The Best Is Yet To Come 

We tend to think of the summer break as a time to regroup and recharge from the previous academic year and athletic seasons. While that is certainly true, it's also the perfect time to Reflect upon the past 12 months – both the accomplishments and the failures. 

The past 12 months have been the most successful in the history of University of Scranton Athletics, with a Landmark Conference nine championships, nine NCAA Tournament victories and eight All-Americans, among countless other team and individual accomplishments. And while we continue to celebrate each and every success, the work it takes to reach those heights has not stopped.

One of the keys to success is learning to Accept that there's always room for improvement. Each and every one of us can be better than we were last year, and accepting that hard truth is the first step toward reaching even greater heights.

Personally, I'm faced with this on a daily basis as I take over leading the Department of Athletics with Dave Martin's departure. I've been comfortable in my role as Associate Director of Athletics, but to lead a successful department like ours, I have no choice but to do everything I can to be a better leader, mentor and supporter of everyone in the department. 

For myself and everyone else hoping to achieve even greater success, we must Adapt to our circumstances. For me, it's my new role as Interim Executive Director of Athletics and the challenges that presents. For our teams and athletes, it's re-evaluating those BHAGs – Big Hairy Audacious Goals – that Dave always talks about and knowing what it'll take to chase even bigger dreams.

Once that's done, we can Respond by being the best versions of ourselves, both in and out of the athletic realm. If we can focus on improving just a little bit in some way every day, by the end of the year, I'll be surprised if we aren't celebrating another unprecedented year of Scranton Athletics.

Supporters of ours are still buzzing about our achievements from last year. Just imagine how they'll react if we soar to even greater heights this year. So, I challenge each and every one of you who reads this to Reflect, Accept, Adapt and Respond to everything that's happened and where that has landed you today. Only then can we all set our sights on even greater achievements.

Randy Shemanski, Interim Executive Director of Athletics