The 2016 football season is now behind us and we are moving full speed ahead toward 2017. I'd like to share my thoughts about the future of our program and why I believe that we are on the right course.
 
"Magnifying the Significance of Football" is one of the transformational elements in Together We Transform and, as we enter year three of the five-year plan in 2017, I believe that the type of success that we all want is just around the corner.
 


Let me be clear that our record of 5-6 this past season is not what we aspire toward. My hopes for this season included a winning record and a playoff berth, and we seemed well on our way when we started 5-2 with two wins over ranked opponents, including a 42-14 victory over #2 Richmond. The bottom line is that for us to compete for a CAA championship we must become a more consistent offensive team, which I believe that we will be in 2017.
 
For starters, this will be the first full offseason for our co-offensive coordinators Chris Bache and Carmen Felus to work together. We return the bulk of our offense, including several talented freshmen who redshirted in 2016. The concepts that our offensive coaches are working to implement will lead to an increased number of explosive plays and – more importantly – points. 
 
Our defense returns seven of the top eight tacklers, including Tyrice Beverette who led the team with 98 tackles, 4.5 sacks and four interceptions. We will be stout on defense yet again. The huge difference will be our depth as more redshirt freshmen and sophomores are expected to fill key roles.
 
As we look ahead to our fifth season in the CAA many of the investments that have been made are beginning to take shape. We do not have a magic wand to wave, but rather a sustainable plan to propel us forward.
 
I wanted to highlight two of the areas from our plan that I believe will lead to a success in 2017 and beyond.

Strength and Nutrition

In 2015, we added a second full-time strength coach for football. We have seen the benefits in the measurable aspects of our sports performance program. Our team is bigger, faster and stronger than it has ever been. Almost all of the freshmen that we recruit, especially on the offensive and defensive line, spend their first year as a redshirt. This means more individualized attention in the weight room and an opportunity to mature physically.
 
We have also invested in meals and nutrition education. Given the amount of calories burned by our student-athletes, it is imperative that their bodies are properly fueled. We hired Stony Brook alum and former junior welterweight boxing champion Chris Algieri as a nutritional consultant to help our student-athletes make better decisions that will lead to increased performance.  
 
Facilities


Two important projects that will make a positive impact on football are planned for 2017. The Stony Brook Indoor Training Center was the greatest priority for our program and, with the funding in place, we are optimistic that it will be completed next year. We are in the process of selecting an architect now and hope to commence construction in the spring.
 
The LaValle Stadium end zone expansion, which will add 2000 seats and additional restrooms and concessions, officially commences on Monday with a kickoff meeting with our architect and general contractor. This work is expected to be completed in time for the 2017 football season.  
 
Our coaches are currently on the road searching for the next group of Seawolves. Recruiting is another area that we have streamlined since the addition of Patrick Hatch as Assistant AD for Player Personnel. As a former coach, Patrick has changed the way that we communicate and market to recruits as well as providing a trained set of eyes to evaluate film.
 
Ultimately, for us to be successful we must recruit elite student-athletes and develop them into the players who can help us win championships. As the talent level of our incoming recruits rises each year, so do our chances for success. We are so close.

Men's Basketball Hosts Northeastern on Saturday
 
The men's basketball team will be back at Island Federal Credit Union Arena on Saturday for a special 6 p.m. start against Northeastern. Please make note of the game time as it is a deviation from our usual tip time of 7 p.m.
 


Thank you for your continued support. Go Seawolves!

Together We Transform!
 
Warm regards,
 
Shawn