NORMAL – Over 1,000 donors participated in the fifth annual Support Your Sport Challenge, a week-long initiative held August 5-10 that raised over $200,000 for 15 Illinois State athletic programs.

A total of 1,039 donations were made, raising a total of $207,019. The fundraising contest awarded three $1,000 prizes to the teams with the most donors, most dollars raised, and the largest percentage increase in dollars raised since 2023 (excluding challenge gifts). The football team won the award for most dollars raised and the swim and dive team had an impressive campaign, winning the award for most donors and largest percentage increase in dollars raised since 2023 (excluding challenge gifts).

“I have been here as head coach for a little over three months now, and it is incredible to witness so much support and generosity towards ISU Swimming and Diving,” said head coach Riley Hilbrandt. “Not only am I grateful for all of the donations we have received, but I have enjoyed seeing how dedicated my team was and willing to reach out to anyone they could so we could secure the top spot for most donors. I firmly believe that all of the donors did this because they saw the potential of this program, and the dollar amount raised this year speaks volumes for our entire department.”
Donations made during the week are used for improvements beyond the normal operating budget of the ISU sports team. Donations help in the following areas: team travel, facility improvements, equipment, training trips, nutrition/meals, recruiting and additional program needs.

“Thank you for your support of our program and Illinois State Athletics as a whole,” said Brock Spack, head coach of the ISU football team. “It was great to see so many people come out and support us as we raised funds for nutritional improvement. I can’t wait to see the impact these dollars will have on our student-athletes on the field this fall.”

If you missed the Support Your Sport campaign, you can still make a donation to your favorite Redbird program. To donate, please call Dax Schnase at (309) 438-1506.

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