A Message From The Athletic Director

Spring 2009

After another exciting winter season, a busy spring is once again upon us. Before looking ahead, it's important that we reflect upon the outstanding performances of our women's basketball, men's volleyball, and ice hockey teams.

The women's basketball team, led by first year head coach Deborah Buff, achieved a new program high in wins as the Gulls finished the season with a 23-6 overall record and appeared in their first The Commonwealth Coast Conference Championship game since the 2005-06 season. Despite losing in a highly contested final against a spirited Salve Regina squad, we are extremely proud of the accomplishments the team made by earning a berth into the ECAC Tournament for a fifth straight year.

Not to be outdone, the Endicott men's volleyball team also posted a program high win total, as the Gulls went 22-13 overall and won their first ever New England Division regular season title with a 12-2 conference record. Our own Tim Byram won the Divisional Coach of the Year awarded while five of his players were named Divisional All-Stars.

The Endicott ice hockey team netted two NECHA All-Star selections and appeared in the Conference Semifinals for just the second time in program history. The Gulls posted an impressive 8-1 win over UMass-Amherst in the league Quarterfinals.

The College was proud to announce the hiring of our new head men's basketball coach Phil Rowe on April 3rd. Rowe brings over 30 years of athletic administration and coaching experience to the Endicott Athletic Department. He has served as the head coach at the University of New Hampshire, Keene State, Plymouth State and New England College; and has been an assistant at George Washington University, Boston University and St. Anselm College. We are truly excited to add Phil to our staff of exceptional coaches and look forward to the leadership he will provide to the men's basketball program.

It's hard to believe that the end of the academic year is right around the corner, but the playoffs are on the minds of our spring athletes. Men's lacrosse has been ranked as high as fifth in the nation this spring, while the women's lacrosse team has seen great success under head coach Meghan Fitzgerald. The Endicott baseball team has battled some of the nation's toughest opponents, including defending National Champion Trinity College. Men's tennis is also enjoying a solid spring with new head coach Eric Calderwood at the helm. Finally, the softball team in continuing their decade of success as the Gulls will look to capture their unprecedented seventh straight TCCC title.

Speaking of softball, the NCAA has awarded Endicott the New England Regional Tournament hosting responsibilities for May 7-11. This outstanding honor is truly a representation of the success of the program, head coach Mark Veilleux, and the commitment from the College to build one of the nicest softball venues in New England. The entire campus is looking forward to hosting the event.

As some of you may know, Endicott is celebrating its 70th anniversary this summer and will be holding events during Reunion Weekend on June 5-7. One of the headlining outings will be the Gull Club Golf Challenge, which will take place on June 5th at Beverly Golf and Tennis. Proceeds from the Tournament will benefit Endicott's athletic programs and its student-athletes. Your registration fee of \$125 includes greens fee, golf cart, and the use of the on-course practice facility. Participants will be granted access to a Silent Auction consisting of sports memorabilia from Boston's local sports teams, to be held at the Luncheon following tournament play. If you're interested in registering for the event, you can do so online at www.endicott.edu/gullclubgolfchallenge. If you'd like more information on the outing, please contact Jay Munroe at 978-232-2019 or by email at jmunroe@endicott.edu.

Finally, I would like to once again thank all the Gull Club donors for their continued support of Endicott athletics and our student-athletes. While I know we have all felt the effects of the current economic climate, it is crucial that we continue to provide our student-athletes with all the experiences that can be afforded to them. I, personally, thank you for your unwavering support.

Sincerely,

Brian Wylie
Director of Athletics