Talk about a home field advantage. The slushy days leading up to the Bears’ March 4 home opener—fallout from a major Northeast snowstorm—would have caused soggy, muddy playing conditions leading to the game’s eventual postponement in years past.

But with the arrival of the 2007 lacrosse season comes a new look and feel for President’s Stadium on the Old Westbury campus—thanks to the installation of an advanced synthetic field surface known as FieldTurf. Used in the National Football League, Major League Baseball, and Major League Soccer, the new field surface utilizes a state-of-the-art drainage system to reduce the impact of bad weather and provides a more professional, safer playing environment for NYIT’s lacrosse and soccer teams.

Edward Guiliano, Ph.D., president of NYIT, welcomed players, coaches, and spectators for the dedication of the newly renovated field as the Bears prepared to face off against the Hawks of St. Anselm College. He noted that the new field was part of an ongoing renovation campaign designed to serve all NYIT students.

“It continues to be a pleasure to support our student-athletes, who serve as wonderful ambassadors for the college,” said President Guiliano.

Following the dedication, the Bears wasted no time pummeling their opponents as they jumped to a 7-0 lead before finally finishing off the Hawks by a score of 16-3. Austin Carino led the Bears with four goals, followed by Jake Delillo with three goals, and Matt Messina and Al Maione with two goals each. In addition, Matt Sullivan helped his teammates with five assists.

The win marked the team’s third victory of the season as their hot streak continues. As of mid-April, the Bears are 7-0 and ranked second in the nation for their division by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association.

Clyde Doughty Jr. (B.S. ’81, M.S. ’96, M.P.S. ’98), NYIT director of intercollegiate athletics, noted the excitement surrounding the new season and the new field. “This gives us a big advantage in our recruitment efforts. What’s more, it improves the playing level for all NYIT student-athletes.””

The Bears dominated their opponents in the first home game of 2007. Below, Edward Guiliano, Ph.D., president of NYIT, greets Bears team co-captain John Kermidas before the opening faceoff.