Campus News

GC Foundation opens Laker team funds

Accounts create opportunities for team fundraising, community gifts

The Garrett College Foundation and Garrett College Department of Athletics created team-specific funds for the eight Laker intercollegiate programs. Pictured, left to right, are (back row) women's volleyball player Brenna L'Hommedieu, women's soccer player Sky Leasure, men's basketball player Gavin Jackson, wrestler Cole Stuchal, (front row) Garrett College President Dr. Richard Midcap, GC co-athletic directors Elizabeth Show and Eric Hallenbeck, and Garrett College Foundation Executive Director Cherie Krug.

The Garrett College Foundation and Garrett College Athletic Department are partnering to create team funds for each of the College's eight intercollegiate athletic programs.

The accounts – one each for men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, baseball, softball, wrestling, and women's volleyball – will house two types of athletic funding. The proceeds of team fundraisers as well as gifts by Foundation donors who wish to give to specific teams will both be held in the team accounts.

"I'm really pleased with the way the Foundation and Laker athletics are teaming up to support our student athletes," said Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College's president. "The College's operating budget provides for each team's basic needs – uniforms, equipment, game officials, travel expenses – but these funds will permit teams to fundraise or accept gifts from donors particularly connected to a specific team."

Midcap noted the Athletic Department already uses fundraising activities – concession stand operation during home games, staffing support for events like the Art and Wine Festival, etc. – to raise funds for its teams. Creation of individual team accounts will permit specific teams to conduct additional activities if they are attempting to generate funds for team needs.

Cherie Krug, executive director of the Garrett College Foundation, said the funds will permit Laker teams to "address their greatest needs, which will vary by team." Those needs could include additional team gear, warm-ups, team shoes, and additional in-season tournaments.

"As we continue to expand our intercollegiate athletic offerings, we are going to have team-specific needs that arise each season," said Elizabeth Show, GC's co-director of athletics. "Working with the Garrett College Foundation with fundraising will allow us to cover operational costs, team travel gear, facility maintenance, travel expenses, and other needs that present each year."

"Every sport at Garrett College needs to be equally represented," said Eric Hallenbeck, co-director of athletics. "Now that all of our sports have an MOU with the Foundation, this helps in achieving equality. Alumni and donors have an opportunity to donate to a specific sport if they wish instead of donating to the general athletic fund."

Student athletes who attended last Wednesday's fund creation signing ceremony said they appreciate the way the College and the community have embraced the Laker teams.

"I feel like there's a lot of support for student athletes," said freshman women's volleyball player Brenna L'Hommedieu, who graduated from Morgantown's University High School.

"Everyone cares so much about our players," said sophomore men's basketball player Gavin Jackson, a Wheeling, WV resident who graduated from the Linsly School. "I really love it here. I've grown so much as a player and person."

"It's been a great experience," said sophomore wrestler Cole Stuchal, a River Valley High graduate from Blairsville, PA, of his time at GC, noting the high-quality facilities have played a key role in that experience.

"The staff has been very nice and welcoming, and I love all of my teachers," said freshman women's soccer player Sky Leasure, a Williamsport (MD) High graduate, who said the College's new turf field has enhanced the athletic experience for student athletes in GC's outdoor sports.

"The new turf field is great," Leasure said. "I love playing on it, especially when we have games under the lights."

Midcap said the College's athletics program fulfills two major College goals.

"We're always looking to enhance the student experience, and I think athletics helps bring a College community together," said Midcap. "Our athletics program also creates a more diverse campus environment, playing a big role in bringing international students and students of color into our campus community."

Midcap added there is also a key fiscal objective accomplished by the College's ongoing expansion of its athletics program.

"Most of our student athletes are from out of state or other Maryland counties," noted Midcap. "They provide significant revenue in terms of tuition and fees, as well as the fact that they fill most of the spots in our residence halls. This revenue helps us deliver the outstanding academic programs and services that support our larger in-county student base."