The Year in Review

The 2008-2009 year in sports had its fair share of disappointments. There were, however, some great moments, often arising from unlikely places. For instance, just look at the top high school basketball recruit in the United States, Elena DelleDonne, spiking volleyballs for the Hens on their way to their second straight CAA volleyball championship. Or Hans Gillan, breaking records left and right for the Delaware Swim Team. Also, the women's lacrosse team showed up their male counterparts en route to an appearance in the CAA title game, and the men's track program had a solid season despite losing their indoor program to logistics surrounding Title IX.

While the big programs suffered this year, they also provided optimism for next year. Pat Devlin transferred from Penn State in the spring in hopes of doing what Joe Flacco did, and Robby Shoenhoft couldn't do, as the quarterback of the football team.

Elena DelleDonne finished out her season then quietly ended her volleyball career. Whether or not she returns to basketball is still in question, but her presence on the Hen's women's basketball squad may as well guarantee an appearance in the CAA title game next year.

Men's basketball head coach Monté Ross was given a five-year contract extension at the end of this year. His new contract could be just the fuel he needs to whip the men's program into shape and make a run in the CAA. The team is now made up almost entirely of his recruiting classes and we finally get the chance to see how Monté Ross fairs in building a basketball program.

Perhaps the most obvious reason to be hopeful, optimistic or anxious is the hiring of a new athletic director, Bernard Muir, from Georgetown. There is no doubt that Muir has come here with the intention of challenging himself, otherwise he would not have left a Big East school to come to a school not as well known for its athletics.

When Muir takes over in July, he will have his hands full. Players, coaches and fans alike are expecting the revenue-producing sports to step up in a big way in 2009-2010, and expectations have been raised for those little engines that could who didn't have high expectations before. This year took us through a roller-coaster ride. Let's see if 2009-2010 can be smooth sailing.

To see our full year in review, go to www.udreviewchickenscratch.blogspot.com

Comments

Be the first to comment on this article!

Add comment


I am not posting spam. I understand posting spam or other comments that are unrelated to this article will cause my comment to be flagged for deletion and possibly cause my IP address to be permanently banned from this server.

Enter the characters in the image above:

log out