September 2005

After a productive summer, I would like to say it feels great to start another school year at Saint Mary's College. The fall season has just begun and the excitement around our athletic teams is abundant.

Since the last time I wrote, we have completed a challenging and rewarding summer that has included planning for the coming year, an international trip for one of our teams, and preparation for some exciting initiatives.

The men's basketball team departed for a five-game Australian Tour, and returned with a successful, experience filled trip for both the student-athletes, coaches, and a few loyal followers who traveled with the team. The team departed for Australia in early August and after 12 days and stops in Melbourne, Sydney and Cairns, the Gaels returned before the first day of school.

The College athletic media relations department is also undergoing a website redesign, which is scheduled to launch in a couple of weeks. The media relations department will be implementing a new look to the athletics homepage, new features, and easier access to all Saint Mary's information.

We continue to assess our facility needs and prepare a plan for addressing needs in this area.

Upcoming Events

The 26th Annual Northern California Gael Classic Invitational is set to kick off on September 19 at the Discovery Bay Country Club in Byron. There are still a few spots available, and the tournament proceeds go towards the Gael Athletic Scholarship Fund. The tournament raises more than $60,000 annually for the scholarship fund.

Upcoming Season

The women's volleyball team was ranked No. 23 in the first coaches' poll that was released, and new head coach Rob Browning began his coaching career with a 3-0 record and a Cal State Northridge Tournament title. I'm looking forward to another successful season, with a chance of reaching the NCAA Tournament for a third consecutive year.

The women's soccer team began the season with a heartbreaking double overtime loss to No. 19 Cal, but bounced back with a victory in their second game of the season, which is a great sign of an exciting season.

The men's soccer team began play yesterday with a 3-0 win over Sacramento State. Coach Steve Rammel has the team ready to face a challenging schedule.

Go Gaels!

Carl