Hospital For Special Surgery Scholar-Athlete of the Month

Miguel Jaquez
John Jay College
April 2003

A high school injury as well as a close-knit family is what brought sophomore Miguel Jaquez to John Jay College and head coach Dan Palumbo's baseball program is what kept him as a part of the Bloodhound's family. The Brooklyn native not only works hard perfecting his baseball fundamentals and physical improvement but dedicates just as much time to the enhancement of his academics. “He takes his school work just as seriously as he does everything else," said Palumbo. Currently holding a 3.1 grade point average and being a dominant player in CUNY and NCAA Division III baseball is what earned Jaquez the April Hospital for Special Surgery Scholar-Athlete of the Month. “It is an honor to receive this award," said Jaquez. “It's good to get back something for all of my hard work."

The Telecommunications high school alum made his mark on CUNYAC in his rookie campaign after filing in for the injured starting catcher for the Bloodhounds. What started out as a temporary modification turned out to be a permanent one, providing Jaquez the opportunity that he needed to showcase the versatility that his game possesses. “Miguel is the type of player that you can build a team around," said the veteran head coach. “He's the most athletically talented player that I've had the pleasure of coaching in my 15 years of coaching on the collegiate level." After being named Rookie of the Week three out of six weeks of the 2002 season, Jaquez was named 2002 CUNYAC Player of the Year and batted an amazing .461, while holding the number one rank in CUNYAC statistical batting categories averaging 1.23 runs scored, .89 RBI, .66 stolen bases, .40 doubles and .14 home runs per game.

In 2003, Jaquez continued on the road of success but came up one game short of becoming a repeat CUNY champion losing to Lehman College in the semifinals, 8-3. “The whole team didn't play with heart this season," said the 2003 CUNYAC Player of the Year. “Baseball is a team sport and the whole team needs to have the same passion." Despite the loss, Jaquez had another successful statistical season reigning as the CUNYAC batting champion for the second straight season batting .532, .124 points higher than the second place finisher. With a slugging percent of .927 and an on base percent of .553, he again dominated the other batting categories as well scoring 40 runs, batting in 45 runs, hitting 12 doubles, 11 triples, 5 home runs, and stealing 35 bases in 37 attempts all in 36 games played. “I've learned a lot playing under coach Palumbo. I respect his coaching style and I've learned a lot playing under him. He is the best coach I've ever played for."

Jaquez, a criminal justice major, was also awarded the John Jay Hispanic Man of the Year award this month. “He's a classy, well-mannered, respectful kid," said coach Palumbo. “He deserves everything he gets." As one of the dominating local players in college baseball, Jaquez's goal is to play on the next level and it is a strong possibility that he will be selected in the up coming draft.

Hospital For Special Surgery Scholar-Athlete of the Month

Michael McFalls
Hunter College
March 2003

 

After winning the 2003 CUNYAC Men's Volleyball Championship Hunter College junior Michael McFalls also adds the Hospital for Special Surgery Scholar-Athlete of the Month to his list of accolades. "It's an honor to receive this award," said the 6-4 middle hitter. "It is very hard to balance athletics and academics and to successfully be able to do this shows how talented student-athletes are and what they can achieve."

Michael ranked among the top athletes in CUNY men's volleyball and wrapped up the season placing second in service aces per game (0.62), third in blocks averaging 1.23 (50 solo and 61 assisted blocks in 91 games), eighth in kills per game (3.70), ninth in hitting percentage (.327) and tenth in digs averaging 2.47 per game. "He brings a lot of passion to the game," said Hunter head coach Lauren Caiaccia. "Sometimes you have to try to contain that passion but it's a good problem to have."

The Woodside native's passion is what helped lead Hunter to their third championship title in five years. The Hawks not only won the CUNYAC tournament with decisive wins over #8 York (30-10, 30-11, 30- 15), #4 Lehman (30-13, 30-18, 30-17) and #3 Medgar Evers (30-17, 30-11, 30-13) but also finished the season 14-0 CUNY (28-7 overall) clinching the regular season title with two weeks left in the season. "We were successful this year due to the leadership from the coaches and captains." Michael continued. "They are the one's who influenced our team unity and made us play at the level we did throughout the season."

In addition to winning the championship, Michael was named the CUNYAC tournament Most Valuable Player. "The award belongs to the team," said the Newtown high school alum. "If they didn't pass and set I wouldn't be able to hit. Without a supportive team there are no individual accolades." "Mike is very dedicated to the team and he tries to push his teammates to play their best," said Caiaccia. "He's the first guy in the gym and the last to leave and still manages to do well in school." The CUNY All-Star also was named to the NECVA All-Tournament Team along with teammate and friend, senior Ray Bello. "I have made life long friends with the guys on the team and it was a very positive experience playing under the coaching of Coach Caiaccia."

Michael currently holds a 3.2 grade point average while studying Economics with a minor in Political Science. He plans on attending graduate school after Hunter for sports administration with thoughts of becoming an athletic director and volleyball coach.

Hospital For Special Surgery Scholar-Athlete of the Month

Jen Rogers
Hunter College
February 2003

 

Hunter College senior Jen Rogers not only works hard on the basketball court but just as hard off of it. Expected to graduate in May of 2003, Rogers sports a 3.3 grade point average in the double major of physical education and teaching and still finds the time to be a dedicated athlete.

"School is just as important as athletics," said the 2001-02 All-Star guard. "Basketball provides you with the experience that you need in life but academics provides you with the knowledge."

Rogers learned how to deal with pressure as the co-captain for the 2002-03 CUNY Athletic Conference women's basketball champion Hawks (19-10). Being put on the line when your team is down by one with 2.3 seconds left in the game is every basketball players dream and on Friday, February 28, 2003 the dream came true for Rogers. "I didn't want it to turn into a nightmare," said the Brooklyn native. "Staten Island knocked us out of the playoffs in my freshman and sophomore years. I was determined to not let it happen again!"

The years of practice paid off for Rogers as she hit both free throws (4-4 on the night) to seize the CUNY title and lead the Hawks to their second consecutive NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championships. "I looked at my teammates' faces and there was no doubt in their minds that I would hit the two freethrows. They had the confidence in me so I had it in myself." Rogers was later named to the All-Tournament team along with fellow teammate Tania Blanco. "Jen is definitely the player that you want on the line in pressure situations," said Hunter head coach, Jackee Meadow.

As a four-year starter under coach Meadow, Jen holds the Hunter record for the most three-pointers in a career with 193, as well as sharing the school record for most threes in a game (7) with teammate Jen Agosto. "Her game has developed both defensively and offensively over the past four years," said Meadow.

Rogers finished the season ranked first in three-point field goal percentage in CUNYAC, shooting 48- 117 in 28 games (.410). The Hawks (as a team) completed the season ranked first in three-point field goal percentages and among the top five in scoring offense (#2), field goal percentage (#2) and scoring margin (#3).

"The freshmen stepped up this season and now they know what it takes to be successful," said Rogers, who plans on becoming a high school physical education teacher and basketball coach. "The team has to defend the title and after this year they have the necessary experience."

Hospital For Special Surgery
Scholar-Athlete of the Month

Joe Longobardi
Baruch College
January 2003

 

Baruch Bearcat John Longobardi is January's Hospital for Special Surgery Scholar-Athlete of the Month. The junior from Staten Island played a key role on the successful Baruch College men's basketball team, who went undefeated in the month of January. He is not only deemed a threat on the court but also one in the classroom, studying to be a certified financial analyst, majoring in finance and minoring in investments, while maintaining a 3.2 grade point average.

As a team, Baruch ranks first in the conference in scoring offense and scoring margin, while holding the second spot in field goal percentages, rebounding offense and rebounding margin. "We play well together and if we're on top of our game no one can beat us," said the Moore Catholic High School alum. Individually however, Longobardi is among the top five of the conference in both 3-point field goals made and assist/turnover ratio averaging 1.95 and 1.31 respectively.

"Joe creates opportunities for other players because he is considered a huge offensive threat," said head coach Ray Rankis. The junior guard averaged 21.5 minutes, and 10 points per game in January having played in eight of the team's nine match-ups. "He doesn't make mistakes but most importantly he's a hard worker who has improved immensely over the years earning himself a starting position."

With Baruch currently ranking first in scoring defense, field goal percent defense, blocked shots, defensive rebounds and second in 3-point field goal percent defense and steals the team's goal of being among the top defensive teams in the nation doesn't seem farfetched. "We want to stay the number one defensive team in CUNY and hopefully be number one in the nation as well," said the veteran coach. "We don't have any individual standouts on our team but the chemistry between these kids makes them play exceptionally well as a team."

It's this type of determination Longobardi will need to propel the Bearcats to the 2003 CUNYAC / Con Edison tournament title on their home court at the end of February.

"We have a very special team," said Rankis." We're not especially talented, Joe is just one of six good players who understand how to win. The better team will win the CUNY title, but it helps to be on you home court if you're the hot team. We're just excited for it to get under way."

Hospital For Special Surgery
Scholar-Athlete of the Month

Lauren Cargill
City College
December 2002

 

By now every CUNY hoops fan has seen Lauren Cargill play in one of her three previous allstar seasons. As a freshman in 1999-2000, she made a splash with a 23.4 scoring average to lead CUNYAC on her way to Player of the Year honors. Since, the 5'9 forward has become the CUNY Athletic Conference's all-time leading scorer in women's basketball with 1,924 as of early January. Meanwhile, the senior at City College has maintained a 3.35 grade point average, majoring in communications, earning the Hospital for Special Surgery Scholar-Athlete of the Month for December 2002.

A native of Long Island's Valley Stream, Cargill was an outstanding prospect at Cardozo High School, despite tearing her ACL in both knees during her career. At CCNY, her teams have also had a tough road during the CUNY Championships, bowing out in the semifinals each season. But this season, Cargill has continued to strive for excellence, evidenced by her record setting performance at Hunter College on December 9, 2002, when she set the new CUNY scoring record. Early in the contest, needing seven points, she launched a three-pointer that would catapult her to the top just in front of Hilary Williams (Baruch, 1987-91).

"I knew it was going to happen because I was given the green light to shoot the ball since my freshman year," she said. "It's a great feeling to be on top of that list!"

As for her team's goals this year, as always, she remained optimistic. "We know we can beat whichever teams we face. We have to work hard and keep our eyes on our goal of getting to the CUNY championship game."

"After losing in the semifinals the past three years, it will be a nice send off for Lauren to play in the first CUNY championship game of her college career," said CCNY head coach Gary Smith. "Lauren works extremely hard in practice and is an excellent team leader. She is the nicest person to work with and we are extremely proud of her and accomplishments here at CCNY."

Lauren will be graduating in May of 2003 with a Bachelors degree in communications specializing in film and video. She hopes to become a director of music videos after graduation.

Hospital For Special Surgery
Scholar-Athlete of the Month

Jason Dryden
Medgar Evers College
November 2002

 
Not only is Jason Dryden of Medgar Evers College a 2002 CUNY Soccer Champion but he is also November's Hospital for Special Surgery Scholar Athlete of the Month.

Dryden (Cornwall College, Jamaica, WI) sports a 3.84 grade point average and majors in Computer Science and is not only an influential player for the Cougars but also tutors high school kids in English and Math in his spare time.

"I'm happy that I am being recognized for my hard work on the field as well as in the classroom," says the two-time CUNY all-star. "Winning the CUNY Championship is very special to me because I never had a chance to win a championship while in Jamaica. It's perhaps the best opportunity for me personally."

Despite the second place regular season finish, the Cougars managed to come up with an enormous upset in the 2002 CUNYAC Soccer Championship, defeating the regular season champions CCNY, 4-0 in the finale. The 5'8 midfielder scored on a header off of a corner kick from Noel Watson, providing his team with a clutch goal in the 41st minute of the game. Dryden also scored twice in the semifinal victory over City Tech.

"We haven't won the championship in a long time and for us to finally win it this year is good for the school as well as the program" said Dryden, who is currently living in Brooklyn. "We are preparing to repeat as CUNY champs next year and look to win a National Championship next season."

The sophomore speedster led the Cougars in scoring during the 2002 campaign with 8 goals, en route to Medgar Evers' first ever appearance in the NCAA Division III tournament.

"He is an exceptional student-athlete and one of the top players on the team," said 13th year head coach, Stanley Harmon, the 2002 CUNYAC Coach of the Year. "Jason trains hard and is very dedicated and reliable. He will be looked upon to contribute greatly to next year's team."

Dryden hopes to work in the computer industry as well as participate on an international soccer team after graduation.

Hospital For Special Surgery
Scholar-Athlete of the Month

Erja Vettenranta
City College
October 2002

 
Earning this month's scholar-athlete accolades is junior Erja Vettenranta. The outside hitter for the City College women's volleyball team is not only the mark of perfection on the court with a .497 hitting percentage but is also perfect in the classroom, sustaining a 4.0 grade point average.

"It's an honor to be selected for this award," says Vettenranta, two-time all tourney team member. "It's nice to be recognized for my hard work on and off the court."

The two-time all-star who resides in Manhattan not only ranks first in the nation as well as the CUNY Athletic Conference in hitting percentage (.497), She also first in the conference in kills per game (7.72) earning her a second place rank in Division III, which is a new NCAA record. Vettenranta also ranked second in CUNYAC in blocks (1.70), third in aces (1.23) and fifth in digs (3.26).

"Erja has been our stamina and injection of motivation on the court," says fourth year head coach Robert Pichardo. "Off the court she is the same. She's our fire!"

Vettenranta has been the centerpiece of the Beavers the last two seasons, leading them to the semifinals of this season's championships. "We had all the chances to win but the injuries held us back." Despite the semifinal loss to Lehman, the Jurva, Finland native and member of the 1992 National Championship Teuva club team (under 19) remains optimistic, "We're looking forward to next year. Hopefully we'll take the CUNY and move on to the NCAA's."

Coach Pichardo shares her optimism, "The program is on the up and up despite our two starters being injured for most of the season. Despite the loss to Lehman, the team is still dedicated to our goal."

Having a player like Vettenranta on your team also makes it easier to recruit. "People want to play with an athlete like Erja," Pichardo says. "Her positive, energetic and dedicated attitude helps me in the recruiting process."

Vettenranta looks forward to graduating in the spring of 2004 with a Bachelor's degree in English (with a minor in Spanish). She aspires to pursue her education in graduate school and hopefully teach English as a second language in the near future.

Hospital For Special Surgery
Scholar-Athlete of the Month

Maria Castro
Lehman College
September 2002

 
As if being a college student in New York City isn't hard enough, Maria Castro pursues her Bachelors degree in Multicultural Journalism and Italian as well as playing an influential role on the Lehman College Cross-Country team. Castro's hard work has paid off, as the senior with a 3.76 grade point average earned The Hospital for Special Surgery Scholar-Athlete of the Month for September 2002.

"Maria is a young woman that everyone on the team looks up to both on the track and in the classroom," said Lehman head coach Lesleigh Hogg, adding "She's achieving her goals on all levels and the team respects her for that."

Since injuring her ankle in the first meet of the 2001 season and finishing fourth in the CUNY Championship in the 5K race with a time of 22:24.59, the Columbus High School Alumni has made a remarkable comeback. "She is healthy this year and trained hard throughout the summer to make up for what she fell short of last season."

Castro's improvement is evident as the two-time CUNY Female Runner of the Week (September 30 and October 7) placed first in both the Bard Invitational (25:00.00) and the Stevens Tech Invitational (24:53.70), both 6K races.

Coach Hogg named Maria co-captain due to her natural leadership abilities. "She is ready for the added responsibilities. It's hard for the team to say `I can't' when they have someone like Maria to look up to. She's working full time and going to school full time taking on a double major and as if that isn't hard enough, she still finds time to dedicate to her training."

Maria looks to continue her successful season and hopes to lead the team to a strong finish at the CUNY Athletic Conference Championships on October 27th. "I am very happy that the team is doing so well. As far as myself, I am just trying to beat my times and have fun, without getting hurt."

CUNY Athletic Conference Fall 2002 Scholar-Athletes with a minimum of 3.20 grade point average

* A quartet of female athletes held perfect 4.00 averages; Volleyball players Erja Vettenranta of CCNY and Victoria Cho of Brooklyn held the high marks along with Cross Country runner Liz Lushpenko of Baruch. On the men's side two freshmen held perfect scores as well while among the upperclassmen Santiago Helman of CCNY stood out with a 3.85 GPA. A total of 109 senior college student-athletes were honored for their exceptional work in the classroom and on the athletic fields.