Fleet Faithful,

The final census numbers rolled in last week. Today we have 643 student-athletes which is above the goal of 600 laid out in the enrollment plan we devised a year ago. While that is encouraging news, it is also evident that there are "many more miles before we sleep." Many ask how it going with the large influx of students. The surface answer, it is going well but growing pains do exist. I think we all at the college are learning to work differently, educate differently, and relate differently. It is a big change but one that will allow us to evolve as a college and athletic department in an impactful way for the future. Keep praying for us through this evolution. Our coaches are working incredibly hard as mentors and leaders. I am so grateful to watch their efforts on a daily basis as they impact so many lives via the Fleet Way.

Our men's soccer team picked up a huge conference opening win on the road at North Greenville Saturday afternoon. The 3-2 victory was the Fleet's first win of the year after playing two excellent teams in Clayton State and Queens in tough matches. The Fleet will play on the road again this week against nationally ranked Lander on Wednesday and travel to Banner Elk, NC for their second conference match versus Lee-McRae.

The women's volleyball team won three out of four matches on the road this weekend. The team is 4-5 on the season without playing a home match thus far. Things won't change until October when the Fleet finally make their debut in the confines of Belk arena.

The walls and roof are up at the football facility. Cox Builders will not be finished by the time Homecoming rolls around on October 5^th but the building will have taken shape by then. Our first football team has been hard at work at 5 am workouts and afternoon practices.

Thursday will be our first regularly scheduled "Fleet Fellowship." We will meet at 11 am in Lesesne Auditorium as Newspring Greenville Fuse Pastor Dalton Coker will bring the message. We anticipate this being an important time of worship for our student-athletes.

Be on the look out for announcements this week on additional athletic programs getting started for 2020-21. We should have an announcement coming out by week's end.

Still have plenty of spots available for the ERSKINE OPEN!  Sign up today for the tournament to be played Friday, October 4^th at Star Fort Golf Course in Ninety-Six. It will be a four man's captain 's choice format with a unique twist where we will have two foursomes playing together. The link on website to sign up is:              https://erskinesports.com/documents/2019/8/9/ERSKINE_OPEN.pdf

Hope you will make plans to attend the football tailgate at 6 pm on Homecoming Saturday (October 5^th). The tailgate will be followed by a football practice/scrimmage at 7 pm. Should be a fun time to get a look at this "First Class."

That's all for this Monday! Stay connected to Erskine Athletics via the web, twitter, or Instagram. GO FLEET!  #TheFleetWay
 
Mark