An Overview of Rochester Athletics

A gallery of trophies that reflect Rochester's tradition of athletic excellence is displayed at the atrium of the Robert B. Goergen Athletic Center.

The University of Rochester has a tradition of athletic excellence that dates back to its founding in the 19th century. The University considers athletics and recreation an extremely important part of the learning process. In light of that importance, the University has made significant improvements to existing athletic facilities and constructed new facilities.

Rochester renewed its commitment to athletic excellence by the hiring of George VanderZwaag as Director of Athletics and Recreation in March, 1999.

In four years, holding the key leadership role in the department, VanderZwaag has overseen construction of four major projects:

• $14.6 million renovation of the Goergen Athletic Center, including design of the 11,000 square-foot Fitness Center.
• $1.7 million replacement of the turf and track in Edwin Fauver Stadium.
• The Peter Lyman Tennis Center
• Improvements to the softball and baseball fields.

VanderZwaag established the Friends of Rochester Athletics whose mission is to insure quality intercollegiate and recreational athletic opportunities at the University.

He has worked closely with The College leadership to implement a strategic plan to provide a quality athletics experience for students. He has reaffirmed the important educational role of athletics within the overall mission of The College.

Erika Smith '04 finished her junior season by earning First Team All-American honors from Kodak and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association. She was the Upstate NY Player of the Year.
(Image by Chris Landon/FinishPhoto.com)

In the athletics department itself, VanderZwaag has restructured the administrative team, adding Associate Directors for Athletics, Development, and Recreation/Wellness. He has enhanced coaching support for all programs, including the addition of full-time coaches in the sports of women's volleyball, baseball, softball, men's and women's tennis, and squash.

All of the hard work behind the scenes and off the field has paid handsome dividends in athletic competition. In the last four years, eight Rochester teams have competed in the NCAA Division III team championships, highlighted by the men's and women's basketball teams reaching the Division III Final Four in 2002 (men) and 2003 (women). Nine sports have sent individuals to the NCAA Division III Championships.

The Yellowjackets have won seven conference championships and seven Eastern College Athletic Conference championships. Nineteen sports have attained a national ranking and 25 teams have competed in post-season play.

The most significant accomplishment has been made by the women's basketball team. In a three-year span, the Yellowjackets won two ECAC Upstate New York Championships, and played in the NCAA Division III Final Four.

Individual accolades are just as glowing. Thirteen athletes have earned All-America honors. Eleven have been accorded Academic All-America honors on the Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-America team chosen by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

Teams and individuals have been cited by their respective coaching associations for academic prowess including the sports of field hockey, men's cross country, women's cross country, men's soccer, women's soccer, women's basketball, men's swimming and diving, women's swimming and diving, men's indoor track and field, women's indoor track and field, women's lacrosse, golf, men's outdoor track and field and women's outdoor track and field.