The old proverb says that "iron sharpens iron", which is a great analogy to competing in the rugged Southeastern Conference – also known as the League of Champions.
In nearly a decade as an athletics director in the SEC, I have found that success competing in the SEC puts teams in position for national recognition and success in the postseason. This week Texas A&M has six teams ranked among the national top-10, and we recently captured two SEC Championships, winning conference crowns in both men's tennis and women's golf.
SEC Championships are incredibly difficult to obtain. I could not be more proud of Coach Steve Denton, our men's tennis team and our women's golf program under the direction of Coach Trelle McCombs.
So far this year, Texas A&M leads the SEC with five regular-season and tournament team championships – just ahead of Florida's four – with six opportunities left this season. Our success in the SEC has certainly put our teams in national contention. I am excited for our baseball, softball, men's and women's outdoor track and field, men's and women's tennis, and men's and women's golf teams as they enter the home stretch run of their respective seasons and the postseason.
As we near the end of the 2014-15 athletics year, we also enter the awards season for our teams and student-athletes. Next Monday night, we will host our second Building Champions Awards gala for our student-athletes. Similar to the ESPYs or Academy Awards in format and presentation, we will recognize our major award winners across all sports, as well as present the President's Award to our top male and female student-athletes and the Maroon Award to an individual who has had a significant impact on Texas A&M Athletics.
While some of the awards being presented at the BCAs are a surprise, I would like to take an opportunity to spotlight several of our recent individual accomplishments:
On a not-so-easy front, I appreciate the patience of all our football season ticket holders with the seating of the redeveloped Kyle Field. Additionally, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Skip Wagner and the entire 12th Man Foundation staff for their efforts throughout this very difficult process. As we've said from the beginning, the redevelopment of Kyle Field has been about shared vision, shared commitment and, ultimately, shared benefit. Like all of you, I cannot wait to experience the new Kyle Field on Sept. 12.
This weekend our softball team hosts Ole Miss in an important three-game SEC series. Prior to Saturday's game, we will host a tailgate for all of our former women student-athletes as we continue our year-long celebration of the 40th anniversary of women's athletics at Texas A&M. I encourage you to come to the Aggie Softball Complex at 3 p.m. Saturday, or at least watch on SEC Network +, and support the recognition of these Texas A&M trailblazers.
The overarching goal of Texas A&M Athletics is to rank among the nation's top-10 in all that we do, and our steadfast commitment is to Building Champions. We cannot achieve this without the support of all of you. Thank you for your commitment to Texas A&M Athletics, and here's to much success in the upcoming weeks.
Gig 'em!
Eric Hyman
Director of Athletics
In nearly a decade as an athletics director in the SEC, I have found that success competing in the SEC puts teams in position for national recognition and success in the postseason. This week Texas A&M has six teams ranked among the national top-10, and we recently captured two SEC Championships, winning conference crowns in both men's tennis and women's golf.
SEC Championships are incredibly difficult to obtain. I could not be more proud of Coach Steve Denton, our men's tennis team and our women's golf program under the direction of Coach Trelle McCombs.
So far this year, Texas A&M leads the SEC with five regular-season and tournament team championships – just ahead of Florida's four – with six opportunities left this season. Our success in the SEC has certainly put our teams in national contention. I am excited for our baseball, softball, men's and women's outdoor track and field, men's and women's tennis, and men's and women's golf teams as they enter the home stretch run of their respective seasons and the postseason.
As we near the end of the 2014-15 athletics year, we also enter the awards season for our teams and student-athletes. Next Monday night, we will host our second Building Champions Awards gala for our student-athletes. Similar to the ESPYs or Academy Awards in format and presentation, we will recognize our major award winners across all sports, as well as present the President's Award to our top male and female student-athletes and the Maroon Award to an individual who has had a significant impact on Texas A&M Athletics.
While some of the awards being presented at the BCAs are a surprise, I would like to take an opportunity to spotlight several of our recent individual accomplishments:
- Men's tennis Coach Steve Denton for being named SEC Coach of the Year for the second straight season.
- Bianca Fabrizio for winning the SEC Women's Golf Championship individual title with a record low score.
- Sarah Henry for being named the SEC Women's Swimmer of the Year after an NCAA Championship in the 400-yard IM.
- Another women's swimmer, Emily Neubert, for receiving the prestigious ELITE 89 Award, which is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating in the finals site for each of the NCAA's 89 championships.
- Our men's 4x400 relay of Gregory Coleman, Bralon Taplin, Shavez Hart and Deon Lendore for winning the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship with a collegiate record time.
On a not-so-easy front, I appreciate the patience of all our football season ticket holders with the seating of the redeveloped Kyle Field. Additionally, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Skip Wagner and the entire 12th Man Foundation staff for their efforts throughout this very difficult process. As we've said from the beginning, the redevelopment of Kyle Field has been about shared vision, shared commitment and, ultimately, shared benefit. Like all of you, I cannot wait to experience the new Kyle Field on Sept. 12.
This weekend our softball team hosts Ole Miss in an important three-game SEC series. Prior to Saturday's game, we will host a tailgate for all of our former women student-athletes as we continue our year-long celebration of the 40th anniversary of women's athletics at Texas A&M. I encourage you to come to the Aggie Softball Complex at 3 p.m. Saturday, or at least watch on SEC Network +, and support the recognition of these Texas A&M trailblazers.
The overarching goal of Texas A&M Athletics is to rank among the nation's top-10 in all that we do, and our steadfast commitment is to Building Champions. We cannot achieve this without the support of all of you. Thank you for your commitment to Texas A&M Athletics, and here's to much success in the upcoming weeks.
Gig 'em!
Eric Hyman
Director of Athletics