In this edition of "America East Online", the show profiles the latest stories and achievements of the America East Conference. America East Online is a 20-minute web-only show which features all nine of the conference's campuses and highlights athletics, academics and leadership.
The episode begins with a profile of Maine track & field athlete Corey Conner, who has excelled at the highest level both in athletics and in the classroom. In the feature, Conner discusses what it meant to run the fastest 5,000 meter time in the world earlier this year, as well as recently receiving the prestigious "M" Club Dean Smith Award.
The next segment gives the audience a preview of the upcoming Big Apple Battle, which features Boston University and Albany facing off in Madison Square Garden on Thursday, February 10. Interviews with Boston University head coach Pat Chambers, senior guard John Holland and Albany junior forward Billy Allen document the excitement surrounding the opportunity to play in the city known as the "Mecca of Basketball".
The student-athlete profile this week features "America East Online" host Max Mandel in an interview with Albany sophomore guard Logan Aronhalt, who after battling injuries early in his career, has emerged as one of the elite scorers in the America East this season. In the interview, Aronhalt discusses playing for his dad in high school, as well as how some of the injury battles he has fought through may have paved the way for his interests in the classroom.
The episode concludes with the Best Of U. series. This Best of U. focuses on Hartford Director of Athletics Pat Meiser, who has proven to be a trailblazer for women in intercollegiate athletics. As one of the few female Athletic Directors in the country, Meiser discusses her hope for the growth of the number of women in athletics, as well as the importance of community service for all student-athletes.
The show, hosted by Mandel, will be available every Wednesday throughout the basketball season. Fans can watch the web show at the America East Zone on AmericaEast.com, as well as on the league's social media web sites such as YouTube and Facebook.