September 20, 2004

GENEVA, N.Y.—The Hobart College lacrosse team will participate in the second annual Algonquin Cup presented by Brine on Oct. 16, at Stony Brook University’s LaValle Stadium. The premier one-day tournament, which debuted last year at Harvard University, will expand this year to feature six nationally ranked teams from six different conferences: North Carolina, Brown, Army, Hofstra, and Stony Brook, as well as the Statesmen.

“College lacrosse continues to build upon its loyal fan base and expand beyond the borders of its traditional roots, fueled by the rapid growth in participation and popularity across the country,” Kent Atherton, President & CEO of New York-based Pantheon International, said. “The Algonquin Cup provides top college programs a high-profile tournament to showcase the highest level of amateur lacrosse competition.”

The day’s events begin at 10 a.m. with Brown vs. Stony Brook on the turf field, followed by North Carolina vs. Hofstra at 10:30 a.m. on grass. The winners will advance to face Army and Hobart, respectively at 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. The championship game will be played at 4 p.m. All teams will play a minimum of two games each, including a consolation round.

Hobart returns all but four graduating seniors from last season’s team that posted a 9-7 overall record, the most wins in a season since the Statesmen moved to Division I in 1995. Hobart is led by senior goalie Dan Valente (Mt. Hebron/Ellicott City, Md.) and senior attackman Nate Hill (Hamburg/Hamburg, N.Y.). A second-team all-conference selection in 2004, Valente ranked 18th in the nation in save percentage (.583), while Hill, the team’s top returning scorer, was 15th in the nation in assists (1.63/g, 26).

Brine, the nation’s leading supplier of lacrosse equipment for over 50 years, continues their support as Presenting Sponsor of The Algonquin Cup. All six participating teams in this year’s event are Brine-affiliated schools.

“We are again thrilled to be involved with this prestigious fall tournament,” Sean Fox, President of Brine, said. “The Algonquin Cup was widely acclaimed in its inaugural event last year and quickly established as the premier annual college Fall invitational.”

Brine will be on-site with their Fan Zone that features a number of fun, interactive contests and a new product display area.

Pantheon International is a privately held, New York City-based sports marketing/event management company that specializes in providing corporations with unique marketing platforms through sports and entertainment.

Tickets to The Algonquin Cup will be available in advance at the Stony Brook Ticket Office or online at www.algonquincup.com. For more information call 212-366-8670.