Rider Athletics smashes records in Raise Your Game Challenge

The Eighth Annual Raise Your Game Athletics Fundraising Challenge smashed records set a year ago for Rider's Department of Athletics. The more than $183,000 raised nearly doubled the amount donated in 2016-17, while 615 donors represented a 39 percent increase over last year (444). Compared to the initiative's inception in 2009-10, the number of donors and their donations have risen more than fivefold.

"I can't thank our alumni enough for stepping up this year to make it the most successful year ever for the Raise Your Game Challenge," said Rider Athletic Director Don Harnum. "The results are indicative of the positive competitive experience that our coaches have been able to provide for our student-athletes. It is really rewarding to know that our alums are willing to give back so that we can continue to enhance the Rider Athletic experience for our current student-athletes."

A new Raise Your Game Champion was crowned this year, but the title stayed in the soccer family. Women's soccer saw a 345 percent increase in participation, the greatest improvement of any team, to earn the top spot in the standings. All told, 57 percent of women's soccer alumni gave back, including 100 percent participation from the soon-to-graduate Class of 2018. Meanwhile, wrestling and men's soccer tied for second place. Men's soccer had won the challenge in each of the prior four years.

All money donated goes directly into each team's budget. Additionally, the Raise Your Game Challenge utilizes a scoring system that promotes regular giving from donors and awards bonus points based on the amount of each donation. Teams are also rewarded by meeting individual goals established at the beginning of the competition if they continue to Raise the Game! The first, second and third-place teams are each awarded additional prize money for their budgets.

"Our current players were excited to see the wonderful support from the alumni and it will be great knowing they have them right behind them every step of the way this fall," said Rider Women's Soccer Head Coach Drayson Hounsome.