AD Newsletter with Bryan Felt - March 2020 - Seton Hall University Athletics

March 2020

Dear Pirate Nation,

These are interesting and unprecedented times in our world as we deal with the COVID-19 coronavirus and its effect on our lives. Decisions had to be made in the interest of the health and safety of all members of the Seton Hall community, and those decisions led to student-athletes seeing their seasons cut short. It is unfortunate, especially for many of our seniors who were unable to complete their careers on their own terms; while I'm confident we made decisions in their best interest, it doesn't hurt any less.

Knowing how incredible our student-athletes are, I know that we are ready to persevere through this challenging period of our lives and come back stronger.

In the meantime, while we are spending time at home during this unusual journey, let's remember that it is important to be patient, compassionate and kind to each other. That can go a long way during these difficult times.

Introducing Pirate Wellness

While we remain away from campus and back at home, we are dedicated to having a sense of normalcy as a department, and we have prioritized keeping our student-athletes engaged in activities that they would be participating in if they were physically at Seton Hall. We're introducing Pirate Wellness, a video series that will live on our social media channels dedicated to giving our student-athletes tips on academics, workouts, nutrition and more.

These videos will be created by our staff so that student-athletes remain connected with the men and women who they interact with so much during their careers here. And because they will live on our social channels, all of Pirate Nation is welcome to watch and share as well!

Included in this video series is something we're dubbing #TeamworkTuesday! Our staff will go on Instagram Live to conduct a team workout with anyone who wants to join while also answering questions about the workout. This will take place each Tuesday at 3 p.m., Eastern.

Be sure to stay connected to our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages to catch these videos!

We're Proud of Our Men's & Women's Basketball Teams

Mens Basketball Team Huddle Prior to Villanova Game

Despite not having the ability to celebrate March Madness this year, we must be cognizant of the fact that we have to remember this men's basketball season as one of the best in our program's history. Our team won a share of the BIG EAST regular season championship and was top-15 in the nation both in human polls and in computer metrics for most of the year. The team was headed for almost assuredly a top-three seed in the NCAA Tournament, and it would have been five straight NCAAs for the program. This team was special, as evidenced by your incredible support for them both at Prudential Center and on the road. While we may never know how it should have ended for this team in March, we can always cherish the memories of the Voyage that these student-athletes embarked upon when they began the season many months ago.

Speaking of The Voyage, Pirate Sports Network seniors Joe Binder and Keith Egan did an incredible job with the series that chronicled the men's basketball team's journey through this special season. I just want to commend them for all that they did this year, and I'm excited to see what new adventures they take on after graduation. If you haven't seen their "One Shining Moment" video yet, please be sure to watch it and all 21 other chapters in Twitter Moments.

Women's Basketball Team After Butler win

Women's Basketball Team After Butler win

Our women's basketball team saw a four-win improvement from last season to this season, both overall and in the BIG EAST, and our women almost assuredly was going to receive a WNIT bid. Heck, they nearly found themselves in the BIG EAST Tournament final after an incredible effort in the semis vs. a nationally ranked DePaul team. Our women had many great moments on the floor this season; holding a good, 20-win VCU team to only 33 points; winning at Butler and at Xavier to open the league schedule; taking down Creighton in a packed Walsh Gymnasium on Kids Day; and defeating Butler on Senior Day to clinch a third-place finish in the league. We're very proud of their effort and look forward to seeing them continue to improve next season while playing in a newly-renovated Walsh Gymnasium!

Congratulations to Myles Powell, The All-American

Myles Powell AP All-America First Team Graphic

History was made last week when Myles Powell became our men's basketball program's first Associated Press All-America first team selection since 1953. It's an incredible accomplishment for Myles, who has worked so hard to get to this point. He finished his Pirates career with over 2,000 points, something only four other men can say they accomplished here at Seton Hall. Congratulations to Myles, who also is one of the friendliest and warmest young men I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. He truly has been an incredible ambassador for our University, and as excited as I am about his athletic achievements, I am equally excited that he will be the first in his family to earn a college degree this May.

Re-Live Our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Mike Sheppard, Sr. Stadium

Just before the coronavirus crisis truly hit us, we were able to officially bless and cut the ribbon for the opening of the new Mike Sheppard, Sr. Stadium at Owen T. Carroll Field.

It was a very exciting day for us as we unveiled our transformed facility to the public, and it was extra special to be able to share the moment with the Sheppard Family. Mike Sheppard, Sr. was an incredible mentor and teacher for so many Seton Hall student-athletes in his 30 years as head baseball coach, and for the baseball side of the facility to now bear his name is about as perfect as it gets.

If you haven't caught the video from our ribbon cutting ceremony, please take a minute to watch.

Also, News 12 New Jersey stopped by to cover the ribbon cutting ceremony.

STAY SAFE & GO PIRATES!