Pocatello, Idaho — In a thrilling display of Bengal pride, the Prepare To Roar athletics fundraiser has once again smashed expectations and set a new all-time fundraising record.
Fueled by the generosity of hundreds of donors, more than $1.3 million was raised from more than 830 gifts, far exceeding the campaign's already ambitious goal of $800,000 and 650 gifts. The successful campaign is a resounding testament to the growing commitment from alumni, fans, families, and the broader Bengal community to elevate the student-athlete experience at ISU.
"Building championship caliber programs is such hard work, and requires tremendous resources. Our Bengal Family is coming through to share in that work, and to provide those resources," shared Pauline Thiros, Director of Athletics. "It is extremely meaningful because it is a clear message that we are not in it alone. Every "W" and every accolade, every championship, belongs to Bengal Nation and is even more special because we all made it happen together. We all invested. We all care so much. We all genuinely love our Bengals. We could not be more grateful for this unique and resounding level of support."
The impact of this campaign will be felt immediately in critical areas including nutrition, academic support, scholarships, facility upgrades, and sports performance resources. Contributions to the sports clubs provide the means to expand program budgets and do more for student athletes and coaches.
Key to the campaign's success were several major challenge and matching gifts that sparked momentum and encouraged widespread participation. Notable public contributions from corporations included:
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$75,000 from the Football Alumni Team (F.A.T.)
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$50,000 from 2025 Quarterback Club presenting sponsor Direct Communications
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$50,000 from Portneuf Health Trust
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$30,000 from 2025 Match Point Club presenting sponsor Citizens Community Bank
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$30,000 from 2025 Fast Break Club presenting sponsor Lookout Credit Union
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$18,000 from Dairy West and Local Dairy Farm Families
Matching contributions also poured in from a dedicated group of Bengal supporters: Steve and Suzy Barlow, Larry and Kathy Bell, Jim and Vicki Click, Larry and Joanne Kent, Jim & Mary Lou Lynch, Dirk & Kim Koetter, Phil and Bekki Meador, Gary & Beverly Pitkin, and Don and Candie Wyckoff. Their generosity inspired hundreds more to join in — turning individual gifts into collective impact.
Other highlights include:
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Softball kept its streak alive for a third straight year as the first team to reach their goal, unlocking a $10,000 bonus in the process.
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Cross Country and Track & Field made history, raising over $40,000 and setting a new record for most individual gifts in campaign history — with 226 gifts to the Winged Foot Club.
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Men's Tennis hit their goal for the first time ever, buoyed by the highest number of individual contributions the program has ever received.
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The average gift rose to $1,375, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth in giving power.
"This campaign has been nothing short of extraordinary. What we witnessed was a surge of belief — belief in our student-athletes, our coaches, and the future we're building together at Idaho State. These record-setting numbers represent more than dollars — they represent heart, passion, and a deep-rooted commitment to excellence," shared Crew Keller, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development and External Relations. "I'm incredibly grateful to every single donor who stood up and said, 'I believe in Bengal Athletics.' Your impact will be felt every day in locker rooms, classrooms, and competition venues across campus."
The 2025 Prepare To Roar campaign not only eclipsed last year's totals by over $400,000, and surpassed the $1,000,000 mark for the first time, but it also marked a powerful upward trajectory in both financial impact and donor engagement. Since its launch in 2020, the campaign has grown an incredible 493% in dollars raised and 480% in donor participation — a clear reflection of Bengal Nation's rising momentum and collective belief in what's being built at Idaho State.
For those still wishing to support the Bengals as the 2025-26 season gets underway, the campaign website will remain live for the remainder of the fall.
