Feb. 16, 2006

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook student-athletes brought warmth to the winter last week by giving back to the Stony Brook community. Three teams, baseball, men's lacrosse and softball, all took time out of their busy preseason schedules to visit the Stony Brook Hospital Blood Bank on February 9 and 10. Additionally, on February 15, Wolfie paid a visit to the North Country Learning Center to participate in their annual "Hoops for Heart" fundraiser for the American Heart Association.

The Seawolves took part in a photo session with Blood Bank donors and recipients in an effort to encourage blood donation at the hospital. "The pleasure was all ours," said head men's lacrosse coach Lars Tiffany. "We were thrilled to meet the blood donors, learn of their selfless acts and be able to celebrate their generosity with the donation recipients."

The teams, along with Seawolves mascot Wolfie, spent time in the hospital hallways greeting hospital patrons and employees before braving the cold outdoor conditions for the photoshoot with several of the Blood Bank's regular donors as well as those who have benefited from the donations.

"We were so glad to visit the Blood Bank and meet one of the recipients - a little girl named Katie and her family, the wonderful donors and the staff," said head sofball coach Megan Bryant. "It is a chance for our student-athletes to reach out and support an important service in our community."

"It was a great oportunity to meet the recipients and donors," added head baseball coach Matt Senk. "We look forward to a continued relationship with the Blood Bank and other areas of the hospital."

Wolfie took part in "Hoops for Heart" on Wednesday

Yesterday, Wolfie also visited the North Country Learning Center, which provides a continuum of services for students ranging in age from 12-21 with a variety of disabilities and skill levels. He spent time with the students, competed in a free throw shooting contest against Quackerjack of the Long Island Ducks and judged a free-throw contest at the Center's annual event, which raises money for the American Heart Association.

The baseball team begins its season on February 24 at Central Florida while the softball team will take on UNC Wilmington on the same day at the Seahawk Classic. Men's lacrosse opens its 2006 campaign at No. 3 Virginia on February 25 before returning for the Seawolves home opener against Harvard at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium on March 4.