An anonymous donor is continuing his support for Western's men's varsity baseball team with a matching $20,000 gift to the Adopt A Mustang program.

The varsity men's baseball team at Western recently received support from an anonymous donor through the Adopt A Mustang program that is a big win.

"The generous donation we received this past year came as a wonderful surprise both to myself and the team. We are extremely grateful to the donor," says head coach Mike Lumley. "It is my job to ensure the players' experience at Western is better than anywhere else they have previously played and donations like we received this past year have definitely helped that cause. We have some aggressive goals moving forward and the financial support received will be a huge boost."

In the first year of the Adopt A Mustang program, the anonymous donor offered to match all gifts directed to baseball, up to a total of $20,000.

"I was actually surprised there were no matching programs in place for Mustangs athletics," says the anonymous donor. "I feel they can be an effective way to raise funds. As a result I thought that I would offer to be the founding donor to a matching program at Western for baseball, and I was able to work with Mustangs Athletics to accommodate this through the Adopt A Mustang program."

The donor has committed up to another $20,000 match for the baseball program this year. The donor was impressed with the team's volunteer coaching group, which has built a hugely successful program, capturing several Ontario University Athletic championships and placing among the top three in the country.

"I am a very large believer in varsity athletes," says the donor. "They outperform academically which is not something that is generally recognized and defies stereotypes. A strong varsity sports program is a critical part of any university culture. Those who participate and bring this pride to the institution deserve to be supported. They deserve to get the best training programs, equipment and coaching that can be provided."

Just as the anonymous donor did, those who support the Adopt A Mustang program have the option of tailoring their support towards a specific team. Every gift, no matter the amount, is meaningful and will help alleviate the ongoing financial needs associated with enhanced training and competition.

"Support from Western alumni and friends is critical for any successful varsity program," says Adam Paish, senior on the men's baseball team and current OUA Pitcher of the Year. "Without support, it can be a challenge to meet the financial commitments that high-level sport requires, especially for students and their families, who are already making a substantial investment. I extend my sincerest gratitude for those who take the time to assist the Western Mustangs family in staying one of the most successful Varsity programs in the nation. Whether it is through your continuing attendance at our games, or a donation of any amount, you help us to be the best that we can be."

For more information on the Adopt A Mustang program, contact Holly Gati at 519.661.2111 ext. 87086 or donate now.


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