NEW PALTZ, NY — The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) preseason poll ranked the Hawks sixth out of 10 in 2005, despite their third place finish in the conference tournament last year. SUNY New Paltz completed the 2004 season with a 12-10 record over all and posted a 6-3-conference record. Head Coach Stuart Robinson was recognized by the conference with his second Coach of the Year award and the Hawks’ 12 victories is the programs highest win total since 1970.
Coming into the 2005 season, the men’s soccer team aims to surpass last season’s success by securing an appearance in this year’s SUNYAC tournament championship. The Hawks bring in a talented group to add to last year’s team. Gone from last season are three starters; defender Bobby Monahan (Holtsville, NY), midfielder Bryan Smith (Washingtonville, NY) and defender Michael Dodge (Holbrook, NY), who was a second team all conference selection in 2004 and joins the team as an assistant coach. The addition of Dodge to the coaching staff will be a key to continuation of the Hawks defensive prowess. Coach Robinson believes for the Hawks to be successful in 2005 they need to start off the season with victories to better last season’s 0-5 start.
The Hawks welcome a wealth of new talent to the 2005 squad, all of which will be key contributors when they open the season on Thursday, September 1, at home against Wheaton. Coach Robinson’s newcomers will be an addition to an already stellar core in hopes two solidify a berth in the SUNYAC tournament. He will look to his top returnees; forward Joe Fabian (Selden, NY) and forward Greg Foss (Queensbury, NY), who were both second team all-conference selections, to lead the team to what he hopes to be the Hawks best season yet.
