* Today is an important day for Russell Sage College, and the City of Troy -- an abandoned building is being given new life and allowing the athletic programs at Russell Sage to grow and expand," said Senator Bruno. "This facility and new fields will provide our college athletes with the very best gyms, fields, and training equipment -- only fitting for a college that has already established itself as a leader in both athletics and academics.

The CRFS building is the former Troy Boys and Girls Club located at Canal and 5th streets (take 4th Street over the canal and turn left). Sage purchased the facility late in 2005 and recently opened its doors to student-athletes who are currently using its two gymnasiums and two strength and conditioning rooms. The first new athletic field will host Division III softball games beginning in the spring of 2008. This year RSC joined the Skyline Conference, which is based in the downstate/Long Island region. Already, they�re No. 1 in volleyball, with a record of 5-0.

"The Canal Street area has great potential," said President Neff. "Homebuyers are beginning to discover the attractive residential options. We look forward to continued growth in the south central part of Troy, and a strong partnership with those who live and work in the neighborhood."

The 22,000 square foot facility will become home base for varsity softball, soccer and eventually lacrosse. Lacrosse, currently a club sport, will be elevated to varsity status in 2008-09. Sage teams currently compete on rented fields elsewhere in the city.

The Ellis H. and Doris B. Robison Athletic Center, on the RSC campus along First Street will continue to serve as the home of varsity basketball and volleyball teams, club sports and general fitness activities. The new Center will provide additional practice space for all varsity teams and will include state-of-art athletic training equipment.

Sage also plans to offer sports camps and other summer camps for area youth at the new Center, rolling the first ones out in the summer of 2008. The location in South Central Troy, near the Little Italy and Pottery Districts, extends the neighborhood development efforts for which Sage has received wide recognition.