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Post by catamountalum04 on Aug 9, 2024 13:10:08 GMT -5
I just got an email from WCU that outlines the giving from last year and one thing that popped out to me was annual athletic giving was down from FY23. Not by much but it was down FY23=$2,294,514.62 FY24= $2,202,643.54. The amount of athletic donors went down too. FY23= 1,801 FY24=1,521. I put the blame on the AD and how he has managed the Catamount Club since he arrived in Cullowhee.
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Post by stinkycat on Aug 9, 2024 18:28:14 GMT -5
Thanks for posting this, catalum04.
I rarely post on this board, but these figures really hit a nerve with me.
Catamount Club seems to be pretty much non-existent, about impossible to get anyone to take your call or respond to emails, etc.
A number of excellent workers in that office have left over the last 3-4 years, not sure if it is due to lack of pay or support from management, but it seems to be an issue that needs to be addressed.
The current AD seems to have made decent coaching hires but not sure if his money management and fund-raising skills ability are up to par.
A university the size of Western at the FCS level should have 3,000 plus members in the Catamount Club and be raising a minimum of 4 to 5 million dollars a year for athletic scholarships.
Really makes me wonder how long we can stay at the FCS level and expect to be competitive with these pathetic numbers.
I love my university and have supported it financially until it hurts over the last 40 years.
Time goes by fast, just want to see us win a SOCON football and men's basketball championship before I leave this earth!
Sorry to vent, but this hurts!
Go Catamounts!
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Post by retiredcat on Aug 9, 2024 20:11:21 GMT -5
Well stated Stinky Cat!
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Post by catamountalum04 on Aug 9, 2024 21:23:31 GMT -5
Thanks for posting this, catalum04.
I rarely post on this board, but these figures really hit a nerve with me.
Catamount Club seems to be pretty much non-existent, about impossible to get anyone to take your call or respond to emails, etc.
A number of excellent workers in that office have left over the last 3-4 years, not sure if it is due to lack of pay or support from management, but it seems to be an issue that needs to be addressed.
The current AD seems to have made decent coaching hires but not sure if his money management and fund-raising skills ability are up to par.
A university the size of Western at the FCS level should have 3,000 plus members in the Catamount Club and be raising a minimum of 4 to 5 million dollars a year for athletic scholarships.
Really makes me wonder how long we can stay at the FCS level and expect to be competitive with these pathetic numbers.
I love my university and have supported it financially until it hurts over the last 40 years.
Time goes by fast, just want to see us win a SOCON football and men's basketball championship before I leave this earth!
Sorry to vent, but this hurts!
Go Catamounts!
Yep it is very embarrassing. Normally if the teams, especially football, have a great year the money and donors go up but not at WCU. That falls on the feet of the AD. I can never get a hold of the CC when I call
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Post by catamountfanatic07 on Aug 12, 2024 8:50:41 GMT -5
The Catamount Club, from a staff standpoint, has been completely torn apart by our AD.
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Post by wcu1995gocats on Aug 12, 2024 20:42:27 GMT -5
My worry is that the criteria for D1 is 14 sports which WCU currently has exactly 14. If we financially drop a sport we lose our eligibility to stay in FCS.
I would like to know where those numbers are coming from. I know Catamount Club used to advertise they generated $1.5 million annually. That was back when they were fully staffed.
I know we’ve set a record with ticket sales and attendance. I’m wondering if that number listed is actually worse for Catamount Club and it’s being compensated with ticket revenue or sponsorship…I think they got around $300k from the state for sports gambling too. Not sure if that is included.
I know Paws Porch used to have a waiting list and now it doesn’t. I haven’t seen anything about their golf tournaments and those use to be big.
We’re not going to see the effects of Julie Miller and company leaving until next year. They go a year not answering the phone and people not able to give and we’re going to fill it big time.
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Post by wcu1995gocats on Aug 12, 2024 21:10:06 GMT -5
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Post by catamountalum04 on Aug 15, 2024 8:46:17 GMT -5
I thought it was interesting on the sports show last night that KB was talking about how busy the CC was getting the packets and tickets out. My first thought was well with only 2 people left working for them of course they are busy
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goat
Walkon
Posts: 99
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Post by goat on Aug 15, 2024 9:57:42 GMT -5
Yup!!
It has always been my dream to retire and work for the Catamount Club. I would love to raise capital & awareness; as well as, ignite our alumni base like never before..........
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Post by catamountfanatic07 on Aug 15, 2024 12:39:50 GMT -5
I thought it was interesting on the sports show last night that KB was talking about how busy the CC was getting the packets and tickets out. My first thought was well with only 2 people left working for them of course they are busy Yeah with two people (maybe Kim hasn’t totally left that dept yet would be three i think) I’d say they probably are quite busy
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