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Daemen University Athletics

Western New York's Premier Division II Team
Fearless, Integrity, Effort, Respect, Commitment, Excitement
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Paw Prints E-Newsletter

Paw Prints E-Newsletter: Volume 14

From The Director of Athletics' Desk...


On the heels of last month's major announcement regarding our designation to active NCAA Division II member status, you'd think the daily pace for Daemen Athletics would slow a bit, but as I reported in my last letter we are moving full steam ahead into this exciting new era of Daemen Athletics.  The fabulous coaches and administrators I get to work with have clearly set the stage for what should be a fun, exciting and successful 2015-16 season for our 16 intercollegiate, club and intramural athletics programs.
 
Earlier this month we hosted our Third Annual Wildcat Golf Classic presented by the Arthurs Malof Group at UBS.  This outing has developed into our largest fundraising event of the year, and this year's version was our best yet.  Beautiful Glen Oak Golf Club in East Amherst provided a great venue for a fun day on the course, as well as a lively dinner atmosphere after everyone's rounds were completed.  When all was said-and-done, we were able to raise close to $20,000 which will make a direct impact on our ability to provide a first-rate student-athlete experience this year.  Thank you to the 130+ golfers who participated in the event, as well as all of our sponsors for the event; your continued support is driving Daemen Athletics to new heights.
 
I'm also pleased to report on two major announcements we've made in the last several days.  First of all, we are thrilled to be bringing in Matt Clark to head our men's golf program.  As a certified golf pro, Coach Clark is well prepared to give our men's golf student-athletes the mentorship they'll need to be successful at the Division II level.
 
Secondly, I am proud that USA Triathlon and the NCAA have chosen Daemen as one of its recipients of its inaugural grant to aid in the establishment of our women's triathlon program, which will compete in its first event on September 5.  The $70,000 award will go a long way in a number of areas for this program led by the ultra-talented head coach Jon Metz.  Considering we were one of 11 schools nationally to receive grant funding from USA Triathlon and NCAA, this is another shining example of how Daemen Athletics is striving to be at the forefront of NCAA Division II athletics.
 
I would also like to throw a quick congratulatory message to our President, Dr. Gary Olson.  Earlier this month, the NCAA appointed him to the Division II Presidents Council, the body that helps set policy and strategic direction for colleges like Daemen nationwide.  Dr. Olson's appointment to this prestigious post is another example of the positive manner in which Daemen College is viewed by the NCAA and through the eyes of athletics administrators and college presidents across the country.
 
Looking ahead, we are excited about the launch of a newly-designed Daemen Athletics website slated for September 1.  Since partnering with SIDEARM Sports back in 2012, our online footprint has grown by leaps and bounds and this time around, with our own dot-com in tow (daemenwildcats.com), I believe our fans will be re-energized for all that lays ahead. The new website pays special attention to the pride Daemen has in being located in Town of Amherst and part of the Buffalo Niagara region.
 
Lastly, it is great to have our fall student-athletes back on campus.  It is inspiring to see the amount of dedication that these individuals put into their chosen sport on a daily basis.  We are expecting big things from our teams again this season in our inaugural year of full NCAA Division II membership.  It will certainly be exciting to see our teams compete with the opportunity to advance to their respective conference tournaments, and with any luck, the NCAA National Championships.  I'm very much looking forward to getting the rest of our student-athletes back on campus over Labor Day weekend, and the start of the fall semester on September 8.
 
Thank you for taking the time to read about all the positive strides of Daemen Athletics.  I hope to see you at one of our fall sporting events in the coming weeks.  In the meantime, if you'd like to talk about the direction of our program, or investigate ways that you can make an impact on today's student-athletes, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at bniland@daemen.edu or (716) 472-5951.  As always, we are grateful for your continued support of our endeavors and I look forward to briefing you again next month on the progress of our program.
 
Until then, BE FIERCE!


Bridget Niland
Director of Athletics

Niland Named To Business First's Power 100 Women
READ MORE
 
Skolen Announces Women's Basketball 2015 Recruiting Class
READ MORE
Daemen President Appointed To NCAA Leadership Post
READ MORE
Daemen Awarded $70,000 Grant From USA Triathlon
READ MORE
 
Clark Takes Reins Of Men's Golf Program
READ MORE
 
Volleyball Picked 6th In ECC Preseason Poll
READ MORE
 
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