20 Years Later, Seawolves Reunite to Celebrate Historic Championship Seasons

It was a momentous day in the fall of 2005 when two Stony Brook University Athletics teams captured their conference titles — a first for both. On Saturday, September 13, that same energy returned to campus as members of the Stony Brook football Northeast Conference (NEC) and the men’s soccer America East championship teams reunited to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their historic wins.

November 12, 2005, marked the first time in Stony Brook Athletics history that either team won a conference championship. The football team clinched its first NEC title early in the day with a victory over Central Connecticut State. The game also marked then-head coach Sam Kornhauser’s final home game with the team after 22 years at the helm of the Stony Brook football program. 

“We were picked to finish near the bottom of the conference that year,” Kornhauser recalled. “We started 1-3, but after a gritty win at Albany in the pouring rain, our players began to believe. They practiced harder, played with confidence and gave everything they had. That belief — and that effort — is what it takes to win.”

For Kornhauser, the win was a deeply personal moment in his career. “It was a fabulous finish to a wonderful journey,” he said. “Where we started in 1984 — with limited resources and support — to where we arrived in 2005 was remarkable. The stadium, the recruiting, the growth of the program — it all culminated in that championship. Seeing the faces of our guys after the game is something I’ll never forget. It was a true story of hard work paying off.”

Later that day, the men’s soccer team defeated Binghamton University to secure the America East championship under second-year head coach Cesar Markovic, capping off a day that would forever be etched in Seawolves history. “The 2005 team had strong leadership and a clear direction — to win a championship,” said Markovic. “The incredibly hard work that we did in preparation paved the foundation for a team that never, ever quit. This team set a standard for Stony Brook soccer that two decades later serves as what should be the ultimate goal every season for every team that has come after.”

The reunion weekend celebration included campus tours, gameday festivities and plenty of storytelling. Alumni shared memories of championship moments, including the game-winning touchdown drive in the final minutes, led by Josh Dudash ’08. “It’s something you dream about and play around with as a kid,” said Dudash, who was honorary captain as the current Seawolves football team went on to defeat Fordham University later that afternoon. “Being back over the weekend and seeing spots on the field where moments happened always brings back a flood of joy and emotion. And seeing Coach K is always the ‘whipped cream on top.’ He’s Stony Brook for a lot of us.”

Kornhauser was moved by the turnout. “Seeing all those former players and families come back from around the country was a tribute to what their experiences gave them,” he said. “They got along like the championship was last week instead of 20 years ago. I was proud, I was happy, and I was excited to see so many successful people who gained confidence and understanding from that season. That’s the best part of football — what teamwork gives you.”

“Celebrating the achievements of our alumni is extremely important, and it was wonderful to be able to honor our 2005 football and men’s soccer teams,” said Stony Brook Athletics Director Shawn Heilbron. “As we continue to elevate as a program, I look forward to many more opportunities to recognize teams that contribute to our proud history.”

Chris Scarpati ’07, MA ’08, a member of the 2005 men’s soccer team, spent the day connecting with his former teammates and reflecting on their time at Stony Brook as student-athletes. “Some of my best memories and proudest moments are from my time at Stony Brook,” said Scarpati. “The energy of the reunion was amazing. And it was great to feel that energy from the football players who came back as well.”

Both teams have remained close over the years, staying connected through social media, campus events and shared pride in Stony Brook’s continued growth. “The best part of Stony Brook has to be the people — your teammates,” said Dudash. “The laughs, the stories — every time we get together, it’s the best.”

As the Seawolves continue to build on their legacy, the 2005 championship teams stand as a testament to what’s possible when talent, teamwork and heart come together. “It feels amazing,” said Scarpati. “It’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

-Christine McGrath