Akey Joins Bobcats in Homecoming

Paul Smiths, NY ~ Those who have been around campus since the early teens will see a familiar name don the Saunders basketball court this year, as sophomore transfer student Caleb Akey joins the Bobcats.

Caleb's father, Joe Akey, was a mainstay at Saunders from 2008-2013 where he coached the men's basketball team.  This early exposure to basketball and the college gave Caleb a deep love and passion for the game, which now culminates in the Gabriels native putting on the jersey of the team that his father helped develop.

"It is a surreal moment and a full circle journey for him," said the elder Akey.  "Being able to watch him compete at the collegiate level on the same floor where he picked up a basketball is incredibly special."

Akey joins the Bobcats from NCAA Division III Allegheny College where he saw limited minutes for the Gators.  He hopes to bring that NCAA pedigree to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) and help the Bobcats reach the final four of the league tournament, and maybe even the team's first-ever trip to the national championships.

"It's very full circle to come back and play at the same place where I first fell in love with basketball when my dad was the head coach," commented the younger Akey.  "I have a lot of good memories at Paul Smiths, with many more to come.  I'm super excited to be back home and try to continue to make a positive impact for basketball in the Saranac Lake community." 

Head Coach Tim Lamay spoke to the relationship between the Akeys as a father-son coach-player dynamic, having grown up with his own father, Tim Lamay Sr., as a respected coach since his youth.

"Being the son of a head coach, I know how special this must be for Caleb and his dad," said Lamay.  "Our program is fortunate to be adding Caleb to our roster this year, and I know his upcoming accomplishments will make our school, his family, and the community proud."

"Caleb will represent Smitty Nation, his family, and his community where he is so well respected with the utmost class, leadership, and work ethic," added Akey, who will be supporting his son from the stands and cheering on the Bobcats this season.

You can follow the men's basketball team on Instagram at @psc_mensbball or follow the general athletics account at @smitty_nation for schedules, scores, highlights, and more!

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At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith's provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business or and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences, and natural resources. We can draw on industries and resources available in our backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive, and adventurous individuals collectively provides experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at www.paulsmiths.edu.