University
of California Riverside Athletics Director Stan Morrison will
answer selected questions from our online readers throughout
the school year. To submit a question to "Ask Stan Morrison",
click here.
Question:
"Hello
Stan, I have watched with much enthusiasm the change and growth
of Athletics on our campus in the last few years. I think
it will be impossible for us to reach the recognition and
status of a major campus without a robust and successful Athletics
program. I know as of late your various sports have been hit
hard with budget cuts and reductions.
My question
is what can we as the employees of UC Riverside do to help
you succeed and reverse this devastating loss of resources?
I believe your success is our success and we would be mistaken
not to support your program every chance we get.
Submitted
by Dallas Johnson
Stan's
Reply :
"Dear
Dallas,
Thanks for your email and questions. I believe we have made
the critical budget adjustments in a fashion that will not
deter the competitiveness of our various teams. I am counting
on that! I am acutely aware of the increased recruiting evaluations,
organization and efforts by our coaches as the reality of
Division I competition has hit home with a real bang. I would
like to list several ways that UCR employees and staff can
be of enormous assistance to Intercollegiate Athletics and
have fun doing it:
1) PARTICIPATE IN OUR ANNUAL BLUE AND GOLD FUND DRIVE in the
fall by both donating to the Fund Drive and soliciting the
participation of friends and family. The five week Fund Drive
team competition has great weekly meetings with fabulous speakers,
great food and beverages, and the opportunity to rub elbows
with our Coaches and lots of the "difference makers"
in Riverside.
2) ATTEND OUR EVENTS.
Our student-athletes jump higher, run faster and compete more
effectively when they know that people really care about them
and are there to support them. Bring the kids.
3) SPREAD THE WORD. Tell
students, faculty and staff about upcoming events. Ask them
to come to our games/matches and even invite them to be your
guest. Many of our events have "hospitality functions"
that will more deeply explain and demonstrate the excitement
of Highlander Athletics. "Wear the Bear" on Fridays...
wear a shirt that features the UCR Braveheart Bear or any
UCR logo on Fridays. It's great if you do it every day as
a human billboard for UCR Athletics.
4) ATTEND THE BRAVEHEART
AUCTION AND FOOD FESTIVAL. This wonderful event has become
one of the most significant annual parties in Riverside. With
student-athletes in gowns and coats and ties, sensational
entertainment, over 600 silent auction items and mind-boggling
live auction items, the evening is a must for anyone who cares
about their community and UCR.
Dallas, with the new
Soccer Stadium and a new Amy S. Harrison Field being built
for Softball, we can see the commitment to providing top notch
venues for our fans and friends. The excitement generated
by our Baseball Team as NCAA West Regional participants this
past season is another indication of the move forward. NCAA
Track and Field West Regional Champion Jeff Midgett, at 7'
2" in the high jump, will be back to move up the NCAA
competitive ladder again this year. Lots of great moments
ahead and we appreciate that you will be there. Bring your
friends. I do agree that our success is UCR's success. Thanks
for asking.
"Braveheart is Alive!" - Stan Morrison
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