Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/103936
A LETTER FROM: ED McLAUGHLIN D I R E C T O R O F AT H L E T I C S Dear Ram Fans, Greetings from VCU Athletics! Allow me to begin by saying that I'm humbled to have the opportunity to address you here in the pages of The Ram Report. The position of director of athletics for any university comes with a great deal of responsibility, and it's evident that supporters of VCU Athletics are as passionate and knowledgeable as at any university in the country. They have high expectations of not only the results on the field, but the manner in which those results are achieved. I want you to know that I share these values as well, and it will be an honor and a privilege to try to exceed those expectations. These first few weeks on the job have been as thrilling as I could imagine. With each student-athlete, coach, staff member, donor and fan I encounter, I'm struck by the enthusiasm and energy of those associated with VCU Athletics. The VCU community believes our players have it in them to achieve success, and I couldn't agree more. I can see their desire to achieve in the way that they practice and play, as well as in our conversations. It assures me of a bright future for VCU Athletics. In 2012-13, VCU will step onto the fields and courts as a member of the nationally-recognized Atlantic 10 Conference for the first time. Each game will carry special meaning as we build new rivalries within the league. I'm sure many of you share my excitement about the competition, exposure and experiences the A-10 provides, and I believe the move will be seen as a landmark moment for this university. By the time you read this letter, our falls sports will have already begun the quest for VCU's first Atlantic 10 championship. Meanwhile, our other programs are laying the groundwork for a memorable 2012-13 in the weight room, on the practice fields and in the classroom. The effort they put forth during the preseason will pay dividends down the road. Woven into the fabric of each season are incredible people with incredible stories; people that carry the banner for what VCU Athletics represents. With The Ram Report, we hope to share some of those stories with you. In this edition, you'll learn about Yoram Mwila, a talented young man whose life was cut tragically short, but continues to positively impact the lives of his teammates and coaches. We'll also take you inside men's basketball's unforgettable summer tour of Italy, and you'll meet new Field Hockey Coach Shannon Karl, who shares my vision of chasing championships with integrity, as well as much, much more. It's difficult to articulate how exciting it is to come to work every day in this environment. My family and I have already fallen in love with this great city, and we all look great in Black and Gold. Enjoy The Ram Report, and I look forward to meeting you all soon. Sincerely, Ed McLaughlin Director of Athletics