ROCK HILL, SC--As one of the most successful years in Winthrop's sports history has recently come to a close, the school’s athletic fundraising organization, the Eagle Club, is ready to kick off its 2005-06 membership drive July 1.
At its year-end board of directors meeting, Eagle Club Director Sharen DuBard announced that about $200,000, including $78,000 from the annual Eagle Club Scholarship Auction in May, was raised this past year by the 450-member organization. She says the goals of the Eagle Club this coming year are to increase memberships to the 500-member level and increase the fundraising total to $250,000.
“It has been nice to be a part of the success of the Winthrop Eagles,” said DuBard. “We (the Eagle Club Board of Directors) are busy recruiting new fans and donors to support our programs. Our student-athletes are exceptional, not only on the court or on the field, but in the classroom as well and we are proud of their successes,” she said.
“It is the goal of the Eagle Club to continue to grow the scholarship program, so we can recruit top-notch students that will allow us to compete on the NCAA Division I level,” said DuBard. “With the talented student-athletes that we have and dedicated fans, it is no wonder we have a winning and successful athletic program. We hope new members and their families will come join in the excitement in 2005-06.”
DuBard also announced the addition of six new members on the Eagle Club Board of Directors. Elected to three-year terms were Julie Brown, Roland Harper, Paul Kutz, Judy Sharp, Beth Wallace, and Glen Willis. These six new members will join the following current board members: Billy Arthur, Greg Ayers, John Black, Jane Boston, Linda Campfield, Tom Clinton, Amy Griggs, Carlisle Holler, Karen Johnston, Drew Kasic, Bill Ross, Steve Simmons and Joe Versen,
The 2005-06 officers will include President Karen Johnston, Immediate Past President John Black and Vice President Linda Campfield.
Highlighting the 2005-06 Eagle Club calendar will be the third annual Soccer Kick-Off Bash and Eagle Club Membership Recruitment Event on August 25, the 2005 Pancake Breakfast on October 29, the third annual Winthrop Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet on January 27, and the 15th annual Eagle Club Scholarship Auction on May 13.
To join the Eagle Club, or to receive more information about the benefits, please contact Sharen DuBard, Director of Athletic Development and Eagle Club, at 803-323-2129 ext. 6218.
