Yesterday I received word that the men’s basketball team will be competing this weekend in the NCAA Div 3 basketball tournament. Congratulations to Coach Joe Reilly and all the guys on putting together the strong season that led to this invitation to participate in the national tournament. This is the second time in the last three years. The hoopsters play Union today (Friday, March 3) at 5:30 pm.
On Saturday, the men’s hockey team is moving on to the semi-finals of the NESCAC Championship, having gained a great upset victory over Colby College last weekend. Coach Chris Potter and his band of high flying skaters, who already have won the Little Three crown, are off to Hamilton, NY for the next NESCAC round, and we wish them all the best.
Speaking of all the best, dual-sport athlete and Middletown native, Devon Carrillo ’17, has been named Connecticut’s 2017 Male Athlete of the Year, as voted on by the Connecticut Sports Writers’ Alliance (CSWA). Carrillo is the first Wesleyan athlete to receive the prestigious award, which began in 1973. “This is a tremendous honor for Devon, Wesleyan and the city of Middletown,” said Wesleyan Director of Athletics Mike Whalen ’83. “He is an amazing athlete both on the football field and on the mat. After not wrestling for three years, Devon is now competing at a national level. This is truly a remarkable accomplishment!”
Excellence is something we see in many competitive arenas in athletics these days. Laila Samy ’18, a standout on the women’s squash team, was recently named the 2017 NESCAC Player of the Year! Her athleticism and determination are amazing to behold! In 2016 she was named an All-American, and she continues to compete in the national tournament this month. She is joined at the national championships by seniors Chris Hart and David Sneed.
Speaking of athleticism and championships, our frosh swimmer Caroline Murphy has had a truly amazing year. Caroline became the first-ever member of the women’s swim team to win a NESCAC Championship (50-yard backstroke). She, along with Hannah O’Halloran (another frosh and another backstroker), will be competing in the NCAA’s this weekend.
Spring sports are getting started, but let’s take a moment to cheer our Cardinal athletes for their fall and winter successes!
It is no coincidence that the return of Michael Whalen ’83 exactly coincides with the resurgence of Wesleyan athletics. His drive, focus, commitment to discipline along with his eye and his Coaches’ eyes for talent has made Wesleyan the new envy of NESCAC athletics.
A very hearty and sincere congratulations to everyone responsible for the inspiring successes of Wesleyan’s athletic program led by President Roth and Athletic
Director Mike Whalen. Contrary to what many might think, excellence on the athletic field is as important as excellence in the classroom for a university to be great, as Wesleyan now is.
Daniel Woodhead, III – ’58