The Relaunch of Stony Brook Football
 
The first fall camp of the Billy Cosh era opens on Wednesday, and this is unquestionably the most fired up that I've been since I arrived at Stony Brook 10 years ago. In fact, I believe that we're about to write one of the greatest success stories in our program's history.

When I arrived at Stony Brook 10 years ago, I spoke unabashedly about my desire to build and maintain a strong football program. In fact, one of the eight transformational elements of our initial five-year strategic plan that spanned 2015 through 2020 was "Magnifying the Significance of Football."
 
Since 2014 we have expanded LaValle Stadium, built the Dubin Family Indoor Training Center, installed the state-of-the-art Kehoe Family Scoreboard, increased staff support in strength and conditioning, and created a first-class nutrition program. In the process we celebrated many memorable wins and witnessed our first wave of Seawolves compete in the NFL, including Will Tye, Victor Ochi, Chirs Cooper, Timon Harris, Gavin Heslop and Sam Kamara.
 
Now, just over a month away from kicking off the 2024 season at Marshall on August 31, we're poised for the relaunch of Stony Brook Football under our new leadership.
 
I have had the privilege of watching the process unfold from the first day that Billy arrived on campus. The plan that he laid out for me during our initial conversation has come to life exactly as he articulated it. There are clear expectations behind what it means to be a part of this program, and our student-athletes – returners, transfers and freshmen – have never been more connected on and off the field.
 
While I'm very excited about our new offensive and defensive schemes, which will both be defined by tempo and tenacity, I know that it ultimately comes down to the details. Our coaches have preached this to our guys. From the way that our student-athletes dress when they are in the building to how drills are run, no detail has been spared. 

How all of this translates on Saturdays will reveal itself soon enough, but I invite you to get on board and be a part of what Billy is building. We need to pack LaValle Stadium for our home opener against Stonehill on September 7 so please get your tickets now and get ready for the relaunch.
 
A Different Division I
 
Yesterday was our first Cabinet meeting with our new Interim President Dick McCormick. He asked each of us to go around the room and introduce ourselves and share the greatest challenge keeping each of us up at night as we approach the new year.
 
For me, it was a simple response. The new era of Division I in the wake of the House settlement (if you don't know what I'm referring to, Google it) is one where schools can share revenues with student-athletes, scholarships are unlimited and team rosters are capped. This is just a small sampling of the tidal wave of change that we're facing once the settlement is finalized in the coming weeks.
 
What does this mean for Stony Brook? This is the question that I have asked of myself countless times over the summer. We have embraced NIL and have several student-athletes receiving support from the 1957 Club, but these new changes will impact decision-making at every level of our department.
 
As the CAA representative on the NCAA Division I Council, I am involved in conversations at the highest level of the governance structure. This is without question the most pivotal time in the history of major college athletics. Our ability to compete at the highest level will be dependent upon our ability to generate revenue that can not only support the operational needs of the department but also directly benefit student-athletes.
 
I have spoken to many people who don't agree with this new path, but fighting it is futile. This is the future, and I fully embrace it. I humbly ask you to do the same.
 
If you have not already done so, please visit the1957Club.org and support the cause at any level.    
 
Sold-Out Stony Brook Athletics Golf Classic a Huge Success
 
Monday was our annual Stony Brook Athletics Golf Classic, which was one of the most successful to date. The event, held at St. George's Golf and Country Club, raised more than $100,000 in support of our student-athletes.
 
Thank you to everyone who supported the outing, which sold out earlier than at any point in the event's history.
 
Join Us at the Seawolves United Coaches Road Show!
 
Please make plans to join us at the 2024 Seawolves United Coaches Road Show on Wednesday, August 28. The event, which will be held at Spycoast in Patchogue, will offer attendees behind-the-scenes insight into our department while giving us a chance to kick off the new year together.
 
Billy Cosh, Geno Ford and Joy McCorvey will join me as we take you inside our plans for the upcoming year. In addition to hearing from our coaches, guests will be treated to a two-hour cocktail reception. Tickets to the Road Show event are $60 each. Members of the John Ramsey Leadership Society will receive complimentary admission.
 
I promise that you won't want to miss out, so I'll see you on August 28!
 
Thanks for your continued support. The next great chapter in the history of Stony Brook Athletics is now loading.
 
Keep believing!
 


Shawn