Providence College Athletics
Bob's Blog
10/25/2011 12:00:00 AM | General
Friar Fans,
The Late Night Madness on October 14 was one of the greatest turnouts the Friars have seen in a long time. Coach Ed Cooley has excited Friartown and we both want to thank everyone that came out in support of the men's and women's basketball teams. Coach Cooley makes his debut this Tuesday in an exhibition game right here in Alumni Hall against Assumption at 7:00 p.m. Sell-out crowds followed the Friars around on their Sports Caravan bus tour which made stops at PJ Clarkes in New York City and Anthony's Ocean View in New Haven, Connecticut.
Our men's ice hockey team has gotten off to a quick start after beating the nationally ranked Boston University Terriers on the opening night of the season. Mission 3,000 was complete success and Schneider Arena was as loud as ever. I spoke with Coach Jack Parker of Boston University after the game and he was very complimentary of how the Friars were able to handle the Terriers in nearly every facet of the game. Praise like that coming from one of the most successful coaches in the history collegiate hockey is exciting. Our team and all the fans should be proud. The final rink designs for additions to Schneider Arena should be completed by the end of November. Schneider is getting a complete overhaul with new locker rooms, offices, training rooms, concession stands, and more. The new addition should bring all of these new amenities together seamlessly.
I would like to congratulate both our men's and women's soccer teams who both clinched spots in the BIG EAST Tournaments. The women's team is back in the tournament for the first time since 1994, and hosts Rutgers University this Thursday at 2:00p.m. at Glay Field so be sure to come and cheer them on. The men's team will be looking to make a deep run in their BIG EAST Tournament and get back to the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year.
I also want to wish good luck to both our men's and women's cross country teams which will be competing in the BIG EAST Championship hosted by the University of Louisville this weekend. Both of our teams have had excellent years and will be looking to continue their strong performances this weekend before competing in the NCAA Regional in Buffalo, New York.
A quick update on talks surrounding the BIG EAST Conference and possible expansion. Father Shanley and I will be meeting with all of the conference Athletic Directors and Presidents on Monday to discuss the latest developments surrounding conference expansion. Talks with a few different conferences have been ongoing and we hope to have a clearer picture following this meeting.
I want to congratulate John May, a former graduate assistant in our Athletic Department and current member of the Development Office, along with several current members of this department on the Friar 5K that took place last weekend. We had over 1,000 participants sign up for the event and merging the Friar 5K with Fanfest was a great idea that helped improve both events. The early team and event success is a sign of great things to come this year for the Friars.
Go Friars!
BD
