Dear Friends of William & Mary Athletics,
 
Sometimes you know something is going to be very good, maybe even great.  But when it exceeds your expectations and is outstanding, you can't stop talking about it, or in this case, writing about it! 
 
Spectacular Weekend for the Tribe
Recently members of our Tribe gathered both in Williamsburg and virtually during a spectacular three days (Feb 18 – 20) to celebrate W&M Athletics and share the camaraderie of those who love the Green & Gold.  It was the definition of All In, as there were 13 athletics contests on campus (we won 7!), tailgates and impromptu gatherings, a tribute to the late W&M legend Millie West and our culminating event, the 33^rd annual Lord Botetourt Affair.



The celebration of Millie's life was beautifully done, and only added to my regret that I didn't have the privilege of meeting this pioneer in women's athletics.  Another of W&M's legendary figures, Bobby Dwyer, once again reprised his role as auctioneer and helped bring in a staggering $370,000, which is one of the highest amounts ever! (Note, if you are interested in just HOW Bobby came to preside over the auction podium for these past 30-plus years - you can get the complete story here!).
 
My unending thanks go to our auction co-chairs Barb Ramsey, Patti Dwyer and Kelley Crisci along with the auction planning committee for their stellar efforts on this event as well as the entire All In weekend.  Aided by dozens of volunteers, these three remarkable women gave us an evening to remember!  They were also assisted by our Athletics staff (particularly the facilities crew) and many student-athletes who worked tirelessly to make sure this event, as well as every other event that weekend, went off beautifully.



And of course, my thanks to our many friends and fans who turned out in force, selling out in-person tickets and ensuring a robust online audience for the "Auction for a Noble Cause" to support our 500-student-athletes.  Attendees engaged in lively bidding, and many of them must have been a little bit hungry as the highest-priced items all included food.  Dinners with our President Katherine A. Rowe and a now famous clam bake hosted by former William & Mary Athletic Foundation President Don Beck really brought home the bacon!
 
While on the subject of giving thanks, a few of our student-athletes took time recently to share their own gratitude in a brief video that can be found in this story on TribeAthletics.com (also included with the story are hundreds of images from the various events from throughout the weekend!).
 
More Good News!
It was a celebration to remember and comes on the heels of another milestone that deserves recognition and a high five.  Our fundraising has really picked up momentum and we have now raised $3.2 million toward our annual goal of $5.2 million.  Our fiscal year ends on June 30, so we have time to reach, and since I am a born optimist, perhaps exceed that number!  When I look at these numbers I understand that many of you are digging deep to support the Tribe and I am deeply appreciative.  There are not enough ways to thank you other than to keep saying it and doing everything to continue making our department the best it can possibly be.
 
A Conference Championship and More
While we are talking about being the best, how about our Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) champion women's swimming team? I was in Christiansburg, VA to watch some of the events and I couldn't be prouder! A loud shout out goes to Coach Nate Kellogg who was named CAA Women's Swimming Coach for the Year for the second straight season.



There was more news from the CAA last week, as we announced that North Carolina A&T would be joining the conference. I'm excited to welcome the Aggies, and with their addition CAA's membership increases to 13.  In 2023 when A&T joins CAA Football, it will bring us to 14 football-playing members.  We have a lot to do when it comes to decision-making about scheduling and championship formats, but we are already working on the details.  The landscape of intercollegiate athletics is ever-changing and the CAA is working hard to position its members in the best way possible.  The addition of A&T is an excellent move for all of us.
 
Take a Look!
If you are like me, you can never have enough of Tribe sports, and this time of year we have 14 sports competing.  It's a sweet spot on the calendar where some sports are finishing and others are just starting their seasons.  Please consider joining us for some games. I promise you will have a great time cheering on our student-athletes!



Go Tribe!
 
Brian D. Mann
Director of Athletics