The Liberty League is celebrating its 25th anniversary during the 2019-2020 academic year. Originally founded as the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) in 1995, the conference was renamed the Liberty League during the summer of 2004. Each Thursday throughout the year, the Liberty League will be celebrating its silver anniversary by recognizing outstanding teams and individuals from its rich 25-year history.
As we transition from the fall to the winter season, the Liberty League recognizes one of the best multi-sport scholar-athletes in its history: Clarkson University basketball and baseball standout John Coleman.
Coleman, a 2015 graduate of Clarkson University, was recognized by the NCAA at the 2016 NCAA Convention and its Honors Celebration. A two-sport standout for the Golden Knights Basketball and Baseball teams, Coleman was chosen as a recipient of the 2016 Today's Top 10 Award winner.
The Today's Top 10 award recognizes former student-athletes for their successes on the field, in the classroom and in the community. Recipients completed their athletics eligibility during the 2014-15 academic year.
Coleman competed in both men's basketball and baseball while at Clarkson, and during his senior season he was picked as the Liberty League as Player of the Year in both sports—making him the first non-track and field or cross country athlete in conference history to be selected for the honor in two sports.
Coleman finished his basketball career as an all-time school leader in points, field goals made, field goal percentage and steals. He finished his baseball career ranked among the top 10 in school history in hits, runs, batting average and on-base percentage.
In addition, he was named the 2015 Capital One Academic All-America of the Year for both sports and was selected the 2014-15 Capital One Division III Academic All-America®, of the Year, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). He graduated with a 3.97 grade point average as a mathematics major.
The NCAA Honors Committee, which selects the honorees, is comprised of representatives from member schools and conferences, as well as nationally distinguished former college athletes.
25th Anniversary Spotlight Series:
10/24/2019 - 1999 St. Lawrence University Men's Soccer
10/31/2019 - Sara Artus, Clarkson University, Volleyball (2008-2011)
11/7/2019 - Ali Marpet, Hobart College, Football (2011-2015)
11/14/2019 - 1997 William Smith College Field Hockey
11/21/2019 - Grant O'Connor, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Cross Country/Track & Field (2015-2019)
11/28/2019 - Andrew Franks, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Football (2011-2015)
12/5/2019 - 2013 William Smith College Women's Soccer