Copy of letter sent to those of Xavier Rifle's mailing list
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Dear Friends,
I am writing to ask for your financial support to continue the Rifle Program at Xavier University.
As you are already aware, last November the University announced its intention to discontinue Rifle as an NCAA varsity sport, effective May 31, 2005. In its twenty three years as a varsity sport, Xavier Rifle produced many successes; eighteen All-Americans, an NCAA individual champion, two Olympians and five consecutive NCAA Championship top five finishes. Even more importantly, beyond our competitive achievements, I am most proud of all the successful graduates of our program.
The Rifle Program will continue as a club sport at Xavier for the foreseeable future. We will continue to compete with many of our traditional opponents and will remain a member of the Great America Rifle Conference. Seven members of the 2004-2005 team are returning, with their individual athletic and academic financial aid continued until each graduates. However, it is now necessary to raise significant funds to supplement the minimal budget allocated to us as a club sport. My goal for the 2005-2006 fund raising campaign is $30,000, which will be used to support travel, personnel and other program operating expenses. In order to accomplish this, we will need some sizable donations; however, anything you might be able to give will be much appreciated.
A new, designated account has been established by Xavier to accept donations to the Rifle Club and you can be assured that every dollar received will be deposited into this account. Checks should be made payable to Xavier University and mailed to my attention at the address below. You may write “Rifle Club 815860” in the memo line of your check. I will record receipt of the donation and forward it for deposit. The University’s Development Office will acknowledge your contribution in accordance with its usual procedures.
There is some urgency to this request. In order to finalize a team travel schedule for the coming year, it will be necessary to know what type of resources will be available. Accordingly, if you could respond by mid-August, it would be helpful. I will look for other means to raise funds (such as continuing the Walsh Match) and reduce expenses; however, I anticipate the need to ask for your support annually for the next two to three years to continue the program.
As coach, I remain committed to the student-athletes and the Rifle Program at Xavier. It has been a major part of my life since my arrival on campus as a freshman in 1976 and even more so since I became the coach in 1982. It has been my privilege to be associated with so many exceptional student-athletes, and I look forward to continuing this great program at Xavier.
Most sincerely,
Alan Joseph ’80, ’84 M.A.
Men’s & Women’s Rifle Coach
Joseph@xavier.edu
Please mail donations to:
Alan Joseph
Department of Recreational Sports
Xavier University
3800 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45207-6116
Xavier University Rifle Needs Your Help
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