Thirteen years. Two coaches. One winning season (2000). The record for the Lady Bears softball team has been largely one of futility. That all took a turn around when prior to the 2007 season, NYIT hired Stephen Christianson to be their new head coach.
The NYIT Bears baseball team has not had a winning season since 2006, when they went 31-22. However, with the 2010 season now underway, the Bears will look for better success in a new conference. After spending the past six seasons in Division I Independent, NYIT begins the new decade in the newly formed Great West Conference.
It was after the 2005-2006 season when the NYIT Lady Bears basketball team recruited a player that would emerge as a go-to player. The Lady Bears recruited Madison Robertson out of William Floyd High School. NYIT Athletic Director Clyde Doughty Jr. sensed that Robertson was someone special the first time he met her.
While most students at NYIT had the month off, basketball was still in session. Past the midway point of the regular season, the NYIT Bears men's team is 7-11 as of January 27. The Bears have lost three games in a row, and seven of their last nine games; five of their ten losses were within five points.
It was 1997 and NYIT's basketball program had hit bottom; the team was 9-17, their head coach had just departed, and players were demoralized. NYIT Athletics Director Clyde Doughty needed a new coach-and not just someone who could run drills and teach his players the fine points of free throwing and dribbling for a season or two.
When the NYIT Men's basketball team hits the court at the start of the regular season on November 9th, they will have a new look to their team. Not only will the presence of freshmen and newly recruited players be evident, but the absence of former captain, Bryant "Mookie" Lassiter will also surely be recognized.
Following a 4-22 season, the NYIT Bears Women’s Basketball team will begin the 2009-2010 season with a new look. Head Coach Mike Guidone, who spent the last four seasons leading the Bears, resigned. Stepping in as the new head coach is Anthony Crocitto, who was hired on October 2 of this year.
