LaValle Stadium End Zone Renovation Update

Jan. 8 was an exciting day as we held our kickoff meeting for the renovation of the north end zone at LaValle Stadium. The project will add 2,000 seats and include a new building for additional restrooms, concessions and storage. As with any construction project, our team of architects and engineers will determine any challenges that may exist and affect the timeline.

What is the timeline, you ask? The initial schedule that was shared by the architect - which can change at any time throughout the process - calls for a completion date of late 2016 or early 2017.

This means that we will all be cheering on the Seawolves football and soccer teams at LaValle Stadium with a construction site in the north end during the 2016 season. We do not expect any issues related to the playing field during construction and will certainly share updates as we receive more definitive information. The important factor is that we are making progress!

NCAA Convention Update



The annual NCAA Convention was held in San Antonio last week and, while it was nice to be in my native state of Texas, it was also an opportunity to hear President Mark Emmert speak of his key themes for the year: academics, fairness for all, and health and well-being. It is no secret that our business has come under scrutiny and we must continue to operate in the best interests of all student-athletes.

President Emmert cited the deregulation of many longstanding policies, including allowing schools to provide student-athletes with cost of attendance stipends, as steps forward. One of the most pressing issues facing the NCAA is how to manage the increasing demands on student-athletes' time. I wish that everyone could peek behind the scenes to witness firsthand a day in the life of our student-athletes. They are so incredibly dedicated. From early morning workouts and lift sessions, practice, study hall, meetings with academic advisors, class and competition, student-athletes are left with little free time. Ask a student-athlete who is in the middle of their season what a "regular" day is like and you will be amazed! Expect more news on this important topic in the months ahead.

Showcase for Stony Brook



One of the transformational elements in our five-year vision is "Amplifying the Stony Brook Brand," and we have a tremendous opportunity to do just that tomorrow night when our men's basketball team hosts Albany in the first nationally televised game in Island Federal Credit Union Arena.

The impact of our appearance on ESPNU at 9 p.m. EST is significant because it will provide our university with a platform to reach countless alumni, fans and prospective students both nationally and globally. We expect a sold-out crowd so if you don't have a ticket be sure to tune in tomorrow night!

New York Navy



On Tuesday, we revealed our "New York Navy" alternate uniforms for our men's and women's basketball teams. It is important to note that red is and always will be our primary color. Alternate uniforms are commonplace in college athletics and our student-athletes are very excited about the opportunity to wear something new and unique. Blue has been an accent color as part of our graphic identity in both the wolfhead and SB marks, and the response to our alternate uniforms has been overwhelmingly positive.

The men's team will wear the "New York Navy" uniforms tomorrow against Albany and the women will wear them on Jan. 30 against Vermont.

On the Horizon

As I write this, our men's and women's basketball teams are both on a run that no other institution in the country can claim. Stony Brook is the only school that currently has both teams with winning streaks of seven or more games. Our men have won 10 straight and our women nine. It is fun to be a part of and I encourage you to join us for a game at Island Federal Credit Union Arena to be a part of the stretch run as both teams aim for America East championships and NCAA postseason appearances.

Together We Transform!

Warm regards,

Shawn