Jan. 4, 2006

The year 2006 marks the NCAA Centennial as well the 25th anniversary of women's championships in the NCAA. George Mason began its athletics tradition with the formation of the men's basketball team during the 1966-67 season. Tennis was the first women's sports at Mason in 1972-73. Currently, Mason boasts 22 varsity sports with nearly 400 student-athletes.

Fans can read the complete history of George Mason athletics through the NCAA Centennial link on the school's athletic web site.

Dear Former Student-Athletes,

As George Mason enters its fourth decade of intercollegiate athletics, the NCAA will be celebrating 100 years during the 2006 calendar year. The NCAA Centennial begins in January 2006 at the NCAA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is a yearlong celebration of the student-athlete and the positive role intercollegiate athletics play in higher education and society.

The athletic department has special events planned, including campus and community events that commemorate 40 years of the student-athlete at George Mason. As part of our initiative to recognize former Patriots in all sports, I would like to extend an invitation to you and your family to attend and be honored at the Mason's men's home basketball game against Old Dominion on Saturday, January 28 at 2 p.m. To obtain up to four (4) complimentary tickets fill out the former student-athlete form.

Mason's history may be young but we have witnessed outstanding achievement in the past forty years that has developed the foundation for unlimited success in the future. I encourage you to take part in this special celebration.

Thomas J. O'Connor

Asst. VP/Director of Athletics George Mason University