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!

The Purple Parents -- Official Hotel for MAAC's

The Hyatt Regency Buffalo has been selected as the OFFICIAL HOME of the PURPLE PARENTS during the 2011 MAAC Swimming & Diving Championships.  We have a block of rooms set up for the dates of Wednesday, Feburary 16th to Sunday, February 20th.  YOU CAN BOOK WHATEVER NIGHTS YOU WANT -- NO RESTRICTIONS!  Our room rate is $99 per night (plus tax) and includes free 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.

Ian O'Rourke Receives Two Honors This Week!

Niagara University senior, Ian O'Rourke had a wonderful Saturday diving against Buffalo winning the 1 meter board and -- qualifying for the NCAA Zone A Meet.  Ian's performance earned him two honors:  Niagara University Student Athlete of the Week and MAAC Diver of the Week!  Congratulations Ian!

LINK:  NIAGARA STUDENT ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

LINK:  MAAC DIVER OF THE WEEK

Coach Nigro's -- University at Buffalo Meet Recap

The team had some very solid performances this weekend at Buffalo.  Our goal for this meet was to have season best performances.  As a team we had 23 season best times and four top performances on the board.  The group did a nice job of responding to the challenge. 

Highlights on the day…

Women

Lindsey Jackson won the 200im and swam a great 100 butterfly.

Sarah Universal swam season bests in both her individual events, the 200im and 100 breast. 

Renee Parsons had on of the best 100 butterflies I have ever seen her swim.  This earned her Purple Props for the week.

Men

Chris Zukas posted his best scores of the season on 1 and 3 meter diving.

Ethan Mahoney had his best 100 back of the season.

Tyler Ferguson had solid swims in the 200 and 100 freestyles.

Jack Pisano dropped one second in his 200 free and seven seconds in his 500 free to earn Purple Props for the week.

The biggest highlight of the week was Ian O’Rourke’s performances on the diving boards.  Ian won the 1 meter with a score of 321.10, and placed 2^ndon the 3meter with a 348.85.   This earned him Purple Props. His Scores have qualified him for the NCAA Zone A championships Zone meets are the selection meets for NCAA Championships.  The best five divers from Zone A will advance to the Nationals.

As always thank you to those of you that were in attendance to support the Purple Eagles.

This weekend the swimmers will be in Canada to swim the Waterloo Warriors.

Saturday's Meet Against Buffalo -- 2 PM Start Time

The Niagara University Purple Eagles make the 17 minute drive to University at Buffalo tomorrow -- to take on the Bulls.  The meet is scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM EST.  Those who live in the Buffalo area can watch the meet on a taped delay basis on LCTV.  Here's a link to the LCTV website and a link to the University at Buffalo athletic site, just in case they have live results of Saturday's meet:  Good Luck Purple Eagles!


LINK:  LCTV 


LINK:  UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO WEBSITE

The Team BackPack -- No Longer Purple!

Niagara University's recent announcement that they've become an exclusive NIKE school -- has forced the Purple Parents to switch our order from a Purple Speedo BackPack to a Black Nike BackPack.  The reason for the switch is Niagara will not allow our team to use the Speedo BackPack beginning next season -- so it makes no sense to buy a purple Speedo backpack for one season.  Nike doesn't have a purple color option for us -- so, we're stuck with black.  The switch to Nike will add an additional $5 to the "investment" for the Team BackPack.  Please check your email for more information.

"Purple for the People" -- Couln't Pass This Up!

Seven-Eleven is capitalizing on a recent comment made by President Obama concerning a potential "Slurpee Summit" between the Democrat and Republican party's respective leadership.  Seven-Eleven announced today that they're going to try to bring Bipartisanship to Washington D.C. with PURPLE SLURPEES.  Well, since they're PURPLE -- the Purple Parents Blog had to report on this!  Here's a couple of links to what Seven-Eleven is up to!


LINK:  PURPLE FOR THE PEOPLE


LINK:  SLURPEE'S WEBSITE

Coach Nigro's Meet Wrap Up -- Siena Meet

Our women swam tough this past weekend, but came up short against a very good Siena team.  As a team we had 15 season best times. Unfortunately we were out-touched in several close races.   Sophomore, Julia Bulmahn and Junior, Ashley Jones secured victories in the 100 back and 1 m diving.

Purple Props went to junior Kaley Pfohl who swam season best times in the 1000 free and 500 free.

Thank you to those of you that came out to cheer us on.  This weekend we are at the University of Buffalo.  The meet will begin at 2pm and will also be televised locally (tape delay) on LCTV.

Purple Parents Official Hotel -- Akron Meet

The Purple Parents have a block of rooms reserved on a "first come, first served" basis at the Marriott Courtyard Akron Stow -- for the nights of December 3rd and December 4th -- the same hotel the team will be staying at.  The rate is $89 per night and includes breakfast each day. Here's a link for a King Bed and a link for two Queen Beds.  See you there!


LINK:  RESERVATION LINK FOR A KING BED


LINK:  RESERVATION LINK FOR TWO QUEEN BEDS

The Team BackPack -- Still Time to Order!

As we await the receipt of payment for the Purple Eagles Team Speedo Pro BackPack -- if you still want to order a bag - leave a comment (below) by this Friday.  As of right now, twenty-one team members will be sporting the "purple bag" at the Akron meet.  We'll need to know the name you want on the bag; first, last or initials -- only.  The "investment" is $49.50 per bag -- add $10 if you want the bag sent to your home instead of Niagara University.

Today's Halloween Practice!

Coach Nigro sent these five pictures from today's Halloween practice for the University of Niagara Swimming & Diving Team -- looks like FUN!

Lindsey Jackson Named Student Athlete of the Week!

Niagara University sophomore, Lindsey Jackson (Marietta, GA) earned Niagara Student Athlete of the Week honors for her performances this past week in the pool for the Purple Eagles.  Congratulations Lindsey!  Here's a link to the release:


LINK:  LINDSEY JACKSON -- STUDENT ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

A Purple Eagles Speedo Pro Backpack

Do you have any interest in ordering a PURPLE EAGLES Speedo Pro Backpack for your son or daughter?  Our son's high school backpack has "seen its best days" -- so I went to Coach Nigro and asked him if there were any plans to offer a Speedo Backpack for the team.  I learned that this wasn't in the plans -- so, I've gone ahead and sought out the local swim shop here in Michigan asking for a PURPLE PARENTS deal:  


Here's the deal offered to us by Different Strokes (if we order 24 bags) - $45 for a PURPLE EAGLES Speedo Pro Backpack with the Niagara University "official" logo embroidered on the bag.  If you'd like your son or daughter's last name embroidered as well -- that will be $2 more.  


Please let me know if you're interested by placing a COMMENT below.  If we order less than 24 bags we need to make up for a "one time" $50 "logo digitization" charge -- on top of the $45 per bag charge.  There's no tax charge -- assuming we can get a "Tax Exempt Number" from Niagara University.  Might make a great Christmas present!!!

A New Purple Parents Video Production!

The Purple Parents Blog was busy this past weekend producing its second video of the season -- as the Purple Eagles defeated Fredonia State University on Family Weekend @ Niagara University.  Here's a link to the video:


LINK:  THE PURPLE PARENTS VIDEO #2

The Purple Eagles In the News...

Coach Nigro forward this link to a story in the Niagara Gazette about our team.  Here's a link:


LINK:  MAKING A DIFFERENCE AWAY FROM THE POOL

TRACKING THE MAAC -- WEEK TWO

The Purple Parents Blog is doing its best to keep the PURPLE PARENTS on top of how the teams in the MAAC conference are doing -- every week during the season.  Just click on the team's link and it will lead you to their most recent stories and meet results.  GO PURPLE EAGLES!

LINK:  CANISIUS

LINK:  FAIRFIELD

LINK:  IONA

LINK:  LOYOLA

LINK:  MANHATTAN

LINK:  MARIST

LINK:  RIDER

LINK:  SAINT PETER'S

LINK:  SIENA

Coach Nigro's Meet Wrap Up -- CSU Invite

Here is Coach Nigro's update after the meet this Saturday at Cleveland State.  

Top Performers from Friday:

• Ian O’Rourke won both boards and just missed qualifying for the NCAA zone championships.
• Emily Hughes competed in her first ever diving meet.
• Kara Borowiak swam her first 1000.
• The women’s 200 fly was a great event for us.  Ashley Harrington, Lindsey Jackson and Sarah Whynot did an excellent job.
• Alex Siuda continues to perform in the 200 back and IM.
• Lindsey Jackson had a good swim in the IM.

Purple Props this week went to Brian Sawma for dominating  the butterfly events against Gannon, Katie Metcalf for her swims last meet and well as her 100 back this week and Emily Hughes for making the transition from gymnast to diver.

Thank you again to all of the parents that came out and supported us in Cleveland.  We promise a Great show this weekend at home on Friday and on the road Saturday.

-Coach Nigro

Keeping Track of the MAAC -- Week One

The Purple Parents Blog will do its best to keep the PURPLE PARENTS on top of how the teams in the MAAC conference are doing -- every week during the season.  Just click on the team's link and it will lead you to their most recent stories and meet results.  GO PURPLE EAGLES!

LINK:  CANISIUS

LINK:  FAIRFIELD

LINK:  IONA

LINK:  LOYOLA

LINK:  MANHATTAN

LINK:  MARIST

LINK:  RIDER

LINK:  SAINT PETER'S

LINK:  SIENA

Coach Nigro's Meet Wrap Up -- WNY Invitational

I was very pleased with the team’s performance this past weekend.  I really trained them hard early in the week.  Monday Tuesday and Wednesday were purposely difficult to prepare for our three day championship.  Needles to say we were all very tired going into Saturday.  When entering for this meet I take a different approach.  I allow the upperclassmen to pick two events, and I choose two others.  For the freshmen, I pick their events.  I also pick the relay teams.  I like to do “class envy”, meaning I try and make the relays by class; freshmen, sophomore, etc.  This allows us to hide our best relays and still have some fun and intra-team competition. Stand out swims:

• Aubrey Kettrick   had a wonderful meet.  She swam some off events and posted great times.  Her 200im and 100 breast were lifetime bests
• Lindsey Jackson did her first 200 butterfly.
• Kara Borowiak went best times in three of her four events
• Katie Metcalf swam the fastest in season times of her career.
• Kevin Jennings likewise swam some off events and showed that he could sprint strokes other than freestyle.
• Alex Siuda posted very good early season times in the IM's and 200 back.
• Evinn Drusys posted a best time in the 200 fly
• Brady Small and Jake Pisano swam their first collegiate 1000 free.

Purple Props this week went to Kara Borowiak and Kevin Jennings for their performances.

Thank you to all the parents that were at the meet to support us.  I hope to see many of you this Friday at Cleveland State.  Diving Begins at 3pm with swimming to follow at 5 pm.


-Coach Nigro