September 2003
Let me join the growing chorus of avid support for the Women's Volleyball team under second year Head Coach Jon Stevenson.
Before the academic year began, the women's volleyball team made headlines with a victory over No.23-ranked Texas in the season opener and A terrific crowd for our home opener against Oregon State awaited the Gaels. These two games, combined with an 8-3 start to the season are reflective of the team's best start in a decade.
The squad's improvement has developed against the backdrop of one of the most demanding schedules in Gael women's volleyball history - a schedule resplendent with strong representatives from major conferences.
"It's terrific to hear people excited about our performance," said Stevenson. "We've combined our veterans with a fine group of new student-athletes. Everyone has worked hard to bring about this (positive) change."
Senior Jill Parmele, who sparkled during seasons when wins were fewer and far less publicized, deserves special congratulations for a brilliant, early season, which included three Most Valuable Player tournament awards.
And thanks to ALL of Jill's teammates and to the coaching staff for reviving volleyball interest on campus. Keep up the good work and best of luck with the conference season ahead.
Golf Tourney a Huge Success
The final numbers are not in, but the NorCal Gael Classic Invitational Golf Tournament held Monday, September 8, is expected to set a new standard for funds raised for athletic grants-in-aid. Such success was achieved thanks to the dedication and hard work of many individuals. Faith Taylor, Special Events Manager, did a wonderful job of overseeing this fall tradition. Scott Parris ('78) and Andy McDowell, Assistant Director of Athletics for Marketing and Media Relations, also deserve plaudits for their superb coordination and efforts. And to every committee member and golfer goes the sincere gratitude of all our student-athletes and coaches.
The setting for the Gael Classic - the challenging Discovery Bay Country Club course - is exceptional. We are very grateful to former Trustee and Regent Ken Hofmann for making the course available to us.
How great it was to see the Tournament Committee render special recognition during the banquet to Terry Cook and Jon Arnaudon ('81). In addition to his associate sponsorship of the event, Cook contributed significantly to the success of the event. In brief remarks, Cook expressed how thankful he was for the prayers of the Christian Brothers and the College community following the death of his wife, Lona. For me, that reference to the Catholic tradition of the College was especially poignant.
Arnaudon, a former football player, has long been a loyal supporter of Gael athletics, and Jon's contribution to the success of the event is appreciated by all who attended.
Terry Cook and Jon Arnaudon, the whole Gael family salutes your dedication and generosity.
Mark Your Calendars for Homecoming
Homecoming Weekend will unfold with appropriate splendor and nostalgia on October 3 and 4. The Alumni Homecoming Awards Banquet is Friday evening, Oct. 3, in the Soda Center. Honorees are Stan Gilliam ('45), Mike Ferrigno ('66), Coral and Margaret DePriester and Dan Cawthon. Alumnus of the Year Gilliam is an ardent Gael fan in the Sacramento area. He was among the many Gael fans at our football game in the Hornets' stadium on Sept. 6.
The Homecoming football game on Saturday, October 4, will be against Montana State of the Big Sky Conference. Butch Whacks and the Glass Packs will provide entertainment on the practice field following the contest.
During halftime, winners in the sixth Homecoming Drawing for Athletic Scholarships will be drawn. Grand prize is a 10-Day Hawaiian Islands vacation. Drawing tickets are available from Athletics and Development. Thank you for your participation in this important effort.
A New Logo on the Way
The process of selecting a new, updated set of logos for our teams is under way. Andy McDowell, Assistant Athletics Director for Marketing and Media Relations, and Phoenix Design Works of New York City are coordinating an effort that includes a number of campus constituencies, including the leadership of Michael Beseda, Vice Provost for Enrollment and College Communications.
Phoenix Design Works is a top creative name in its field, having worked with major league baseball teams, Ivy League schools, and the West Coast Conference among others.
Parents Help in So Many Ways
It was a great joy for me to meet parents during the Labor Day weekend. The important role that moms and dads play in our athletic program cannot be overestimated. Always know that the Department of Athletics and Recreational Sports staff is here for you, as you are always there for your sons and daughters.
Go Gaels!
Carl R. Clapp
Director of Athletics
