For Immediate Release: January 17, 2005
Contact: John Hartrick
Phone: 607-777-6800

Binghamton men's lacrosse team wins national sportsmanship award
BU one of six teams honored across the country for character, integrity

VESTAL, N.Y. - The Binghamton University men's lacrosse team has received the distinguished James "Ace" Adams Sportsmanship Award from the National Intercollegiate Lacrosse Officials Association (NIOLA). Head coach Ed Stephenson accepted the honor at the US Lacrosse National Coaches Convention this past weekend in Philadelphia, Pa. Six teams were chosen, representing all divisional levels and club teams across the country. Binghamton was selected to represent District 2, which encompasses New York State. Bucknell was the only other Division I program honored.

The award is named for the former Army and Virginia head coach and National Lacrosse Hall of Fame member, who was renowned for both his positive sideline demeanor as well as the exceptional character his teams displayed. The selections were based on the sportsmanship and accomplishments of the coaching staff, players and fans.

Under third-year coach Stephenson's tutelage, the 2004 Bearcats went undefeated in the America East, advanced to the conference championship game and had the nation's No. 1 defense. The team won nine of its lasts 11 games, finished 10-6 overall, and crowned the program's first All-American along with six all-stars. In addition, the team showed its compassion and resolve in the aftermath of the tragedy on March 17, when an opposing player from Cornell died during the the game against Binghamton.

"We are extremely honored to receive this award," Stephenson said. "Our goal of national prominence has only one condition - we do it the right way. This award reassures the coaching staff that we are recruiting the right student-athletes to represent Binghamton University."

Syracuse-area official Steve Miller submitted the recommendation to the NIOLA.

The other regional winners were Bucknell (District 3), Western New England (District 1), Virginia Wesleyan (District 4) and the club teams from Michigan (District 6) and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (District 10).

Binghamton opens its 2005 season at Villanova on February 26.