As we reach the midpoint of our summer, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported Saint Mary's Athletics last year. Whether it was through donations to the Gael Athletic Scholarship Fund, purchasing season tickets, cheering on our student-athletes at games, or following our progress on the web site, your support is essential to our continued success and we thank you for being a Gael.
During the 2001-02 year, Gael student-athletes continued to represent the best collegiate athletics has to offer - in the classroom, on the playing field, and in the community. I'm especially proud of the successes our young men and women achieved in the classroom. Of the 300 plus student-athletes on campus last year, 48 percent earned scholar-athlete status (minimum 3.20 GPA) and 27 percent made the Dean's List (minimum 3.50 GPA). All told, over 65 percent of Gael student-athletes earned a minimum 3.0 GPA. We're very proud of these statistics and applaud our student-athletes for their efforts!
In addition to tremendous success in the classroom, Saint Mary's Athletics continues to improve on the playing field and our coaches and student-athletes continue to support the community. During the past year, Gael student-athletes upheld the Lasallian mission of the College by volunteering many hours of service to local communities. Among the highlights of Gaels in the community during the past year was when over 100 student-athletes and coaches joined forces with the town of Moraga to participate in "Moraga the Beautiful Day."
In addition to the accomplishments above, here are some other examples to show what great work Saint Mary's coaches and student-athletes achieved over the past year:
- The women's soccer team advanced to the second round of the NCAA College Cup and finished the season ranked 17th in the nation by the NSCAA.
- Paul Ratcliffe was named WCC Women's Soccer Co-Coach of the Year.
- Defensive End Travis White was named First Team I-AA Football All-American by the Associated Press and the American Football Coaches Association.
- Tim Landis was named the I-AA Independent Football Coach of the Year.
- Jerkisha Dosty was named WCC Women's Basketball Player of the Year and Honorable Mention Kodak All-American. She was also drafted by the Miami Sol of the WNBA in the fourth round.
- Jermisha Dosty was named WCC Women's Basketball Defensive Player of the Year and finished second in the nation with 11.9 rebounds per game. She was also drafted by the Sacramento Monarchs of the WNBA in the fourth round.
- Scott Hardy was named WCC Men's Golf Tri-Coach of the Year.
- The golf team finished third at the WCC Championships and won its first-ever tournament title at the Diablo Grande Invitational.
- Three baseball players were drafted into Major League Baseball; Mark Teahan (1st supplemental round, Oakland A's), Jason Waugh (11th round, Toronto Blue Jays), and Brett Wayne (22nd round, Los Angeles Dodgers).
- During the late spring we kicked off our football season ticket sales campaign and we've already increased sales by 500 percent from last year with the assistance of alumni and friends who informed sales teams.
- Due to the generosity of our loyal supporters, we raised $543,000 in annual funds so we could continue to provide student-athletes with an opportunity to compete successfully in an intercollegiate athletic program that is an integral part of their educational experience.
- In the first-ever WCC Commissioner's Honor Roll, which recognizes student-athletes who possess a minimum 3.0 GPA, Saint Mary's placed 83 student-athletes on the list. 13 Gaels qualified for Gold honors (3.75-4.0), which tied with Gonzaga for the conference high.
Congratulations to our coaches, student-athletes, staff, and supports for a great 2001-02 year!
I hope you enjoy the rest of the summer and we look forward to your participation in Saint Mary's Athletics over the next year.
Go Gaels!
Carl R. Clapp
Director of Athletics
