2014-2015 Husson University Men’s Basketball

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1Table of Contents

From the Desk of the AD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Athletics Overview & The Husson Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Athletic Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Men’s Basketball Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Program Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Featured Athletes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Coaching Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11

2014-15 Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

2014-15 Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Online Links and Social Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

2013-14 Husson Eagles Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

2From the Desk of the AD

Welcome to the 2014 yearbook for the Husson University men’s basketball program!

Whether you are a prospective student-athlete, alumnus, or friend of the program, this yearbook will provide you with all of the information that you need to know regarding our program.

Husson University is committed to excellence and to “transforming student lives.” That commitment to academic and athletic excellence is absolutely reflected in the Husson intercollegiate athletics program.

Enjoy this yearbook as you begin your introduction to Husson University!

Sincerely, Frank Pergolizzi Director of Athletics

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Mission StatementThe primary purpose of NCAA Division III Athletics at Husson University is to provide broad-based athletic opportunities with equal emphasis given to all intercollegiate sports. Conducted as part of the student-athletes’ educational experience, athletics encourages academic and athletic performance, gender equity, appreciation for diversity, and social responsibility. A successful athletic department contributes immeasurably to the growth and student life of the university. Sportsmanship and building respect for others in athletics can lead to better human relations, global awareness and leadership skills.

OverviewThe Husson Eagles compete in the NCAA Division III in 21 varsity sports, representing over 450 student-athletes. In the last year, Husson has added three additional varsity sports and over 100 student-athletes. Collectively, the Husson sports teams have earned over a 3.0 GPA for three straight semesters. The Eagles are a member of the North Atlantic Conference, with football competing in the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference and swimming and diving in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference. Husson prides itself on its state-of-the-art facilities and tremendous support for athletics, including three full-time athletic trainers, a strength and conditioning coach, and a dedicated staff of physicians, chiropractors, and assistant athletic trainers.

The Husson ExperienceMission StatementHusson University inspires and prepares students for professional careers in current and emerging fields within the context of an education informed by the sciences and humanities.

Academic ProgramsHusson enrolls approximately 2,600 undergraduate students at the Bangor campus, with about 500 more enrolled in graduate programs. The university offers over 30 undergraduate and graduate programs, including a 6-year Doctorate in Physical Therapy, a 5-year Master’s in Occupational Therapy, and strong Business, Nursing, Education, and Pharmacy programs. Husson also has the New England School of Communications (NESCom), which offers majors in such disciplines as Video Production, Journalism, and Radio Broadcasting.

Bangor, MaineHusson University’s primary campus is situated on 208 sprawling acres in Bangor, Maine. Framed against the banks of the Penobscot River and the historic brick buildings of downtown, this small yet metropolitan gem of a city houses many unique shops, theaters, and galleries. World class restaurants and bars surround Main Street offering up an array of dining options as well as late night entertainment. Best known as the home of writer Stephen King, Bangor has become an urban mecca for artists, writers, and musicians and is the permanent home of The American Folk Festival, the Cross Insurance Center and the Waterfront Concert Series.

Athletics Overview

4Athletic Facilities

The John P. Boucher Field, home to the soccer and lacrosse programs, was built in 2001 through a generous donation by Husson alumnus John Boucher ‘66. Recently (2007), the park underwent a face lift. Once again, with Mr. Boucher’s generous support, the field lost it’s natural grass and was converted to field turf. The$650,000 renovation made the John P. Boucher Soccer Field one of the finest collegiate fields in New England.

Granite and iron fences surround the field and bench enclosures giving the complex that “old world” feel. With the help from yet another donation in the fall of 2011, the Boucher Field went through another fantastic facelift with the addition of the gorgeous press box and lights. Night contests at Boucher are truly

spectacular with the campus backdrop set against this beautiful facility.

John Boucher played three sports at Husson: baseball, soccer, and golf. He has been inducted into both the Husson Sports Hall of Fame and the Husson Alumni Hall of Fame and is very involved with Husson as a member of the Board of Trustees.

A soccer coach for more than 20 years, John began his coaching career as the coach of a premier under-12 team in the Granite State Girls Soccer League. He became President of that league and during his tenure, the league grew to 1,800 players (ranging in age from 8-19) with more than 100 teams. He went on to coach girls soccer at Souhegan High School located in Amherst, New Hampshire. Under his direction, Souhegan High School Girls Soccer won eight state championships in a row. The school holds a national record for consecutive state championships with 10 in a row (two coming prior to Coach Boucher’s arrival). Boucher finished at Souhegan High School with a career record of 175 wins, 15 losses, and 5 ties. John’s record in postseason play was 38 wins and 2 losses, with both losses coming in the New Hampshire Division I finals.

Boucher was also the head coach in 1997 and 2000 for the New Hampshire vs. Vermont Lions cup game. In 1999 John was voted New Hampshire Coach of the Year for Class I and NSCAA Regional Coach of the Year for the northeast. The following year he was honored by the NSCAA as the Division I National Coach of the Year.

John graduated from Husson in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. After a successful career with Exxon, he went into business for himself. He owned and operated a retail motor fuel and convenience store business located in southern New Hampshire called Stalee and JPB Fuels. He and his wife Judy are the parents of two daughters and live in New Castle, New Hampshire.

John P. Boucher Field

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The Swan Center bears the name of legendary Clara Swan; Husson student, ’32, professor, and Dean. At the age of 102, Clara still attends Husson basketball games and remains a faithful supporter of the university.

The Swan Center houses the Richard and Alice Trott Fitness Studio, a state-of-the-art fitness center with twenty cardiovascular fitness machines, a set of weight equipment for every major muscle group, and a full range of free weight equipment. The facility underwent a dramatic 2012 facelift and is now climate-controlled with 3,000 square feet, flat screen TVs, and a sound system.

Primary benefactors of the Swan Center were Husson alumnus Dick Trott ‘65 and his wife Alice. Built in 2001 as a fitness and performance testing center for students, the facility houses the Kenduskeag Research Center, which offers research equipment for performance testing. This research center was funded by Hilda Hutchins and is utilized across the curriculum, especially in the departments of Kinesiology, Physical Therapy and Physical Education.

Clara Swan Center and Trott Fitness Studios

Athletic Facilities

The Newman Athletic Gymnasium was one of the original structures built on campus in 1968 when Husson moved to its current location. Named after William Newman, Husson trustee and prominent Maine banker, this facility serves students, faculty, and the community. The maple center court is home to volleyball, basketball, intramurals, classes and special events, and it seats 1,200. Locker rooms, an athletic training facility, a free weight room, a batting cage, classrooms, coaches’ offices, and athletic administration offices are also part of this busy building. The Webber Pool, Swan Center, Sports Hall of Fame, Kenduskeag Human Performance Institute, and Trott Fitness Center are all attached to Newman Gymnasium.

Newman Athletic Facility and Gymnasium

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The Bob & Fran O’Keefe Softball Complex is home to Husson’s softball program and was made possible by the generous gift from Robert and Frances O’Keefe. The field was dedicated in April 2005. O’Keefe

Field is built to NCAA regulations, with the playing field completely fenced in and a drainage system in place. Further renovations to the field occurred in 2012, and a press box was added in 2013.

Robert (Bob) O’Keefe graduated from Husson in 1967 with a BS in Business Administration. He earned an MS in Management from SUNY

Albany in 1985. He had a long and successful career in sales, beginning with Shell Oil Company in 1967 and the Angelica Corporation in 1979. Bob retired from his position as the Angelica Corporation Northeastern US Regional Manager of Sales in 1995 but continued to work for Angelica as a consultant until his full retirement in 2007.

Bob O’Keefe is a proud member of both the Husson Alumni Hall of Fame and the Husson Sports Hall of Fame. He has lived in and worked out of the Albany, NY area since 1969. Bob’s wife Fran is a native of Albany, and they have been married since 1979.

Bob & Fran O’Keefe Softball Complex

The Webber Pool is located in the Newman Athletic Facility. It is a 25 yard, six-lane, competitive pool and is home to the women’s and men’s swimming and diving teams, which began in 2005.

The pool is also used by Husson students for recreation, conditioning, and injury rehabilitation, as well as by faculty and members of the community. Balcony seating for over 500 spectators makes this facility one of the finest in the Eastern Maine area.

Extensive renovations continue to the pools structure, roof, and side walls. New signage, timing and pace clocks, lane lines, and flags have recently been added.

Webber Pool

Athletic Facilities

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The Winkin Sports Complex is home to Husson’s baseball, field hockey, and football teams and is one of the best facilities in New England. The vision of legendary baseball coach Dr. John Winkin helped transform Husson’s baseball field into a multisport complex, complete with field turf, dugouts, and a press box. Dr. Winkin got the project off the ground by donating his summer camp to the school, and the proceeds from it jump started the project. His gift inspired long-time friend Harold Alfond to make a $1,000,000 donation to

Husson for the Harold Alfond Diamond, field turf, and a drainage system to be installed. There is seating for 3,000 spectators for baseball, football, and field hockey games, and the facility hosts Husson’s outdoor commencement ceremony when weather permits.

Dr. Winkin served as the head baseball coach at Husson, Colby College, and the University of Maine Orono. He also served as the Athletic Director at Colby and spent time working for both the Red Sox and the Yankees baseball franchises. Dr. Winkin was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013.

Dr. Winkin passed away on July 19, 2014. However, his contributions to athletics and baseball at Husson and the state of Maine will be enjoyed by young people for years.

The D. Bruce MacGregor Sports Hall of Fame Room is home to the Husson Sports Hall of Fame. Newly renovated in 2012, the room reopened over Husson’s Homecoming weekend in October. The Hall of Fame Room is used for athletics receptions, press conferences, and additional events and meetings.

The Hall of Fame Room is named after Sports Hall of Fame Committee Chairman, Bruce MacGregor, who is also a 1998 inductee. Coach MacGregor was a storied basketball coach at Husson who amassed 526 career wins. He remains active in Husson athletics to this day.

The Husson University Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1985 to honor outstanding athletes, athletic administrators, and coaches for their athletic performances, leadership, and contributions to their teams while at Husson University.

Dr. John W. Winkin Sports Complex

D. Bruce MacGregor Sports Hall of Fame Room

Athletic Facilities

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The 2014 Eagles return nine letterwinners and two starters from last season’s squad that went an impressive 26-3, including 17-1 in conference play, and won its fourth NAC Championship in six years

before falling in the NCAA Tournament First Round.

Husson ranked second in the conference in scoring (85. 7 points per game) and led the conference in scoring defense (67.9 points

per game). The Eagles had the second-most assists (15.7 per contest) combined with the lowest turnovers (14.4). Husson led the league in field goal percentage (47.6) and was

second in defensive field goal percentage (41.1 percent).

Despite losing Second Team All-NAC guard Phil Leighton, the Eagles return NAC Player of the Year and MVP of the NAC Tournament, Trevon Butler.

Butler ranked 11th in the conference in points per game (13.8), fourth in steals

per game (2.1), sixth in rebounds per game (6.8) and 10th in three-point percentage (38.0). Husson

also returns senior Jacob Moore, who missed all but three games last season, but has averaged better than

seven points and four rebounds per game in his career.

Senior point guard Aaron Willis also returns for his final season with the Eagles. Willis made a big impact in the NAC Championship game last season,

playing 31 minutes and scoring 14 points including a crucial bucket in overtime.

l Captured 4 NAC Championships in 6 years

l 5 Conference Coach of the Year Honors for Head Coach

Warren Caruso l 66 Individuals and 2 teams inducted into

Husson Sports Hall of Fame

l 2013-14 NAC Player of the Year and Tourney MVP Trevon Butler

l 4 Players named to the NABC Honors Court

Men’s Basketball Overview

Program Highlights

9Featured Athletes

#5 Trevon ButlerJunior GuardCaptainWaterbury, CTButler was the 2014 NAC Player of the Year, Tournament MVP, and First Team All-Conference selection. He ranked 11th in the conference with 13.8 points per game, while shooting 38.0 percent

from three-point range, ranking 10th in the conference. Butler also ranked sixth in the NAC with 6.8 rebounds per contest, 15th with 2.1 assists per game, and fourth with 2.1 steals per contest. He is majoring in Sports Management at Husson.

#11 Aaron WillisSenior GuardCaptainNew York, NYWillis appeared in all 29 games for the Eagles in 2013-14, making 9 starts. He averaged 10.3 points per game and 2.0 assists per game. He was sixth in the NAC with a 42.1 three-point shooting

percentage. In 2012-13, Willis appeared in 28 games and averaged 8.6 points per game, 2.4 assists, and 1.3 steals. Willis is a Hospitality and Tourism Management major at Husson.

#20 Jacob MooreSenior GuardCaptainHampden, MEMoore returns to the Eagles’ squad after missing most of 2013-14 due to injury. Last season he appeared in seven games and averaged 8.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. In 2012-13, he

appeared in 28 contests for Husson, scoring 7.0 points per game and grabbing 4.1 rebounds per game.

He is majoring in Business Administration at Husson after spending his first two years at Division II Bentley University.

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Warren CarusoHead Coach 21st Season

Coach Caruso came to Husson in 1984. He has seen the program from almost all angles: as a freshman he appeared in only 13 games but worked

his way through the system and as a senior he was named captain and averaged 14 points per game. In 1989 head coach Bruce MacGregor invited him to join the staff, an opportunity he quickly accepted. Caruso would spend six years as Coach MacGregor’s assistant. During that time his responsibilities focused on recruiting, game preparation, and practices. The program made four trips to the NAIA National Tournament in those six years. The experience and knowledge gained while working under legendary Husson men’s basketball coach D. Bruce MacGregor (526 career wins) is extremely valuable today and helps make Caruso’s teams successful. Caruso’s love for the basketball program comes from his hard work as a player and as an assistant and led to him being named head coach after the 1994 season.

Caruso begins his twenty first year as head coach with an overall record of 391-183, which ranks him second all-time in program history. He has guided the program to six conference championships and trips to the NAIA National Tournament including three straight trips 2000, 2001, and 2002. There have been many big wins over the years, one in 1999 when Husson defeated Embry-Riddle University 89-75. Embry-Riddle went on to win the NAIA National Championship that year in Branson, MO. The most memorable win for Coach Caruso came in 1996 when Husson upset NCAA Div. I University of Maine 73-72. Everyone who was at the game will remember Chris Funk’s 3-pointer going through the net with seven seconds left to give Husson the win.

A 1989 graduate of Husson, Caruso earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Accounting. Caruso has run a family business since 1981 and took over complete operations of Dana’s Grill in 1988 from his father Richard. Dana’s Grill has been in operation in the Bangor area since 1938.

Caruso believes in education and to date, 34 of his 38 seniors have graduated. He also feels that knowledge is gained though life experiences. Over the years, Husson has traveled throughout the United States, each year taking a trip to compete against some of the top programs in the country. Over the last fourteen years the program has traveled to Florida (5 times), California (3 times), Idaho (4 times), Canada (3 times), Arizona, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Missouri (3 times) and all over the Northeast region.

Caruso has been a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches since 1990 and has served on the NABC National Congress since 2006. In 2008 he served on the ECAC Selection Committee for the New England Basketball Championship. Caruso is the past president of the Maine Basketball Coaches and Writers Association. In the past, he served on two national committees with the NAIA, Men’s Basketball Rating Committee and Men’s Basketball All-American Committee. He is also the codirector of Northeast Basketball Schools and Director of Husson Hoops Clinics, summer camps for younger players.

Coach Caruso led the Eagles to their best season under his direction in 2013-2014. Husson went 26-3, falling in the First Round of the NCAA Division III Tournament. The 2013-2014 season was the second straight year the Eagles won 20 or more games, and earned their 4th National Tournament Appearance in six seasons. Coach Caruso was named North Atlantic Conference Coach of the Year.

Coach Caruso was born and raised in Bangor, Maine. He enjoys being a part of the community where he grew up, went to school, works, and is raising a family with his wife Nicole. Coach Caruso and Nicole started dating in 1983 and married on September 29, 1990. They have two children Nathan Richard Caruso born February 29, 1996 and Luke Ballard Caruso born March 23, 2001.

Coaching Staff

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Brad Libby Assistant CoachFourth SeasonHusson ‘11

Wes SextonAssistant CoachThird Season

John Clark Assistant CoachFourth SeasonEastern Illinois

Scott CunninghamAssistant CoachNinth SeasonHusson ‘03

Mike McCaffreyAssistant CoachFirst SeasonHusson ‘99

Corey WoodAssistant CoachFirst Season

Coaching Staff

122014–2015 Roster

No. Name Pos. Cl. Ht. Wt. Hometown/Previous School

4 Mitch Worcester G FY 6’3” 185 Washburn, ME / Washburn / University of Maine

5 Trevon Butler F JR 6’3” 180 Waterbury, CT / Wilby

11 Aaron Willis G SR 5’9” 170 Long Island, NY / William Floyd

13 Eli Itkin F SO 6’4” 180 Pawtucket, RI / Shea

14 Matt Dube G SR 6’0” 190 Kennebunk, ME / Kennebunk

20 Jacob Moore F SR 6’6” 210 Hampden, ME / Hampden Academy / Bentley

21 Blair Mathisen G SO 6’1” 165 Kansas City, MO / Tonganoxie

23 Raheem Anderson G SO 6’1” 184 Miramar, FL / Everglades

32 Jason Burgo C SR 6’7” 235 New Haven, CT / James Hillhouse

33 Jordan Holmes G FY 6’0” 170 Oakland, ME / Messalonskee

34 Tyler Norris F SO 6’4” 195 Hampden, ME / Hampden Academy

44 Connor Adams F FY 6’4” 190 Bangor, ME / Bangor

45 David Diaz G FY 5’10” 165 Miami, FL / Christopher Columbus

55 Josiah Hartley F JR 6’3” 225 Bangor, ME / Bangor / University of Maine

Head Coach: Warren Caruso ’89, ‘03

Assistant Coaches: John Clark, Brad Libby ’13, Mike McCaffrey ‘99 Scott Cunningham ’03, Corey Wood & Wes Sexton

Captains: Trevon Butler, Aaron Willis & Jacob Moore

Athletic Trainers: Janine Gmitter, Darci Dickison & Evan Paradis

132014–2015 Schedule

DATE OPPONENT TIME

NOVEMBER

Thu. 6 at Maine # 7:00 PM

Thu. 20 Saint Joseph’s (ME) 7:30 PM

Sat. 22 Bates 1:00 PM

Mon. 24 at Nichols 7:00 PM

DECEMBER

Tue. 2 at Thomas (ME) * 7:30 PM

Sat. 6 at Maine Maritime * 3:00 PM

Fri. 12 Green Mountain * 7:30 PM

Sat. 13 Castleton * 3:00 PM

Sun. 28 vs. Scranton @ South Point Arena; Las Vegas, Nev. 7:00 PM

Mon. 29 vs. Hampden-Sydney @ South Point Arena; Las Vegas, Nev. 11:00 PM

JANUARY

Tue. 6 at Colby 7:00 PM

Sat. 10 Maine Maritime * 1:00 PM

Tue. 13 Maine-Farmington * 7:30 PM

Fri. 16 at Colby-Sawyer * 7:30 PM

Sat. 17 at New England College * 3:00 PM

Fri. 23 Johnson State * 7:30 PM

Sat. 24 Lyndon State * 3:00 PM

Tue. 27 at Bowdoin 7:00 PM

Fri. 30 at Castleton * 5:30 PM

Sat. 31 at Green Mountain * 1:00 PM

FEBRUARY

Fri. 6 New England College * 5:30 PM

Sat. 7 Colby-Sawyer * 1:00 PM

Fri. 13 at Lyndon State * 5:30 PM

Sat. 14 at Johnson State * 1:00 PM

Wed. 18 at Maine-Farmington * 5:30 PM

Sat. 21 Thomas (ME) * 1:00 PM

# Exhibition* North Atlantic Conference GameBold: Home event

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Husson Eagles Athletics Website:http://www.hussoneagles.com

Stay Connected!

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Facebook:Husson Eagles Athletics

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The Eagles Club:https://connect.husson.edu/pages/athletic-donation-form

Online Links & Social Media

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Husson Eagles Athletics Website:http://www.hussoneagles.com

Stay Connected!

Husson University Website:http://www.husson.edu/

Facebook:Husson Eagles Athletics

Twitter:@HussonEagles@HussonAD

YouTube:HussonEagles

Instagram:HussonEaglesAthletics

The Eagles Club:https://connect.husson.edu/pages/athletic-donation-form

2013-14 Husson Eagles Highlights

Men’s Basketball captured the 2014 NAC Championship

Softball captured the 2014 NAC Championships

The golf team captured its eighth-straight NAC championship

The 2014 Eagle Award Winners

Tim Smith won the NEISDA 1-Meter Championships

Alecia Palmer and Chrissy Larrabee led women’s cross country to a

runner-up finish at the NAC Championships

NAC Player of the Year Dylan Foster led

the baseball team to a runner-up finish in

the NAC Championship

Student-athletes and staff at the 2014 NCAA SAAC Color Games