VESTAL, N.Y. – The Binghamton Athletic Department officially launched the 2018-19 academic year with its seventh annual Welcome Back BBQ for its student-athletes on Tuesday night at the Events Center. It marks the seventh consecutive year the event has been held.

Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger and Athletic Director Patrick Elliott were among those who greeted the student-athletes and wished them the best for the upcoming year.

"I want to tell you how proud I am of you," Stenger said. "Because I know how challenging it is to do what you do. To be an excellent student and an excellent athlete here is very hard but you have that perseverance and you make Binghamton University look great."

"Thank you for representing Binghamton University in the way that you do," Elliott said. "It's going to be a tremendous year and when you walk out of this building each day, I want you to feel good about the things you are accomplishing."

Also speaking were Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Executive Board Member and cross country & track senior Erika Yamazaki and baseball junior T.J. Wegmann of the Student-Athlete Leadership Institute (SALI).

"It's great to see everyone again in one place and feel the Bearcat spirit," Yamazaki said. "It's always nice to see how the teams all support each other throughout the year."

The 2018-19 academic year has already gotten off to a good start. The women's soccer team is 1-0-1 through its first two matches. This past Sunday, Binghamton defeated Marist 1-0 in its home opener at the Bearcats Sports Complex.

The men's soccer team opens its season on Friday night at Drexel while the volleyball squad heads to the Cleveland State Invitational this coming weekend.