Photo by: MSU Sports Information
Bobcat Hoopsters Receive Gift from Montana Collegiate Sports Founder Dona Wallace
5/3/2011 2:50:15 PM | Women's Basketball
The Montana State women’s basketball program has received its second major gift in as many years as former University of Montana-Western physical education professor and long-time Bobcat Fast Break club member Dona Wallace donated a $61,000 gift to the program.
The Montana State women's basketball program has received its second major gift in as many years as former University of Montana-Western physical education professor and long-time Bobcat Fast Break club member Dona Wallace donated a $61,000 gift to the program.
Eleven-thousand has been earmarked to the Ellen Kreighbaum Challenge, while a $50,000 planned gift will provide future support to the program.
The Kreighbaum Challenge was created to encourage fans to donate to the women's basketball discretionary fund. The Kreighbaum Challenge matches dollar-for-dollar up to $14,000 for the program each year.
Wallace's gift to the Kreighbaum Challenge will help the team travel to Costa Rica next week where they will compete against teams from throughout the Central American country.
“I continue to be amazed at how dedicated and generous our fans have been to the Montana State women's basketball program,” said Bobcat head coach Tricia Binford. “Dona's gift, as well as others, has allowed the program to thrive. To run a successful Division I program it takes the work of many, and these gifts provide the opportunity to accomplish our goals.”
Wallace, who taught school in Whitehall for ten years before moving onto Montana-Western, has been a proponent of women's athletics. She played an important role in the expansion of UM-Western's physical education curriculum, as well as the planning of its physical education complex. Wallace is a member of the Bulldog Hall of Fame and was a Jane Maddock Service Award Winner in 1997.
In addition, she was instrumental in the formation of the Women's Intercollegiate Sports Association, which was responsible for the introduction of intercollegiate competition for college and university women in Montana.
“It has been fantastic to watch the growth of women's basketball both nationally and in the state,” Wallace said. “Tricia Binford and her coaching staff do a great job challenging their kids to succeed both in the classroom and on the court.”
The support of Wallace, Kreighbaum and the program's Fast Break Club helps provide funds for the women's basketball program, such as the team's upcoming international tour of Costa Rica.
“This trip will be so valuable for our team,” Binford said. “The team-building lessons and service opportunities will help us grow as a group and individually. Dona's support as well as the support of the FBC will directly impact the program through this trip.”
In addition to playing games in Costa Rica, the Bobcats will visit an orphanage, provide a basketball camp for kids, and undertake team-building experiences like whitewater rafting and zip-lining. Additionally, the games have allowed the team additional practices this spring in preparation for its trip.
To follow the team on its Costa Rica trip visit www.msubobcats.com and the MSU women's Facebook page beginning May 9. To contribute to the women's basketball team or the Kreighbaum Challenge visit giving.montana.edu.
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