Pocatello, Idaho — Idaho State University Athletics announced today that the Football Alumni Team (F.A.T.) will make their largest contribution to date, $100,000 in total, this year.
Founded in 1999, F.A.T. continues to have a profound impact on ISU Football and Bengal Athletics as a whole through significant donations given by its membership and positive engagement reconnecting former players from various generations.
"For 25 years F.A.T. has been in the corner of all Idaho State University student-athletes and teams. This group of alumni expresses their support both financially, and through their constant presence, advocacy, and encouragement," says Pauline Thiros, Director of Athletics. "This year they have shattered previous marks, and it is extraordinary to witness the fruits of their efforts. I am honored to be a F.A.T. member, honored to work with F.A.T., and on behalf of the Bengals across all sports, as well as ISU Football, express the greatest appreciation and admiration for their love and support."
This landmark contribution will help support numerous initiatives around the football program, including funding four of the in-season Friday night team meals, financing summer school stipends through the F.A.T. endowment, and enhancing the program's cost of attendance budget — all of which fall in line with Coach Hawkins' greatest needs. In addition, a portion of this contribution will also benefit the golf, soccer, softball, and volleyball programs, as F.A.T. continues to champion the notion of improving the experience of as many Bengal student-athletes as possible.
"We are incredibly grateful for the continued commitment of the Football Alumni Team towards our student-athletes and coaches," shared Crew Keller, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development and External Relations. "I know how much the football program and the future success of the athletics department means to those who have come through it, and this gift is a testament to the passion of our football alumni. We cannot thank the F.A.T. leadership team and their members enough for their support that spans both monetarily and through acts of service."
What F.A.T. is saying:
"We do this because we all want to have a successful football program along with success in all ISU athletic programs. This is why F.A.T. is doing our part to support the Bengals and ISU student-athletes. We believe that things are on the rise at ISU and our efforts can be a part of making a difference." — Warren Whitaker '80, F.A.T. President
"The F.A.T. membership makes me feel at home every time I come back to Pocatello. It grounds me and brings me back to the friendships I developed at ISU and how valuable they've been throughout my life! F.A.T. provides an opportunity for me to enjoy the camaraderie with all the guys including seeing teammates I haven't seen in years. If you are an ex-player it's a must for you to join F.A.T.; come join us at a tailgate, reconnect with old teammates, and help contribute to pushing our program up the ladder and getting it to where we all want it to be: competing for a Big Sky Conference championship every year! — Bob Matsey '81, F.A.T. Member
"I feel very fortunate to have received a scholarship, play football for ISU, and make Pocatello my home. F.A.T. is a means where I can express my gratitude and personally give back to ISU Athletics." — Jason Whitmer '90, F.A.T. Board Member
"As an out-of-state scholarship-athlete from California I was transplanted into a community, University, and athletic program that impacted and shaped every aspect of my personal and professional life. For the love and support from the community, I owe. For the education and personal development from the University, I owe. For the teammates, brotherhood, and lifelong friendships I received as a Bengal, I owe. To the current and future students, coaches, and student-athletes of Idaho State University, we owe, and that is why I am so passionate about supporting F.A.T. and my alma mater!" — Kirk Gerling '91, F.A.T. Member
"Being able to give back to the ISU Football program, which was a massive catalyst in molding me, is extremely special. The entire Football Alumni Team is delighted to be able to make such a significant donation to a program that's near and dear to our hearts! We all bleed orange, and any time we can give back to something we are passionate about to help bring our proud program back to the top of the Big Sky Conference, we must do it! I'm elated that F.A.T. can help the ISU Football program grow and evolve into a program that will soon compete at the top of the Big Sky Conference!" — Kris Krosch '06, F.A.T. Member
About the Football Alumni Team:
The Football Alumni Team (F.A.T.) organization started in 1999 with a group of former Bengal football players who wanted to have a great time tailgating before each game and raise some funds to help their alma mater's football program. To this day the mission remains the same – promote and support ISU Football! To learn more about F.A.T., including information on how to become a member, visit isufat.com.
