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June 2015 Archives

UMass Football Student Assistant Ryan Gallant Named Y-D Red Sox Volunteer of the Week

By Cody Lahl on June 29, 2015 11:14 AM | 12 Comments | No TrackBacks

University of Massachusetts senior, UMass football video assistant and athletic media relations intern Ryan Gallant was recognized for his hard-working nature and positive attitude recently with the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox Volunteer of the Week Award. A native of Yarmouthport, Massachusetts, Gallant helps the Y-D Red Sox while he is away from campus during the summer. Read about his continued involvement with the program, which dates back to his high school days, through CapeCod.com below:

Yarmouthport Native Gallant Named Y-D Red Sox Volunteer of the Week | Tori Cotnoir, Capecod.com

Men's Lacrosse Alum Mark Millon To Head Team 91 In Maryland

By Cody Lahl on June 27, 2015 6:28 PM | 52 Comments | No TrackBacks

University of Massachusetts men's lacrosse alumnus Mark Millon will take the reigns of Team 91, one of the nation's premier youth and high school select club teams, as it expands into Maryland. Millon was a standout at UMass from 1990-93 and garnered three USILA All-America honors with 213 career points. Read more about Millon's new gig through the Inside Lacrosse news wire below:

Mark Millon to Head Team 91 in Maryland | Inside Lacrosse

Gaffney Leads Hapoel Jerusalem To Israeli Title

By Brian Henry on June 26, 2015 3:52 PM
Hapoel Jerusalem    Former UMass Basketball star Tony Gaffney (@tonyjgaffney) did some celebrating in Israel over the weekend after helping Hapoel Jerusalem defeat Hapoel Eilat in a best of 3 series at a sold out Pais Arena for the Israeli title.
    Gaffney averaged 12 points and 5.5 rebounds in the finals.


WE. DID. IT. @dethompson9 #family #yallahapoel #champions

A photo posted by Tony Gaffney (@tonyjgaffney) on



Still has not sunk in. Making history in arguably the most historic city on the planet, leaves me at a loss of words. Heading back to the states tomorrow morning has such a bittersweet feeling. So excited to see my family and friends, yet it feels like we're just getting started here in Jerusalem. To the amazing fans throughout this city, this one was for you. You all deserve this more than anyone, and I'm just grateful to be on the team that y'all root for and not against. I've always prided myself on my relationships with fans, but this year, in Jerusalem, there was a particularly special bond, and I just want to thank each and every one of you. @brigade_malcha Until next time, so long Jerusalem! #yallahapoel #hapoeljerusalem #cityofchampions #greatestfansonearth

A photo posted by Tony Gaffney (@tonyjgaffney) on


He returned to Boston on Sunday where he made his first purchased back stateside.

Recapping Cady Lalanne's NBA Draft Night

By Brian Henry on June 26, 2015 1:48 AM
UMass basketball post player Cady Lalanne realized a hoop dream Thursday night when he was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 55th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.


Official News & Tweets from the San Antonio Spurs:

With the 55th pick, the Spurs select Cady Lalanne! #SpursDraft

A photo posted by San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) on


Cady's Highlights From 2014-15 Season




SB Nation Highights


UMass' NBA Draft Rewind: A Trip Down Memory Lane

By Brian Henry on June 25, 2015 9:21 AM
With the NBA Draft tonight - and Cady Lalanne among those being considered a late second round selection, we've compiled some clips and news articles from when recent UMass standouts realized their dreams when they heard their name called. But first here's a list of the UMass draft history...

1968: Billy Tindall (Atlanta Hawks, 10th round)
1969: Pete Gayeska (Atlanta Hawks, 9th round)
1972: Julius Erving (Milwaukee Bucks, 1st Round - 12th overall)
1973: Tom Austin (Boston Celtics, 19th round)
1974: Al Skinner (Boston Celtics, 9th round)
1975: John Murphy (Chicago Bulls, 8th round)
1975: Bill Endicott (Boston Celtics, 10th round)
1977: Jim Town (Denver Nuggets, 6th round)
1978: Derick Claiborne (Kansas City Kings, 5th round)
1978: Mark Haymore (Philadelphia 76ers, 5th round)
1984: Edwin Greene (Milwaukee Bucks, 9th round)
1995: Lou Roe (Detroit Pistons, 2nd round - 30th overall)
1997: Marcus Camby (Toronto Raptors, 1st Round - 2nd overall)
1999: Lari Ketner (Chicago Bulls, 2nd round - 49th overall)
2007: Stephane Lasme (Golden State Warriors, 2nd round - 46th overall)
2008: Gary Forbes (NBA-D League Sioux Falls Skyforce, 1st round - 4th overall)
2009: Chris Lowe (NBA-D League Reno Bighorns, 3rd round)
2011: Anthony Gurley (NBA-D League Los Angeles D-Fenders, 2nd round - 31st overall)

And here are some links and videos to get you through this Throwback Thursday.




Tamara Tatham Tabbed To Canadian Women's Basketball National Team

By Cody Lahl on June 23, 2015 11:12 AM | 6 Comments | No TrackBacks

University of Massachusetts alumna Tamara Tatham will represent the Minutewomen as part of the Canadian women's basketball team during the upcoming 2015 Pan Am Games. She is one of 12 competitors named to the squad. Check out coverage of the roster announcement below:

Tatham nominated for Pan Am team | Frank Juzenas, Cambridge Times
Canadian women hoopsters bring experience | Brian Swane, Edmonton Sun

Gazette: Former UMass big man Cady Lalanne eager for NBA draft to arrive

By Brian Henry on June 23, 2015 10:49 AM
As Cady Lalanne makes his final preparations for the upcoming NBA Draft (Thursday night), he spoke with Daily Hampshire Gazette beat writer Matt Vautour (@GazetteUMass) about his experience over the past few weeks working out for NBA scouts and coaches.


Draft Express Analysis of Cady Lalanne

By Brian Henry on June 19, 2015 2:14 PM
With the NBA Draft less than a week away, the various mock drafts have been popping up more frequently. The latest to hit the circuit is Draft Express, which has former UMass big man Cady Lalanne projected to go to Philadelphia with the 60th selection at the end of the second round.


Here is a pre-draft interview from last week in Las Vegas.



By Cody Lahl on June 19, 2015 1:04 PM

University of Massachusetts alumni Will Manny and Tim Soudan took part in Major League Lacrosse's 2015 All-Star Game festivities at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas, Saturday night. Manny was coached by Soudan on the MLL Gladiators squad, which outpaced the Cowboys all-star team, 27-15 for the win.

Manny recorded a hat trick with three assists dished out for six total points during the event. He assisted on two goals during the first quarter as the Gladiators built a 5-4 lead by the first break. Manny dished out his final assist in the second quarter and netted each of his three goals during the third as the Gladiators turned their slim lead into an 18-11 margin by the start of the final quarter.

Soudan, the 2014 Major League Lacrosse Coach of the Year, was tabbed as one of the two MLL All-Star Game team leaders after he took the Rochester Rattlers to the league's championship game during the 2014 season.

Photos: 2015 MLL All-Star Game | Erik Williams, Lacrosse Magazine

2015 Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game Highlights

2015 Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game Top-10 Plays

Gazette: Former UMass pitcher Dennis Torres continues to write improbable success story in Double-A

By Jillian Jakuba on June 19, 2015 10:37 AM | 5 Comments | No TrackBacks
Today in the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Matt Vautour has a feature on former UMass baseball right-hander Dennis Torres who is currently pitching for Double-A Bowie as a member of the Baltimore Orioles' organization.

Read: Former UMass pitcher Dennis Torres continues to write improbable success story in Double-A

Former Minuteman Dennis Torres Shines In First Double-A Start

By Jillian Jakuba on June 18, 2015 10:43 AM | 10 Comments | No TrackBacks
UMass baseball alum Dennis Torres made his first Double-A start Wednesday night for the Bowie Baysox on the road vs. the New Britain Rock Cats. Torres threw four scoreless, allowing one hit with four walks and no strikeouts as part of a combined 1-0 shutout victory for the Baysox.

Since earning the call up to Double-A, Torres is 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA over five appearances, 10.1 innings. Opposing batters are hitting just .114 against him.

Dennis Torres' MiLB stats & profile
UMass Sports Network feature on Torres

Huffington Post: Former U.S. Women's Goalie, @UMassWSoccer Alum Briana Scurry LIVE

By Jillian Jakuba on June 16, 2015 4:56 PM | 3 Comments | No TrackBacks
Today on Huffington Post, Nancy Redd has a video interview with former U.S. women's soccer player, UMass alum Briana Scurry. She joins Redd to discuss the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup and #WhatsWorking to prevent concussions.

Hartford Courant: Stress Of Championship Game Is Nothing To Southington Coach Davina Hernandez

By Brian Henry on June 16, 2015 11:18 AM
Cheshire vs Southington   Former UMass star Davina Hernandez (at right holding the Connecticut state championship trophy with her team) recently led Southington High School to its third-consecutive state title and extended its winning streak to an amazing 70-straight games.
   But she has lupus, it does not have her, and you can read a nice story by Jeff Jacobs (@jacobscourant) of the Hartford Courant.


Here's Davina's page from the 2014 West Hartford Walk To End Lupus:

And here are a couple of stories about the Class LL title game and where the 70-consecutive victories put Southington in the record books.

Gazettenet & MassLive Stories On Quianna Diaz-Patterson Making Puerto Rico National Team

By Brian Henry on June 16, 2015 10:15 AM
Recent Massachusetts graduate and softball extraordinaire Quianna Diaz-Patterson spent a couple of weeks in Puerto Rico playing for a semi-pro team and then trying out for the national team. Well, she did it! QDP (@QuiBaby4) made the squad that will compete this summer in the World Cup of Softball in Irvine, Calif., the Canada Cup in Surrey, British Columbia and the Pan Am Games in Toronto.

She is part of a select group of former UMass players to play for their national teams, joining Brandice Balschmiter (USA). Davina Hernandez (also with Puerto Rico in the summer of 2007), Danielle Henderson (USA), Kaila Holtz (Canada), Candice Molinari (Italy) and Sara Plourde (Canada).


She also got some love from her team on twitter:


Millon Named Inside Lacrosse MLL 15-For-15 All-Time Great

By Cody Lahl on June 11, 2015 12:19 PM

University of Massachusetts alumnus Mark Millon was featured in a recent Inside Lacrosse article by Kyle Devitte covering the top 15 players in Major League Lacrosse history spanning the first 15 years of the league's existence. Millon was spotted eighth on the list. Below is a breakdown of why:

8. Mark Millon

Career: 251G, 112A

Titles: '02

The most fundamental player in the history of lacrosse, Millon was MLL's John Stockton -- if Stockton were a better shooter. The originator (inventor?) of the question mark dodge, Millon tempered his legendary drive with a mastery of technique that allowed him to take on the most accomplished defensemen in the game and come out on top. Millon is living proof that practice makes nearly perfect.

Memorable Moment: During one of his final seasons on the Bayhawks, Millon was outfitted with a heart monitor for a TV game. The commentators monitored his heart rate throughout the game and found that even after the conclusion of the contest, Millon's heart beat was relatively even despite never leaving the field of play. The mark of a true assassin, Millon controlled everything when he was at his peak in MLL.

Read Devitte's entire list through the Inside Lacrosse website.

Recapping Cady Lalanne's Workout With The LA Lakers

By Brian Henry on June 8, 2015 6:42 PM
2015 Lakers Draft Workouts: Day EightFormer UMass center Cady Lalanne went through another pre-draft workout Monday, this time with the Los Angeles Lakers at their training facility in El Segundo, Calif.

Other prospects in attendance included Olivier Hanlan (Boston College), Aaron Harrison (Kentucky), Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Arizona), Jonathan Holmes (Texas) and Jordan Mickey (LSU).


The Lakers have three selections in this year's NBA Draft - No. 2, No. 27 (from Houston in a trade for Jeremy Lin) and a second round choice at No. 34.

.@UMassHockey's Wellman Signs KHL Deal

By Jillian Jakuba on June 8, 2015 5:41 PM | 16 Comments | No TrackBacks
Former UMass hockey forward Casey Wellman will head overseas for the first time in his career next season, inking a deal with Spartak Moscow of the KHL, the team's twitter account announced on Monday.

Wellman, who has spent the past three seasons in the Washington Capitals' organization, is the second Minuteman with NHL experience to head to the KHL as Matt Anderson '07 has played for Moscow Spartak, Zagreb Medvescak and Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik since 2013.

The Washington Post's Capitals Insider blog mentioned the signing

Tatham, Canada Women's Basketball Win Four Games In European Friendly Series

By Cody Lahl on June 6, 2015 9:11 AM

University of Massachusetts women's basketball alumna Tamara Tatham wrapped up a successful European exhibition tour with the Canadian National Team on June 5. Tatham was paramount to the team's success as she averaged 7.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game starting over the six-game slate, which included four victories. The only losses Tatham and the Canadian side suffered were to No. 3 internationally ranked Spain and No. 4 France.

The side previously completed three contests in Spain prior to traveling to France for the remainder of the trip. Read about the first leg of the trip through Just Take A Minute here.

Women's National Team Earns Another Win, Beating Poland 73-68 | Team Canada Website
Canada Defeats Italy 67-62, Improves To 4-1 | Team Canada Website
Canada Finishes 4-2 After Falling To France, 50-42 | Team Canada Website

Box Score: Canada 73, Poland 68
Box Score: Canada 67, Italy 62
Box Score: France 50, Canada 42

The Canadian National Team is gearing up for a run at the 2016 Olympic Games and begins qualification play at the FIBA Americas Women's Championship after the squad completes its Pan Am Games slate from July 16-20. More on the team is available on Canada Basketball's official website.

UMass-bound midfielder John Tierney named US Lacrosse All-American

By Cody Lahl on June 4, 2015 10:11 AM

John Tierney, a UMass men's lacrosse signee and native of Westfield, Mass., was named a United States Lacrosse All-American recently. In his scholastic career, Tierney provided Wilbraham & Monson Academy with 370 points on 194 goals and 176 assists.

Westfield native, Wilbraham & Monson midfielder John Tierney named US Lacrosse All-American | Jack Flagler, Springfield Republican

Stephane Lasme Leads Anadolu Efas Into Turkish League Finals

By Brian Henry on June 4, 2015 7:47 AM
Former UMass standout Stephane Lasme (@Slasme) continues to excel in Europe, leading his team to the Turkish Basketball League championship finals. He led Anadolu Efes to a 3-0 sweep in the semis with a game three line of 24 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and a block. You can read about the series in tweet below.


Blakely: UMass' Lalanne says he'd be right at home with Celtics

By Brian Henry on June 3, 2015 10:19 PM
A. Sherrod Blakely (@SherrodbCSN) of Comcast Sports Net also spent time with Cady Lalanne on Wednesday and the duo talked about the UMass graduate's dream of playing in the NBA.

   When you're talking about big men expected to be drafted in the second round of the NBA draft, there's usually a significant flaw or two to their game.
   UMass big man Cady Lalanne is no exception.
   Still, beyond his basketball-playing warts, he has some legit, next-level talent, which is why he is on the radar of several NBA teams, including the Celtics who had him in for a workout on Wednesday.
   With four picks in the June 25 draft, the Celtics may give Lalanne some serious consideration with their last pick, which is in the second round, 45th overall.
   One of the main factors the Celtics evaluate when it comes to prospects is production.
   Lalanne's scoring average improved each of his four years at UMass, which included a career-best 11.6 points as a senior.

Read the complete story here:

WEEI.com: Cady Lalanne Would Love To Channel His Inner Kevin Garnett In A Celtics Uniform

By Brian Henry on June 3, 2015 10:03 PM
Mike Petraglian of WEEI.com spent some time with Cady Lalanne after Wednesday's workout at the Celtics' practice facility in Waltham.

Here's some of what he wrote and what Cady said...
   Cady Lalanne has his sights set high.
   The 6-foot-8 big man from UMass with a 7-foot-5 wingspan would love to model his game after another big man who made quite the impression during his time with the Celtics.
   "Since I started playing basketball in ninth grade, KG has been a player I love to watch," Lalanne said of Kevin Garnett after his pre-draft workout Wednesday with the Celtics. "I remember I used to always go to the park and try his fadeaway that he had when he was with the Timberwolves. When he came here and won a championship, I was really excited. Even right now, I still watch him and try to learn from him." What makes him think he can play like KG?
    "Rebound the ball and play defense, that's the strong [parts] right now," Lalanne said. "I still have a lot to work on. I'm just ready to work. I would love to [emulate him]. He can knock the 15-foot jump shot, hit the three here and there and you can always count on him on defense to get stops.
    "I can knock down the 15 to 17-foot jump shot, make threes and give a full effort on defense and offense and do everything I can to help the team win."
** Read the complete story via the link below.



@UMassBasketball Cady Lalanne Continues Busy Pre-Draft Workout Slate

By Brian Henry on June 3, 2015 11:19 AM
Pacers head coach Frank Vogel gives some directionUMass center Cady Lalanne recently finished a workout with the Indiana Pacers, where they concentrated on pick-and-roll help defense and closing the hole up as quick as possible.

He will join classmate Maxie Esho in Boston on Wednesday for a workout at the Celtics facility in Waltham.

Coach Ron Dumont, UMass letterman, helped start boys lacrosse's winning tradition at Lexington High

By Cody Lahl on June 2, 2015 7:23 PM

Former University of Massachusetts men's lacrosse letterman Ron Dumont received recognition in Wicked Local Lexington for his contribution to scholastic lacrosse as the founding head coach of Lexington High School.

Dumont walked on to the UMass lacrosse team during his undergraduate day in Amherst and lettered as a goalie in 1971. He joined the Lexington High School staff as a teacher in 1977 and founded the varsity lacrosse program during his tenure. Read the entire story through the link below.

Coach Ron Dumont helped start boys lacrosse's winning tradition at Lexington High | James Fitzgerald, Wicked Local Lexington

2016 College Football Hall Of Fame Ballot Features Two Minutemen

By Cody Lahl on June 2, 2015 11:12 AM

Two alumni of the University of Massachusetts football program earned spots on the 2016 College Football Hall of Fame ballot, announced on Tuesday morning.

Rene Ingoglia (1992-95) and Steve Schubert (1970-72) lettered at running back and wide receiver, respectively. Ingoglia rushed for 4,623 yards and 54 touchdowns on the ground - school records at the time - while he was twice named an all-American. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards during three separate seasons with 1,505 in 1994, 1,284 during 1993 and 1,178 in 1995. Schubert was an all-American in 1972 when he tallied 902 yards receiving - the second-most in school history at the time - via 45 receptions. His nine touchdown catches that season still rank tied for fifth-most in one year in program history while his 17.72 yards per catch career average stands third among all Minutemen. Read the complete release through the link below.

2016 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot Released

Collegian: UMass rowing sees two top-20 finishes in NCAA Championships

By Cody Lahl on June 1, 2015 11:09 AM

Daily Collegian sports reporter Anthony Chiusano recapped UMass rowing's NCAA Championships performance Sunday evening after the squad secured 20th at the event. Read about how the squad ended the year and head coach Jim Dietz's thoughts on this team's season as well as the immediate future.

UMass rowing sees two top-20 finishes in NCAA Championships | Anthony Chuisano, Daily Collegian

.@UMassBasketball Cady Lalanne Works Out For @WashWizards & @LAClippers

By Brian Henry on June 1, 2015 9:50 AM
Last week we saw Maxie Esho work out for the Boston Celtics and now its time to put the focus on Cady Lalanne. The UMass grad had an NBA pre-draft workout for the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday and will participate in a multi-player exercise with the Washington Wizards on Monday.



PHOTOS: UMass Rowing At The NCAA Championships (May 31, 2015)

By Cody Lahl on June 1, 2015 9:46 AM

Check out photos of UMass from the final day of competition at the 2015 NCAA Rowing Championships courtesy of Bob Solorio. More from the season-ending weekend of races is available through UMassAthletics.com.

HIGHLIGHTS: UMass Rowing At The NCAA Championships (May 31, 2015)

By Cody Lahl on June 1, 2015 9:35 AM

The University of Massachusetts rowing program capped its 2015 spring slate with the final day of competition at the NCAA Championships Sunday, May 31. The Minutewomen took 18th in the Second Varsity 8+, 20th for the Varsity 8+ and 21st in the Varsity 4+. See highlights of the final races below:

More from the NCAA Championships weekend can be found via UMassAthletics.com.

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