FROM GROUND FLOOR TO CHAMPIONSHIPS
Boswell, used an experienced lineup and a sophomore All-American in
Sarah Tarbert to win the program’s first conference title and reach the
second round of the 2014-2015 NCAA Tournament. In its fourth season,
the Mustang women’s ice hockey team won the 2015-2016 Colonial
Hockey Conference championship.
The men’s and women’s golf teams, coached by Chris Ramer, have also
become a consistent player on the national scene. The men’s squad has
made four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances after earning
MAC titles from 2016 to 2019, while the women’s team won MAC titles
and earned NCAA berths in 2015, 2016, and 2019.
The men’s volleyball program, under the direction of Olympic gold
medalist Aldis Berzins, earned NCAA Tournament berths in two of the
last four seasons, and under the direction of alumnus Steve Grossnickle,
the team advanced to the Final Four in 2016. The men’s tennis team won
a MAC title and reached the NCAA Tournament in the spring of 2019,
while the men’s indoor and outdoor track and field teams have each won
their last two MAC championships.
It didn’t take long for the Stevenson football program to set a high
standard either. The Mustangs are on a run of six consecutive postseason
appearances that began in 2014. In its sixth season of existence, Stevenson
won the Middle Atlantic Conference football title and reached the NCAA
Tournament for the first time.
“It was pretty evident to me that all of the pieces were here to build
football quickly and efficiently,” Hottle said. “Since 2014, we’ve gone 48-
18. I don’t think it’s by accident that we’ve had that kind of success.”
HONORING THE BUILDERS
The last 25 years have provided many memorable achievements for a Villa
titles, and the 2013 national championship. “That was the first Julie/Stevenson athletic program that is still developing. While the pursuit
team that was able to get over the hump and win that big game. of more championships for its current 27-sport lineup provides hope for
Those guys set the tone for the 2010-2012 teams that were really Stevenson’s athletic future, the school has taken steps to remember and
talented, and it all came together with the 2013 team.” honor its past.
The men’s lacrosse program has had plenty of successful The Dick Watts Athletics Hall of Fame, which inducted its first class
company. Under the direction of Dave Trumbo, the women’s in 2014, now has 47 members. The centerpiece of the 25th anniversary
volleyball team has also been a model of excellence, receiving an celebration will be the unveiling of all-time teams for each Stevenson
at-large bid to the 2011 NCAA Tournament and earning eight sport, which will contain the names of many current Hall of Famers.
consecutive MAC titles since entering the conference in the fall On October 18, Adams was among the sixth class of Hall of Fame
of 2012. Stevenson’s run of NCAA appearances has stretched to inductees, joining a shrine that was named for the man who helped him
nine straight years. to begin the school’s sports legacy.
“It’s been built on belief and chemistry,” said head coach “Any time you build a great organization, it’s about the kids and their
Dave Trumbo. “First, you’ve got to recruit the best players. We’ve experience,” Adams said. “I’m proud of the impact that we have made on
had great leadership, and kids who just didn’t want to lose. The our student-athletes.” SU
coaches have worked really hard to give the players a game plan
that they can execute, and the fact that we’re so prepared gives Steve Jones—now in his ninth year as the “Voice of the Mustangs”—has
confidence to the players.” served as the public address announcer for Stevenson football, men’s and
In 2014, coach Kathy Railey guided the women’s lacrosse women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s
team to a MAC title and NCAA Tournament berth, and coach lacrosse. During his 16-year journalism career, he has written about sports,
Graeme Millar’s women’s soccer team reached those same education, and politics for the Baltimore Sun, Press Box, the Carroll Eagle,
heights. The women’s basketball team, coached by Jackie and the Towson Times. This story is the first that he has written for Ventures.
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