The Opposite
 
Each Thursday throughout the football season, we unveil the uniform combination that will be worn by our team on Saturday.
 
With two helmets (white, red), three jerseys (white, red, navy), two pants (white, red) and two socks (white, red) available at our disposal, the possibilities are vast. If you have ever wondered what goes into making the decision each week, it is very simple.
 
Early in the week our Director of Equipment Operations Enzo Zucconi meets with head coach Chuck Priore to discuss the uniform. It is usually a quick conversation with Chuck selecting the helmet, jersey, pant and sock combination. The only game that has been a constant is Homecoming, when we traditionally wear head-to-toe red.
 
Chuck and I have never discussed what goes into his decision each week, but I know that it's all about finding a winning combination. Last season was the debut of our white helmets and navy jerseys. You may recall that our one game wearing the navy jerseys in 2017 resulted in our lone CAA loss. That combination featured white helmets and white pants. 
 
The navy jerseys are back on Saturday and, not surprisingly, will be matched with red helmets and red pants. Chuck is clearly channeling his inner Jerry Seinfeld, who famously advised George Costanza: "Well here's your chance to try the opposite. Instead of tuna salad and being intimidated by women, chicken salad and going right up to them."
 
This is Chuck's chance to try the opposite. Instead of navy jerseys with white helmet and pants, navy jerseys with red helmets and pants.
 
I happen to love the navy jerseys and am excited to see that they will make their return on Saturday. I'm hoping for an opposite result from the last time that we wore them.
 
Long Island Express Running Strong
 
Our 19^th-ranked football team is heading into Saturday's CAA opener against Richmond with a full head of steam.
 
Leading the charge on offense have been senior running backs and Long Island natives Jordan Gowins and Donald Liotine. Both have rushed for over 100 yards in back-to-back wins over Bryant and Fordham. 
 
For two guys who grew up less than seven miles apart their paths to Stony Brook could not have been more different. As a highly-recruited player coming out of football powerhouse St. Anthony's, Jordan committed to Boston College during the spring of his junior year. After two years at BC, he chose to transfer to Stony Brook. Donnie joined the Seawolves as a walk-on in 2013 following his graduation from the Stony Brook School, which dropped football in 2015 due in large part to a lack of participation.   
 
It won't be easy for Jordan and Donnie to keep their streak going as Richmond is tough against the run, giving up just 113.7 yards per game on the ground. I do know that we're fortunate to have two powerful backs with Long Island roots who are having tremendous success at Stony Brook.
 
Get your tickets today and come to LaValle on Saturday to witness the dynamic duo in action. I'm looking for a big crowd so I'll look forward to seeing you there!
 
America East Play Begins 
 
Our championship quest in volleyball and men's soccer begins tomorrow night as both teams compete in their conference openers.
 
Coming off of the first America East title in program history, our volleyball team travels to Hartford after going 2-1, including convincing wins over Delaware and Colgate, in last weekend's Stony Brook Invitational. Men's soccer is on the way to Albany for tomorrow night's Empire Clash game. It marks our first competition of the year against Albany, which also means our first opportunity for an Albany Victory Breakfast.
 
Each time one of our teams beats Albany, we will host a breakfast for the department. I'm hoping to eat a lot of bagels this year!
 
Women's soccer will get into conference play on Sunday as Maine comes to LaValle Stadium at 1 p.m.      
 
Keep believing!
 
Warm regards,
 


Shawn