UCI’s Hamilton recognized

UC Irvine senior Anthony Hamilton was named to the College Soccer News National Team of the Week and was named Big West Conference Player of the Week after being named the MVP of the Long Island University Classic in Brooklyn, N.Y.

The Anteaters (3-1-1) defeated Long Island, 4-0, and tied No. 12-ranked Fordham, 2-2, to win the four-team tournament completed Sunday.

Hamilton recorded two goals and an assist in the tournament and has scored either a goal or an assist in each game in 2006.

The National Team of the Week honor is the first of his career and this is his third Big West Player of the Week honor. He received the honor twice in 2005.

CESAR RESIGNS POSITION

Ben Cesar, who has been a member of the UC Irvine track and field coaching staff for the past eight years, has announced his resignation to become marketing manager for running athletes at Asics America Corp.

Cesar joined the Anteaters staff as an assistant coach in 1998 and was promoted to associate head coach in 2001. He was a member of the Philippine national track team from 1993-97 and was that nation’s champion in the 100 and 200 meters from 1995-97.

Cesar ran track at UCI from 1991-92 before finishing his career at UCLA (1993-94).

“It is with great sadness that I leave the UC Irvine track and field program,” Cesar said. “My decision to pursue a new professional challenge was especially difficult because I am leaving a great group of returning athletes and a talented group of incoming freshmen and JC transfers.

“I would like to thank (head coach) Vince O’Boyle for giving me the opportunity to come back and coach at UC Irvine, and my athletes for allowing me to share with them my knowledge and passion for the sport.

“I am honored to have been a part of the great tradition that is UC Irvine track and field, and have every confidence that the success of the program will continue with this year’s team and future teams.”