Temple University Athletics
From The AD's Desk: August 2009
Welcome to the "New Year's" edition of my column!
August is an exciting month for an athletics director or administrator, because we get to start again. Our coaches, trainers, academic support professionals, administrators and others on campus welcome back our student-athletes. Slates are clean, everyone is undefeated, and optimism runs high. We're buckled in and ready again to pursue Comprehensive Excellence as the Temple Standard in all of our 24 sport programs!
Not a day passes when folks will call, stop by our office or stop me around town to relay their enthusiasm for the 2009 Temple Football season. Whether they've heard notable alumnus Bill Cosby dish on ESPN, witnessed our program receive the Philadelphia Sports Congress Community Service Award in July, or realize that we have 21 starters returning from a year ago, I appreciate the interest that fourth-year Coach Al Golden's Owls are gaining in the community and on campus.
Of course, it all starts Sept. 3 with a Thursday night battle against cross-town rival Villanova in the inaugural Mayor's Cup game, the first of a four-year series against the Wildcats. This is a game that is good for both programs, good for our alumni and fans, and good for Philadelphia.
Beyond a big win to kick off the '09 campaign and give us momentum heading into the Penn State game Sept. 19, what we also need at "the Linc" on Sept. 3 is a big turnout. Our student-athletes deserve your support and there will be no shortage of buzz and exciting activity around the stadium that day. Will you be there?
If you haven't already, I ask you to consider purchasing Temple Football season tickets. As stated here previously, we have a goal (really, a need) to sell 3,200 full season tickets this year. As of August 10, we stand at just over 1,650 sold ... not close to where we need to be.
In discussing season ticket purchases with others, too often I've heard comments similar to "When Temple starts winning, then you'll really start selling tickets." Folks, the time to get on the Owls' bandwagon is NOW. The time to come out of the woodwork is NOW. We all want to see the competitive fortunes of our football program continue to change, and you know by now that the availability of financial resources (via ticket sales and Owl Club gifts) helps our competitive fortunes.
Help us be the change! In all phases - academically, athletically and in the community - our football program has done everything worthy of your immediate support. If you live out of the area, buy season tickets and donate them back to Temple; we'll put them in the hands of a worthwhile community group or non-profit that will appreciate and use them. Not a football fan, but wild about another Temple team? Remember that football is the economic engine that pulls the rest of our department with it...your ticket purchase actually helps all Temple teams rise together!
Our 24 sport programs are each committed to our vision for Comprehensive Excellence. That vision requires your support and participation. Thanks to those who are already "in the Owls' Nest," and for those thinking about it, consider the opportunity you have to make a difference ... and create memories!
I know that our future is bright and that with broad participation by our community and friends, we shall achieve our goals. Go Owls!
Other notes from my desk:
Calling all Letter winners - You are about to have a "home" again! Soon, Temple Athletics will launch a revitalized, re-branded letterwinners' association for all former Temple student-athletes. The VarsiT, formerly an organization for former football Owls, will expand to become an all-sports alumni group whereby letterwinners from all Temple sport programs, past and present, will be able to connect with your alma mater and athletics program. The "new" VarsiT will be managed by our Athletics Development office and in exchange for a nominal yearly dues payment, will entitle its members to several exciting benefits, including private access to exclusive letterwinners' apparel, gatherings at Temple events and a newsletter. More benefits will come as the group grows...stay tuned!
2009 Football Season Tickets - We are working diligently to renew and sell new football season tickets. With less than one month left until kickoff, we currently stand at 1,652 season tickets sold and have lots of ground left to cover to reach our goal of 3,200 for the 2009 season. If you have not yet renewed your seats, or would like to become a football season ticket holder, please visit www.owlstix.com or call 215-204-8499 today. I can assure you that Temple Football at Lincoln Financial Field is the most exciting and economical entertainment option available in Philadelphia. Additionally, your ticket purchase is critical to providing our sports programs the resources required to be successful and make the Temple community proud. Thank you for your support and I look forward to seeing you on Thursday, Sept. 3 when we kick off the season against Villanova in the inaugural Mayor's Cup.
Upcoming Events
Sunday Brunch with Fran Dunphy - There's no better way to spend a summer weekend than Down the Shore, and no better way to start a "Shore Sunday" than with brunch at Carney's in Cape May. Join Temple head men's basketball coach Fran Dunphy and friends on Sunday, Aug. 23 for great food, summer fun and a preview of the Temple Basketball season! This event will also feature a limited auction. All proceeds benefit Temple Basketball and the Owls' quest for a third consecutive Atlantic 10 Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance! Cost is $50 per person, with payment accepted at the door. You can RSVP via e-mail to: OwlClub@temple.edu no later than Aug. 21. Football Fan Fest - We look forward once again to welcoming all Temple fans to Lincoln Financial Field for the 2009 Temple
Football Fan Fest. Fan Fest will be held on Tuesday August 25th at 5PM in the Headhouse Plaza. Admission and parking are free to all guests. The entire football team and coaching staff will be greeting fans and signing autographs, and this event will also feature tours of Lincoln Financial Field, interactive games, face painters, and more. Please make time to join us for this spirited, family-oriented pre-season event.
Purchase 2009 football season or individual game tickets now!
Make a contribution to the Owl Club now!
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