OFFICIAL TEAM HOTEL -- MAAC CHAMPIONSHIP

The Hyatt Regency Buffalo has (once again) been selected as the OFFICIAL HOME of the PURPLE PARENTS during the 2012 MAAC Swimming & Diving Championships.  We have a block of rooms set up for the dates of Thursday, February 16 to Sunday, February 19.  YOU CAN BOOK WHATEVER NIGHTS YOU WANT -- NO RESTRICTIONS!  Our room rate is $112 per night (plus tax) and includes free valet parking for one vehicle per night.  


To make your reservation -- please call:   1-888-421-1442 and tell them you're with the "NIAGARA UNIVERSITY PURPLE PARENTS" group.  Please make your reservations ASAP -- we have until January 15th -- however, once the rooms are gone -- they are gone.

I AM BACK!!!

It's been way too long -- and I apologize!!!!


To be brutally honest, I forgot the name of the email account and password -- that allowed me access to the back of this site...  EMBARRASSING!

Purple Parents -- Official Hotel for ECAC!

Coach Nigro wanted everyone to know that the Purple Eagles will be staying at the Hampton Inn this weekend for the Eastern College Athletic Conference Swimming & Diving Championship this weekend in Pittsburgh.  Here's the information, if you'd like to stay at the same facility:

Hampton Inn Pittsburgh/ Greentree

555 Trumbull Drive

Pittsburgh, PA 15205

P: 412.922.0100

F: 412.921.7631

The 2011 MAAC Swimming & Diving Championship

The Purple Eagles will be competing tomorrow in downtown Buffalo at the 2011 MAAC Swimming & Diving Championship at the Burt P. Flickinger Athletic Center.  The action begins at 10 AM tomorrow morning!  If you'd like to follow the events live on the web (video and or results) -- you can click on the links below.  GO PURPLE EAGLES!!!

LINK:  VIDEO COVERAGE OF MAAC CHAMPIONSHIP

LINK:  LIVE MEET RESULTS -- REAL TIME

Coach Nigro's -- Canisius Meet Recap

I have finally calmed down enough to type up my thoughts on this weekend’s dramatic meet.  I would like to start by saying how proud I am of our team for carrying out the game plan we put together.  On Friday, we had a team meeting to talk about staying loose and relaxed.  The game plan was to stay in the moment, take it one event at a time and have fun along the way.  Fun=Speed was the mantra.  We talked about only controlling what is between our lane line or on our board, and not concerning ourselves with any distractions.

Women's Team

On the women’s side, we were still a little under the weather. Several of our team members were still battling illnesses. The rest of the team filled in and picked up where needed.  Diving was huge for us.  Ashley Jones won both boards and Faith O’Malley broke 200 for the first time on 3 meter.  The women fell behind early, but went on to win eight events and secure the victory before the last relay.  They took it one event at a time and out lasted the Griffins.  The Purple Props for this week was awarded to Aubrey Kettrick.  Aubrey won the 200 free, 100 free and anchored the 200 free relay to victory.

Men's Team

The men’s meet was even more dramatic.  We led off with a great diving event to take the lead.  We would not see a lead again until the end.   Just like the women, the men stayed the course and took it one event at a time.  In the end we only won five events.    It was our depth that kept us in it until the end.  This was a meet where every point counted.  It came down to the last three events, the 3 meter dive, the 200 breast and the 200 free relay.  There was no room to make mistakes.  After going 1-2-3 in the 3 meter it was still possible.   We had to do no worse than 2-3-4 in the breast, and then win the relay.  The breaststrokers came through.  Now it was up to the relay, made of seniors on Senior Day.  The result, the seniors win the relay and NU wins by one point.  The Purple Props for this weekend went to Ethan Mahoney and Cody Heimbrock.  Ethan has been injured his entire career and has had multiple shoulder surgeries.  I asked Ethan to extend himself and swim the 200 backstroke for the team.  He went on to get 4th place and score 2 points.    On the boards, Cody had his best performances of the season.   This happened at exactly the right time for the team.

As a result of this weekend’s victory, Evinn Drusys and Ian O’Rourke won MAAC swimmer and MAAC diver of the week.  Evinn won the 50 yard freestyle (21.88) and the 100 yard freestyle (48.91).  His biggest moment of the meet came as a member of the 200 yard freestyle relay team that took first place and won the meet for Niagara, in a time of 1:28.34.  O'Rourke swept both the one-meter and three-meter diving events, with scores of 327.53 and 292.80, respectively.

Senior Night -- It Came Down to This!

To those who were unable to attend yesterday's meet against Canisius -- you missed one of the most exciting races in the history of Niagara University Swimming & Diving.  It was SENIOR NIGHT (photo of our seniors) -- and the winner of the 200 Free Relay would win the meet on the men's side.  I won't spoil the fun if you don't know what happened.  I can tell you the team that won this race -- won the meet 122-121.  Enjoy!

LINK:  THE LAST RACE -- WINNER TAKE ALL!

"Kettrick's Korner" -- Florida Training Trip!

The Niagara University "swimmers" are in Miami, FL as I write this post -- don't remind me -- and one of our "own" -- Aubrey Kettrick is "blogging" about this experience.  Here's a link to where you can find "Kettrick's Korner" -- you will enjoy!  Please note:  the photo is the actual view the team has of "Miami Beach" from their hotel room.

LINK:  "KETTRICK'S KORNER"

Room Reservations for MAAC -- 1/15 Deadline!

The last day you can be guaranteed the $99 PURPLE PARENTS rate at the Hyatt Regency in Buffalo is January 15th!  Please call and reserve your rooms -- you'll find the information in a blog post linked below:


LINK:  HOTEL RESERVATION INFO

Merry Christmas to the Purple Parents!

Our sons and daughters will be returning home for Christmas in the next few days!!!  So, to get you in the spirit -- the Purple Parents Blog hired the cast of the Fox hit show -- GLEE, to get us in the mood!  Merry Christmas to All!

LINK:  GLEE CAST:  GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN

LINK:  GLEE CAST:  ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH

LINK:  GLEE CAST:  OH HOLY NIGHT

LINK:  GLEE CAST:  WE NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS 

LINK:  GLEE CAST:  BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

The Purple Parents -- CHEER SIGNS for MAAC's!!!

I keep hearing about how some of the other PARENTS in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference are organized in the stands at the Conference Championships -- and I think it's high time the PURPLE PARENTS get their "purple on" and make their "purple presence" felt!!!

So, to get us started in that direction -- I'm pulling out a "custom sign" design that we started at Mercy High School back in 2002 (see photos) and putting the purple on it!  As you can see, the signs are customized for your swimmer or diver -- with their name on one side. With the "other side" of the sign carrying the Niagara University logo and the words:  2011 MAAC Swimming & Diving Championships.

Now, I can make the sign for you - or, I can send you the artwork and you can make it yourself!!!

If you'd like me to make one for you the pricing is as follows:

• One Custom Cheer Sign:  $8
• Two Custom Cheer Signs:  $15

You just need to determine the "copy" you want on the side of the sign that carries your Diver or Swimmer's name.  Here are the options:

• SWIM FAST and your Swimmer's First Name
• DIVE GREAT or GREAT DIVE and your Diver's First Name
• GO! your Athlete's First Name GO!

And, then on the other side of the sign you have two options:

• The design you see in the picture with the LOGO and MAAC CHAMPIONSHIPS copy
• Or, just the LOGO 

The colors:  Purple stick and the sign is white with purple and black copy

DEADLINE:  If you'd like me to make a sign(s) for you -- which I'll do over the CHRISTMAS BREAK -- just do the following:

1. Send me an email with the "sign directions" you want for your custom designed sign
2. Send me a check made out to Jim Small at my home address -- which I'll send to you -- after you've sent me an email.
3. DEADLINE:  December 21st.

I will have the signs ready for you by the Canisius Meet if any of you'd like them then -- if not, I'll bring them to the MAAC Championships.

Now, if you'd like to make it yourself -- I'll send you the directions and the artwork -- just let me know.

We Missed This MAAC Honor for Lindsey!

Niagara University sophomore swimmer, Lindsey Jackson -- received MAAC Student Athlete of the Week honors on November 22nd for her efforts in the pool against Youngstown State and Buffalo -- and we missed it!!!  So sorry Lindsey!!!  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  LINDSEY JACKSON RECEIVES MAAC HONOR!

Purple Parents "Photo of the Day"

That's none other than Niagara University Head Swimming & Diving Coach, Ben Nigro -- "hanging ten" on Saturday, November 27th on Lake Erie -- during the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend.  Most people would try this a little closer to the Equator this time of year!!!!  Here's a link to a quick video:


LINK:  COACH NIGRO SURFING LAKE ERIE

Renee Parsons Named Student Athlete of the Week!

Niagara University sophomore, Renee Parsons, was named Niagara's Student Athlete of the Week for her record breaking 100 fly performance this weekend at the Zippy Invitational.  Renee's time of 59.69 is the first time a member of Niagara's women's team has broken a minute in this event.  Congratulations!

LINK:  RENEE PARSONS -- STUDENT ATHLETE OF THE WEEK!

The Official "Purple Parents" -- Team Towel!

Different Strokes -- the company that we purchased the Nike Team BackPacks -- has created an "official team towel" for our Niagara University Swimming & Diving Team.  The purple towel includes the team logo along with the last name of your athlete (see photo).  The "investment" per towel is $32.  To place your order -- call Different Strokes directly at 248.477.0521.  Ask for the "Purple Parents Niagara University Team Towel" and they will take your order, embroidery info and payment directly over the phone.  The $32 price includes a "bulk shipment" of the towels to Coach Nigro to arrive before December 17th.  Thus, the Deadline for placing your order is this FRIDAY -- December 10th!  Call today!  If you'd like your towel sent directly to your home - let Different Strokes know this and they'll charge you for the shipping cost.

Coach Nigro's -- Zippy Invitational Meet Recap

Zippy Invite meet wrap-up

I looked up last year’s results and we were way ahead of our times.  This really sets us up very well for MAAC Championships.  We had an outstanding meet this past weekend at the Zippy Invitational.  As a team 131 out of 147 swims were season best times.  Many of these were lifetime bests as well.  The athletes definitely stayed focused and got the job done. We scored 159 pts in men’s diving (our highest earning events) and we had more people make it back to finals this year than any other year at this meet.  We set two varsity records.  Renee Parsons became the first woman in Niagara history to break a minute in the 100 fly (59.69).   The men’s 200 medley relay of Jon Matchette, Nate Resila, Brian Sawma, and Evinn Drusys set a new time of 1:36.08.  Purple Props this week go to Renee Parsons, Evinn Drusys and Cody Heimbrock.

• Renee Parsons for becoming the first woman to break a minute in the 100 fly (59.69).
• Evinn Drusys placed top 8 in all three individual events had a great lead off leg on the 800 free relay (1:44.64) and was part of the record breaking 200 medley relay.
• Cody Heimbrock performed the best of his career on the 1meter board.

Individual accomplishments

Women

• Ashley Berardinelli had best times In 50 free, 100 and 200 back
• Kara Borowiak had best time in the 100 fly and scored on relays.
• Julia Bulmahn scored in both backstrokes, relays and had best times in the 50 free, 100 and 200 Back
• Erica Crane scored on medley relays.
• Gabby Dell’Arciprete had a best time in the 100 breast
• Ashley Harrington went best times and scored in the 200im, 400im, 200 fly and relays.
• Lindsey Jackson went best times and scored in the 200im, 400im, 200 fly and relays.
• Ashley Jones scored in both diving events.
• Aubrey Kettrick had best times in the 50,100 and 200 free.  She scored in relays.
• Emily Kisloski had best times in the 50,100 and 200 free.  She scored in relays.
• Megan Marcin had best times in the 100 and 200 free.  She scored in relays.
• Katie Metcalf had a best time in the 50 free. She scored on relays
• Katie Oke scored in the 200 back and relays.  She had best times in the 200 and 400im and the 200 back.
• Chelsea O’laughlin had best times in the 50,100 and 200 free.  She scored in relays.
• Renee Parsons became the first woman in Niagara history to break a minute in the 100 fly (59.69). She scored in the 100 fly and relays. She had best times in the 100 back, 100 and 200 fly.
• Kaley Pfohl had best times in the 200, 500 and 1650 free.  She scored in the 1650 and relays.
• Adrienne Thomas had best times in the 100 back, 100 free and scored on relays.
• Sarah Universal had best times in the 200 im, 100 and 200 breast.  She scored on relays
• Sarah Whynot had a best time in the 500 free.

Men

• Matt Carrozzo scored in both diving events.
• Justin Delecki went best times in the 100 fly, 50 and 100 free.
• Evinn Drusys placed top eight in all three individual events had a great lead off leg on the 800 free relay (1:44.64), went best times in the 100 fly, 50 and 100 free and was part of the record breaking 200 medley relay.
• Tyler Ferguson had best times in the 50,100 and 200 free.  He scored in relays.
• Cody Heimbrock scored in both diving events.
• Kevin Jennings had best times and scored in the 50,100 and 200 free.  He also scored in relays.
• Ethan Mahoney had best times in the 50 free and 100 back
• Jon Matchette had best times in the 50 free, 100 ad 200 back.  He scored in the 100, 200 back and relays. He was part of the record breaking 200 medley relay.
• Ryan O’laughlin had best times in the 200 im, 100 and 200 fly.  He scored in both butterflies and  relays.
• Ian O’Rourke scored top eight in both diving events.
• Scott Page had best times in the 200 im, 100 and 200 breast.  He scored in both breaststrokes and relays.
• Jake Pisano scored top eight in the 500 and 1650 free. He had best times in the 200, 500, 1650 free.  He also scored on relays.
• Nate Resila had best times in the 50 free, 100 and 200 breast. He scored in both breaststrokes and relays.  He was part of the record breaking 200 medley relay.
• Drew Rossi had best times in the 50 free, 100 and 200 breast. He scored in the 200 breaststroke and relays. 
• Brian Sawma had best times in the 50 free, 100 and 200 fly.  He scored in both butterflies and relays.
• Brady Small had best times in the 100, 200 and 500 free.  He scored in relays.
• Nick Squire had best times and scored in the 200, 500 and 1650 free.  He also scored on relays.
• Nick Zehr had best times in the 50,100 and 200 free. 
• Chris Zukas scored top eight in both diving events.

Our next event is the Florida International University Invitational on January 8^th.

Purple Eagles @ Zippy Invitational Friday

The Niagara University Purple Eagles and their "Purple Parents" will be invading Akron, OH this weekend for the Zippy Invitational.  The events begin Friday morning at 9 AM!  Here's a link to the schedule of events -- a link to the Akron website where you can catch Live Results and a list of all of the schools competing:

Women's Teams

The University of Akron

Bloomsburg University

University at Buffalo

Clarion University

Duquesne University

Illinois State University

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Niagara University

Ohio University

Shippensburg University

St. Bonaventure University

Xavier University

Men's Teams

Bloomsburg University

University at Buffalo

Clarion University

Cleveland State (divers only-TBD)

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Niagara University

Shippensburg University

St. Bonaventure University

Xavier University

LINK:  ZIPPY INVITATIONAL MEET SCHEDULE

LINK:  AKRON ZIPS OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Niagara Athletics -- "Just Did It!"

The brand synonymous with; Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and "Just Do It" -- NIKE -- can now make the claim they have a relationship with the Purple Eagles of Niagara University.  Niagara Athletic Director, Ed McLaughlin announced yesterday that the Purple Eagles have become an "All NIKE School."  

I'm sure this means our Swimming & Diving Team will be receiving plenty of NIKE gear in the coming months...



 Here's a link to "all that is Purple" on the Official Nike Website:

LINK:  THE ONLY COLOR THERE IS...

Niagara University Receives $1.5 Million Gift!

Niagara University announced yesterday that Dr. John Hughes '67 has given a gift of $1.5 million to his alma mater to establish the first "endowed chair" at the University.  Here's a link to the story:

LINK:  HUGHES "HUGE" GIFT TO NIAGARA

Coach Nigro's -- Waterloo Meet Recap

Men -- Our men swam well this weekend, but lost to a very good Waterloo squad.  As a team we had 21 season best times.  Our breaststrokers, Nate Resila, Scott page and Drew Rossi all dropped time in both the 100 and 200. Alex Siuda continued to improve in the backstrokes. Jake Pisano had a lifetime best in his 200 fly.  Purple props were given to Ethan Mahoney for his continued improvement in the 100 backstroke.

Women -- Even with winning 7 of the 12 individual events our women fell in a close meet to waterloo.  It came down to the last relay and we came up short.  We had for women who swam season best times.  They were; Erica Crane (100 and 200 Breast), Chelsea O’laughlin (50 and 100 free), Renee Parsons (100 and 200 fly), and Sarah Universal (100 and 200 breast).  Sarah received the Purple props for her performances.

The team has Thanksgiving off.  We will return to competition on December 3^rd at the Zippy invitational in Akron Ohio.

Thanks as always to the Fans who support us.

Niagara Men's Team Ranked 31st in the Country!

The CSCAA / CollegeSwimming.com -- Mid-Major Division I Swimming Poll was released today -- and the Niagara University Purple Eagles Men's Swimming & Diving team was ranked 31st in the country!  And, our Women's team was ranked 56th!  Here's a link to the polls:

LINK:  PURPLE EAGLES AMONG THE BEST IN AMERICA!