Together We Transform Thursday – January 31, 2019
 
Welcome to the Walk-Ons
 
Prior to last year, the first Wednesday in February was a date that was circled on the calendar of every college football fan.
 
Next Wednesday's National Signing Day is still a big deal, but its significance has changed due to the introduction of the early signing period in 2017. We signed 10 young men back in December to leave us with only a handful of spots that we need to fill next week. While I am extremely excited about all of guys who will attend Stony Brook on a football scholarship, I am also looking forward to welcoming a strong class of preferred walk-ons.
 
Our walk-on program has been critical to our recent success, and as a result our coaching staff has placed a greater emphasis on it. Since a majority of our scholarship players are already signed, our coaches are able to spend more time in January recruiting walk-ons from across Long Island. The hope is to identify players who have the potential to blossom into impact performers.  
 


Timon Parris, who made his NFL debut with the Washington Redskins in 2018, originally came to Stony Brook as a walk-on in 2013. Joining Timon as a walk-on that year was Donald Liotine, who just finished his standout career ranked fourth in school history with 2826 career rushing yards. Both Timon and Donnie eventually earned scholarships, and I expect the same result for some of our preferred walk-ons who will join us this fall.
 
Be sure to follow all of the National Signing Day news on StonyBrookAthletics.com but don't sleep on the walk-ons! The next great Seawolf could very well be among them.
 
Budget Planning
 
I typically don't write about our budget planning process because it isn't one of the most exciting topics, but it is without question one of the most important.
 
We are deep into budget planning for the 2019-20 academic year and I thought that it would be helpful to share some of what goes into the process. It is no secret that Stony Brook University has been faced with significant budget challenges over the past two years. I am proud of the fiscal responsibility that our department has demonstrated as the university implemented several cost-saving measures. Among these measures were reducing our workforce through staff attrition and reducing expenses across the department.
 
As we plan for the 2019-20 budget, I see light at the end of the tunnel. We have learned how to do more with less while increasing revenue through donations, ticket sales and sponsorships. For example, each of our teams receives an operating budget that they are expected to adhere to but the the cost of team travel, recruiting and equipment often exceeds what they are given. The difference is covered with fundraising dollars received through individual contributions or camps. This year we hope to be able to increase some of those individual sport budgets so we can use fundraising to enhance budgets rather than offset them.
 
It should come as no surprise that our greatest investment is in our people. Salaries represent close to 40 percent of our overall operating budget followed by scholarships and then overall department operations.
 
All departments on campus must submit their draft budget by February 20. Each VP area is then asked to make a presentation to President Stanley and the campus budget team. We will receive our approved budget in June in advance of the new fiscal year that begins July 1.
 
Thanks to Director of Business and Finance Patrick Carlucci for his work on the budget as well as our entire department. Our goals have never changed despite the cutbacks. We always expect to win! Of course I would be remiss if I didn't thank our supportive donors, season ticket holders and sponsors. You have made a tremendous impact and we appreciate every one of you!
 
Saturday Night Hoops
 


Island Federal Arena was rocking last Saturday night for our men's game against Vermont and we're looking for similar energy this weekend when Hartford comes to town.
 
Our guys are coming off of two tough games but they need your support on Saturday night! Get your tickets now and cheer on your Seawolves as they look to move to 6-2 in America East play.
 
Remember, it's all about how we finish…
 
Keep believing!
 
Warm regards,
 
Shawn