From the Desk of Athletics Director Ron Prettyman
Perspectives on the Toros Athletic Department
May 26, 2004

Ron Prettyman began his tenure as Athletics Director at Cal State Dominguez Hills in April, 1995, coming to the Toros from Vanguard University. During his administration, Prettyman has expanded the department from eight to eleven sponsored sports, and he oversaw and coordinated the acquisition of the Hughes Education and Athletic Center. Ron is a graduate of Southern California College and has a master's degree from Cal State Stanislaus.

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It is hard to believe that we have completed another year of Toro Athletics. We had many exciting experiences that remind us of why we choose to participate in this amazing world of intercollegiate athletics. We also had some difficult experiences that serve as reminders that life is fragile and must be lived carefully every day.

2003-04 was a year that will be remembered for our excellence. Five of our eleven sports were represented in NCAA postseason play. That is the most sports represented in my nine years at CSUDH. Men's and Women's soccer led the way with fall appearances in the CCAA and NCAA Tournament. In spring, we had representation by golf, track and field, and softball, the latter which won its first ever NCAA tournament game. Our programs are definitely on the rise, and it is exciting to see our student-athletes excel not only in their sports, but also in the classroom as well.

2003-04 also will be remembered for the difficulties we encountered and the changes that occurred. In January, CSUDH baseball head coach George Wing was diagnosed with cancer, which caused him to miss virtually the entire season. He was missed, but we look forward to having the "Skipper" back at the helm of the team next season after he beats the dreaded disease. I am grateful to coach Murphy Sua and the baseball staff for their willingness to step up and guide the team through the season.

We also received the resignation of CSUDH men's basketball head coach Larry Hauser. Coach Hauser was one of the finest tacticians of the game with whom I have ever worked. He was dedicated, studied the game and prepared student-athletes for competition. We wish him well as he embarks on a new coaching opportunity in the Fresno area.

I was pleased to have the opportunity to attend CSUDH's graduation ceremony this year, right here on our campus at the Home Depot Center soccer stadium. It was a thrill to see many of our student-athletes walk across that stage, have their names called and then receive their diplomas. Sometimes we get so caught up in winning and losing that we forget the main focus of intercollegiate athletics. Our main focus has been, is, and will continue to be the preparation of young men and women to be productive citizens in our society, and to complete their education so that a myriad of opportunities will be open to them. I was very proud that day to see so many of them succeed.

I am grateful to all those who support our program behind the scenes - parents, alumni, faculty, staff, students, administrators and community members who are a part of the Toro family. It could not be done without your efforts and support.

We look forward to seeing each of you at the annual Toros Scholarship Golf Tournament on Friday, June 4, held at the Lakewood Country Club. This is a great event that assists in raising funds for student-athlete scholarships. Please see the Athletics Department web site for more details.

I hope that you all have a great summer. See you in 2004-05.

Ron Prettyman
Athletics Director
GO TOROS