Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Athletics Prospering off the Field
Texas Tech Athletics Prospering off the Field
Feb. 9, 2001 LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech athletics certainly held center stage in the public eye in the year 2000. It's widely known the Red Raiders saw postseason action in marquee sports such as football, women's basketball volleyball and baseball. What's not common knowledge, though, is the commitment Texas Tech student-athletes, coaches and staff made off the field of competition during the past 12 months. "We are proud to be able to meet public requests," said Director of Athletics Gerald Myers. "It's important that we help the community that helps us." Whether it was autographed items, complimentary game tickets or participation at public events, Texas Tech athletics made a positive promotional impact in the community, area and state. Here are some of the ways Texas Tech athletics gave back to the public during the year 2000: + Almost 300 autographed items were distributed to help charitable organizations, public schools and other groups. Heading the list were 53 autographed basketballs by the Lady Raiders. + Over 1,300 game tickets were donated to charitable organizations, public schools events and other groups. Heading the group were 952 game tickets to Red Raider football games. Among the groups taking advantage of reduced-price tickets were the Lubbock State School, Women's Protective Services, the Ronald McDonald House, the Cal Farley Boys Ranch, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Take A Kid to the Game promotion. + Not including Red Raider Club and Tech Ex-Student's Association events, Texas Tech coaches were featured or participated in over 100 public events during the year. Among them were the Komen Race for the Cure, Women's Protective Services, Parkridge Pregnancy Center, the United Way Leadership Giving Circle, Toys for Tots, Boys Ranch Telethon, Lubbock Association of Realtors, West Texas Home Builders Association, Make-A-Wish Foundation, American Heart Association, Hospice of Lubbock, Meals on Wheels Pie Eating Contest, Methodist Outreach Center, University Medical Center and civic clubs in the city and area. + Coaches Marsha Sharp and James Dickey participate in the Coaches vs. Cancer campaign, which helps raise funds for the national organization. In the year, $29,938 was raised through the program, placing the university among the nation's Top 10. Since the program's inception seven years ago, a staggering $291,987 has been raised. + Texas Tech spirit Squad members attended over 100 community and area events and pep rallies. + Student-athletes devoted countless hours to community activities. Among them were high school pep rallies, junior high and elementary school motivational speeches and visits to the Lubbock Children's Home, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Carillon Retirement Home, the MS Walk, the Komen Race for the Cure and numerous church and hospital visits. + Texas Tech student-athletes can generate thousands of dollars each year for the university's general scholarship fund. When a football player is named "Player of the Game" on an ABC telecast, Chevrolet donates toward Tech's general scholarship fund. + A Life Skills program is offered to freshmen student-athletes. Among the topics covered is career direction, time management, nutrition, money management, stress management, community service, diversity and conflict resolution. + More than 50 students who completed their athletic eligibility receive fifth-year financial aid from Texas Tech athletics in order to complete their degree requirements. + Thousands of boys and girls participated in youth athletic camps hosted by Texas Tech coaches. + Home football games serve as prime exposure opportunities for special recognition ceremonies such as Distinguished Alumni awards. + Athletic Department employees annually meet their donation goal in the State Employee Charitable Contribution campaign. + Texas Tech Athletics assists with the organization, planning, and in some cases, management of many community events not all directly related to Texas Tech. Among those are Special Olympics, Games of Texas, UIL competitions, Senior Games, Police Olympics and Race for the Cure. |
