May 26, 2016 
No Slowdown at Stony Brook
The question always comes at this time of year.
"Are things finally slowing down?"
The truth is that things never truly slow down. As the competitive year winds down, the fundraising efforts, outreach initiatives and strategic planning that go into growing the department only ramp up. My calendar - and that of many administrators - is occupied over the next few weeks by work-related travel rather than athletic events. My schedule over the next month, for example, includes travel to Indianapolis (as part of my role on the Division I Baseball Committee), Hilton Head (Colonial Athletic Association meetings), Burlington, Vermont, (America East meetings) and Omaha (College World Series).
In between the travel, there are a number of action items that we address during the summer months. All of those action items require coordination, planning and resources. For instance, we are developing a long-range plan for Joe Nathan Field and University Field beginning with the installation of power and sewer lines. Ultimately our goal is to add lights and permanent seating so that we can provide a first-class experience for our student-athletes and fans. Like any infrastructure project, there is a significant expense involved so we must work to identify solutions.
My main focus right now is finishing strong with our fundraising for the year. We have made such amazing strides and we must continue our momentum. Our goal to reach 500 members for Seawolves United is within reach! The donations generated through Seawolves United are essential because the revenue that we receive allows us to expand the services that we are able to provide our student-athletes in key areas such as academic support, injury prevention and recovery, and professional growth opportunities. We have huge plans and need your continued support. If you are not a member please visit SeawolvesUnited.com today and make a gift before June 30. I am grateful for your support.
I also encourage you to make a gift in support of our Indoor Training Center. We are working every day to raise $5,000,000 in matching funds that will go toward the Dubin Challenge. For our program to take the next step, we need this facility. There is definite urgency to get this accomplished so please consider a gift today. All dollars raised by June 30 will be matched by Glenn and Eva Dubin.
Despite the onset of summer, the action never stops. We wouldn't want it any other way!
Happy Birthday, Bobby!
Our baseball team opened play in the 2016 America East Tournament yesterday and delivered a dramatic 1-0 victory over Maine thanks to birthday boy Bobby Honeyman. His two-out home run in the bottom of the ninth led to a mob scene at home plate. While Bobby delivered the blast to end the game, Chad Lee and Teddy Rodliff did dynamite work on the mound to set the stage for the walk-off win.
The Seawolves will play Hartford this afternoon in the winner's bracket. You can watch the game on AmericaEast.tv at 3:30.
Baseball Honors
Today's starting pitcher, freshman Bret Clarke, was honored as the America East Rookie of the Year on Tuesday. Bret was also an America East All-Rookie and second team selection while enjoying an outstanding freshman season, leading the conference with a 1.94 ERA and compiling a record of 6-2.
Chad Lee was named to the America East first team while Casey Baker, Andruw Gazzola and Teddy Rodliff joined Bret on the second team.
As the defending America East champs, this team knows what it takes to win in the postseason. Good luck to the boys today as they continue their chase for another ring!
I want to wish everyone a very happy and safe Memorial Day weekend. Please enjoy the time with your friends and family.
Together We Transform!
Warm regards,
Shawn
