Lawrence Coleman Basketball Superstar:

Manny Velazquez (Oneonta NY)

         Lawrence Coleman is a 6'3 Forward and a starter on the Men's basketball team. Always representing his home town on the court (Westchester,NY) Lawrence is known for his in game highlights. With the combination of his size and athleticism he sticks out on the court. This past year as a junior he averaged 17 points and 7 rebounds. Earning 3rd team all american in the SUNYAC. The Oneonta Red Dragon only tallied a record of 9-9 record in conference play. Which to the team and Lawrence was a disappointing season. The team had Championship aspirations but lost in the first round of the playoffs. With the bad taste in their mouths the team is looking to bounce back next season. Lawrence Coleman is going to be on his last ride going into his senior year. He plans on working on his game as much as possible to help his team reach their goal. Head coach Vince Medici has been more than pleased with Lawrence's improvement on the court. Lawrence's ceiling is sky high with his versatility and skill. Lawrence has imroved his jumpshot and has become a weapon from beyond the 3 point arc. The next step he says is his handling. Lawrence is looking to expand his game more and play more on the perimeter. Next year's team is going to have enough talent to get them over the hump and Lawrence is looking to the lead this team as one of it's seniors. Lawrence had a strong individual season posting up career highs in points and rebounds. Also playing big in the rivalry games against Hartwick and Cortland. His most famous highlight of the year was the dunk against Oswego. He took a strong two steps on the baseline and elevated over one of the Oswego defenders. It was a dunk to be seen and energized the team. Next season when you go to a Oneonta Men's Basketball game be sure to keep an eye on #5 you wont be disappointed.

The Head and Heart of SUCO

 

President Nancy Kleniewski

Leading SUNY Oneonta To The Future

By: Corey Williams --ONEONTA, NEW YORK

Copy Right Oneonta.edu

  Dr. Nancy Kleniewski was appointed as the seventh President of the SUNY College at Oneonta in July of 2008.She has the important task supervising over the university and its policies. The president must supervise over the vice presidents and work on improving the college. Kleniewski must be the face of the college to the oneonta community and to students. She was go to policy makers and legislator to get funding for SUCO. She must deal with problems such as getting an  increase in the SUCO budget.Dr. Kleniewski has a Ph.D. and master’s degree in sociology from Temple University. She also has her bachelor’s degree in sociology and behavioral sciences from Emmanuel College.  She is an urban sociologist and has written various books on of them is Cities, Change and Conflict: A Political Economy of Urban Life, and this book is now on its third edition.

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Kleniewski served as Dean of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and Professor of Sociology at the University of Massachusetts from 1996 to 2008. She came to Oneonta from Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts, where she served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs from 2002 to 2008.  Dr. Kleniewski is worked with SUNY Geneseo from 1981 to 1996 as the Executive Assistant to the President, Chair of the Sociology Department, Associate Dean of the College, Coordinator of Urban Studies, and Professor in Sociology. She also had received the SUNY Chancellor award for teaching at SUNY Geneseo. The President has a busy schedule with daily routines such as cabinet meetings. 

From growing up in "the hood" to finding his calling, Student Athlete Eulogio Medina

Caitlin Lawler-- Oneonta, NY

Student athlete Eulogio Medina is a current SUNY Oneonta student.  The reason he first came to Oneonta to play basketball, But over the past two years after meeting his girlfriend Justine he started to share a love of making and selling spiritual bracelets.

Speaking with Eulogio he told us about his home life growing up and the reason why he decided to play basket ball. "Where I come from is 'the hood' its either you get involved with selling or doing drugs, or you go to school and play basket ball there is no in between"  Luckily for Medina he had a good head on his shoulders not to get involved with the drugs and go to school to get an education, as well as pursue basketball.

Throughout his journey of attending SUNY Oneonta he found a love of making bracelets.  spiritual bracelets that is.  He informed us about the stones he uses and how they each have their own special trait to them.  One of them he mentioned was the Amethyst stone.  This stone is made to "protect from poison" also it provides peace, and is a calming stone.

Because Medina shares such a love to make these bracelets he decided to sell them so other people can learn and appreciate the stones meanings as much as he does.  He started up his own website/company called Awaken Tribe where he sells these bracelets. "I told my coach, I will not be playing basketball next year." because selling/ keeping the website updated takes up a lot of Medina's time he decided to follow his dream of becoming an entrepreneur and quit basketball.

As sad as it his he has to leave his childhood behind he looks forward to the success he hopes to make.

Inside look at Professor Stephen Rice's Life

By: Casey Riordan

Professor Rice is a English professor here at SUNY Oneonta and teaches classes such as advanced composition 200. Professor Rice has been teaching for 30 years, but that was not his original plan in life. He originally wanted to be a veternarian but soon realized he could not fulfill that dream when he could not even pass chemistry 101. So then Professor Rice turned to English. 

Professor Rice 

Something that stood out to me was during the interview is when Professor Rice stated, "Its frustrating, you can love something but still find it frustrating, mind expanding, and sad all at the same time." He was talking about his experience teaching. It just shows the Professors here are all down to earth and have feelings as well.

Tim Liguori (Student of Professor Rice)

I spoke with Tim Liguori who is currently enrolled in Advanced Composition with Professor Rice and asked him how he enjoyed it and what he got out of it. "Before this class I didn't really like writing too much. Professor Rice has perfected my grammar, composition skills, and overall essay formatting."

All in all Professor Rice is an all around respected Professor here at SUNY Oneonta by his students and fellow colleagues. Many students have benefited from taking one of his classes so do not be a fool sign up now for next year!

View from back of his classroom

SUNY Oneonta Basketball: Eulogio Medina

Nick O'Connor-- Oneonta, New York

Eulogio Medina is a sophomore basketball player and Mass Communications major here at SUNY Oneonta. He has been a part of the team for his first two seasons while attending Oneonta. Eulogio has been taking basketball very serious ever since he was a little kid, around ten years old. The way he got involved in basketball truly is a humbling story. Eulogio didn't come from the greatest of areas, as he explained he came from "the hood, like the actual thing" and life wasn't always the easiest for him coming out of there. If he wanted to be successful in anything he did he knew he had to get out the place that he called home for so many years. "You're either gonna play ball or sell drugs, join gangs and ultimately end up living a negative life." In fact his best games came from him remembering where he came from and knowing that he had to get out to better his life. 

Eulogio did have a passion for basketball yes, but there was something that also caught his eye. A hidden talent that he has. Eulogio stated that he always had a little bit of an entrepreneur side to him, he always wanted to make money, but who doesn't. In the past few months, he found a new passion, this time in the form of bracelet making. He started getting into bracelet making when him and his girlfriend bought some stones and decided to make a few bracelets. Well a few turned into many real quick. With encouragement from his friends he decided to sell them and even make his own website called, Awakened Tribe.  

Even tho Eulogio has been with the basketball team for the last two years, he will not be furthering his career as a collegiate athlete next season. "I can't have something constraining me, that's why i have to tell my coach I can't play ball anymore." Within the upcoming months, and years, Eulogio will work to enhance his business.

Darren Gomez, Suny Oneonta Athlete

Darren Gomez is a senior for the SUNY Oneonta men’s soccer team. He’s played defense for the Red Dragons ever since he joined the team in 2012.

His soccer career really took off in high school, where he played for John Jay Senior High School in Hopewell Junction, NY. He played at the varsity level all 4 years at John Jay. He was even named player of the year in the Poughkeepsie Journal his senior year. His top-notch play in high school earned him his spot on the Red Dragon roster.

“Playing high school soccer was a fun time,” Gomez said. “The talent level isn’t as high as it is in college so I really felt like I had the chance to stand out and showcase my talent.”  

“Winning player of the year was an honor. There are a lot of impressive players in our area so for them to have picked me for the award was special.”

Gomez is now enjoying his final year in Oneonta as he is set to graduate in the fall of 2016. He’s logged 32 starts over his 4 year span with the team, including 3 when he was just a freshman.

His life doesn’t just revolve around soccer. He also spends a lot of time working on his studies. Gomez is a business economic major with hopes to graduate this coming spring.

“Yeah sometimes you have to remind yourself that you’re also here to do schoolwork,” Gomez said jokingly.

“School is very important to me. I have to create a path for my future somehow. I’m not exactly sure what I’m going to do about soccer when I graduate so focusing on school and my grades are very important.”

But of course soccer is always on his mind and unfortunately, it can’t seem to leave his mind after their heartbreaking loss in the NCAA Final Four this year. He had high hopes for the team despite a few loses early on. It’s hard to do much better than the Red Dragons did this year, putting up a 19-3-2 record. But all their success led to a devastating defeat via penalty kicks in Kansas City, MO against Amherst College.

“That was rough,” Gomez said. “We we’re confident going into the tournament and to be honest, I expected to the win the whole thing. It is horrible though, being a senior and going out like that but there’s not much more we could have done. We took them to 2 overtimes and unfortunately lost in penalty kicks. Sometimes things just don’t go your way but I have faith in our team for next season even though I won’t be there.”

Gomez has always been a leader, ever since he was in high school as a captain for John Jay. He certainly considered himself a leader for this team as well.

\“Well as a senior, I feel like it’s almost your job to lead. You have to set an example for the young guys on the team. Leading has always come natural for me. I’m very vocal and I can definitely get the team fired up. But I’m also the kind of player that likes to lead with my play on the field. I feel like that’s the most important thing.”

Gomez has had his last hurrah as a Red Dragon but still hopes his impact will be remembered and his team can make another push for a Final Four appearance in the 2016 season.

Debbie Sperano - Associate Registrar

BY KYLE KOCAN -- (ONEONTA, NY)

Debbie Sperano has worked on the SUNY Oneonta campus in the Netzer Administration Building since 1996 which in total is roughly twenty years.  In the past Debbie attended SUNY Oneonta  as a student receiving an Early Childhood Education degree and was a resident hall director.  She started to work in the admissions department and stayed there until graduating.  Debbie who grew up in the area of Oneonta has felt always a close connection to Oneonta. After finishing Oneonta she briefly went to West Virginia University in order to obtain her masters degree but realized she wanted to stay close to home.  After deciding to come back to Oneonta and obtain her masters degree she started to work in the registrars office where she quickly got hooked.  In her own words she said that her job would be described as "we service two communities, one faculty and staff and the other students...my position services mostly to students here on campus." Debbie decided that she wanted to continue her career working in the registrars office helping students with scheduling classes and any problems with scheduling.

Netzer Administration Building Taken By: Kyle Kocan

If you ever call the registrar's office Debbie is the one who will assist you in your problems with scheduling classes, adding or dropping classes, and even applying for graduation.  She or one of her staff are the ones who will overlook your transcript to make sure you have earned enough credits and taken enough credits in your major.  She stated that "I love to work with the students because they keep me up to date with what's going on around campus."  

Deborah Sperano's Business Card Taken By: Kyle Kocan

Debbie went on to explain that her schedule is based off the academic schedule here at the school.  "Last Monday started pre-enrollment, so last week and this week will be really busy for us" Sperano said.  She also talked about how she loves interacting with the students and helping them with any of their scheduling problems.  If you have any problems with your schedule, I would recommended setting up a meeting with Debbie in order to find a solution to your problems.  She is very flexible but by a slim chance she is not free than some of her staff are there to assist you with your problems.

Dual Monitors in Office Taken By: Kyle Kocan

Scott Boyer

Actor, Writer, Lawyer, Professor Extraordinaire 

Zach Vaccaro  

ONEONTA NY-- The SUNY Oneonta Communications department is home to some of Oneontas most talented and experienced professors.  Among them is Professor Scott Boyer. Scott, who first started his career as an small time actor on various television programs and commercials, moved his way up the ranks in the entertainment industry to become a Media Lawyer and children's book author.  

Now, Scott teaches in the Mass Communications department at Oneonta. He teaches multiple courses including but not limited to Public Speaking as well as Development of Films. His classes are enjoyed by all his students who have taken them. I myself took one of Professor Boyers classes last semester. It was Development of Films.  

The course wasn't too difficult but challenging. Professor Boyer was informative, supportive, and his priority in the classroom was most definitely the students.  Doug Heins, Senior at Oneonta describes Scott as "Inspiring, and he opened up my eyes to cinematic elements and creativity in the film industry".  

Before becoming a Professor, Scott was a student at University of Florida.  He began his career by writing a childrens' television program "Ooga Booga".  He ventured to Los Angeles, where he was unfortunately robbed of all his equipment and materials for the TV show.  From there Scott found a job at CBS as a paige for The Price Is Right where he discovered that he wanted to be an actor.  He waited on tables while searching for acting jobs, finding some work on commercials and a low level Sci- Fi TV show.  

Scott then though to himself why not be a lawyer? So he packed his bags once again and headed to Miami. Then discovering he really did not want to be a lawyer, he stuck through it. Eventually passing the BAR exam and becoming a Lawyer, Scott got some work on some high profile cases defending clients such as Wal Mart and other big name companies. Due to his acting experiences, Scott was hired to work trials.

Scott eventually found his way to the Catskills where he lives with his wife in Tredwell, 15 minutes from Oneonta.  Scott says he loves it up here where the air is clean and the sights to see are beautiful but misses his home in Miami.

https://youtu.be/L14uuvd7g4w

SUNY Oneonta's Best: Professor Cohen

BY SHARON SEYMOUR -- (ONEONTA, NY)

Professor Cohen

Professor Cohen is known on the SUNY Oneonta campus as the Hollywood screenplay writer turned professor. Professor Cohen is part of the writers guild and has written many screenplays throughout his career. He teaches a course called “Writing for TV, Radio, and Film.” This is professor Cohen’s third year living in Oneonta and in a personal interview with me he declared that his “soul has finally landed in Oneonta.” I asked professor Cohen about his process in deciding to teach at SUNY Oneonta and he said "I met the chairman of the Mass Communications department who I adore, Gayane Torosyan, and we hit it off right away."He adds,"Screenwriting is an art form in itself and I wanted to be in a place where I could be set free to develop my screenwriting class." Many students enjoy Professor Cohen’s upbeat, bubbly, and endearing personality. Weston Blasi is currently a teacher’s assistant for professor Cohen and he remarks, “he’s always positive he always brings this great energy for an old dude he really seems to care about his students and about what they're writing."

Darrel Persaud(Left) Weston Blasi(Right)

From my own experience of having professor Cohen as a teacher I can say that he really does care deeply about his students. He spoke to me about a memorable experience with a student he had that was very passionate about screenwriting. Cohen remarks, "After every single class John would come up to me to talk to me about this screenplay he was working on, he was very determined to write this story about vikings."Professor Cohen explained how he began to collaborate with John on his screenplay and he says, "The fact that he so respected me, and who I was... and allowed me to work with him on his screenplay...it was a very humbling experience." Cohen goes on to say, “I’ll do anything for a student that’s really serious about what there doing.” Professor Cohen makes sure to meet individually with his students to discuss their progress and share creative ideas with students to spark their imagination for writing screenplays. Professor Cohen often has the class form a circle with their desks and this creates a sense of intimacy and allows for valuable class discussion time. Darrel Persaud explains what he loves the most about working with professor Cohen and says “One of the things I love most about professor Cohen is the way he communicates to us. I think that’s important in any different type of teaching style; the way you convey yourself to your students.”

Left to Right: Darrel Persaud, Professor Cohen, Weston Blasi

   


Professor Cohen explains that he is very experienced with professional screenwriting and he has been crafting screenplays for over 30 years! Professor Cohen states, “As I continue to write I keep learning new things. There are so many aspects to writing screenplays, just the emotional upheaval of writing things and having to re-write and re-write again, it’s a challenging and rewarding process.” Finally, I asked Professor Cohen about what his next move will be at SUNY Oneonta. Cohen remarks “I’m setting up an advanced screenwriting course for the kids that are really interested in writing screenplays and working one-on-one and really collaborating with them.” Professor Cohen is looking for talented writers to join his advanced screenwriting class that are up for the creative challenge of crafting compelling screenplays this upcoming semester.

Freshmen Daniel Njoku and Pat Calhoun playing 1 v 1

(Oneonta - NY) Intramurals has been a huge part of SUNY Oneonta for quite some time. It's the place where students can come together and play some of their favorite sports when they're looking for some fun. 

Seniors Leslie Brownell and Daniel Hartner playing 1 v 1

Although intramurals can get a bit competitive within some teams, it is one of the best ways to meet some new people and really put yourself out there. Intramurals offers twenty seven different types of sports that students can engage in. It's not a surprise to us that Vice President Leslie Brownell loves her job as much as she does from the moment she began. 

Brownell went on to say how this is one of the best decisions she has ever made in her career here at SUNY Oneonta. The friendships that were formed as a result of spending so much time with the same people every single day turns friendships in to families. 

Intramurals is also a great way to stay in shape since some teams often hold practices during the week to prepare for the games ahead. 

Intramurals is a fantastic way to build character, put yourself outside of your comfort zone, and create memories with some of the best people you will have the chance of meeting in your college career.

SUNY Oneonta Intramurals

Intramural's: Leslie Brownell

SUNY Oneonta Alumni Field House

Intramurals are a large part of many college campuses. Students all across the country use intramurals as a way to make friends and get involved on campus. Sports consistently prove to be a great way to also stay in shape and keep your mental clarity/focus.

SUNY Oneonta is no different.

SUNY Oneonta's campus is home to over 27 different intramural sports opportunities. With many different sports available, it's easy to see every student can be involved in some way. One student who has always been involved is current intramural VP Leslie Brownell.

Now a senior, Brownell has filled her life and college career with sports. Leslie doesn't participate in any Varsity or club sports but intramurals are a year round event.

"I've been playing since I was a freshman. I've met a lot of my close friends through intramural teams, said Brownell. Especially when I was a freshman its always difficult to make new friends but this made it easy."

Intramurals are also a great place for employment. Now the VP, Brownell has been there for three years and finds herself to be extremely lucky for having that job. 

"Most people get wait listed for like three years but I kind of just clicked and the rest is history. It's been a great place to work.

There are intramural sports and teams available in both semesters so check it out. The offices are located in Chase.

Gary Wickham: The Mass Communications Department's Hidden Gem

Adia Watts

ONEONTA, N.Y.--The Mass Communication department, one of the more popular majors at SUNY Oneonta, provides hands on learning environments coupled with some excellent experienced professionals.

One professor in particular, Gary Wickham, has really set the tone for the type of quality education that students at the college can expect. 

An Oneonta native and SUNY Oneonta alumnus, Professor Wickham has become a staple in the Mass Communications department for his expertise in the field. Wickham began his radio career while he was still in college at SUNY Oneonta, where he claimed that he was “a horrible student.”

He has worked at numerous radio stations throughout his career, including WSRK radio in Oneonta, which is now owned by Townsquare Media. 

After college, Wickham was drafted into the army. While in the army, Wickham was a teacher for the soldiers. After he left the army, Wickham went back to school to pursue his graduate degree. He said that once he got to graduate school, he was a much better student than he was during his undergraduate years. Subsequently, Wickham began working at SUNY Oneonta as a lecturer. 

Wickham has been a lecturer at SUNY Oneonta for ten years. During his time teaching at SUNY Oneonta, Wickham has taught many production classes including Audio Production, Audio Documentary, and Writing for TV, Radio, and Film.

He has also taught more theoretical classes like Research Methods in Mass Media, but Wickham said he is a strong advocate for the more practical, hands on classes that he feels better prepare students for their future careers.

"It does no good for us to teach theory if we can't see the kids go out and get jobs," Wickham said.

Wickham greatly cares about his students. He says that his students are the best part about working at the college. 

"The kids are brilliant. They want to learn ... It'll be the students that I miss when I go," said Wickham. 

Wickham's students also feel the same way about him. SUNY Oneonta student Samantha Butcher was a teaching assistant for Wickham for three semesters. During that time, Butcher said that she and Wickham became very close and she had a good time learning from him and working with him.

"I feel like I have somebody I can go to if I need anything on campus or a recommendation," said Butcher.

Colleagues of Wickham also appreciate his warm spirit and kind heart.

Former student and current mass communications professor Rilwan Ameen says that he appreciates Wickham’s generous, giving nature.

"He's one of those professors who's always willing to cater to his students’ needs," said Ameen. 

Ameen also says that Wickham has influenced his current teaching style. 

Although Wickham said that he will miss the students when he goes, he also said that he's not saying when that will be. 

Whether 2016 is one of Wickham's last years on campus is hard to say for now, but one thing is for certain: Wickham has brought the college a lot more than just knowledge.

Brittany Tait: Captain and MVP of Hartwick Water Polo

By Brittany Rohrssen~~ Oneonta, NY

Brittany Tait

Born in Kariong, Australia, Brittany Tait has led Hartwick's division 1 water polo team since coming to America for her freshman year at the university. She's not only captain of the team but she was also voted Team Most Valuable Player, ACWPC Honorable Mention All-American, and CWPA Honorable Mention in 2015. She got her start in 2005 when she played on the Woy Woy Wombats club team and then in 2010 joined the Hunter Hurricanes club team. She attended Henry Kendall High School where she was then accepted onto the New South Whales State team where she played for five years straight before coming to the states to play for Hartwick. 

Head Coach, Alan Huckins

The team consists of 15 girls from different countries all around the world. The girls all look to Brittany for guidance and leadership as the team captain. Teammate Michaela Davies commented, "She's a great captain actually, the girls really look up to her and she's not only a great player but she's a great leader." But it's not just her teammates that are bragging about her; her coach, Alan Huckins told me, "Brittany brings a lot of energy, she's the one on the team that's always moving and creating things, she's pretty much the quarterback in the water."

But how does this division 1 athlete manage all the responsibilities as captain while keeping up with schoolwork? Brittany is a business and sociology major at Hartwick. She's about to wrap up her senior year and has made it look nearly effortless to balance all her work and water polo responsibilities. Brittany told me, "the hardest thing about being here is the traveling; juggling schoolwork while traveling each weekend, it gets quite difficult." She also told me about how tough it was to leave her family for four years but she says she thinks she's grown as a person from this experience and that she wouldn't change it for the world. 

Hartwick Water Polo, 2015

Kiwi taking a break from Representative Water polo to sore for the Hawks.

By Michaela Davies- ONEONTA, NY

McKenty is a second year scholar athlete representing Hartwick in Division I Water polo. Coming from halfway across the world, she put representative water polo on holt in order to further her education whilst still managing to play the sport she loves at a competitive level. For this Hartwick star, Water polo has been a huge part of her life growing up. “For as long as I can remember I’ve either been at a pool, travelling around the world or meeting amazing new people.” Starting off as a young quick swimmer looking to become a part of a team, Water polo was introduced by her primary school back in New Zealand and further pursued when her mum took her to her first trial as an under 12. In 2010 she made her first New Zealand representative team as a 14 year old in an under 15 age group and hasn’t looked back since. She has gone on to represent her country on multiple occasions, A test series against Australia and Canada held in New Zealand in 2011, Her first Junior World championships in 2014 held in Madrid, Spain and most recently travelled to Volos Greece to compete in the Junior World Championships where she co-captained her team to 7th place.

McKenty went viral after the Greek Water polo organisation gave her team the wrong flag for the opening ceremony at Junior World Championships in Volos 2015.
Photo by: FIND OUT (c) 

In 2013 she graduated from Takapuna Grammar School and was recruited to play as a Hawk simultaneously. She arrived at Hartwick as an eager freshman awaiting the beginning of her first season not knowing what to expect in terms of the differences in play and coaching. “I was pretty nervous but I think my excitement made me forget that.” McKenty said. Since then McKenty has become a vital part of the Hartwick Hawks team, last year starting 28 of the 39 games whilst recording the third highest amount of points with 96 points. These points reflected her 48 goals scored, a matching 48 assists, 56 steals and 41 kickouts drawn. Just over half way through this years season (2015/16) McKenty has recorded 76 points with 31 goals, 41 assists and 35 steals ranking her second in the team. “She’s a great player with a lot of potential.” Assistant coach Ashley Huckins said. An opinion shared amongst her teammates.

“I can’t wait to play the next two seasons with her. She Helps me with everything I’m doing in and out of the pool.” Freshman, Sabrina Hartwell said.

McKenty on team trip to Greece Spring Break 2016
Photo by: Charlotte Cottle 2016 (c)

Along with Water polo McKenty studies hard and works to ensure she maintains good grades. Currently sitting on the dean’s list for the second time, the Geology major says being an athlete can sometimes make it difficult for her but it makes her a more organized student in the long run.
“Water polo has provided me with the structure to get all my work done a week earlier despite many difficulties.” With the end of her second season nearing, she hopes to make the NCAA playoffs but most importantly enjoy the last couple of weeks she has left with the team she loves before a number of seniors graduate. “I am just looking forward to spending as much time as I can with the team outside of water polo. We wont know what to do with ourselves.”

McKenty pre-shot
Photo By: Gerry Raymonda 2016 (c)

Members of the Hartwick Water polo team joke around at last home tournament for 2016
Photo By: Charlotte Cottle 2016 (c)

Life as a Basketball Twin Ft. Kareem Williams

By Kali Herbstman -- Oneonta, NY

Photo Retrieved from Kareem Williams (c) Kadeem Williams on
 left, Kareem Williams on right.                                                       

Meet SUNY Oneonta Basketball senior Kareem Williams aka Reem-O, Tall Dark n Handsome, TDH President, and In Reem We Trust. Williams has had a unique life, experiencing growing up with his twin brother Kadeem.  They have had each other to better themselves in basketball as well as overall individuals. Although Kareem has not had twin brother here at Oneonta, he always keeps him in mind. 

Growing up always having his twin brother as a best friend on his side, Kareem made the decision to take on the college experience without Kadeem.  They knew that the schools of their choice did not offer both of their majors, so their only choice was to explore separate paths. 

Photo Retrieved by Kareem Williams (c) Kali Herbstman

Kareem plays a huge role not only on the basketball team, but in peoples lives as well. He is very thankful, not only for the team that he played with for four years, but also the friends that have always been by his side. Friend of Kareem, Murcie Lago explains,  "he's a great guy, aka Reem God, aka Tall Dark and Handsome. He's just a great guy to be around." The things that Murcie has to say about Kareem is a prime example of the kind of friend and role model that he has become here at SUNY Oneonta.

Another friend, Rene Lantigua admits, "I know him personally as a friend. I think he is very humble, and he always brings that to the court when I go and see him play at Alumni." Lantigua is just one of the many people that see Kareem's humble self on and off the court. Williams strives to be the best player that he can be on and off the court.  

Making an impact playing at SUNY Oneonta without his twin brother has been a very great opportunity for Kareem.  He is proud to admit that his work here at SUNY Oneonta is complete.

Good Luck Kareem, and thank you for time and effort here with us at SUNY Oneonta. 

A Final Look at Kareem Williams SUNY Oneonta Career

A Final Look at Kareem Williams SUNY Oneonta Career

 Krystal Herbstman – Oneonta, NY

Kareem Williams. (c) SUNY Oneonta

 Kareem Williams, also known as Reem-God, Reem O Mighty, Tall-Dark-Handsome, TDH President, and In Reem We Trust. He truly plays a major role at SUNY Oneonta. He is not only well known for his basketball career, but also his intramural coaching job, his academic success, and his genuine personality that has made an impact on all the people he has met throughout his college career.

As an incoming freshman, Kareem faced moments of fear and excitement for what was to come. He knew that he needed to prove himself on and off the court in order to finish with success. Looking back, Kareem admits that there were times when he needed improvement. He understood that there were people on the team who invested strong competition, and that without his full commitment he could struggle.

Kareem faced some challenges when dealing with time management. Kareem prioritized being capable of holding a job, as well as excelling in all aspects of his Oneonta career. He notes that trying to balance work, athletics, academics, and a social life was far from easy- but he is thankful that it has made him a much better student overall. He even teases that he may try and “cop” a 4.0 this semester, and land a job in Manhattan.

Kareem has spent the last four and a half years in Oneonta, and May marks his final departure. He explains that there is nothing that he regrets during his time in Oneonta, and he feels that he took advantage of every opportunity that he was given. He has created friendships that will last a lifetime, and truly found a place that was nothing short of an amazing second home.