Tommy Bell monthly newsletter — February edition
02/28/2017 | 8:47:00 | General
Greetings, Saluki Nation!
We just finished a gratifying home weekend of Saluki Basketball, in which both teams won their Senior Day games, and both programs
moved above .500 for the season. On the Men's side, we honored the achievements of seniors Sean O'Brien, Mike Rodriguez and Leo Vincent. The trio scored the first 24 points of the game against Loyola, and with the win, the team enters postseason play with a record of 16-15. The Women also celebrated Senior Day in style, beating Bradley to improve to 14-13 with two games left in the regular season. Seniors Carlie Corrigan, Kim Nebo and Rishonda Napier combined to score 46 points.
One more note about Sean O'Brien. He has been working as an intern in our communications office, helping with marketing and media relations. He just wrote an article about traveling with Saluki Basketball for our Athletics website. It's a great read. Check it out.
Perhaps the highlight of basketball season took place two weeks ago when we welcomed home the 1967 team for the 50th anniversary of their NIT championship. If you haven't seen the video of the panel discussion among team members, I highly recommend it. It was powerful testimony to hear these men reflect on their experience at SIU and how it shaped their lives and positioned them for a brighter future. They were so gracious and thankful, and happy to sign autographs and pose for pictures with fans long after the game ended on Saturday night. It was a weekend everyone involved will long remember.
As a donor to the Saluki Athletic Scholarship Fund, you too can make a difference in the lives of student-athletes and help them in their journey and pursuit of excellence. This spring, we will be conducting an SASF membership drive to expand our base of supporters. Whether your gift is large or small, we need your help. Membership in the SASF gives you a stake in the success of Saluki Athletics and a sense of ownership and pride in the programs you cherish.
If you would like to make an immediate impact upon the sport of your choice, Saluki Athletics will be participating in the inaugural SIU Day of Giving, a campus-wide fundraising campaign on March 1-2. The 24-hour fundraising campaign invites donors to pick a sport and donate a sum directly to that sport's fund-raising account. Contributions will give head coaches greater resources and the flexibility to determine how best to improve their programs.
I'd like to take a moment to highlight the success of some of our winter sports teams, which have recently completed their competitive seasons. The women's swimming and diving team took second at the conference championships last week. Bryn Handley earned the Elite 18 award, which is the highest honor bestowed by the conference. A 4.0 student in Behavioral Analysis and Therapy, Handley dominated the field by winning the 500-yard freestyle, 200-yard freestyle, and 1,650-yard freestyle, finishing the 2017 season undefeated in individuals events.
Our men's track & field team, which is ranked No. 23 in the nation, also took second place at the MVC championships, for its best finish in five years. Kyle Landon set or tied his lifetime-best in all three jumps en route to scoring 26 of SIU's 108 points. For his efforts, he was honored as both the MVC Most Outstanding Male Field Athlete and the co-Most Valuable Athlete. Jared Kern broke SIU alum John Smith's 34-year old meet record to win his first MVC shot put title. The Salukis will be well represented at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships during the second week of March.
Looking at our spring sports, the men's tennis team has a seven-match winning streak, while the women have won four-straight. Baseball was picked to finish second in the MVC and they are 4-3, including a series win over Stetson. Softball is off to an 8-7 start that includes a win over Michigan State. Both golf teams have started competition and are expected to have strong seasons.
This is an exciting week in Saluki Athletics. We're hosting the MAC Swimming & Diving championships Wednesday through Sunday. We're also hosting the Coach B Classic softball tournament that includes SEC power Kentucky. Baseball opens its home schedule with a series versus Western Illinois Friday through Sunday. And of course, our Men's Basketball team plays Loyola in the 4-5 game at the MVC Tournament on Friday at 2:30. I hope you enjoy the festivities!
From the Ask The AD files, Bob, Ron and others who did not include their names, asked for my reaction to Coach Hinson's recent comments directed toward fans who he feels are not supportive of the program. My response is simple. We cannot afford to lose you. No matter what level you support us, no matter how satisfied or dissatisfied you might be, we value each and every customer. I was grateful to hear Coach Hinson apologize for those comments. I openly welcome your feedback. Send your questions to Ask the AD.
With Saluki Pride,
