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Prepare to roar

General Ryan Cheney, ISU Sports Information

Prepare to Roar Campaign Sees Another Record Setting Effort

POCATELLO, Idaho — For the fourth time in as many years, the Prepare to Roar athletics fundraising campaign saw the generosity of Bengal supporters climb to new heights en route to setting a new all-time fundraising mark. 

United under one common cause, more than 635 donors contributed a record total surpassing $741,020 towards more than a dozen different areas within Bengal Athletics. 

"The generosity of Bengals everywhere is a clear sign that our alumni and fans are willing to invest in success. As we restore Idaho State Athletics to a perennial high performer, these resources will fuel so many vital parts of that effort," shared Director of Athletics, Pauline Thiros. "I could not be more grateful for this support. It inspires and encourages each and every student-athlete and coach, and provides for their needs in a very meaningful way. We are ready to continue our work and make Bengal country proud!".

To help achieve these results, numerous benefactors offered challenges incentivizing others to participate throughout the campaign with generous donations. These were highlighted by: $100,000 from Peter '63 and Nancy Kole, $50,000 apiece from Dick '76 and Connie Luebke, Phil and Bekki Meador, and the Football Alumni Team (F.A.T.). In addition, key contributions from 2023-24 Bengal Nutrition presenting sponsor Portneuf Health Trust, 2023 Match Point Club presenting sponsor Citizens Community Bank, and 2023 Quarterback Club presenting sponsor Direct Communications were pivotal in encouraging donor support. 

Every team and countless impact areas in athletics are involved in the effort, with donors choosing where they'd like to direct their gift. These funds provide immediate support across the department including the areas of nutrition, sports performance, academic support, facility enhancements, and more. Here are a few highlights:
  • The softball team blew past their target mark of raising $15,000, seeing a final tally in excess of $25,000 and being the first team to reach their goal!
  • Bettering the mark from last year, five teams reached their fundraising goal before the conclusion of the campaign. 
  • $216,720 was raised for the Champions Fund which will provide vital support in areas of greatest need that advance ISU's mission of leading the Big Sky Conference academically, athletically, and in the culture and experience available for Bengal student-athletes. 
  • The department saw $71,770 come in for Cost of Attendance support which will provide the Bengals with a tremendous advantage in recruiting, the quality of experience, and the wellness of Bengal student-athletes. 
"The Prepare to Roar campaign is a special moment every fall to focus on the importance of philanthropy for our athletics department and to express appreciation to our generous donors," said Crew Keller, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development and External Relations. "We're incredibly grateful that our donors responded to the call this year in record-setting fashion and showed that together, the Bengals are ready to roar!".

Growing each year, the Prepare to Roar campaign again saw a notable increase in total dollars raised, realizing a $110,000 increase from the 2022 campaign, and an incredible 37% increase in the number of donors from the previous year. 

For those still wishing to support the Bengals or renew a sport club membership, the campaign website will remain live for the remainder of the fall.
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