The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Holds Event To Officially Launch Finish The Drive Campaign
8/19/2015 12:00:00β―AM | General
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- An enthusiastic, standing room only crowd was on hand Tuesday afternoon as the UAB Finish the Drive Capital Campaign for Blazers Athletics Campaign was officially launched.
The event, which at times resembled a UAB pep rally, was held at the UAB National Alumni Society House. The Blazers' pep band, cheerleaders and Blaze were all on hand for the festivities.
Director of Athletics Mark Ingram spoke to the crowd and highlighted many of the Blazers' athletic and academic achievements, in addition to addressing plans for facility improvements for all sports.
The UAB AD emphasized how improvements in facilities lend themselves to success in competition. Ingram pointed how softball went to five straight NCAA Tournament berths after moving to its new on-campus stadium and how men's basketball won a conference championship and earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament last season, defeating No. 3 Iowa State in second round play.
Ingram highlighted football facility plans that include a new operations building that would house coaches' offices, a weight room and a sports medicine area. He also said that the plans to build a new track and field facility would create extra space on the current football practice fields and allow for three fields, whereas presently, there is space for approximately one and a half fields.
Ingram praised the campaign committee and urged continued support from all Blazers as the program moves forward in this exciting time.
In addition, UAB coaches Jerod Haase from men's basketball, softball's Marla Townsend and football head man Bill Clark all addressed the supporters in attendance with inspiring remarks, as did Hatton Smith, the chair of the campaign's committee.
Smith, Emeritus CEO of Royal Cup Coffee and Tea, is chairing the committee made up of more than 50 of the Birmingham community's business leaders, who have come forward to support the campaign and volunteer their time.
Blazer Boosters will be sending updates on a monthly basis to provide fundraising progress during the UAB Athletics Campaign.
Click here to make a pledge specific to the Football, Bowling & Rifle Support Fund or Football Facility Fund. Pledges can be fulfilled over a five-year period and are counted separately from Blazer Booster annual donations made to maintain ticket and parking benefits. Learn about giving opportunities online at blazerboosters.com or call Blazer Boosters at (205) 996-9969 for more information.
