Letter From The AD: December 2020

Dear Bobcats,

We made it. Our student-athletes finished their final exams and most of them are enjoying an extended break. Some of our athletes are still in town and are working out safely in our facilities. The men's and women's basketball teams continue their in-season activities and both programs have been able to play a few games. Even though nothing about this season is "normal," we are excited to provide a safe environment for our programs to compete in.

I am excited and overwhelmed with gratitude to have hosted our first athletic event on campus in more than nine months. This milestone took the work of many and I am very proud of this accomplishment. The women's basketball team defeated North Dakota in historic fashion on Sunday, 84-72. The win broke MSU's school record for consecutive wins with eighteen (18) and Tori Martell broke the single-game school record with eight (8) three-point baskets made.

The men's basketball team has played two games on the road, including an exciting upset win against UNLV, and open their home schedule this Sunday against Yellowstone Christian College. By all indications, we are in for an exciting winter with our basketball programs. Thanks to the Big Sky Conference's partnership with PlutoTV, you'll be able to watch all home games and conference road games for free on the PlutoTV app. For non-conference road games, please check the schedule pages of each sport for viewing information. You can also click here to view information on our Bobcat Sports Radio Network and where to listen around the state. Be sure to frequent www.msubobcats.com all season long for the most current game information, how to follow and engage with us on social media, and more.

As we mentioned last month, we are proceeding with no fans at all home competitions for the foreseeable future. I am as disappointed as anyone, but we continue to work tirelessly to ensure that we're ready to open our doors the moment we're given the green light from campus and county health officials.

As a reminder for when that day comes, we recently released information about our new mobile ticketing program to provide flexibility and efficiency once we can have fans at our home events. You can review that information here.

With that being said, I continue to encourage all Bobcat fans continue to follow CDC and local guidelines as well as wear a mask, social distance, and wash hands. These simple steps will help reduce the spread of the virus, allow you to cheer on the Bobcats in person faster, and keep our communities safe. As always, the latest MSU campus news and updates on the COVID-19 pandemic can be found here.

Many of you have continued to support our student-athlete during these very difficult times. From all of us associated with Bobcat Athletics, THANK YOU! Your contributions have gone directly to supporting our student-athletes. With our season schedules being postponed or cancelled and with no fans currently allowed at any competitions, the annual revenue we normally generate to support our Bobcat Athletic programs is expected to be $3 million less this year. For this reason, we announced the #PlantTheFlag Campaignin September. This campaign will take us through the academic year and you can still help by donating to the #PlantTheFlag Campaign here.

If you're looking for a last-minute Holiday gift for the Bobcat fans in your life, check out the game-worn jersey sale we currently have running. All proceeds from this sale benefit student-athlete scholarships, so it's another way to support your Cats while making a loved one smile with a thoughtful gift.

Progress continues to be made on the construction of the Bobcat Athletic Complex and the live webcam can be viewed here. These are exciting times and we can't thank our donors enough for making this happen. You can also view our entire Athletic Masterplan for details on the project.

With the Christmas and New Year's holidays right around the corner, I want to thank each and every one of our Bobcat fans, donors, alumni and friends for continuing to support Bobcat Athletics, especially our student-athletes. We have heard from many of you and appreciate the encouragement you have continued to provide during this unique time. We are continuing to work hard to be prepared for what is next. And rest assured, we will be ready for whatever comes our way thanks to your support and generosity.

I hope each of you has an opportunity to spend time with family and friends this holiday season. Please continue to be safe and healthy and I look forward to seeing you soon at one of our events.

In Bobcat Spirit,

Leon Costello

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Letter From The AD: December 2020

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