Oct. 14, 2004

There are perhaps no more visible examples of teamwork in our society than those we admire in athletics. Individuals work together to reach common goals, ultimately sharing in the rewards that come with success. From the player who sinks the winning shot, to the fan in the top row of the arena cheering them on, every contribution plays a role in overall achievement.

Siena's 18 Division I sports teams have a proud tradition of displaying their teamwork at the highest level. In recent years, however, a new team has emerged to help ensure that the 350 student-athletes at the College have the resources they need to reach their goals. It is a team that doesn't compete on the field, but whose contributions are invaluable. Most of the participants haven't even met each other, and live in all corners of America. However, they are all united by a common vision; helping Siena's student athletes succeed. Their affinity for the Saints has manifested itself in many different ways.

Patti Bayly's father Richard was a member of Siena's first graduating class in 1941 and a fan of Siena basketball since its inception in 1937 to his death in 1984. During that time, he spent many nights trudging through the snow to watch the then-Indians play in Capital Region facilities ranging from the Washington Avenue Armory to the Alumni Recreation Center. Patti remembers her dad sitting around the radio listening to road games as she grew up, wondering what the attraction was. In the early 1970's she accompanied him to her first basketball game. She was hooked from the start.

Pat Caruso, a men's basketball season ticket holder who graduated from the College 30 years ago, and his 81-year old mother Eleanor anxiously await each athletic season so they can cheer the Green and Gold on to victory. Caruso's appreciation of Siena athletics has grown exponentially the last decade, and his winters are now spent cheering on Gina Castelli and the women's basketball team as well.

As a junior at Siena in 1989, Tom Huerter helped the men's basketball team advance to its first NCAA Division I Tournament, where the measly school from Loudonville, N.Y. became one of the first true Cinderella Stories, knocking off #3 seed Stanford in Greensboro, N.C. Over the last 13 years, he has not drifted far from the program he helped build.

In addition to the moral support the trio provides Siena's sports teams, each are among the 320 members of Saints Alive!, a team of alumni and supporters who have helped raise over $1 million in just six years for the enhancement of Siena athletics.

Director of Athletics John D'Argenio has seen first hand the impact of Saints Alive! "Having a successful department is like having a successful team except on a broader scale," D'Argenio said. "We can't underestimate the importance to our team that comes from our community of alumni and fans. The people who are part of Saints Alive! are primary to our success. Without them, we wouldn't be able to provide services and facilities to our student athletes that help them achieve athletic and academic excellence."

With the support of the Saints Alive! team, many new endeavors have been completed. One such improvement was the recent expansion to the Callanan Field House, a state-of-the-art addition to the Marcelle Athletic Complex consisting of four team rooms and the Turchi Theater, a multi media room. The project also included a total overhaul of the men's and women's basketball team rooms.

Caruso helped finance the field house expansion and renovation by becoming the title donor for the men's basketball team room.

"Athletics at any level plays a major role in the complete College experience," Caruso, stated. "At Siena, this is especially true because of the tradition and success the programs have had, and their prominent place in the community. I am very pleased to be in a position where I can join with others and have a direct effect on the continued development of Siena's student-athletes"

Huerter got involved with the expansion by purchasing a seat in the Turchi Theater. Since his graduation, he has been overwhelmed by the broad-based growth of the athletic department, and is excited with what the future holds.

"The focus has changed dramatically since my playing days," Huerter said. "There are so many more opportunities now, and the program as a whole continues to improve each year. The College's commitment to athletics, coupled with the donations made by Saints Alive! members, have placed Siena in a position to gain regional and national exposure through the successes its student-athletes achieve. It's an exciting time to be a fan, and I am proud to be part of the Saints Alive! team. "

Saints Alive! funds help offset the increasing financial demands placed on running a superior Division I athletic department. Members are kept up-to-date on all the latest Siena happenings with a subscription to Dog Bites (Siena's athletic newsletter), and receive other benefits ranging from exclusive events featuring players and coaches to postseason ticket priority for men's basketball.

Huerter, who also serves as Siena's radio color analyst for men's basketball games, feels the true benefits come in the satisfaction of knowing you are making a real difference. "Saints Alive! is a great resource for alumni and fans who want to know about the latest enhancements and successes the programs are enjoying. But the real reward comes from seeing first hand the value of your donation."

Bayly's involvement is among the most active, as she is a charter member of the group's advisory council. As a member of the Advisory Council Bayly and the others lend insight and experience to Siena's athletic administration and help set the direction athletic development will take at Siena.

Assistant Athletic Director Kim Moutz oversees Saints Alive! and the advisory council. "The members are committed to growing Saints Alive! while serving as ambassadors for Siena Athletics throughout the community. We have a solid team of members and are always open to new faces and ideas."

Bayly has found her experience on the council rewarding and is confident that the program is headed in the right direction.

"It is incredible how well Saints Alive! has done in such a short time period," Bayly, who served in a development role at her alma mater Russell Sage, noted. "The structure is designed to ensure that all student-athletes have the opportunities they need to be successful on the playing field, yet more importantly role models in the community. It has been a team effort to make this possible and the student-athletes continue to make us proud in the classroom and in competition."

Bayly alludes to the fact that Siena's athletic success has been mirrored by the student-athletes academic achievements in the classroom. The athletic department grade point average is consistently higher than that of the general student body, and the College has placed in the top-15 nationally in graduation rates in two of the last three NCAA Division I reports.

"Our players have reaped the benefits of Saints Alive! the last six years (as) great progress has been made," said two-time MAAC Women's Soccer Coach of the Year Steve Karbowski, now in his sixth season. "We have seen enhancements in our playing field, improvements in team travel and increased academic support services. All these developments have us poised to bring our program to the next level."

The athletic department moves forward with this objective in the forefront of its mission. The goal is to sustain a competitive broad-based program in an environment that nurtures the athletic and academic development of the student-athlete. Creating champions on and off the playing field.

People like Patty Bayly, Pat Caruso and Tom Huerter have joined Siena's team to help keep the Saints alive and kicking.

Saints Alive! Advisory Council Members

John Allen
Craig Allen
Michael Atkins
Patti Bayly
Richard Carlstrom
Robert Davey
Thomas MacClarence
Chad Morrison
Kelly Murray
Alex Nichols
James V. O'Connor
Frank Pugliano
Edwin T. Sells
Dr. Douglas Smail
Stephen Tobin
Keith Vink
For more information on Saints Alive!, please contact Siena athletics at 518-783-2450 or visit SienaSaints.com