10/13 Town Hall - SIRFC Coaching Initiative & Fundraising Plan Recap

dawn6956
Oct 15
4 min read

During our recent Town Hall, we shared exciting updates about the future of SIU Rugby — including the launch of a Graduate Coaching Initiative and a two-year fundraising plan to ensure sustainable support for both teams and long-term program growth.

Coaching Initiative

Our primary goal is to provide consistent, qualified coaching for both the men’s and women’s rugby teams by establishing a Graduate Coaching Position within the university’s Recreational Sports & Services (RSS) division.

Position Overview

Employed through SIU RSS
$16,000 annual stipend
Two-year contract
Supports both programs to provide stability, technical development, and leadership

This partnership aligns rugby with SIU’s athletic infrastructure, ensuring continuity and integration within the broader campus community.

Board Commitment

The SIRFC Board has committed $32,000 to fund the first two years of this position. Looking ahead, our focus will be on developing a sustainable alumni-driven funding model to support the role long term. The Board will also partner with RSS and team leadership to finalize coaching standards and begin recruiting from top-tier collegiate rugby programs to create a future coaching pipeline.

Campus Partnership and Support

We were honored to be joined by Corne Prozesky, Director of Recreational Sports & Services, and Brian Flath, Director of Development in Student Affairs.

Both shared their perspectives and enthusiasm for this initiative. Corne, a former SIU rugby player himself, reflected on his experience as a master’s student under a similar graduate coaching model and expressed his excitement to see that opportunity return to benefit today’s teams. Brian reinforced the university’s commitment to fostering student leadership and alumni engagement through this partnership.

Two-Year Fundraising Plan

The second half of the Town Hall focused on our two-year fundraising roadmap designed to raise $40,000 by the end of 2026.

We are currently tracking well toward our goals:

In 2025, we are projected to surpass $20,000 if we meet our current target in the With You Fundraising Campaign, with just $5,500 left to reach our goal.
In 2026, we’ll expand our efforts with several new and enhanced initiatives to drive engagement, create recurring giving, and build a sustainable funding model for the future.

2026 Fundraising Initiatives

1. Monthly Subscriptions – Goal: $7,000

Powered by Donorbox, this program offers an effortless way for alumni and supporters to contribute monthly at three giving levels: $10, $25, and $50.

Each subscriber will receive an annual perk, and this program will serve as the foundation for sustainable long-term funding. Our goal is to roll this out in 2026, but success depends on expanding our alumni contact database to effectively communicate with potential donors.

2. Old Loads Weekend Dinner – Goal: $1,500

Continuing the tradition, the annual Old Loads Weekend Dinner will include a small event mark-up and donation opportunity.

Planned and executed by the Alumni Board in collaboration with the current teams
Potential for growth as attendance increases year over year
A special milestone opportunity in 2027 with the Women’s 50th Anniversary

3. Apparel Store – Goal: $500

We’re currently reviewing RFPs to launch an always-on online store hosted on our website. Our retail partner will handle shipping and inventory management, while SIRFC receives a percentage kickback from every sale. This store will feature seasonal SIU Rugby apparel for players, alumni, and fans.

4. Golf Tournament – Goal: $6,000

Planned for late summer to early fall 2026, the inaugural SIRFC Golf Fundraiser will combine community fun with program support.

Planned as a 9-hole event for the first year
Will feature sponsorship opportunities, apparel logo placements, silent auction, and a meal event
While the initial goal is modest due to first-year logistics, it’s expected to grow significantly with future iterations

5. Corporate Sponsorships – Goal: $5,000

We will create a tiered sponsorship package to attract local and regional business partners.

Branding opportunities will include:

Sponsored golf holes
Team warm-up shirts and jerseys
Branded apparel in the online store

This program will require coordination with current clubs on design and placement but offers meaningful visibility for partners who support SIU Rugby.

Looking Ahead

Between the Graduate Coaching Initiative and our two-year fundraising plan, SIRFC is taking major steps toward ensuring stability, growth, and excellence for future Saluki Rugby athletes.

Thank you to everyone who joined the Town Hall, shared ideas, and continues to contribute to the future of the program. Together, we’re building something lasting — both on and off the field.

Call to Action: Get Involved & Stay Connected

We’re close to reaching our 2025 goal, and every contribution helps move us closer to making the Graduate Coaching Initiative a lasting part of SIU Rugby.

➡️ Donate today through our With You Fundraising Campaign — every dollar directly supports our coaching and program growth efforts.

➡️ Get connected with SIRFC by sharing your email address and years played here. Expanding our alumni contact list is key to future fundraising success and communication.

Your engagement makes all the difference. Let’s continue to build the future of Saluki Rugby — together.

Check out the recording of the Town Hall: