SUNY POTSDAM’S JOE VAADI NAMED COACH OF THE YEAR

Joe Vaadi, head men’s soccer coach at SUNY Potsdam, was named the 2000 -2001 Men’s Soccer Coach of the Year for the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC). The award is voted on by all Conference Men’s Soccer Coaches and is given annually at the conclusion of the SUNYAC Championship.

Coach Vaadi, who recently completed his fifth soccer season with the men’s team, helped them improve dramatically over the past year. The Bears just missed the SUNYAC Tournament after posting a 5 - 3 - 1 conference record and a 7 - 6 - 1 overall tally. Included in Potsdam’s recent success was an impressive upset victory over 2000 SUNYAC Champion, Plattsburgh State (1-0).

The 2000 season marks the first time that the men’s soccer team has finished with an overall record exceeding .500 since 1984. The Bear’s five SUNYAC wins also establish a new school record for single season conference victories.

"I am very honored to be recognized by my SUNYAC coaching peers. It has been my philosophy to emphasize teamwork on a regular basis, and I feel the whole soccer program deserves credit for this award. With out the hard work of my assistant coaches and all the players, this would not have been possible," Coach Vaadi declared.

Coach Vaadi, a native of Rodman, NY, is a 1988 graduate of SUNY Potsdam. He played soccer for both the Bears and his high school alma mater of South Jefferson. In addition to coaching, Vaadi is also a health and Physical Education Instructor at Potsdam.

Vaadi now joins four team members who have also received recent SUNYAC recognition. Senior Jeff Hardy (Buffalo, NY/St. Joes) was chosen for the All-Conference First Team. Hardy was also the Fred Holladay Award recipient. The Holladay Award is given to the All-Conference First Team member with the highest overall GPA.

Senior Team Captain, Michael Macaulay (Massena, NY/Massena) was selected for the All-conference Second Team while junior Scott Lambert (Watertown, NY/IHC) and freshmen Jim Moyssiadis (Holbrook, NY/Scahem) both received SUNYAC Honorable Mention. Lambert was also twice named the Conference Player of the Week during the Bear’s recent season.