Aug. 27, 2012

For the second consecutive year the Wildcat Pride Challenge (WPC) produced positive results as the Villanova Men's Soccer and Cheerleading programs were the winners of this year's Challenge. Men's soccer claimed the highest alumni giving percentage for the second straight year. A strong push over the final weeks vaulted men's soccer into first place with an alumni giving rate of 29.8 percent. Cheerleading achieved the highest increase in number of donors thanks to a 200 percent increase from 2011 to 2012.

"The Wildcat Pride Challenge was once again a success thanks to the efforts of all our coaches and former student-athletes," said assistant vice president for athletics development George Kolb '84. "I'd like to congratulate the coaches, Tom and Phil, and their alumni for their enthusiasm and leadership over the past year."

"It's an unbelievable accomplishment for our men's soccer alumni to win the Wildcat Pride Challenge for the second consecutive year," said men's soccer coach Tom Carlin. "It speaks to the dedication and commitment our alumni have to men's soccer. A special thanks needs to go to our Friends of Villanova Men's Soccer Association, as well as Brian Callaghan and Steve Sawyer, who spear-headed a relentless effort in the last few months of the Challenge. Their passion, pride and belief in Villanova Men's Soccer and the alumni are above and beyond."

The Villanova Athletic Fund (VAF) sponsored this Challenge for former Villanova student-athletes as all VU varsity programs opposed each other in the giving competition, starting with gifts received from June 1 through May 31 of the fiscal year. Men's soccer and cheerleading will receive a $10,000 gift to their programs from anonymous donors to Villanova Athletics.

"We are thrilled and humbled by the support of our alumni and friends," said cheerleading coach Phil O'Neil. "The tradition of Villanova Cheerleading is long and distinguished. Every donation enables us to continue that legacy. We very much appreciate being included in the Wildcat Pride Challenge and look forward to a raising the bar in 2012-13!"

Through the WPC, alumni giving percentage increased for the second consecutive year by rising to 10.5 percent. The WPC also played an instrumental role in helping the VAF raise $2 million in annual gifts this year.

For the 2012-13 school year, the VAF will unveil the Nova Nation Team Challenge later this summer. This new Challenge will now include all donors, not just student-athletes, to each program.

"Expanding the VAF's giving challenge will provide incentive to increase fundraising dollars to each program while continuing to increase participation," said Kolb. "Even though gifts from all donors will count, former student-athletes are still the core of this Challenge."

Your participation in the Nova Nation Team Challenge will allow Villanova Athletics continues to offer new and improved resources to its student-athletes to provide the best possible opportunities for continued success in competition and in the classroom. The success of Villanova's athletic programs makes an immeasurable impact upon the vitality and exposure of the entire University.

Make your gift today at www.SupportVillanovaAthletics.com