Temple University Athletics
From The AD's Desk - May 2012
From The AD's Desk
A column from Temple University Director of Athletics Bill Bradshaw
May 2012
What a year Temple Fans!!
Football wins the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, its first Bowl win in over 30 years. Women’s Basketball advances to the postseason for the ninth straight year and Men’s Basketball makes its fifth straight NCAA Tournament Appearance – one of only 13 Division I teams to make the Big Dance in each of the last five seasons.
Not to forget Men’s Gymnastics winning the ECAC Championship and Fencing taking the NIWFA Championship. Both teams ended the year ranked #10 in the nation.
Last, but certainly not least, Temple is finally back in the BIG EAST Conference. And this time, all of our athletic teams starting with Football this fall and all other sports in 2012-13 will be in the BIG EAST –marking the first time all of our sports have been in the same conference.
To cap off 2011-12, we just concluded our 10th Annual Breakfast of Champions sponsored by PNC Bank. What a tremendous event with over 400 Temple student-athletes honored for their athletic and academic achievements. It is truly amazing what our young men and women have accomplished, not only in the field of competition, but in the classroom as well as in the community.
Over 260 Temple student-athletes achieved cumulative grade point averages above a 3.00, with 73 excelling at a 3.50 or above. Hall of Fame head coach Fred Turoff and his men’s gymnastics team took home the “Owl”, awarded for the highest team GPA, with an impressive 3.51 GPA.
And for the first time in the event’s history, there was a two-time recipient of the PNC Female Student-Athlete of the Year in All-America fencer Kamali Thompson. There was also a first on the men’s side with co-recipients in Pat Boyle from the football team and Juan Fernandez from the men’s basketball team. All three winners were also members of the Director’s Honor Roll with GPAs above 3.00.
All of our success could not happen without your support!!!
Ten months through fiscal year 2012, the Owl Club boasts over 4,500 total donors to Athletics, representing a 120% increase over last year’s record count – what a remarkable feat!
Temple Athletics extends a big thank you to all of our generous supporters. However, as we continue to strive to provide our more than 565 student-athletes with a premier college experience, we ask that you will consider renewing or increasing your support by this fiscal year’s close on June 30.
As we set our sights on competing in the BIG EAST Conference this fall, and as the necessary demands of travel, recruiting and training expenses swell, private funding becomes exceedingly critical. Compared to other members of the BIG EAST, our most important challenges will be fundraising and ticket sales and that is where you can help. Your support of our teams at our games and participation via gifts to the Owl Club will truly enable our student-athletes to succeed on the field, in the classroom and in the community – with the goal of achieving championship excellence today and beyond.
Thank you again for answering the Athletics rallying call! Go Owls!
Get Your Temple Football Season Tickets Now!!!: With three consecutive winning seasons - including a Gildan New Mexico Bowl victory last year - head coach Steve Addazio and the Owls look to continue the momentum with an exciting 2012 campaign. Don't miss Temple battle the best of the BIG EAST this season, as the Owls face off against Syracuse, Rutgers, Cincinnati and South Florida at Lincoln Financial Field! The Owls will also take on non-conference opponents Villanova and Maryland. Season tickets for this awesome 6-game home schedule start as low as $99! Take advantage of a special limited offer - buy three (3) end zone season tickets - receive another end zone season ticket for FREE! Call the Temple Ticket Sales Office today at 215-204-8499.
Los Angeles Annual Taste of Philly with the Athletics Cherry & White Caravan: Join fellow alumni and friends in L.A. on Saturday, May 12 for your favorite Philly food and Temple sports! Enjoy authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks, hoagies and Tastykakes as you hear a recap from Athletics representatives about the 2011-2012 season, and a preview of next year. This annual event will be held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Marty Gorman, DEN '76 in Encino, California! Visit www.MyOwlSpace.com/events to register and for more information.
New York City Cherry & White Caravan: Calling all Big Apple Owls to save the date for the 4th Annual Athletics Caravan in New York! This annual “Welcome to the City” event will be held on Tuesday, June 12 at a time and location to be determined. This is a great opportunity to meet with coaches, receive a university and athletics update and mingle with fellow NYC alumni! Visit www.MyOwlSpace.com/events for more information.
Philadelphia Cherry & White Caravan Dinner and Auction: Join local alumni and friends on Monday, June 18 at White Manor Country Club in Malvern, PA! The event, which follows the 27th Annual Owl Club Golf Classic, returns to White Manor for the second straight year and will feature guest appearances from all your favorite Temple Athletics leadership. While our field of 128 golfers has been filled, a few spots for the Caravan Dinner and Auction still remain. Sign up now to save your seat at White Manor! All proceeds benefit our more than 565 student-athletes. Visit www.MyOwlSpace.com/events to register and for more information.
Make a contribution to the Temple Owl Club now!
