Aug. 6, 2002
Close to 100 Saints Alive! members turned out Tuesday evening for the department's year-end picnic. The festivities included appearances by most coaches, activities for Amtrak Lil' Saints members and a free raffle. Head Men's Basketball Coach Rob Lanier and Women's Basketball Assistant Coach Andrea Woodbury were among those who addressed the crowd.
Athletic Director John D'Argenio also expressed his gratitude to those in attendance, citing several instances in which Saints Alive! donations have improved the athletic department. "With your generous support, we are now able to provide our student-athletes with the necessary resources to excel in Division I athletics," D'Argenio told the crowd.
The event also provided an opportunity for Siena supporters to view the progress being made on the field house expansion, which includes the creation of four new team rooms as well as a 50-seat theater for film viewing. The project, which also features the complete renovation of the men's and women's basketball team rooms, is slated to be completed in mid-October.
- Click Here to Learn More
The picnic was also a chance to reflect back upon the past athletic season. Fans were reminded of the men's and women's basketball team's exciting postseason runs, and of the progress made by Siena's women's soccer team--which ended 2001 as the eighth most improved team in the nation. Other highlights included the women's swimming and diving team, which boasted the MAAC's Most Outstanding Swimmer (Kelly Pangburn) and its Most Outstanding Diver (Leah Serbalik) in just its fourth year of existence. The men's soccer team returned to the four-team MAAC Championships, as did the always-successful volleyball and baseball programs. Individual excellence was achieved by women's tennis star Nikki Mayer--who broke 17 Siena record in her junior campaign, and twin sisters Kim and Michelle Milton who each raced to First Team All-Conference honors in cross country. Football linebacker Dan Smacchia led all of Division I-AA in tackles in just his first full season of college football and men's tennis star Paul Ciovacco was named to the All-New York State Team.
D'Argenio also took a moment to point out the unparalleled academic success of Siena's student-athletes who registered a 3.0 in the spring semester. In all, a record 60 student-athletes were named to the MAAC Honor Roll.
Now entering its fifth year of existence, Saints Alive! has helped raise over $250,000 annually for the direct benefit of Siena's 400+ student-athletes.
