2, Butler 2, Elon 2, Florida A&M 2, Northwestern State 1, Duquesne 1, Drake 1

ALBANY - Bob Ford announced on Tuesday that he will step down from his position as University at Albany football coach.

Ford has been the coach since the program began in 1970.

Below is the video of Ford's statement to a packed room at UAlbany's Hall of Fame room.



Below is UAlbany Director of Athletics Lee McElroy talking about Ford.

ALBANY - Bob Ford has been the coach at the University at Albany since the program started in 1970.

The upcoming 2013 season will be his 44th and final one.

Ford announced on Tuesday that he would step away from the program following this upcoming season.

"It's impossible to get to this point and put in this many years without a lot of memories flashing through your memory bank," said Ford, at the team's media day.

The Great Danes will start their first year in the Colonial Athletic Association, against Duquesne on Aug. 31.

UAlbany will play its first game on Bob Ford Field, on Saturday, Sept. 14, when they host new league foe Rhode Island.

Ford has 255 career varsity wins at UAlbany, make him the winningest active coach in Division I FBS or FCS. 

Mike Long will be the next head men's basketball coach at Hudson Valley Community College.

Long was most recently an assistant coach for Brian Beaury at The College of Saint Rose, but has been coaching basketball for four decades.

"Mike Long is a great choice to take over as the next head men's basketball coach at Hudson Valley Community College," Beaury said. "He is a man with great values and impeccable integrity whose only flaw is he's loyal to a fault."

Long replaces Ken Dagostino, who left in June to take a position at Ave Maria, in Florida.

Long, who has three Hall of Fame inductions, has coached at Saint Rose, Sage College, Christian Brothers Academy and Siena, his alma mater, where he was the JV coach.

The basketball court at Saint Rose is named after him, as he is considered the father of Saint Rose basketball.

"We have chosen an individual to lead our program whose basketball successes and accolades are prolific," said Hudson Valley Community College Director of Athletics Kristan Pelletier. "Throughout these successes and tenures of excellence, he has demonstrated his ability and commitment to instill character and values in student-athletes. The members of our men's basketball program will be better athletes, better students, and most importantly better men after playing for Coach Long."

Mike McMahon/The Record

The University at Albany football team may not have much respect from its new opponents in the Colonial Athletic Association, but the Great Danes seem to have support nationally.

UAlbany was picked No. 10 (out of 11) in the preseason CAA football poll, but in the Football Championship Subdivision Coaches poll, released on Tuesday, the Great Danes are receiving Top 25 votes.

Here are stories from the first day of practice and a look at the brand new stadium that is Bob Ford Field. 

UAlbany opens the 2013 season, traveling to Duquesne on Aug. 31. The home opener is also the CAA opener, when the Great Danes host Rhode Island, on Sept. 14, at Bob Ford Field.

Below is the poll.

Preseason 2013 FCS Coaches Preseason Poll (August 6, 2013)
Team (No. 1 Votes) 2012 Record Points Final 2012 Ranking
1. North Dakota State (23) 14-1 645 1
2. Montana State (1) 11-2 591 5
3. Eastern Washington 11-3 549 4
4. Sam Houston State (1) 11-4 534 2
5. Wofford 9-4 450 7
6. Central Arkansas 9-3 428 10
7. South Dakota State 9-4 410 17
8. New Hampshire 8-4 386 13
9. Villanova 8-4 381 16
10. Illinois State 9-4 379 9
11. Cal Poly 9-3 348 11
12. Towson 7-4 347 15
13. Stony Brook 10-3 326 12
14. Richmond 8-3 274 18
15. James Madison 7-4 235 21
16. Northern Iowa 5-6 218 NR
17. Lehigh 10-1 198 14
18. Northern Arizona 8-2 196 20
19. Eastern Kentucky (1) 8-3 188 19
20. Bethune-Cookman 9-3 159 23
21. Coastal Carolina 8-5 140 24
22. Montana 6-2* 135 NR
23. Eastern Illinois 7-5 120 25
24. Youngstown State 7-4 107 NR
25. Chattanooga 6-5 104 NR


Others receiving votes: Wagner (87), Colgate (67), Tennessee State (52), Harvard (48), Delaware (47), The Citadel (39), Liberty (39), Arkansas Pine-Bluff (35), Indiana State (27), Stephen F. Austin (19), McNeese State (16), Penn (13), Alcorn State (12), Jacksonville State (11), Samford (10), Norfolk State (7), Alabama State (7), UC Davis (7), Southern Illinois (6), Maine (5), Albany (5), Tennessee Tech (5), UT Martin (4), Gardner Webb (4), Sacramento State (3), Hampton (3), San Diego (2), Jackson State (1), Missouri State (1), Brown (1)
* Final 6 games of 2012 vacated

J.S. Carras/The Record

Former Siena basketball player O.D. Anosike has signed to play professionally in Italy.

Anosike will play with VL Pesaro of the Serie A League in Italy.

Anosike lead the nation in rebounding for the past two seasons.

Here is the Siena release.