SCSU Athletics Brochure

provide opportunities for young men and women to participate in an athletic program of the highest quality, resulting in an expe-

rience that becomes an integral and valued component of their total university educational experience.

These opportunities will be aligned with the core values of the University and the NCAA Division II philosophy.

The Department will place student success as its highest priority and will cultivate and maintain an environment that encourages lifelong learning, community service, competitive success and development of character and leadership skills. An athletic culture that values integrity, diversity, gender equity, high academic achievement and sound fiscal management will be developed to reflect this mission and philosophy.

Mission

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he mission for Intercollegiate Athletics is to

Southern

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outhern Connecticut State University’s outstanding athletic program has set a unique standard of excellence in academics and athletics, a trend that will continue in the years ahead.

The Owls consistently rank among the top Division II programs in the NCAA, as evidenced by 80 individual National Championships and 10 Team Championships. In addition, the Owls have produced more than 1,200 All-Americans, which ranks among the best in the nation.

The Owls sponsor 19 intercollegiate programs (eight men, 11 women) and are full-fledged members of the Northeast-10 Conference. The gymnastics program has a conference affiliation with the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference.

From the Olympics to the Super Bowl to the Pan American Games, current student-athletes and athletic alumni continually carry the Southern Connecticut State University name on the world’s biggest stages.

The Owls’ teams annually compete against some of the top athletic and academic institutions in the nation, including: Yale University, Brown University, Dartmouth College, Princeton University and the University of Connecticut.

concepts of excellence for its student-athletes and all of its athletics programs. Southern Connecticut annually ranks among the top-30 percent in the Learfield Sports Directors Cup, which awards competitive excellence based on NCAA post-season performance.

As the state of Connecticut’s only NCAA Division II public university, SCSU offers student-athletes academic and competitive opportunities unmatched by any other college or university in the region. Now in the midst of a $230 million building and renovation program, Southern maintains state-of-the-art training and competition facilities for all of its athletic programs.

Southern student-athletes enjoy unprecedented travel opportunities to high profile regional and national competitions. SCSU is also proud to offer scholarships to deserving student-athletes.

For the latest information on Southern Connecticut State University athletics, including current statistics, schedules and scores, visit SouthernCTowls.com or call the Athletics Department at 203-392-6047.

Athletics

The University’s Athletic Department is engaged in developing

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Team National Titles 10 Men’s Soccer 1987, 1990, 1992, 1995, 1998, 1999 Men’s Gymnastics 1973, 1975, 1976 Women’s Basketball 2007

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Individual National Titles 80 Women’s Outdoor Track (2) Kateema Riettie - javelin (2001, 2002)

Women’s Indoor Track (3) Destiney Coward - weight throw (2018) Crystle Hill, Georgette Nixon, Sarah Hill, Shatajah Wattely 4x400 relay (2015) Paula Brunetto - 1,500 meters (1987)

Women’s Gymnastics (1) Christie Clark Deary - vault (1983)

Men’s Gymnastics (27) Peter Kormann - all-around (1975, 1976); floor exercise (1975, 1976); vaulting (1976); horizontal bar (1976); still rings (1976) Dave Mesagno - pommel horse (1976) Jay Whelan - all-around (1974); floor exercise (1974); still rings (1974) John Crosby - all-around (1971, 1972, 1973); floor exercise (1971, 1972, 1973); vaulting (1972, 1973); parallel bars (1971, 1972, 1973); horizontal bar (1973) Jim Yearwood - pommel horse (1970) Jim Amerine - all-around (1968); still rings (1968, 1969) 5

Individual National Titles Men’s Swimming and Diving (19) Ray Cswerko - 200 butterfly (2014) Ben Michaelson - 50 freestyle (2002, 2003); 100 freestyle (2002, 2003);100 butterfly (2001, 2002, 2003); 200 butterfly (2001, 2002, 2003) Popo Alejandro - three-meter diving (1998) Chris Hamilton - one-meter diving (1993) Patrick Tully - one-meter diving (1987, 1988); three-meter diving (1987,1988) Jim Kohnowich - 100 freestyle (1969) Mike Ludwig-200 breaststroke (1965)

Women’s Swimming (8) Amanda Thomas – 200 individual medley (2011), 200 individual medley (2012), 400 individual medley (2012), 200 individual medley (2013) Kristen Frost – 200 freestyle, 500 freestyle, 1000 freestyle, 1650 freestyle (2008)

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Men’s Indoor Track (7) Nick Lebron - heptathlon (2012, 2014) Dan Bourque - 35-pound weight (1998) Sean Mahon - high jump (1995, 1996) Mike Drummey - pole vault (1995) Ken Blanchard - 35-pound weight (1985)

Men’s Outdoor Track (13) Dan Bourque - hammer (1998) Chris Sagnella - javelin (1992) Mike Drummey - pole vault (1995) Ken Blanchard - hammer (1986) Greg Gassner - hammer (1983) Bill Borden - hammer (1981, 1982) Dave Gibeault - pole vault (1981) Wayne Durrigan - hammer (1976, 1977) Frank Bredice - hammer (1971, 1972) George Jerome - hammer (1970)

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Team Information Football cornerstone of Southern Connecticut State University athletics

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since its founding it 1948, the Owls’ football team consistently ranks among the top NCAA Division II programs in the

Northeast and is a contender for NCAA Championship action. Groomed by experienced coaches, the Owls routinely earn coveted spots on All-America, All-Region, All-New England, All-ECAC and All-Northeast-10 Conference teams. Distinguished alumni include Joe Andruzzi, three-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots; Jacques Cesaire, a defensive lineman for the San Diego Chargers; and Super Bowl champion coaches Kevin Gilbride (former offensive coordinator for the New York Giants and former head coach of the San Diego Chargers), Chris Palmer (former quarterbacks coach for the New York Giants and former head coach of the Cleveland Browns; and Jeff Stoutland (Philadelphia Eagles offensive line coach).

For more information, please contact the football office at 203-392-6010.

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Team Information

Field Hockey

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he Southern Connecticut State University field hockey team has produced numerous All-Americans and has posted multiple NCAA Tournament appearances throughout its storied history.

The Owls play their home contests at Jess Dow Field, Southern’s state-ofthe-art multi-purpose outdoor athletic complex.

For more information, please contact the field hockey office at 203-392-5981.

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Team Information

Men’s Soccer

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ince the Owls’ men’s soccer team first assembled in 1968,

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Southern Connecticut has emerged as an intercollegiate soccer powerhouse. The Owls six Division II team championships

are more than any other program in the nation (1987, 1990, 1992, 1995, 1998, 1999). Southern Connecticut has produced some of the most accomplished student-athletes in the nation, including numerous All-America, All-Region and All-New England honorees. The Owls have also had a significant impact on the international level as well as within Major League Soccer.

For more information, please contact the men’s soccer office at 203-392-6018.

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Team Information

Women’s Soccer

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egularly one of the top teams in the Northeast-10 Conference

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and within the region, the women’s soccer program has blossomed since its inception in 1996. The program turns out

numerous All-Region, All-New England and All-Conference selections annually. The Owls play their home contests at Jess Dow Field, Southern’s state-of-the-art multi-purpose outdoor athletic complex.

For more information, please contact the women’s soccer office at 203-392-5759.

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Team Information

Men’s Cross Country

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he men’s cross country program has been a presence on both the regional and national scenes throughout its rich history. The Owls have produced a host of All-America, All-Region, All-New

England and All-Conference performers. The team competes against some of the top competition in the region during its fall campaign.

For more information, please contact the men’s cross country office at 203-392-6023.

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Women’s Cross Country

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he women’s cross country program has enjoyed tremendous recent success to complement its long and successful history.

Regularly ranked among the tops in the region, the Owls have

produced numerous NCAA qualifiers, as well as many All-Region, All-New England and All-Conference performers. The team competes against some of the top competition in the region during its fall campaign.

For more information, please contact the women’s cross country office at 203-392-6019.

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Team Information

Volleyball

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resurgence on the court has returned the volleyball program

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back among the top programs in the region over the past several years. One of the most storied programs in Southern

Connecticut history, the Owls remain one of only four Division II programs in the state and the only Division II public institution with the sport offering.

For more information, please contact the volleyball office at 203-392-6022.

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Team Information

Men’s Basketball

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ne of the winningest programs in New England at any level,

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the Southern Connecticut State University men’s basketball team has a rich tradition of success on the hardwood.

The Owls have made numerous conference and NCAA Tournament appearances throughout their history. Southern Connecticut plays its home contests at Moore Field House, the Owls’ state-of-the-art multipurpose indoor athletic facility.

For more information, please contact the men’s basketball office at 203-392-6017.

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Team Information

Women’s Basketball

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ne of the most storied programs in Southern Connecticut State

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University history, the women’s basketball team has enjoyed a long history of success. The Owls won the NCAA Division II

National Championship in 2007 and have made numerous national postseason appearances. Southern Connecticut student-athletes have also carried the university’s banner as far as the Olympic Games.

For more information, please contact the women’s basketball office at 203-392-6002.

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Team Information

Men’s Swimming & Diving

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ith a proud tradition spanning more than half a century, the

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Southern Connecticut State University men’s swimming and diving program has left an indelible mark on the NCAA

record book. The Owls have captured 19 individual NCAA titles in their history and perennially rank among the top teams in the nation. Former Owl Ben Michaelson captured 10 NCAA titles during his collegiate career and went on to win multiple gold medals at the Pan American Games.

SCSU has also dominated the Northeast-10 Conference since joining the league and has produced more than 200 All-Americans.

For more information, please contact the men’s swimming and diving office at 203-392-6026.

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Team Information

Women’s Swimming & Diving

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he benchmark for all others to emulate within the Northeast-10 Conference, the Southern Connecticut State University women’s swimming and diving program has also impacted on the national

stage with eight NCAA individual championships all-time. Having produced more than 50 All-Americans, the Owls are among the top programs in the Division II ranks. The Owls compete at the Hutchinson Natatorium, a world-class venue inside Moore Field House.

For more information, please contact the women’s swimming and diving office at 203-392-6026.

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Men’s Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field aving captured 20 NCAA individual titles and produced

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hundreds of All-Americans, the men’s indoor and outdoor track and field program is one of the best in Division II. The

Owls regularly compete against some of the top teams in the nation, including numerous Division I powers during the course of the season.

For more information, please contact the men’s track and field office at 203-392-6023.

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Women’s Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field

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he women’s indoor and outdoor track and field programs are a formidable presence on the national level. Southern Connecticut has captured five NCAA titles and numerous Northeast-10

Conference titles all-time, while its student-athletes regularly receive AllAmerica, All-Region and All-New England honors. Javelin thrower Kateema Riettie collected two NCAA titles in that event and later participated in international competition for her native Jamaica. The Owls regularly compete against some of the top teams in the nation, including numerous Division I powers during the course of the season.

For more information, please contact the women’s track and field office at 203-392-6019.

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Team Information

Gymnastics

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storied program that annually ranks among the best in the

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nation, the gymnastics program has a rich history. Christie Clark-Deary won the first NCAA title by an Owl female in any

sport in vaulting, and the team has gone on to produce more than 25 All-Americans since then. SCSU has also claimed 13 ECAC Championships and competes against some of the top programs in the sport, including numerous Division I teams.

For more information, please contact the gymnastics office at 203-392-8874.

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Team Information

Baseball

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ith a decorated history that spans half a century, the

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Southern Connecticut State University baseball team ranks among the top programs in Division II on an annual basis.

The Owls have made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including two trips to the College World Series. Several Owls have also moved on to the professional ranks following the conclusion of their collegiate careers. SCSU plays at its sparkling on-campus home facility, The Ballpark at Southern Connecticut.

For more information, please contact the baseball office at 203-392-6021.

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Team Information

Softball

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ne of the top programs in the region, the Southern

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Connecticut State University softball team has made numerous NCAA Tournament appearances in its history and

reached the College World Series in 2012. SCSU plays its home games at its newly refurbished Pelz Field.

For more information, please contact the softball office at 203-392-6022.

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Women’s Lacrosse

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The Southern Connecticut State University women’s lacrosse team is the newest Owls program and competes in the Northeast-10 Conference. The team plays its home contests

at Jess Dow Field, Southern’s state-of-the-art multi-purpose outdoor athletic complex.

For more information, please contact the women’s lacrosse office at 203-392-5152.

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Athletic Facilities

outhern Connecticut State

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University is committed to providing student-athletes with

the best campus facilities for successful team play and individual growth and performance.

The university, which is in the midst of a $230 million building and renovation effort, proudly maintains an aggressive program for maintenance and upkeep on all of its facilities. Southern’s world-class venues are easily accessible to all students. In addition to accommodating the athletic needs of hundreds of Owls’ student-athletes and thousands of fans, SCSU is proud to support high school and community play as a host site for statewide tournaments, regional contests and special events, such as Special Olympics.

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Jess Dow Field edicated in November of 1988, Jess Dow Field is a multi-

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million dollar stadium facility which can accommodate football, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, and track and field.

The AstroPlay artificially-surfaced playing field is surrounded by an eight-lane, state-of-the-art 400-meter track surface. Directly adjacent to Southern’s Moore Field House, Dow Field is lighted and has seating for 6,000.

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Moore Field House

ames W. Moore Field House is Southern’s primary indoor athletic

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complex. The main arena, with a permanent seating capacity of 2,800, has a six-lane, artificially-surfaced track (200 meters).

The fieldhouse is utilized for all major indoor events and can accommodate multiple practice sessions simultaneously. Drop curtains and netting allow the main arena to accommodate a complete baseball or softball infield for practice as well as the traditional indoor programs. Moore Field House also has complete weight-training facilities, a new state-of-the-art athletic training facility, locker rooms, and equipment rooms.

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Hutchinson Natatorium

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ocated inside of Moore Field House, Hutchinson Natatorium has an eight-lane pool with both one- and three-meter diving boards and a Colorado timing system. In addition to serving as the

meet facility for the Owls, Hutchinson Natatorium has also hosted numerous collegiate and scholastic championship events.

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The Ballpark at SCSU edicated in 2001, The Ballpark at Southern Connecticut ranks

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as one of the top collegiate facilities in the Northeast. The facility measures 330 feet in left field, 375 feet in left center

and right center field, 400 feet to straight away center field and 310 feet down the right field line. There is both stadium and bleacher seating that provides tremendous sightlines from behind home plate. Since playing their home games at The Ballpark at Southern Connecticut, the Owls have enjoyed a tremendous home field advantage.

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Pelz Gymnasium

elz Gymnasium was recently renovated to accommodate its

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growing list of uses, which includes physical education classes, recreation and intramural action, and volleyball. The facility

also includes an auxiliary gymnasium for gymnastics.

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Team Information

Pelz Field

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elz Field was recently refurbished and serves as the home of

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the Owls’ softball program. The on-campus facility is a superior venue that provides student-athletes with the ability for

outstanding competition and training.

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