Fundraiser for gymnastics squad termed a success
Though their season has yet to begin, the Utah State University women’s gymnastics team has already received some strong support from the community.
On August 23, the USU Booster Club held a fundraiser/social to raise money for travel costs and uniforms for the team.
The fundraiser consisted of a golf tournament and banquet, with prizes given out after the tournament.
The booster club starts off the same every year, but this was the largest attendance in the six years, said Larry Tinaka, booster club president.
“Every year it just keeps getting bigger,” Tinaka said.
This year, 60 golfers participated in the tournament.
Some parents of team members participated in the tournament and really enjoyed it.
The Brigham Young University gymnastics head coach even participated, Tinaka said.
“Word gets out and there is more interest every year,” he said.
Sponsors also help to make the fundraiser successful.
Coca-Cola is a big sponsor and provides refreshments. USU Housing and Food Services sponsors the banquet and provides the catering at a discount for the event, said Tinaka.
“The gymnastics team is very good to work with,” said Director of Housing
and Food Services Steve Jensen. “They give housing a lot of support throughout the summer when they bring various groups to campus to stay.”
Housing and Food Services also sponsored the fundraiser last year and advertises for many athletic teams on campus, Jensen said.
“Athletics are an important part of the University and we want to support them as well as academics,” he said.
“This event is a lot of fun,” Tinaka said. “This year was the biggest and most successful event that we have had.”
The Aggies completed last season with a loss at the University of Utah in the NCAA Regionals.
The team finished fifth in the competition.