Vote Stony Brook for America East Top Moment of the Year

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook Athletics enjoyed another stellar athletic year in 2012-13, earning four of the 13 spots on America East's Top 13 Moments of 2012-13 list. Now fans can vote which moment they believe is the #1 moment of 2012-13.
Fans can vote by liking/sharing on Facebook, retweeting/favoriting on Twitter or liking on YouTube.
Stony Brook's four top moments are the softball team beating Albany for the America East Championship, the men's basketball team defeating Massachusetts in the NIT for its first-ever national postseason victory, the women's lacrosse team beating Towson for its first-ever NCAA Tournament win and the women's soccer team upsetting the top three seeds to win its first-ever America East Championship.
Use the links below to vote for your favorite Stony Brook moment of 2012-13!

Softball wins America East Championship
Men's Basketball beats UMass in NIT
Women's Lacrosse wins NCAA Tournament game
Women's Soccer wins America East Championship

Stony Brook Athletics to show Wreck-It Ralph on FREE "Movie Night" July 30 at LaValle Stadium

Stony Brook, N.Y. - The community has spoken, and the results are in for the FREE "Movie Night" contest. Stony Brook Athletics will show Wreck-It Ralph (Walt Disney Animation Studios, rated PG) on Tuesday, July 30 (rain date July 31) at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium at 7 p.m.

On FREE "Movie Night," the LaValle Stadium gates will open at 6:30 p.m, and admission for all spectators is FREE. Concessions will be available and spectators will be able to watch the movie from the stands or on the stadium field. In addition, all moviegoers can enter to win a copy of Wreck-It Ralph, courtesy of Best Buy.

Moviegoers are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or beach towels to watch the movie from the field of LaValle Stadium.

FREE "Movie Night" is presented by Team Ardolino and Realty Connect USA and Bethpage Federal Credit Union.

Stony Brook Football at CAA Media Day...Head Coach Chuck Priore, RB Marcus Coker and Def. Jawara Dudley

Joe Nathan '97 and John Wetteland honors Mariano Rivera today...

Football picked to finish seventh in CAA preseason poll

Baltimore, Md. - Entering its first season in the Colonial Athletic Association, the Stony Brook football team has been picked to finish seventh, CAA officials announced at the league's Media Day at M&T Bank Stadium Wednesday morning.

In a poll of the conference's 11 head coaches and sports information directors, Villanova was picked to finish first with 11 first-place votes. Towson (three first-place votes), Stony Brook's first CAA home opponent, was chosen second, followed by New Hampshire (3).

Richmond, which garnered one first-place vote, was picked fourth. James Madison garnered the other four first-place votes. Delaware is sixth and is followed by Stony Brook, Maine, William and Mary, Albany and Rhode Island.

Stony Brook, which made the announcement it would join the CAA in August of 2012, won four straight Big South Conference titles, including an outright championship in 2011. Over the past four years, the Seawolves have posted a conference record of 21-3.

The Seawolves, who have won nine and 10 games, respectively, over the last two years, join New Hampshire as the only two CAA schools to reach the Division I Football Championship in each of the last two seasons. Stony Brook, which has advanced to the second round of the playoffs in back-to-back years, enters 2013 ranked No. 11 by the Sports Network.

Stony Brook begins its preseason on Monday, August 5. It will scrimmage Penn on Saturday, August 31.

CAA Football begins right away for Stony Brook as the Seawolves will travel to face Rhode Island on Saturday, September 7 at 1 p.m. 

CAA Football Media Day, Wednesday...Listen Live on CAA.TV....HC Chuck Priore at 10:44 a.m. approx

LISTEN LIVE ON CAA.TV

Michael Bamiro meets the media today at Philadelphia Eagles preseason camp...

Mike on 94WIP AUDIO

MBB: Former Stony Brook player Dallis Joyner continues his career at Komarno:

Dallis Joyner (203-F-90, college: Stony Brook) is set to continue his pro-career as a member of the Slovakian First League's MBK Rieker Komarno. The 23 year-old American import player has just signed with the Slovakian silver medalist after he spent the last season with the Israeli Maccabi Kiryat Bialik, where he posted 16.2 points, 9 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 31 league games. The 203 cm-tall forward started as a pro in Italy and he had a 4-year NCAA career befora that. Joyner was a solid role-player for Stony Brook, his best season was 2011/2012 in which he achieved 8.8 ppg. and 6.5 rpg. with 60.3% from the field.

Seawolves will appear on TV at Villanova and James Madison...CAA Football Unveils 2013 Slate for NBC Sports Regional Networks

Richmond, Va. - In conjunction with CAA Football, the conference announced Monday that two Stony Brook games will be televised live as part of the league's television package. Both games will be televised live on one of the NBC Sports regional networks.

Week four will feature a rematch of last year's playoff contest between Stony Brook and Villanova on September 14. The Seawolves defeated the Wildcats, 20-10, at LaValle Stadium, reaching the second round of the Division I Football Championship for a second straight year.

Stony Brook also will head to James Madison for a late-afternoon showdown against the Dukes on November 16.

The final week of the regular season is Rivalry Week. Stony Brook-Albany, scheduled for November 23, could be picked up for broadcast.

The Seawolves, ranked No. 11 in the preseason by the Sports Network, are one of six CAA Football teams ranked in the top 25. Villanova is 15 and James Madison 19.

Stony Brook's game at Buffalo will be televised live on ESPN3 at 3:30 p.m. 

RICHMOND, Va. – The 2013 CAA Football television schedule was further enhanced on Monday when it was announced that an exciting slate of 13 games are set to air this season on NBC Sports Regional Networks, including Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia and Comcast SportsNet New England.

The schedule kicks off on Sept. 14 when league newcomer UAlbany welcomes Rhode Island to the Capital Region at 7 p.m. for its first-ever game at the new Bob Ford Field.

The NBC Sports Regional Networks will serve up a doubleheader the following two Saturdays. On Sept. 21, Stony Brook makes its first televised appearance under the league banner when it visits Villanova for a rematch of last year’s FCS Championship First Round game at 3 p.m. and Rhody travels to take on William and Mary under the lights at 7 p.m. Fans will see Maine swing southward to face Richmond at 4 p.m. on Sept. 28 before a pair of perennial powerhouses in James Madison and Delaware meet in Newark to square off in the primetime slot.

New Hampshire faces Towson at Noon on Oct. 5 for another highly anticipated contest given the two programs’ recent marathon matchups. The Blue Hens and Great Danes both make their second regionally televised appearance the following week when they meet for a matinee at Delaware Stadium.

A pair of potent offenses will be on display in Durham on Oct. 19, as UNH looks to continue its winning ways at Cowell Stadium when it hosts Villanova at Noon. Another matinee follows a week later when Towson travels to Richmond.

November opens with Homecoming in Harrisonburg on Nov. 2, as JMU welcomes Villanova to campus for a 2:30 p.m. kick. William and Mary makes its way to Newark for a 3 p.m. matchup with Delaware on Nov. 9 before viewers are taken back to Bridgeforth Stadium for a 3:30 p.m. showdown between the Dukes and Stony Brook on Nov. 16.

The CAA Football regular season comes to a close with Rivalry Week on Nov. 23. That contest is set for selection 12-14 days prior to gameday.

In addition to Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia and Comcast SportsNet New England, other NBC Sports Regional Networks will televise select match-ups from the package. Complete schedules will be announced at a later date.

NBC Sports Regional Networks, part of the NBC Sports Group, consist of 13 regional networks that deliver more than 2,400 live sporting events annually, along with breaking news, comprehensive analysis, digital content and original programming, to more than 50 million homes. The NBC Sports Regional Networks are: Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, Comcast SportsNet California, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Comcast SportsNet Houston, Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, Comcast SportsNet New England, NECN, Comcast SportsNet Northwest, The Comcast Network, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, CSS and SNY.

Throughout the 2013 season, every game televised regionally on NBC Sports Regional Networks will also be simulcast digitally to out-of-market areas for free on CAA.TV. A select number of these specific games may also be featured in high definition and available live for free on the CAA iPad app. Digital broadcasts will be blacked out in areas where the telecast is available via fans’ cable provider. A free login will be required to view the games both via CAA.TV on a computer or using the CAA's iPad app. More information on the CAA.TV login requirement will be available closer to the season and promoted via CAA Football’s online presence.

CAA Football is on Twitter @CAAFootball and uses the official hashtag #CAAFB. We can also be found on Facebook, Instagram and blogging on our Every Day Is Saturday official blog at caafootball.wordpress.com. All CAA Football video productions can be found on our YouTube Channel.

A complete list of CAA Football games on NBC Sports Regional Networks is listed below. (All time listed ET. Schedule subject to change.)

Date	Game	Time (ET)	TV
Saturday, Sept. 14	Rhode Island at UAlbany	7 p.m.	NBC Sports Regional Networks
Saturday, Sept. 21	Stony Brook at Villanova	3 p.m.	NBC Sports Regional Networks
	Rhode Island at William and Mary	7 p.m.	NBC Sports Regional Networks
Saturday, Sept. 28	Maine at Richmond	4 p.m.	NBC Sports Regional Networks
	James Madison at Delaware	7 p.m.	NBC Sports Regional Networks
Saturday, Oct. 5	New Hampshire at Towson	Noon	NBC Sports Regional Networks
Saturday, Oct. 12	UAlbany at Delaware	Noon	NBC Sports Regional Networks
Saturday, Oct. 19	Villanova at New Hampshire	Noon	NBC Sports Regional Networks
Saturday, Oct. 26	Towson at Richmond	Noon	NBC Sports Regional Networks
Saturday, Nov. 2	Villanova at James Madison	2:30 p.m.	NBC Sports Regional Networks
Saturday, Nov. 9	William and Mary at Delaware	3 p.m.	NBC Sports Regional Networks
Saturday, Nov. 16	Stony Brook at James Madison	3:30 p.m.	NBC Sports Regional Networks
Saturday, Nov. 23	TBD - Rivalry Week Game	Noon	NBC Sports Regional Networks

Seawolves on the Rise: Stony Brook Arena

Taylor Burner '13 signs PRO contract with Bnei Herzliya Basketball in Israel

Great week for former WBB player Taylor Burner who is a member of Team USA for the Maccabiah Games and just signed a PRO basketball contract to play for Bnea Herzeliya in Israel...CONGRATS!

Maysonet named Big South Male Athlete of the Year

Charlotte, N.C. - Just days before the start of NFL training camp, Miguel Maysonet can add one more honor to his collection. Maysonet was named the Big South Conference's Howard Bagwell Male Athlete of the Year Wednesday, becoming the first football player to do so.

Maysonet, who earned 79 points and eight first-place votes, finished ahead of Coastal Carolina soccer All-American Ashton Bennett.

Voting was done by the conference's Athletic Directors, Senior Woman Administrators and Sports Information Directors.

Maysonet, a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, given to the outstanding player in FCS, rushed for 1,964 yards, the 11th most yards in a season in FCS history, and scored 23 total touchdowns in 2012.

The 5-10, 210-pound back accounted for more than 100 rushing yards in a game six times and had three games with 200 or more yards in 2012. During a four-game span, he rushed for a career-high three times, capped by a 233-yard, two-touchdown performance at Coastal Carolina.

In Stony Brook's two FBS games last season, Maysonet totaled 158 yards and a touchdown against Syracuse and 220 yards and two scores in a 23-3 win over Army. Maysonet increased his rushing totals in each of three seasons as a Seawolf, rushing for 1,128 yards as a sophomore to 1,633 as a junior to 1,964 as a senior.

When factoring in his freshman season at Hofstra, he finished his career with 5,110 yards, good for 17th all-time in FCS history, and 51 touchdowns, despite averaging only 16 carries per game.

The 2011 and 2012 Big South Offensive Player of the Year recorded 21 games with 100 or more yards, had six games with three touchdowns and is the only player in school and conference history with two games of four scores.

Maysonet also owns school and conference records for career rushing yards (4,725), yards per game (127.7), touchdowns (53) and rushing attempts (695). 

In March 2000, the Big South Conference Executive Committee voted to create an annual Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year award, and name the male award in honor of former Charleston Southern Athletic Director Howard Bagwell, who was one of the founders of the Big South Conference. The annual candidates for the award consist of the Players of the Year from each sport for the season most recently completed.

Michael Bamiro agrees to deal with Eagles

Philadelphia, Pa. - Michael Bamiro,  @MichaelBamiro an All-American and recent Stony Brook graduate, agreed to terms with the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday. Bamiro will report to training camp on Monday and begins practice on Tuesday. The first full-squad practice is Friday, July 26.

An All-American by the Associated Press and Sports Network in 2012, Bamiro started 33 straight games at right tackle, blocking for a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in each of the last three seasons. The Seawolves' bruising rushing attack has ranked in the top 10 in FCS for the past three seasons as Stony Brook earned playoff berths in 2011 and 2012.

Bamiro, who earned a degree in journalism, was set to begin his final season in 2013, but was denied a waiver for an addition season, therefore exhausting his eligibility.

Bamiro is the second member of his family to sign with an NFL team. His oldest brother, David, was a standout defensive lineman for the Seawolves, and signed a free-agent deal with the Minnesota Vikings in 2005. 

Stony Brook product Joe Nathan '97 excited to save it for Mariano Rivera

By MARK HERRMANN  mark.herrmann@newsday.com

Joe Nathan's career has taken many unexpected and gratifying turns since he emerged from Stony Brook University as a genuine big-league pitching prospect. In a way, all of that led him to the All-Star Game last night, when he got to close a game for the greatest closer of all time.

Nathan, like just about everyone else, had assumed Mariano Rivera would pitch the ninth inning if the American League was ahead. But manager Jim Leyland wanted to ensure that Rivera got a proper introduction and exit without someone -- such as Nathan -- potentially blowing the lead. So Rivera pitched an unforgettable eighth inning and Nathan followed him and recorded the save in a 3-0 win.

"Outstanding. To be able to hand him the ball that I saved was pretty cool," Nathan, the Rangers closer, said in the visitors clubhouse at Citi Field. "It's no secret how much I look up to him and to be able to do that for him was awesome."

When he was asked when Leyland told him about the juxtaposition, Nathan said: "He still hasn't. I didn't know. That's why my heart is still racing."

This was guaranteed to be a heart-pounding night for Nathan, who grew up as a Mets fan in Pine Bush, N.Y., in Orange County. He had the good fortune of playing high school ball for someone whose college roommate was Stony Brook coach Matt Senk.

"Stony Brook was a perfect fit for me because it's a great school, which is what I was looking for," he said. "As a high school player, I definitely wasn't good. I wasn't highly touted, so it gave me an opportunity to grow as a person and as a player."

The university's baseball field is now named for Nathan, who has appeared in six All-Star Games.

OL Michael Bamiro to sign with Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday!

Tommy Brenton signs PRO basketball contract...headed to Japan with Tochigi of the JBL

Joe Nathan '97 (Texas Rangers) with media at All-Star Game

Kevin Crowley named Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game MVP....Congrats!

The Hamilton Nationals began the season with a franchise-best 5-0 start and first-time All-Star Kevin Crowley has been a big part of their success. Crowley will be making his debut at the MLL All-Star Game presented by Moe’s Southwest Grill July 13 in Charlotte, N.C.

Hamilton drafted Crowley as the first overall pick in 2011. With League-high numbers and his All-Star selection, the third time may be the charm for this third-year player as they make a push for the Steinfeld Trophy.

Crowley began the 2013 season with a splash, recording four goals and three assists in Hamilton’s season opener at Boston. The three assists and seven points are a career high, and seven points are the most by a National in 2013.

The Stony Brook product has had two career-high five-goal games this season. Five goals are the most scored by a National in 2013 with Stephen Keogh also notching five goals against the Bayhawks. Crowley is also in the midst of a club-best 25-game streak with at least a goal or an assist.

Crowley’s career season has helped him to become a League leader in points and goals. He has led the League in points three different weeks this season and has been first in goals twice.

Crowley now sits in second in goals scored with 29 and third in points with 41. Fellow first-time All-Star, Denver’s Chris Bocklet, is first in goals and second in points, and Paul Rabil’s eight-point game against Charlotte last week moved him into first in the League in points.

Last year, Crowley finished second on the Nationals in points and goals. Crowley’s 29 goals through ten games this year surpass his previous season-high of 24 in 2012. After a five-point game at Rochester, Crowley has also exceeded his 2012 point total by four.

Crowley is also making his way into the club all-time record books for Hamilton. He has recorded 98 points as a National, second only to Joe Walters’s 160. He is only six goals shy of Walters’s first-place 73 goals. Crowley ranks third all-time for assists as a National with 30. He trails Walters and Brodie Merrill in this category. Both Walters and Merrill will join Crowley in the 2013 All-Star Game in their sixth and eighth appearances, respectively.

Crowley’s college career at Stony Brook was also one for the record books. He won the 2010 USILA Enners Award and 2011 USILA Lt. Donald McLaughlin, Jr. Award. He earned First Team All-America honors in 2011 and 2010. In 2010, Crowley was named a Tewaaraton finalist and America East Player of the Year in a unanimous decision. He is also the only player in Stony Brook history to record 100 or more goals and assists and is one of three players in America East history to be a four-time first team selection.

To check out Crowley in the MLL All-Star Game presented by Moe’s Southwest Grill purchase tickets atMajorLeagueLacrosse.com All-Star Game page. The game will be held at American Legion Memorial Stadium July 13 at 7 p.m. and broadcast live on ESPN2.

ESPN talks Michael Bamiro

Stony Brook launches StonyBrookArena.com microsite

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook Athletics has launched StonyBrookArena.com, a new informational microsite that will be the home to all things related to Long Island's newest athletic and entertainment destination, which is scheduled to open in Fall 2014. 

Stony Brook Arena is currently undergoing a $21.1 million renovation that will transform the space into a state-of-the-art facility and become the new home to Seawolves men's & women's basketball. The 40,000 square foot renovation project features a variety of design enhancements including a new bowl seating configuration to provide an intimate atmosphere for more than 4,000 spectators; modern arena video technology to enhance fan experience; a new competition basketball court and improved practice courts; and enhanced fan amenities including new concessions, restrooms and an expanded concourse. A private donation was also secured to complete four luxury suites and a VIP lounge with loge seating.

StonyBrookArena.com features information about the project itself, ticket information, including content regarding the new Seawolves Points initiative, a link to a 3D seats model where fans can see what the view will look like from any seat in the arena, and a link to the construction photo gallery where fans can stay up-to-date on the progress.

To get the best seats in the house at Stony Brook Arena, fans are encouraged to become a Seawolves Basketball season ticket holder this season. Current season ticket holders will get first choice for the best locations in Stony Brook Arena. Fans can get more information and place a deposit today by calling (631) 632-4513 or emailing seawolvestickets@stonybrook.edu.

When discussing Stony Brook Arena, fans are encouraged to use the hashtag #StonyBrookArena.

Stony Brook's Michael Bamiro headed to NFL as free agent

Greg Logan, Newsday - The going just got a lot tougher for Stony Brook's running backs as they prepare to move to Colonial Athletic Association football. Preseason All-American right tackle Michael Bamiro's request for an extension of his eligibility recently was denied by the NCAA, according to school officials, and the 6-8, 335-pound prospect is headed to the NFL as a free agent.

Bamiro, who has retained agent Billy Conaty and is preparing for a private workout Thursday for NFL scouts, said the eligibility issue came as a "huge surprise" to him when he first learned about it in late May. He had received his bachelor's degree in journalism and was expecting to return to Stony Brook as a graduate student for his senior season.

The sudden turn of events has been life-changing. "It's intense, almost surreal," Bamiro said in a telephone interview. "One minute I was living in my dorm and now I'm training to be a professional athlete."

The eligibility issue traces to Bamiro's 2008 enrollment at the University of Pittsburgh-Titusville, a campus that primarily offers two-year programs leading to associate degrees. It has men's and women's basketball teams that compete on the junior college level but no other sports programs. Bamiro was not recruited to play sports but was enrolled as a full-time student.

When Bamiro decided he wanted to play football, he transferred in 2009 to Stony Brook, where one brother, David, played football and another brother, Solomon, played basketball. Like many recruits, Bamiro redshirted his first year and then played three seasons from 2010-12, helping to pave the way for a pair of 1,000-yard rushers each of those seasons, winning at least a share of three straight Big South titles and advancing to the second round of the FCS playoffs the past two seasons.

Bamiro was under the impression that he had one more year of eligibility after redshirting in 2009, but under NCAA bylaws, the five-year clock to complete his eligibility began ticking in 2008 because he was a full-time student. Stony Brook then sought the waiver that the NCAA denied.

The loss comes as a blow to the Seawolves, who expected to have their entire starting offensive line intact for the move to the CAA. "He's been a major part of the road to success not only as a player but as a person," football coach Chuck Priore said of Bamiro. "He never missed a practice, never missed a game because of injury. He stands for hard work and toughness, and he's a good person."

Because no one knew he was eligible for the 2013 NFL draft and because he exhausted his college eligibility and therefore is ineligible for Thursday's NFL supplemental draft, Bamiro is a free agent. Priore has been fielding calls from a variety of NFL teams.

"The NFL is very realistic for him," Priore said. "His body equals the measurables, and his talent gets better and better. Athletically, he's well-prepared, and he's got the character and work ethic."

Conaty is expecting representatives from 12 to 15 teams for Thursday's workout. "Interest is extremely high," Conaty said. "Some teams offered contracts for him to sign before he works out. There aren't many 6-8 players who can bend the way he can and are as athletic."

Some may question Bamiro's pass-blocking skills after he played in a run-oriented offense, but many will see a tremendous upside. Despite the late start to his college career, Bamiro emphasized, "I do love this game and every aspect of playing."

The interest his free agency has generated has been exciting for Bamiro. "I was just hoping to go somewhere to a team," he said. "Now the pressure is on to put on a show Thursday."

Joe Nathan '97 named to sixth MLB All-Star Game

NEW YORK - Stony Brook Athletics Hall of Famer and baseball great Joe Nathan '97 has been named to the 2013 American League All-Star team and will participate in the 84th annual Major League Baseball All-Star Game July 16 at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. The selections were announced by Major League Baseball Saturday evening. Fans can watch Nathan and the All-Star Game live on FOX at 7:30 p.m.

Nathan has now been selected to the AL All-Star team six times in his career. This is his second consecutive selection with the Rangers. He was named to the team as a member of the Minnesota Twins in 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2009.

Nathan is enjoying another stellar season as a closer. In 39 games this season for Texas, Nathan has pitched 37-2/3 innings and allowed just 20 hits while striking out 39. He has a 1-0 record with a 1.43 ERA and 28 saves, which currently ranks second in the American League.

In his career, Nathan ranks 13th all-time with 327 saves. He is second only to New York's Mariano Rivera among active pitchers.

In five career innings at the All-Star Game, Nathan has a 1.80 ERA and has allowed only three hits while striking out four.

Nathan was a two-time Academic All-American at Stony Brook and hit .378 in his time with the Seawolves and was also inducted into the Stony Brook Athletics Hall of Fame on Dec. 6, 2006, when he became the first former Stony Brook student-athlete to have his number retired. Stony Brook renamed its baseball facility Joe Nathan Field after Nathan donated the lead gift that led to the park's renovation.

Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July!

Rayshaun McGrew joins men's hoops for 2013-14

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook men’s basketball head coach Steve Pikiellhas announced that 6-6, 230-pound forward Rayshaun McGrew (Chicago, Ill.) has signed a grant-in aid offer to attend Stony Brook University and play for the Seawolves beginning in the upcoming 2013-14 season. McGrew will have three years of eligibility remaining.

“I’m very excited to add Rayshaun McGrew to our Stony Brook men’s basketball family,” Pikiell said. “We’re getting a very physical front court player, who can shoot the ball, rebound and defend well. Most importantly, we’re getting a quality young man who will fit in well with our team and do all the right things. He adds outstanding depth to our already strong front court.”

McGrew comes to Stony Brook after two years at Cowley County Community College, a competitive junior college located in Arkansas City, Kan. He played one season for the Tigers and averaged 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds a game while shooting 53.4 percent from the field. He helped the Tigers to a 21-11 record and helped them advance to the second round of the NJCAA Region VI Men’s Basketball Tournament.

“Rayshaun is a rare kid who has a toughness on the court, works hard and is a good, genuine person off the court,” Cowley County Head Men’s Basketball Coach Tommy DeSalme said. “He is a blue collar glue guy. He does all the little things that don’t show up on the stat sheet that help you win. He has a high motor, plays hard, defends well, rebounds the ball and can hit the consistent 15-foot jumper. And he’ll keep getting better offensively. Rayshaun is the type of person that doesn’t have to score to say that he had a good game. His best basketball is ahead of him, and he’ll make a great ambassador for Stony Brook.”

Prior to his junior college experience, McGrew was a four-year starter at Chicago Vocational Career Academy and captained the Cavaliers his senior season. As a senior in 2010-11, he was an All-Public League Conference and All-City selection and was also All-State honorable mention. He led the team in scoring (17.2 per game) rebounding (9.7 per game) and field goal percentage (56.7).

McGrew will join fellow newcomers Chris Braley and Roland Nyama, redshirt freshmen Ryan Burnett, Kameron Mitchell and Ahmad Walker and seven returning letterwinners to form the 2013-14 Seawolves team that will seek to build upon last season’s record-breaking squad that won a Div. I program record 25 games, including the program’s first-ever national postseason win, and captured the America East regular season championship for the third time in the last four years. Among the returnees are 2013 America East Rookie of the Year Jameel Warney, All-America East guardDave Coley and starting point guard Anthony Jackson.

Stony Brook Athletics celebrates department wide 3.08 GPA in 2012-13

Stony Brook, N.Y. - The Stony Brook University Department of Athletics continues to shine both on the field and in the classroom. In addition to claiming nine conference championships in 2012-13, Seawolf student-athletes as a whole achieved an overall grade-point average (GPA) of 3.08 during this academic year, the second-highest department GPA during the last six years.

"I am continually humbled by the effort our student-athletes make each and every day in the classroom and in their athletic endeavors," Stony Brook Director of Athletics Jim Fiore said. "All the credit goes to our student-athletes, coaches and academic support staff; this achievement is a reflection of their collective commitment towards the true 'student'-athlete paradigm."

In 2012-13, Stony Brook student-athletes received numerous honors for their academic achievements. Seventeen Seawolves were placed on conference All-Academic teams, which honor the best in each sport based on performance on the field and in the classroom. Olivia Burne of the women's cross country team, Eric Speakman of the men's cross country team and Brandon McNitt of the baseball team were recognized as America East Scholar-Athletes distinguishing themselves as the top scholar-athlete in their respective sports. Speakman was also a selection to the CoSIDA/Capital One District I All-Academic team.
Stony Brook annually also places numerous student-athletes on the America East Honor Roll. In 2012-13, 212 Seawolves student-athletes made the honor roll, which requires a 3.0 GPA or higher. That number represents over 40 percent of the student-athletes on campus. In addition, 82 student-athletes earned America East Commissioner's Honor Roll status for producing a 3.5 GPA or higher.

Four teams were recognized nationally for their academic progress. For the second straight year, the football team received the Football Championship Subdivision Athletic Directors Association (FCS ADA) Academic Progress Rate (APR) Award for having the best multi-year APR in the Big South Conference. For the third consecutive year, the men's cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field teams received the NCAA APR Recognition Award for having a multi-year APR in the top 10 percent of all teams in the nation, all of them finishing with a perfect score of 1000.

In terms of single-year APR for 2011-12, four teams finished with a perfect APR score of 1000, including the men's & women's basketball teams and the men's indoor & outdoor track & field teams. Specifically in men's basketball, the Seawolves achieved a perfect single-year APR score for the third consecutive year and their multi-year APR of 985 is the highest among all Metropolitan New York City schools.

Nationally, 12 Stony Brook athletic programs boast a multi-year APR over the NCAA Div. I average of 974, and 12 programs have multi-year APRs better than the national average within their respective sports.

Both the men's & women's cross country teams were honored by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), achieving All-Academic status as a team for the sixth consecutive year.

At the annual Stony Brook end-of-year student-athlete banquet, The Wolfies, men's tennis senior Robert Forai and women's track & field senior Sandeep Dhillon were named the Stony Brook Scholar-Athletes of the Year, boasting the top male and female cumulative GPAs among the senior class.