Bearcats Winter Sports Teams Triumphant Athletically and Academically

Men’s Basketball and Men’s Swimming Win Championships Student-Athletes in Four Teams Earn High GPAs

March 21, 2022

The Baruch College winter sports teams had outstanding seasons that increased the total of CUNYAC championships to four Baruch titles during the ongoing 2021-22 athletic year.

The men’s basketball and men’s swimming teams each won CUNYAC Championships, while the women’s swimming team finished in second place. The women’s basketball team also had a great season reaching the semifinal round of their championship tournament.

The men’s basketball and swimming teams join the championship teams from the fall—men’s soccer and women’s tennis—in capturing titles.

Student-athletes of the four winter sports teams of men’s and women’s basketball and swimming were equally impressive in the classroom, earning a cumulative GPA of 3.338.

“We are extremely proud of all the achievements our winter teams have accomplished both academically and athletically,” said Heather MacCulloch, director of athletics and recreation at Baruch College. “It is inspiring to see how well our student-athletes bounced back after not having sports for so long. I am looking forward to seeing how our spring teams showcase themselves in the weeks to come.”

Men’s Basketball

The Bearcats won their fourth CUNYAC Championship after defeating Lehman College in overtime, 75-69. Sophomore forward Emil Purisic had a near-perfect performance shooting 9-of-10 from the field to earn Most Valuable Player championship honors. Head Coach and Baruch alum John Alesi (’03) has been a member of all four championships with the first as a player (1999-2000) and the last three as Head Coach (2014-15; 2018-19; 2021-22). Senior Michael Richards was voted as the Burt Beagle CUNYAC Sportsmanship Award Winner.

Women’s Basketball

The Bearcats had their best performance since the 2014-15 season by reaching the semifinal round of the CUNYAC Championship Tournament. The squad coached by Baruch alum Michael Kotrozos finished in third place in the regular season standings. First-year student Mia Castillo was voted the CUNYAC Rookie of the Year for her outstanding performances. Senior Melinda Spahiu became the 15th player in team history to score 1,000 career points.

Men’s Swimming

The Bearcats won their fourth straight title and seventh in team history at the CUNYAC Finals hosted by Lehman College. The Bearcats dominated the competition behind the efforts of sophomore Dayan Ordabayev, who earned seven gold medals and was awarded Most Valuable Performer honors. The team also won a majority of the CUNYAC regular season awards with Ordabayev voted as Performer of the Year, while first-year student Youssef Elkhouly was voted the Rookie of the Year. Head Coach Charles Lampasso was voted Coach of the Year for the seventh time in his career.

Women’s Swimming

The Bearcats finished in second place at the CUNYAC Finals hosted by Lehman College. The women’s program continues to be a force in swimming, finishing either first or second during each of the last 15 finals dating back to 2007. First-year student Aanya Shukul was one of the top swimmers all season and was recognized by being voted the CUNYAC Rookie of the Year.

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