General | Nov 27, 2017

SAINT LEO, Fla. – Saint Leo Athletics set a goal of raising more than $100,000 in its inaugural Athletics Giving Challenge when the campaign began on October 16.

Suffice it to say, that bar was cleared with room to spare.

The campaign came to an end on November 17 with a total of $112,141 raised for Saint Leo Athletics, coming from a total of 1,082 donors.

"I'm overwhelmed by the level of support we achieved in this campaign," said Francis X. Reidy, Saint Leo's director of athletics. "The generosity of the alumni, parents, and other supporters of Saint Leo Athletics has been most gratifying, and will have a tremendous impact upon the experience of our approximately 375 student-athletes."

Baseball led all Saint Leo teams with $18,266 to finish first in the challenge for total donations, and the team will receive a $2,000 credit toward the purchase of additional team apparel under Saint Leo's departmental-wide contract with Adidas.

Softball was second in overall funds raised with $13,203, and will receive a $1,000 credit toward additional team apparel from Adidas.

Men's lacrosse was third, bringing in $9,761, and will receive a $750 Adidas apparel credit. The men's lacrosse program also won the challenge for most individual donors of $10 or more in the final 48 hours, and will receive an additional $400 Adidas credit toward team apparel for its 2018 season.

The men's soccer program had the highest level of alumni participation and will receive a $600 Adidas credit toward team apparel. Women's lacrosse had the most individual donors in the first 48 hours of the Athletics Giving Challenge, and will receive a $400 credit toward Adidas team apparel.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank our long-time apparel partner, Adidas, for its support of Saint Leo Athletics over the last decade and more," said Reidy. "This sponsorship of our athletics program has aided us in countless ways, including the incentives that will go to the most successful programs in this year's Athletics Giving Challenge."

Alumni and fans can continue to give to Saint Leo Athletics anytime during the year through the University Advancement website at www.SaintLeoLions.com/donate. Gifts received prior to December 31, 2017, may be deductible on 2017 Federal tax returns.

For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo Department of Athletics, be sure to visit SaintLeoLions.com.  Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.