In Daryl Gross’ words

Here’s what Syracuse’s athletic director had to say about all 19 non-revenue programs. Swimming/diving and cross country/track and field count as four separate sports for both men and women.

Men’s lacrosse

‘Great year last year, wonderful getting to the Final Four. Those kids were hungry. Now they want to win a championship. I’ve already heard and seen some of the players back. They are so fired up about being one of the top teams in the country and trying to get back.’

Women’s basketball

‘Quentin Hillsman has been incredible. He’s been an amazing surprise to me. He’s very organized, an unbelievable recruiter. I like his philosophy and his concept of the game-the style of how he’s going to play. He’s brought a new life to women’s basketball. This is an amazing young man, very talented. I wouldn’t be surprised if he figured out a way to get this job.’

Women’s lacrosse

‘High expectations, we believe we have a great team coming back. When you have a team as talented as that, it’s a team you look for possibly going to the Final Four. They beat Dartmouth, who went to the Final Four. They played a tough match against Northwestern in overtime [sic]. You’ve got three of the Final Four teams with some injuries last year where we’re right there with him. That could easily be us in the Final Four.’

Men’s soccer

‘I got a good coach who wants to win a national championship. They’re fully funded now, they got a great future.’

Women’s soccer

‘Tough year last year, but I like what I see right now. I think they’re moving in a good direction.’

Volleyball

‘Young team, the coach is very solid. Kids really like his style. I think they’re a couple years away, but solid program.’

Softball

‘Had Leigh (Ross) not taken the job, I was interested in hiring Kyle (Jamieson) as the head coach. So it shows you the quality of those two. It’s like we got two head coaches. Mary Jo (Firnbach) did a great job here, but we’ve improved the program with this hire.’

Field hockey

‘I saw them play Lehigh in a scrimmage. I like what I saw. It looks like they’re really aggressive and fired up and got a rejuvenated attitude.’

Swimming and diving

‘I think there are some hurdles that relate to the facilities. That staff is working hard to do the best they can.’

Tennis

‘We’ve got a huge story in tennis with Luke as head coach. He’s immersed in all the great players. They all hit with him, they all clinic with him. My philosophy there was you’re going to be the head coach but still be able to do the commentating. I want people to say that’s the Syracuse head coach. This guy wants to save all of USA tennis. It enhances the program.’

Cross country/track

‘(Men’s and women’s head coach) Chris Fox is a stud. He’s unbelievable. He’s got the vision.’

Men’s rowing

‘Last year was incredible. Dave (Reischman) may be the coach of the year last year from all of our sports if we we’re doing an award of such.’

Women’s rowing

‘Looking to get back into the NCAA rowing championships. The coaches seem rejuvenated for this season.’

Published on September 12, 2006 at 12:00 pm