Temple University Athletics
From The AD's Desk: September 2009
Sept. 11, 2009
“From the AD’s Desk”
A monthly column from Temple University Director of Athletics Bill Bradshaw
September 2009
Driving home from Lincoln Financial Field after the Temple-Villanova football game Sept. 3, I couldn’t help
but smile.
Sure, our Owls were just moments removed from falling short of capturing the inaugural Mayor’s Cup trophy after a 27-24 loss to rival Villanova. Disappointment in our on-field result reigned supreme, and understandably so. A 1-0 start is always better than 0-1. I feel compelled to point out, though, the many positives that remain:
Despite our loss to Villanova, our student-athletes are no less deserving of, or hungry for, your support. We need your continued participation and attendance against Buffalo on Sept. 26 as we welcome back the 1979 Garden State Bowl champion team for its 30th Reunion. See you at the Linc!
Football is far from the sole focus for Temple Athletics this fall; our other fall sports are all in motion and I hope you will make it a point to attend a game or match soon. I especially invite you to check out the “all-new” Geasey Field on Main Campus – featuring a new carpet turf and scoreboard. We are grateful for the private support of a circle of Field Hockey alumnae and friends who, in part, allowed us to enhance this special facility.
The other method – and much greater need – of Owl Club support is via Unrestricted giving. When you make an Unrestricted gift, you allow Temple Athletics to use that money for areas of greatest need. During the course of a year, unplanned opportunities present themselves, crises arise and the availability of Unrestricted cash is of critical importance. We simply must have a greater amount of Unrestricted monies on hand in order to enjoy the same financial flexibility and ability to take advantage of opportunities that our peers and competitors have!
Last fiscal year (ending June 30, 2009), Temple Athletics was down nearly $100,000 in Unrestricted cash from the prior year … and over $200,000 from three years ago. Many folks may look at our Restricted (sport-specific) giving and assume the department’s cash flow is healthy – when in fact the opposite is true!
When you are invited to support our student-athletes this year with a gift or pledge to the Owl Club, I hope that you’ll continue to donate to our teams, yet also consider the positive impact of Unrestricted giving. Through this kind of support, you cast the ultimate “vote of confidence” in our athletics program and truly empower us to pursue Comprehensive Excellence as the Temple Standard.
As always, we are thankful for the broad participation of our alumni, fans and friends. With your continued loyalty, we shall achieve. Go Owls!
Other notes from my desk:
2009 Football Season Tickets – There’s still time to purchase a mini-plan package for the remaining home games at Lincoln Financial Field. The home schedule still includes last year’s MAC Champion, Buffalo, as well as Ball State, Army, Miami (Ohio) and Kent State. If you would like to become a football season ticket holder, please visit www.owlstix.com or call 215-204-8499 today. I can assure you that Temple Football at Lincoln Financial Field is the most exciting and economical entertainment option available in Philadelphia.
Athletics Staff Additions – While an intangible sign of a strong Division I FBS athletics program is a stable roster of coaches and staff, some “moving on” or turnover is inevitable. As I surveyed our nearly 150 coaches and staff at our back-to-school full meeting on Aug. 31, I saw a healthy mix of veteran and rookie staffers that are extremely proud to call Temple home. I’m proud that our newcomer coaches and staff members proactively sought Temple and chose us over other high-caliber organizations. I hope you’ll have a chance to visit with our staff often this year!
Upcoming Events
but smile.
Sure, our Owls were just moments removed from falling short of capturing the inaugural Mayor’s Cup trophy after a 27-24 loss to rival Villanova. Disappointment in our on-field result reigned supreme, and understandably so. A 1-0 start is always better than 0-1. I feel compelled to point out, though, the many positives that remain:
· Over 6,200 Temple students – over 20% of the tickets distributed – attended the Mayor’s Cup game. I can not recall such a large (and passionate) student turnout for any athletics event in my years at Temple. Kudos to our Wild Cherry membership and Cherry Crusade leadership, led by Luke Butler ’10 and his student board.
· Our marketing and promotions team successfully executed an all-out, multi-platform advertising and awareness campaign for the inaugural Mayor’s Cup the likes of which we have not seen. From SEPTA advertising to Pepsi cans and everywhere in between, reminders of the game and surrounding excitement abounded. We appreciate the hard work of Assistant AD/Marketing Scott Walcoff and his team.
· Despite the loss, the goals for Temple Football are still intact and just as achievable: a Mid-American Conference Championship and bowl game appearance. While the Villanova game is a tremendous opportunity to showcase college football in Philadelphia and the Penn State game provides a strong test in an unparalleled atmosphere, we need to perform well in the MAC and look forward to our next home game – the MAC opener vs. Buffalo on Sept. 26.
Despite our loss to Villanova, our student-athletes are no less deserving of, or hungry for, your support. We need your continued participation and attendance against Buffalo on Sept. 26 as we welcome back the 1979 Garden State Bowl champion team for its 30th Reunion. See you at the Linc!
Football is far from the sole focus for Temple Athletics this fall; our other fall sports are all in motion and I hope you will make it a point to attend a game or match soon. I especially invite you to check out the “all-new” Geasey Field on Main Campus – featuring a new carpet turf and scoreboard. We are grateful for the private support of a circle of Field Hockey alumnae and friends who, in part, allowed us to enhance this special facility.
Speaking of private support, our teetering state and national economy means that fundraising – and our Temple Owl Club – are never far from my mind. As you may know, members of the Owl Club may choose to restrict their gifts to any sport program of their choosing. Each of our sports has an annual fundraising goal as part of their operating budgets. For the most part, your generosity has allowed our teams to reach or exceed their yearly goals. In fact, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, we exceeded our Restricted Cash goal and received many sport-specific pledges for future payment.
The other method – and much greater need – of Owl Club support is via Unrestricted giving. When you make an Unrestricted gift, you allow Temple Athletics to use that money for areas of greatest need. During the course of a year, unplanned opportunities present themselves, crises arise and the availability of Unrestricted cash is of critical importance. We simply must have a greater amount of Unrestricted monies on hand in order to enjoy the same financial flexibility and ability to take advantage of opportunities that our peers and competitors have!
Last fiscal year (ending June 30, 2009), Temple Athletics was down nearly $100,000 in Unrestricted cash from the prior year … and over $200,000 from three years ago. Many folks may look at our Restricted (sport-specific) giving and assume the department’s cash flow is healthy – when in fact the opposite is true!
When you are invited to support our student-athletes this year with a gift or pledge to the Owl Club, I hope that you’ll continue to donate to our teams, yet also consider the positive impact of Unrestricted giving. Through this kind of support, you cast the ultimate “vote of confidence” in our athletics program and truly empower us to pursue Comprehensive Excellence as the Temple Standard.
As always, we are thankful for the broad participation of our alumni, fans and friends. With your continued loyalty, we shall achieve. Go Owls!
Other notes from my desk:
Basketball Season Ticket Renewals – It’s hard to believe, but preseason practice for Temple Men’s and Women’s Basketball begins in just over a month. Our administrative staff has worked incredibly hard to build exciting schedules for both programs, and I can’t wait for each team’s home opener! Season ticket renewals will be sent in the coming days – watch your mail and be sure to respond quickly! With men’s home games versus Kansas, Villanova, Penn State, Xavier, Dayton, Siena and Saint Joseph’s, and with Duke on our women’s home schedule, it doesn’t get any better. Don’t forget to tell your friends about Temple Basketball season tickets – they are affordable and promise great fun!
2009 Football Season Tickets – There’s still time to purchase a mini-plan package for the remaining home games at Lincoln Financial Field. The home schedule still includes last year’s MAC Champion, Buffalo, as well as Ball State, Army, Miami (Ohio) and Kent State. If you would like to become a football season ticket holder, please visit www.owlstix.com or call 215-204-8499 today. I can assure you that Temple Football at Lincoln Financial Field is the most exciting and economical entertainment option available in Philadelphia.
Athletics Staff Additions – While an intangible sign of a strong Division I FBS athletics program is a stable roster of coaches and staff, some “moving on” or turnover is inevitable. As I surveyed our nearly 150 coaches and staff at our back-to-school full meeting on Aug. 31, I saw a healthy mix of veteran and rookie staffers that are extremely proud to call Temple home. I’m proud that our newcomer coaches and staff members proactively sought Temple and chose us over other high-caliber organizations. I hope you’ll have a chance to visit with our staff often this year!
Upcoming Events
Sept. 19: Football Tailgate at Penn State – The pageantry and tradition of college football is always on display at Penn State, and on Sept. 19 our Football Owls will attempt to silence the Beaver Stadium faithful. Game tickets are still available via the Temple box office; before kickoff, please join us for a Pre-Game Tailgate at the PSU baseball stadium featuring great game day fare, beverages and fun! Tailgate packages including game tickets are also available. You can RSVP via e-mail to: OwlClub@temple.edu no later than Sept. 17 and contact the Owl Club at (215) 204-CLUB for details.
Sept. 19: Softball Alumnae Reunion – One of Temple’s most tradition-steeped sports is softball, with the late legendary coach Rocci Pignoli leading the Cherry & White for many years. On Sept. 19, all softball alumnae and fans are invited to our Ambler campus field for an exciting reunion, alumni game and celebration. Included in the day’s events will be an opportunity to support the Rocci Pignoli “Hearts & Guts” Fund, which will allow Coach Joe DiPietro’s program to complete some needed enhancements to its field in time for the Spring 2010 season.
Sept. 30: Owl Club Priority Pledge Deadline – All current Temple Owl Club members should have received their renewal mailing for 2009-10, including our new Owl Club brochure, pledge card and an explanation of improvements to our annual giving program. Among the changes, we have introduced a “Priority Pledge Deadline” of Sept. 30 each year. Donors wishing to purchase men’s basketball season tickets should make their 2009-10 pledge (or gift) to the Owl Club by that date. However, we encourage ALL Owl Club members to indicate their annual pledge or gift by Sept. 30. Don’t forget – if you at least match your last year’s giving, we will provide you a complimentary upgrade to the next-highest benefits level this year!
Purchase 2009 football season or individual game tickets now!
Make a contribution to the Owl Club now!
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