Go Time!
Our beautiful journey is about to begin!
The 2017-18 competitive year officially gets underway tomorrow night as Women's Soccer travels to Boston to battle Northeastern. I saw several members of the team this morning as they were boarding their bus, and their energy and enthusiasm is emblematic of my feelings heading into the year. Between tomorrow and June, we will experience historic moments and individual achievements that will be permanently etched in the history of Stony Brook Athletics.
This year has the promise for greatness. We have planned for it. We are prepared for it. How many conference championships will our Stony Brook teams win? I don't know the answer nor will I make any proclamations other than to say that we should all expect to win.
As I write this I can hear the sounds of our volleyball team practicing in Pritchard Gym. There is belief in what they are building together as a team. Without belief the opportunity to make history does not exist. We are building something very special at Stony Brook, and 2017-18 can be our greatest year ever.
It's time to take that first step. Here we go!
Basketball Schedules
The men's and women's basketball teams have been busy this summer practicing, training and playing pickup in advance of fall workouts. (If you haven't seen the video of Junior Saintel's vertical jump, you need to see it.) There is no question that the development of our returners and the influx of new talent will have us poised for championship runs.
First things first… Although our non-conference schedules have not been publically released, other schools are announcing their schedules so the picture is slowly coming into focus.
This year could be the most challenging men's non-conference schedule that we have ever played. Our schedule includes road games at UConn, Michigan State, Providence and Rutgers along with our neutral site game against Maryland at Nassau Coliseum. Other games that will soon be announced include a road game at Ball State, a 21-win team last year, and a home contest against defending Patriot League champion Bucknell.
The game against Maryland was moved up a day to Friday, November 10. This allows us to play our women's opener against Manhattan on Saturday night immediately following our home football game against Wagner.
Speaking of the women, they face a tough non-conference schedule as well highlighted by road trips to Northwestern and Syracuse. The America East schedules for both teams will be released shortly, but I know that Island Federal Credit Union Arena is going to be rocking once again this year. We are fortunate to have the strongest home court advantage in the America East so be sure to get your basketball tickets now by calling 631-632-9653 or clicking here.
Facility Update
The LaValle Stadium end zone renovation is progressing very well. It is still an active construction site as work on the concessions and restroom building is likely going to continue through September. We are working to provide some options for food and beverage until the new building is ready so I appreciate your patience. It will be well worth it!
As for the Stony Brook Indoor Training Center, the bids are out and we will soon begin the work. It will make such a difference in the lives of our student-athletes! Our next immediate priorities are to renovate Joe Nathan Field and University Field and build a new locker room for football. We are continuing to work with our generous donors to upgrade locker rooms with the most recent being for women's soccer and volleyball.
Let's keep building together!
This Weekend for the Seawolves
Friday
Women's Soccer is at Northeastern – 6 p.m.
Sunday
Women's Soccer is HOME against Iona – 1 p.m. (Purchase Tickets Here)
#DK23
Together We Transform!
Warm regards,
