Pocatello, Idaho — Idaho State University athletics has announced that Direct Communications will serve as the presenting sponsor of the Quarterback Club for the 2023-25 seasons.
Headquartered in Rockland, Idaho, and established in 1954, Direct Communications is a family-owned fiber broadband company whose philosophy is to connect rural communities with new technology and cover more ground, faster than ever. Direct Communications now serves customers across Idaho, Utah, Louisiana, and Maine, with a range of communications products including high-speed fiber internet.
The $150,000 Quarterback Club sponsorship is the largest ever for the Bengal football program and serves as the single largest investment in the program under first-year head coach, Cody Hawkins.
Director of Athletics Pauline Thiros said, "Bengal Football is very excited to not only continue our meaningful relationship with Direct Communications but to expand our partnership with good friends who truly love our region and community. We look forward to working with an organization that shares our strategies and values as we strive to elevate our football program over the next three years. This is a significant investment in the future of Bengal Football and the local community."
The partnership between Direct Communications and the Bengal football program includes a collaboration with the Southeast Idaho Youth Football League (SIYFL), which has nearly 1,500 participants, to create the ISU Football Connect Program. SIYFL teams will receive video messages from Bengal football players, a special camp run by the ISU coaching staff, and the chance to participate in a "pre-game visit" prior to a home game this fall.
"We are so excited to partner with Direct Communications to help push our program to the top of the Big Sky Conference. Their financial investment will help us make tangible improvements in the immediate future and in the years to come," shared Idaho State University Head Football Coach, Cody Hawkins. "Their contribution will benefit student-athlete wellness, strength and conditioning staffing, and help our program be competitive in other areas. We thank them for their generosity and will reward them with our intention, effort, and output on the field and in our community."
Supportive of all college sports, Direct Communications believes that the development and success of the football program in particular will help to build the entire athletic department, which, in turn, benefits the community at large.
"As a 'hometown' internet provider, we are committed to supporting Idaho's local communities," said Tim May, General Manager of Direct Communications. "We feel that this partnership with Idaho State University complements our Upgrade Your School Program, which supports local schools in our service areas. We look forward to providing the Southeast Idaho Youth Football League with more opportunities for coaching, mentoring, and engagement with Bengal Football. We know that by supporting and sustaining Idaho State University through its athletic and academic programs, we are building and connecting our communities."
Season tickets for the 2023 football season are on sale now, running concurrently with the annual Bengal Athletic Booster (B.A.B.) Fund Drive. Those interested in becoming a season ticket holder can do so in person, at the Holt Arena Ticket Office, or over the phone at 208-282-3267, Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM For questions about becoming a Bengal Athletic Booster member and associated benefits, please contact Donna Hays, Executive Director of the Bengal Athletic Boosters, at 208-282-5773.
Interested in learning more about Direct Communications and the services that they offer? Visit their webpage, here.
