Together We Transform Thursday – November 1, 2018
 
Bye Week for Football: Recharging, Recruiting and Planning
 


There might not be a game for Stony Brook Football this weekend, but this is potentially the most important week of our season.  
 
The team's usual schedule during the week is to practice on Sunday night followed by an off day on Monday. Practices are then held Tuesday through Thursday with a walk-through on Friday. Some teams take Sunday off and practice Monday through Thursday but Chuck started the Sunday night practices three years ago and has found them to be extremely productive.
 
As with any bye week, the schedule is adjusted for a number of reasons. First, it is an opportunity for our players to get some mental and physical rest. Following the JMU game, the team had meetings on Sunday followed by practices Tuesday through today with off days tomorrow and Saturday. Chuck wants the guys to practice as if they have a game on Saturday so the intensity level remains at a high level.
 
Another factor that makes the bye week unique is that many of our coaches hit the recruiting trail. This is an extremely critical week as the early signing period for football when a prospective student-athlete can sign his National Letter of Intent begins on December 19. We have a very strong group already committed so having the opportunity to go visit those young men as well as several other prominent prospects is significant.
 
This week also gives Chuck and I time to meet for an extended period where we address a number of issues that are more focused on our long-term plans. One of those items was announced earlier today as we agreed to a two-year extension of Chuck's current contract through 2022. Continuity is so vital and I believe that we are on a path toward something special.
 
Our goal is to be in the mix every year for a conference championship and playoff appearance. I have no interest in winning one year and dropping off the next. Sustainable success is our objective and we're going to deliver it.
 
For now our focus is on beating Delaware on Nov. 10 in the final regular season home game at LaValle. Our guys will be rested and ready to go. Be sure to get your tickets here now.
 
Men's Soccer Wins America East Regular Season Title
 


The amazing run for our fall sports programs continued last night as men's soccer clinched the America East regular season crown and top seed in the conference playoffs.
 
I am so happy for our team, especially seniors Serge Gamwanya and Martieon Watson, and look forward to hosting a semifinal match at LaValle Stadium next Wednesday at 7 p.m. against the winner of Saturday night's quarterfinal game between UMBC and Vermont.
 
Men's Basketball Locked and Loaded

 

Our nation's capital is the place to be on Tuesday as it is not only Election Day but also the season opener for the men's basketball team against George Washington.
 
There is tremendous excitement about our team, which is going to look a lot different than in years past. I am very curious to see how we play. The biggest takeaways from our scrimmages are that we have the ability to play with several different lineups, Jeff Otchere is going to major factor protecting the rim and we need to limit turnovers.
 
All of the guys have been working extremely hard and are motivated to prove that Stony Brook is a frontrunner in the America East. It all starts on Tuesday in D.C.
 
Women's Basketball Exhibition Monday
 


The women's basketball team will host Adelphi in an open exhibition on Monday night at 7 in Island Federal Arena. Admission is free.
 
It will be the final tune-up before the season opener on Nov. 9 at Rutgers. The women have looked very strong in practices and are going into this season brimming with confidence. Seniors Shorty Johnson and Jerell Matthews enter the season as the top backcourt duo in the America East, but they are also surrounded by a very talented roster.
 
Confidence is high for women's basketball so be sure to come watch them in action on Monday night.
 
Volleyball Keeps Rolling
 


Volleyball is trying to deliver our third regular season championship of the fall, and they can get one step closer by defeating Albany on Sunday.
 
The team has won a program-record 12 consecutive matches and is 9-0 in the America East. Kristin Belzung and her staff have done a tremendous job building this program over the past two years.
 
Let's keep the positive energy going. Keep believing!
 
Warm regards,
 
Shawn