Tommy Bell monthly newsletter - December edition
12/24/2016 | 10:58:00 | General
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Greetings, Saluki Nation!
As you make your last-minute preparations to enjoy the holidays with friends and family, I wanted to take a moment to thank all of our fans and supporters who make the enterprise of Saluki Athletics possible. We are so grateful for your investment of time and treasure, and we don't take it for granted. Whether you are a donor to the Saluki Athletic Scholarship Fund, a season-ticket holder, an alum, or just a casual fan, we value each and every supporter.Â
For the first time, we participated in Giving Tuesday during the week of Thanksgiving. Thanks to you, it was a remarkable success with 80 donors increasing their SASF donations for a net increase of $22,000. That basically represents a full scholarship for a Saluki student-athlete!
I'm happy to announce that both our Coats for Kids and Toys For Tots drives were a huge success. Your generosity provided three gifts to 125 underprivileged children from 60 families, and also provided a new winter coat for all 125 children.
There are a limited number of spots still available for our 8th Annual Saluki Waterfowl Hunt on Jan. 5. You can join Saluki coaches and administrators for lunch and an afternoon of hunting at Grassy Lake Hunting Club, one of the premier spots in Southern Illinois. For more information, contact Bryce Williams or register online.
Salukis Blackout Cancer Basketball games (Jan. 11-Men, Jan. 13-Women) are fast approaching and there's still time to Make A Bid and place the name of a loved one on a game-worn jersey. The funds raised help support patient care at the SIH Cancer Institute.Â
Last month, I invited Trip Durham to "Secret Shop" a home football and basketball game. Trip is well-known in the industry for his expertise in game day experience and event environment. He observed our operation from a fan's perspective, engaging parking attendants, ticket personnel, concession workers, and general game operations to examine our practices. By and large, his report was complimentary about the planning and execution of our game operations.Â
He did offer some excellent insights on ways we can improve. Some of his suggestions, such as having the Spirit squads thank patrons as they exit the facility, have already been put into practice. Many others will be implemented over time. I was especially proud that he recognized the enthusiasm and energy of our administrative team and their dedication to making home events a great experience. If you have a comment or suggestion after attending a Saluki home game, don't hesitate to send it my way.
Joe wrote in to Ask the AD, to ask if we would consider adding men's soccer as an intercollegiate sports program. While the new track facility could also be used to house a soccer team, we are not in a financial position at this time to add sports.
I received multiple Ask the AD questions regarding the rationale for the recently announced contract extension for Coach Hinson. I've stated on numerous occasions that my expectation for our men's basketball program is to compete for conference titles and make NCAA Tournament appearances. Since we joined the MVC in 1975, no league member has won more regular-season or conference tournament titles than SIU. That's the bar by which I will measure the program, and nothing has changed in that regard. In the business of college basketball, long-term contracts are the industry standard and necessary for recruiting. The terms of the contract are fair for both Coach Hinson and the University. I'm asking you to trust me that we will get it right, and continue to support our program. Saluki Basketball is our flagship program and we will not settle for less than excellence.
Happy Holidays from everyone in Saluki Athletics. We hope your holidays will be filled with peace and joy through the New Year.
With Saluki Pride,
