Nationally ranked Cards host Clarkson tonight
PLATTSBURGH — The National Soccer Coaches Association of America and D3soccer.com have both deemed the undefeated Plattsburgh State women's soccer team worthy of a spot on each of their national polls ranking the top women's soccer team in NCAA Division III. The Cardinals move up a spot from last week to 18th on the NSCAA poll and rank 16th on the first D3soccer.com poll of the season.

The Cardinals are the only State University of New York Athletic Conference team ranked on either poll, though Oneonta and Cortland did receive votes from D3soccer.com.

In their last outing, the Cardinals picked up their second shutout of the season with a 5-0 win over Castleton State at home, bringing the team's record to 4-0 for the season. Overall, Plattsburgh has outscored its opponents 11-2 and leads in shots 71-20.

Next up for the Cardinals, the team will take on Clarkson today at home at 7 p.m.

Cards' Makaren
gets SUNYAC honor

FREDONIA — Plattsburgh State's Anis Makaren has been named the State University of New York Athletic Conference men's soccer player of the week for the period ending Sunday, the league office announced on Tuesday. The junior forward from Lecheria, Venezuela (SUNY-Delhi), is the first Cardinal to be chosen this season.

Makaren helped Plattsburgh to a pair of road wins against regional opponents last week. Both of his goals put Plattsburgh in the lead, including an eventual game-winner over Clarkson in a 3-1 triumph Wednesday. He also scored in Saturday's 2-1 victory at Saint John Fisher.

The newcomer, who was an all-region player at the junior college level, leads the team in scoring with five goals.

Plattsburgh looks to keep its three-game unbeaten streak alive on Wednesday at Castleton State and then Saturday at home versus Skidmore. Both games are scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m.

Bodkin claims SUNYAC citation
FREDONIA — Plattsburgh State setter Susan Bodkin earned State University of New York Athletic Conference volleyball player of the week honors for the first time of her career, the league office announced on Tuesday. Bodkin is the first Cardinal chosen for the award in seven years since Erin Hutchinson won it on Oct. 21, 2002.

A senior from Rockville Centre (South Side High School), Bodkin helped the Cardinals take three of four matches at the Panther Invitational in Old Westbury, playing an all-around game that saw her lead her team in assists, aces and second in digs. She also had 4 kills, 25 assists, 2 aces and 15 digs against NCAA Division II Saint Michael's. She totaled 83 assists, 14 aces, 34 digs and 3 blocks.

Plattsburgh enters the annual six-team Cardinal Classic Friday starting at 4:15 p.m. and Saturday at 9:30 a.m. with a 5-4 record and three-match winning streak, pending Tuesday's outcome at Paul Smith's College.

Former Cardinal Arterberry plays for Rodman
ELMIRA — Former Plattsburgh State men's basketball standout Cameron Arterberry has signed a professional contract with the minor league Elmira Bulldogs of the Eastern Basketball Alliance, the team's co-owner and director of operations Charles Berch announced. Arterberry joined the team this week and played a preseason game against the New York Wizards at Madison Square Garden.

Arterberry will be coached by five-time NBA champion Dennis Rodman, who was known throughout his professional career for his fierce defensive and rebounding abilities.

Arterberry, a 6-5 forward who has been living in Rochester, averaged 13.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists during his 38-game career for the Cardinals. He was an all-conference honorable mention pick (2003-04) as a junior when he averaged 13.2 points and 6.0 rebounds while 48.2 percent from the field.

Elmira has compiled a 21-6 record in each of the team's first two seasons in the EBA and has made it to the league championship both times.

More information on the Bulldogs is available at www.elmirabulldogs.com

NCYH starting U12 girls' house league team
ROUSES POINT — North Country Youth Hockey (NCYH), is introducing a U12 House League girls' team for the 2009-2010 season.

The cost for first-year N.C.Y.H. skaters will be $55. Current N.C.Y.H. skaters who register to play on another team (ie. boys Pee Wee or Squirt) will be charged a fee of $55 in addition to the regular registration fee for the other team.

The U12 girls' team is currently looking for girls ages 8-12 interested in playing organized hockey this year. Goalie equipment is available for any girls interested in playing this position. Additional coaches are also needed. Contact Tim Matott, at 297-2437, for additional information.

Keeseville softball banquet set for Sept. 27
KEESEVILLE — The Keeseville Medium-Pitch Men's Softball League will hold its banquet Sept. 27, at 1 p.m., at the Keeseville VFW Post 1505. Awards will be given out with food to follow.

Northwoods Challenge slated for Oct. 3
TUPPER LAKE — The 2009 edition of the Northwoods Challenge has been set for Saturday, Oct. 3. The run and walk starts at the train station, proceeds up to McDonald's where racers/walkers cross to the municipal park along the water looping back to the start point.

Each year organizers target a specific cause which proceeds after race expenses are donated. Past beneficiaries have included the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, Adirondack Public Observatory and Next Stop! Tupper Lake. This year's recipient will be the Town of Tupper Lake Summer Day Camp, which plans to use proceeds to set up a scholarship fund for campers.

Registration forms having been appearing regularly in the Free Press and are also available at many area businesses.

The race begins at 10 a.m.. A special kid's fun run precedes the main event at 9:30 a.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

Free T-shirts will be provided to participants who register before Sept. 26. Festivities the day of include a free kid fun run as well as goodie bags and refreshments for all participants. Also door prizes will be drawn from all 5-kilometer finishing race numbers.

For more information and to volunteer, contact Katherine Sabin, at 524-0155, or Noryce Burgey, at 891-6638, adkpinery@msn.com.

Kayak for seniors program offered
SARANAC — The Town of Plattsburgh Recreation Department will offer a free kayak program for any active senior who would like to try out a kayak in a very safe environment. The program will start in Saranac at Picketts Corners Park and paddle leisurely down to the Cadyville Beach, enjoying the fall colors along the way.

The group will leave at noon on Monday, Sept. 28 and at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1. The trip is around 7 miles long and will take approximately 3 hours. Participants are asked to choose either the Monday or Thursday trip.

The Town will also sponsor a hike/walk to the Point Au Roche State Park on Sept. 30, at 8:30 a.m. The walk will take the group through trails along the lake and through the woods on relatively flat terrain. It will last approximately one hour.

All participants must pre-register prior to the programs and can do so by stopping by or calling the Town of Plattsburgh Recreation Department at 151 Banker Rd or 562-6860.