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Photo: © Brian Foley for UNH Athletics

The first few weeks of February have been extremely fruitful for winter programs within the Southern Connecticut State University athletic department.

These Owls haven’t had to worry much about seeing their own shadow due to the collection of trophies accumulating inside Moore Field House.

Since the turn of the calendar to February, Southern Connecticut’s teams have claimed four Northeast -10 Conference team championships, four more individual awards and one additional team runner-up placing.

Things kicked off with the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams each capturing NE10 Championships on Feb. 11. It was the 13th title in 16 years for the men and 12th for the women – bringing the program’s combined total to a whopping 25. In addition, Katherine Crochet (Watertown, Conn.) was named the Women’s Most Outstanding Swimmer for the second time in her career while Tyler Prescott (Meriden, Conn.) collected Men’s Most Outstanding Swimmer laurels.

Thirteen proved to be a lucky number as well for the men’s indoor track and field team the following weekend as the Owls won their 13th NE10 indoor title and 27th overall. The women’s squad also finished as the runner-up for the fifth straight year.

Destiney Coward (East Haven, Conn.) was named the Most Outstanding Field Performer for the third straight year after winning both the shot put and weight throw. On the men’s side, Turner Kelly (Amityville, N.Y.) earned the same honor after also taking the top spot in those two events.

Photo: © Brian Foley for UNH Athletics.

Finally, the women’s basketball team claimed its first-ever NE10 Southwest Division title when the final game of the regular season concluded on Feb. 20. The Owls ended the regular season with 20 wins – including an earlier triumph over Division I Rhode Island – and are poised for a run deep into the post-season.

Men's Basketball Captain, 2017-18

Now in his third season with the Owls, Isaiah McLeod is more formidable on the basketball court than ever.

Last night, Mcleod broke 1,000 total career points, hitting an important university milestone against crosstown rival UNH.  As a junior, McLeod is a team captain and dedicated student-athlete, but here’s some more things you might not know about him….

Hometown: Cambridge, MA
Degree status: Junior currently majoring in sociology with a focus in criminal justice
Position: Guard

Why did you choose Southern?

I felt really comfortable as soon as I came on campus. I got to sit in and watch a college practice and it really drew my attention. The basketball program was a real family and I wanted to be a part of something like that because it is special. The coach showed that he really cared for me and wanted me to be a part of this program so it was hard for me to turn it down.

You have some very impressive stats. To what do you attribute your success?

I owe my stats to my mother and father constantly pushing me to be the best student-athlete I could be. Then I owe my success to my trainer for spending so much time with me, helping me to get better and really learn the game at a higher level. Also, I really want to just get better and be the best basketball player I can be. I stay humble and hungry so I can perform on the court.

What are your expectations this season?

I want to uphold the legacy our alumni have created. I want this program to keep getting the national attention it was getting. I love winning so I want to win a lot of games. I want my teammates and me to have a fun, successful season.

What are your long-term goals?

My dream is to win an NE-10 championship, a regional championship, and a national championship. These goals are easier said than accomplished. But I truly believe that with the talent we have on our team, if we constantly work hard and stay together, we could possibly make a huge run for those championships. I would also like to possibly play professional basketball overseas and then, later on, go back home to Cambridge. I could become a police officer to really help the kids in the community accomplish their goals.

What have been the major highlights in your career thus far?

Being able to make the NCAA tournament 2 years in a row is a major highlight for me because that is very hard to accomplish. Also, being named a captain of the basketball team is a huge highlight for me. It lets me know that coach believes in me and trusts me to be a leader for this team.

Describe yourself in three words:

  1. Humble
  2. Determined
  3. Shy

What do you enjoy most about the athletics program here at Southern?

It is like a huge family! Every sports team supports and wishes the best for the others and that is amazing. It shows that the athletes all care about each other’s success.

What is one of the best connections you have made here at Southern?

All the connections I’ve made at Southern have been great, from the equipment staff to the professors. I am grateful to have met every single one of them.

© 2016 Southern Connecticut State University.