2010 News

Donation encourages others to "hit a double" for Mustangs Baseball

By Karmen Dowling
Thursday, August 26, 2010

The Western Mustangs Men’s Baseball team has been playing at the top of their game in recent years. And now an anonymous donor has stepped up to the plate to support their efforts in a unique way.

This generous donor has offered to match all gifts up to a total of $20,000 made to the Baseball Adopt A Mustang program before September 30.

Men’s Baseball Head Coach, Mike Lumley, says he is touched and excited by this gesture.

“I am proud and honoured to lead such a high caliber group of players who are equally committed to both their academic studies and their athletic performance,” notes Lumley. “This matching gift could provide a tremendous boost to the upcoming season and to the future of the team.”

The Mustangs Men’s Baseball team has seen many accomplishments over the years, including participation in numerous national tournaments and capturing four Ontario University Athletics Championships in five years. Lumley feels the support from the Adopt A Mustang program will help Western continue to nurture and produce exceptional student-athletes and global leaders of tomorrow.

"Being a member of the baseball team is like being with your best friends all the time," says fourth-year science student and left fielder, Ian Campbell. "We are a tight-knit group with some lofty goals for our training and competitive program. Without donors we wouldn't even have a team. Because of their support we can go out and enjoy being a student-athlete, and they can be part of a Western baseball dynasty."

Donors to The Adopt A Mustang program have the option of tailoring their support towards a specific team, alleviating the ongoing financial needs associated with enhanced training and competition.

Specifically, the initiative helps Western to:

• support ongoing financial needs associated with advanced training and competition;
• recruit exceptional players who can focus on athletics and academics; and • remain competitive on a provincial, national and international level.

“Being a good team player requires intention, commitment and action,” says Lumley. “It is with that same spirit that I hope our alumni and friends will take advantage of this wonderful fund-matching opportunity and support our team through a donation to the Adopt A Mustang program.”

For more information on the Adopt A Mustang program, contact Holly Gati at 519.661.2111 ext. 87086 or visit http://www.westernmakesadifference.ca/priorities/mustang.html