Report Card

June 2005

It has been some time since I have last written. There is a great deal going on at the College and the Department of Athletics and Recreational Sports and I pledge to do a better job of keeping you updated.

The conclusion of the 2004-05 academic and athletic year at Saint Mary's College allows the Athletic Department to reflect upon the success on and off the field all of our athletic teams achieved. This past year Saint Mary's College reached new heights and the excitement is carrying over into the summer months as we can't wait for next season to begin.

The 2004-05 season saw three Saint Mary's teams reach the NCAA Tournament, which included a Sweet 16 appearance by our women's volleyball team, a First Round NCAA Tournament appearance by our men's basketball team and a NCAA Tournament Western Regional appearance by our men's golf team.

The men's golf team had the most recent success in the spring. The Scott Hardy coached team reached the NCAA Tournament Western Regional for the first time in school history, and narrowly missed advancing to the championship. It was an honor to be able to watch the team in person at the Stanford Golf Course, as they performed at an elite level, making the department and school proud. The men's golf team also performed in the classroom during the spring semester, combining for a 3.2 grade point average.

As a whole, Saint Mary's athletics improved from last year, earning the most Commissioner Cup points since the award was initiated three years ago. I have attached a Report Card from the past year on the success our athletic teams that you are all welcome to read.

Now that we are into June, it's time to focus our energy on the upcoming season and continue to improve Saint Mary's athletics. As we begin the new fiscal year next month, we plan to continue to work with Gensler to review the Athletic and Recreational Facilities of the College, we will be implementing several full-time positions and reallocating funds to complete Phase II of the strategic plan, and we will be renovating some athletic fields and facilities, thanks to the efforts and support of our Physical Plant.

• Gensler
  In April, we hired Gensler to review the Athletic and Recreational Facilities of the College. The group will help develop an Athletic Regional Plan for all the athletic facilities of the College. The first on campus meeting with Keith Fuchigami and John Parkin of Gensler went extremely well.

The Group reviewed all of our sites and asked plenty of questions in their first meeting. In the second meeting, scheduled for next week, the group will return with preliminary drawings for our review, including potential renovation of current facilities and building of new facilities. I promise to keep you posted on our progress.

• Phase II
  With the end of the fiscal year approaching, Phase II of the Athletic Strategic Plan will be implemented beginning July 1 and will be effective for the 2005-06 season. The Plan will complete the reallocation of resources the Board of Trustees approved last year. Saint Mary's College will now have six athletic programs with grant-in-aid funding equivalent to the NCAA maximum allowed. The programs include men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, volleyball and baseball. Additionally, many programs will be receiving a budget enhancement.

The second phase will also reallocate 8.25 full-time positions within the athletic department. Baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, volleyball and rowing will all be adding full-time positions and Sports Information and Athletic Training will also see an increase in staffing. These resources are being allocated in a manner that best meets the coaching and support needs of our student-athletes.

• Athletic Fields and Facilities
  While McKeon Pavilion received a new floor last summer, Madigan Gym received a new floor this past month, including fresh paint and a similar floor design as McKeon. To add to the completion of Phase II, the renovations of office space in Madigan Gym will be finalized, along with a renovation to the Athletic Training room. The training room received a new floor, paint and will be adding a state-of-the-art taping table. Women's basketball and volleyball locker rooms were upgraded and improved over the last month as well.

This summer the Physical Plant will become extremely important in the improvements to several athletic fields, which will receive enhancements to existing drainage systems, aeration and top dressing. The baseball outfield and the Stadium will be improved to help with recovery from large amounts of rain, with the help from Joe Kehoe, Director of the Physical Plant and his staff.

Go Gaels!

Carl