The incredible winning streak that our men's basketball team had been on for more than two months ended last night at 18 games. I am asking everyone to step back, reflect and appreciate what this team has accomplished so far this season. Moments like this don't come very often – if at all. For many teams, winning 18 games in a single season is an incredible feat. Steve Pikiell has built this program into one where expectations are high – at least 20 wins for five straight years will do that. Our coaches and players have never shied away from those expectations, and neither will we.

The team's goal has always been to win every game. For 18 straight, they did just that. We have another opportunity to win on Sunday at Maine. Like each one before it, this game won't be easy. None of them are. I could not be more proud of this team and all that it has given to Stony Brook. I hope that you feel the same way.

A Giant Leap Forward



During indoor track season, the upper and lower level concourses of Island Federal Credit Union Arena double as training locations for our student-athletes. Outside of the times when our basketball teams are practicing, visitors to the arena might find themselves dodging our runners as they speed around the concourse during training sessions. (Yes, I am speaking from firsthand experience). It is incredible to see the work that our teams put in and, given the results thus far, it is clearly paying huge dividends.

With the America East Indoor Track & Field Championship this weekend in Staten Island, our teams are in position to rack up significant point totals given their performance last weekend.

Sophomore Kaylyn Gordon – competing in one of the most entertaining field events, in my opinion – was named the America East Women's Field Performer of the Week after breaking a 26-year-old school record in the triple jump. On the track, junior Christina Melian, who represented Stony Brook at the NCAA Championships in the 5,000 meters a year ago, set a school record in the event and is poised to return to the national meet. Two freshmen – Kevon White and Chinque Thompson – blazed their way to school records in the men's and women's 60-meter dash.

Definitely keep an eye on our track and field program this Friday and Saturday and, if you happen to find yourself in Island Federal Credit Union Arena, be advised that some extremely fast runners might be whizzing past you.

Will the Stars (and Sticks) Align for the Seawolves?



Earlier this week, the NCAA announced that Stony Brook was selected as the host site for the 2018 Division I Women's Lacrosse Championship. LaValle Stadium was also host to the final four for women's lacrosse in 2011 and 2012. The primary difference this time around is that our own team has an excellent opportunity to participate.

Anyone who knows our head coach, Joe Spallina, has heard him say that his goal is to win a national championship. One of the goals in Together We Transform is to win a national championship. I must admit that the thought of winning a national championship in our home stadium is very appealing.

The announcement was the culmination of a bid process that began several months ago. Submitting a bid to host an NCAA Championship requires a significant amount of detail and time. No one knows that more than our Associate AD for Championships and Sports Administration Patrick Muffley who put together our bid. He did such a good job, we might just consider submitting additional bids to host championship events at Stony Brook!

Play Ball!

Our baseball and softball teams begin their seasons tomorrow and in talking to members of both teams, opening day can't come soon enough.

Both teams are annual contenders for an America East championship and this year will be no exception. Our coaches, Matt Senk and Megan Bryant, recruit extremely well and have again assembled teams that have the talent to win the conference and advance to the NCAA tournament.

One significant advantage over the past two years has been the addition of the Seawolves Hitting Facility. Located inside the Indoor Sports Complex adjacent to Pritchard Gymnasium, the Hitting Facility serves as a 5,000-square-foot "hitting lab" where our baseball and softball student-athletes can work on their swings at any time.

The teams have put in the work and are ready to take the field. Our baseball team opens the 2016 season tomorrow against Dayton in a tournament hosted by Wofford University in South Carolina. The softball team will travel to North Carolina to take on St. Joseph's and Charlotte tomorrow on the first day of the Charlotte 49er Invitational.

On the Horizon



Women's basketball seniors Alyssa Coiro, Kim Hanlon, Miranda Jenkins and Brittany Snow will play their final regular season home game on Saturday at 2 p.m. against Maine. All four are outstanding young women who have always represented Stony Brook with class and integrity. For all that they have given to our program, I will be standing and cheering for them. I hope that you will join me.

Together We Transform!

Warm regards,

Shawn