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A letter from Kent Haslam

BWahlberg

BWahlberg

Well-known member
DONOR
I'd guess many of you got this email a little while ago too, copying and pasting the email here, with links:

Griz Nation,

As a new year opens, I want to first express my gratitude to Griz fans everywhere. Your passion and financial investment never go unnoticed. Thank you! It is what makes this place amazing.

Our goals in Grizzly athletics are crystal clear:

  • Graduate student-athletes and help them develop in to leaders.
  • Win conference championships.
  • Win a national championship in football.
  • Compete in NCAA Division I championships.

With your help and increased support from the university, we are providing the resources necessary to compete in the changing landscape of college athletics. Strategic planning is no longer the development of a five-to-10-year plan. Of course, a long-term vision is a must, but any plan must be a process that is constantly evaluated, adjusted, and implemented. Our peers are investing, but so are we! Our facilities are second to none and our fan base is the best. We have the foundation to win!

Since opting in to the House Settlement more than six months ago, we have taken meaningful steps to position Grizzly athletics for success in this new era of college sports. We are treating our department more like a business — maximizing efficiency, generating new revenue, and reinvesting those resources back into our programs. We are sharing revenue with many of our student-athletes.

Through our partnership with Teamworks GM we are executing revenue share agreements between the university and the student-athletes, with seamless and timely payments. Marcus Welnel, Chief Revenue Officer, is managing all these transactions.

Where is this revenue coming from? What are the strategies we are using? How is that revenue share being distributed?

Revenue derived off the following initiatives is shared with football, men’s basketball and beginning next season with Lady Griz basketball. The vast majority is allocated to football, next with men’s basketball, and then Lady Griz basketball. We are always looking for additional options.

  • Increased fee added to all tickets sold to athletic events and other select events that go directly to revenue share.
  • Increased fee for each suite in Washington-Grizzly Stadium that goes directly to revenue share.
  • Operation of the Adams Center and Washington-Grizzly Stadium as entertainment and concert venues with revenue generated supporting athletic operations and revenue share.
  • Establishing various licensing partnerships (with more coming) for products such as the Up With beer at Draught Works that goes directly to revenue share.
  • Partnerships with local hotels that provide support back to our revenue share as athletics brings events to the Missoula community.
  • Fan contributions to general revenue share through Good Ol’ Grizzlies, which is now operated by the athletic department, through the UM Foundation.

What about all the other sports? Or, what if I want my support directed to a specific program?

There is a path to support revenue share and scholarship financial enhancements through the UM Foundation. Revenue share accounts for each of the university’s 15 NCAA Division I sports have been established and contributions may be directed to a specific sport.

Grizzly Sports Properties (GSP) is also actively generating revenue for the department through a variety of sponsorship opportunities for local, regional and national businesses. GSP is also working diligently to match businesses with student-athletes who can then promote the business using their name, image and likeness.

Not lost in all this “revenue share” world is the absolute importance of a scholarship. We are still focused on providing educational opportunities for student-athletes and WILL NOT diminish the importance of a college education. We have increased scholarship budgets in many sports and make raising money to support scholarships a top priority.

We have the data and the personnel to support the coaches in this new world of sharing revenue with the student-athletes. While coaches determine recruiting strategy, including whom and where to recruit and how scholarship and revenue-share resources are deployed, my charge has always been clear: to invest strategically in ways that give us the best chance to compete.

How can you help? Here are just some of the ways:

  • Renew your season tickets.
  • Continue to buy tickets to athletic events and concerts.
  • Contribute to the Grizzly Scholarship Association.
  • Purchase products that are licensed to support Grizzly student-athletes
  • Support the individual sports directly like the QB club, Hoop Club, Roundball Club, etc. These funds go to the greatest needs within each sport, which may include revenue share and scholarship funding.
  • Consider a major gift supporting scholarships, revenue share, or other initiatives within athletics.
  • Contribute directly to revenue share.
  • If you own a business, consider opportunities to utilize student-athletes in your marketing plans.

So, who can answer your questions? We all stand ready to help! For specific direction here are your contacts:

  • Revenue share and Good Ol’ Grizzlies – Marcus Welnel at 406-243-5493
  • Major gifts and sport specific support – Dan Ingram at 406-243-7470 and Bella O’Brien at 406-243-7471
  • Sponsorship opportunities – Kyle Krueger at 406-519-0261
  • Grizzly Scholarship Association – Coleson Randall at 406-243-6481

One last update regarding facility improvements. Here is where we stand and what is planned short-term moving forward:

  • The Lady Griz locker room is nearing completion. The space is wonderful and will be in use in the weeks to come.
  • Fundraising for a renovation of the women’s volleyball locker room is nearing completion with work beginning soon.
  • Work is beginning on a renovation of the auxiliary gyms with new floors, baskets, and volleyball sleeves to be installed, converting these two gyms in to practice spaces for men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball. This is being accomplished by a major gift from a generous donor, along with others.
  • Restrooms will be installed at the softball stadium, significantly improving the fan experience at this already top-notch facility. The project will most likely not be done in time for the upcoming softball season. This again is being accomplished by a major gift from a generous donor.
  • Plans for the soccer locker room remodel have been finalized, with a significant gift already committed.

We cannot do this without your help. I repeat my gratitude. Grizzly athletics is poised to continue the march to championships!

Go Griz!
[td]
%7Bcbe3de64-b0e8-4d9d-bb2e-b7e188867234%7D_Kent_Signature_black.png
​
[/td]​
 
Griz til I die said:
Transparency from the AD. Hasn’t this been what we’ve all been asking for? Perhaps they finally listened!

P.S. would’ve been nice if Haslam mentioned the Wa-Griz west side expansion, but maybe that’s not ready for the public yet.
Click to expand...

It's bc it's not funded / approved yet unless if something has changed.
 
BWahlberg said:
I'd guess many of you got this email a little while ago too, copying and pasting the email here, with links:


Griz Nation,

As a new year opens, I want to first express my gratitude to Griz fans everywhere. Your passion and financial investment never go unnoticed. Thank you! It is what makes this place amazing.

Our goals in Grizzly athletics are crystal clear:

  • Graduate student-athletes and help them develop in to leaders.
  • Win conference championships.
  • Win a national championship in football.
  • Compete in NCAA Division I championships.

With your help and increased support from the university, we are providing the resources necessary to compete in the changing landscape of college athletics. Strategic planning is no longer the development of a five-to-10-year plan. Of course, a long-term vision is a must, but any plan must be a process that is constantly evaluated, adjusted, and implemented. Our peers are investing, but so are we! Our facilities are second to none and our fan base is the best. We have the foundation to win!

Since opting in to the House Settlement more than six months ago, we have taken meaningful steps to position Grizzly athletics for success in this new era of college sports. We are treating our department more like a business — maximizing efficiency, generating new revenue, and reinvesting those resources back into our programs. We are sharing revenue with many of our student-athletes.

Through our partnership with Teamworks GM we are executing revenue share agreements between the university and the student-athletes, with seamless and timely payments. Marcus Welnel, Chief Revenue Officer, is managing all these transactions.

Where is this revenue coming from? What are the strategies we are using? How is that revenue share being distributed?

Revenue derived off the following initiatives is shared with football, men’s basketball and beginning next season with Lady Griz basketball. The vast majority is allocated to football, next with men’s basketball, and then Lady Griz basketball. We are always looking for additional options.

  • Increased fee added to all tickets sold to athletic events and other select events that go directly to revenue share.
  • Increased fee for each suite in Washington-Grizzly Stadium that goes directly to revenue share.
  • Operation of the Adams Center and Washington-Grizzly Stadium as entertainment and concert venues with revenue generated supporting athletic operations and revenue share.
  • Establishing various licensing partnerships (with more coming) for products such as the Up With beer at Draught Works that goes directly to revenue share.
  • Partnerships with local hotels that provide support back to our revenue share as athletics brings events to the Missoula community.
  • Fan contributions to general revenue share through Good Ol’ Grizzlies, which is now operated by the athletic department, through the UM Foundation.

What about all the other sports? Or, what if I want my support directed to a specific program?

There is a path to support revenue share and scholarship financial enhancements through the UM Foundation. Revenue share accounts for each of the university’s 15 NCAA Division I sports have been established and contributions may be directed to a specific sport.

Grizzly Sports Properties (GSP) is also actively generating revenue for the department through a variety of sponsorship opportunities for local, regional and national businesses. GSP is also working diligently to match businesses with student-athletes who can then promote the business using their name, image and likeness.

Not lost in all this “revenue share” world is the absolute importance of a scholarship. We are still focused on providing educational opportunities for student-athletes and WILL NOT diminish the importance of a college education. We have increased scholarship budgets in many sports and make raising money to support scholarships a top priority.

We have the data and the personnel to support the coaches in this new world of sharing revenue with the student-athletes. While coaches determine recruiting strategy, including whom and where to recruit and how scholarship and revenue-share resources are deployed, my charge has always been clear: to invest strategically in ways that give us the best chance to compete.

How can you help? Here are just some of the ways:

  • Renew your season tickets.
  • Continue to buy tickets to athletic events and concerts.
  • Contribute to the Grizzly Scholarship Association.
  • Purchase products that are licensed to support Grizzly student-athletes
  • Support the individual sports directly like the QB club, Hoop Club, Roundball Club, etc. These funds go to the greatest needs within each sport, which may include revenue share and scholarship funding.
  • Consider a major gift supporting scholarships, revenue share, or other initiatives within athletics.
  • Contribute directly to revenue share.
  • If you own a business, consider opportunities to utilize student-athletes in your marketing plans.

So, who can answer your questions? We all stand ready to help! For specific direction here are your contacts:

  • Revenue share and Good Ol’ Grizzlies – Marcus Welnel at 406-243-5493
  • Major gifts and sport specific support – Dan Ingram at 406-243-7470 and Bella O’Brien at 406-243-7471
  • Sponsorship opportunities – Kyle Krueger at 406-519-0261
  • Grizzly Scholarship Association – Coleson Randall at 406-243-6481

One last update regarding facility improvements. Here is where we stand and what is planned short-term moving forward:

  • The Lady Griz locker room is nearing completion. The space is wonderful and will be in use in the weeks to come.
  • Fundraising for a renovation of the women’s volleyball locker room is nearing completion with work beginning soon.
  • Work is beginning on a renovation of the auxiliary gyms with new floors, baskets, and volleyball sleeves to be installed, converting these two gyms in to practice spaces for men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball. This is being accomplished by a major gift from a generous donor, along with others.
  • Restrooms will be installed at the softball stadium, significantly improving the fan experience at this already top-notch facility. The project will most likely not be done in time for the upcoming softball season. This again is being accomplished by a major gift from a generous donor.
  • Plans for the soccer locker room remodel have been finalized, with a significant gift already committed.

We cannot do this without your help. I repeat my gratitude. Grizzly athletics is poised to continue the march to championships!

Go Griz!

[td]
%7Bcbe3de64-b0e8-4d9d-bb2e-b7e188867234%7D_Kent_Signature_black.png


[/td]​
Click to expand...
Was so happy when I saw it my mailbox!!!

Very happy about it and I thought It had great Info, need more of this moving forward!!!
 
What's the hold u
Griz til I die said:
Transparency from the AD. Hasn’t this been what we’ve all been asking for? Perhaps they finally listened!

P.S. would’ve been nice if Haslam mentioned the Wa-Griz west side expansion, but maybe that’s not ready for the public yet
Click to expand...

BWahlberg said:
It's bc it's not funded / approved yet unless if something has changed.
Click to expand...
Why not call the soccer complex Wasko’s at south campus and get funding that way
 
It’s a step in the right direction. Transparency, shared goals for the department and the fanbase. Need to see more creativity now. Not just, let’s donate here and there, but make it a mutually beneficial process. I would fork over more money for a sideline pass to a game or exclusive meet and greet with the players. If we are talking about revenue share, than you need to make guys like Eli the face of the program for their time here. Guy has a million dollar smile and definitely could be out in front.

Here’s a good article from Hero sports(not Herder) regarding what a new Mountain West member is seeing and doing to help the transition.

herosports.com

Before The Move: How UTEP Is Building Momentum For The Mountain West

At UTEP, there is a deliberate effort to engage their constituents differently as the Miners prepare for entry into the Mountain West.
herosports.com herosports.com
 
BWahlberg said:
It's bc it's not funded / approved yet unless if something has changed.
Click to expand...
But can’t they still say something about it if it’s not fully funded? Have like a public fundraising campaign to maybe help push it over the finish line? I’m not asking to see renderings or anything like that, but it would be nice to hear an update with how fundraising is going and stuff.
 
Griz til I die said:
But can’t they still say something about it if it’s not fully funded? Have like a public fundraising campaign to maybe help push it over the finish line? I’m not asking to see renderings or anything like that, but it would be nice to hear an update with how fundraising is going and stuff.
Click to expand...

It’s part of the more traditional Griz messaging strategy we all know and love:

“Hey pal, you’ll know when you need to. Some big things are coming, but I can’t say what or when. Stay tuned. IYKYK. 😉😉”
 
Griz til I die said:
But can’t they still say something about it if it’s not fully funded? Have like a public fundraising campaign to maybe help push it over the finish line? I’m not asking to see renderings or anything like that, but it would be nice to hear an update with how fundraising is going and stuff.
Click to expand...
I believe someone described the fundraising process last summer/fall. It usually goes like this:

Universities begin with an internal planning period where they define the scope, goal, and do a feasibility study.

Then, they go into a quiet phase where they identify top donors, conduct their relationship deepening/building meetings, and ask for the largest commitments. This is usually the longest and most important part of a capital campaign.

Next, they only go public when they have 60-70% of the goal. This creates energy and momentum and helps drive mid-level, annual, small donor, and public engagement.

Finally, they close when they have raised the money.
 
GriznMN said:
I believe someone described the fundraising process last summer/fall. It usually goes like this:

Universities begin with an internal planning period where they define the scope, goal, and do a feasibility study.

Then, they go into a quiet phase where they identify top donors, conduct their relationship deepening/building meetings, and ask for the largest commitments. This is usually the longest and most important part of a capital campaign.

Next, they only go public when they have 60-70% of the goal. This creates energy and momentum and helps drive mid-level, annual, small donor, and public engagement.

Finally, they close when they have raised the money.
Click to expand...
Perfectly accurate. This is the way all large capital campaigns are run.
 
get'em_griz said:
Is there actually a plan out there to expand the west side with a new press box and additional seating?
Click to expand...
There is a "plan" to do this renovation at some point in the future, but it is a project on the scale of tens of millions of dollars and probably over the course of a couple football seasons. I don't know how baked the plan is, but guessing it's pretty conceptual at this point.

All of the projects Kent mentions in his email are higher priority than the West Side renovation. Those projects also have financial backing with a high confidence of completion in the near term. The Adams Center locker room infrastructure was in desperate need of upgrades. I know that the Adams Center sound system is in need of updating, and that didn't even make the list. I'm sure the athletic department would happily take a six figure donation to check that box.

I suspect that West Side renovation is at the bottom of the timeline while the rest of the facilities are brought up to standards set by the football and men's basketball locker rooms. My guess is they haven't even begun to fundraise for the West Side, or if they have, they are in the very early silent stages. That is my semi-educated understanding anyway. I do think there is a strategy to follow before making large scale plans public...EWU's Gateway project comes to mind.
 
Jaredkuehn said:
There is a "plan" to do this renovation at some point in the future, but it is a project on the scale of tens of millions of dollars and probably over the course of a couple football seasons. I don't know how baked the plan is, but guessing it's pretty conceptual at this point.

All of the projects Kent mentions in his email are higher priority than the West Side renovation. Those projects also have financial backing with a high confidence of completion in the near term. The Adams Center locker room infrastructure was in desperate need of upgrades. I know that the Adams Center sound system is in need of updating, and that didn't even make the list. I'm sure the athletic department would happily take a six figure donation to check that box.

I suspect that West Side renovation is at the bottom of the timeline while the rest of the facilities are brought up to standards set by the football and men's basketball locker rooms. My guess is they haven't even begun to fundraise for the West Side, or if they have, they are in the very early silent stages. That is my semi-educated understanding anyway. I do think there is a strategy to follow before making large scale plans public...EWU's Gateway project comes to mind.
Click to expand...
You just wait, man. I'm told the Gateway Project is still a go. All they need is about 75 million more dollars, and they'll get it built. It's going to be a game changer for the Eags.
 
I was glad to see this email.

I have a question on why Montana has tennis programs.

I do see that there is one male on the men’s team from Montana, who happens to also be the only US citizen. The other nine players are from other countries.

On the women’s side there are four players from the US and 4 from other countries.

My question and concern is not that Montana should recruit more players from the US.

It’s more about what value/benefits do men’s and women’s tennis teams bring to the University.

I don’t have any idea. If there is a net gain to have these non-revenue teams than by all means keep them.

I know that this is the football section of the board, but it also gets the most attention.

I’m not advocating to have the tennis teams removed.

I’m just wondering what the sport provides for the University. Losing 8 students would make no impact on enrollment.

From the 70’s through the early twenty first century I knew names of several professional tennis players. They were in the sports news a lot. I could not tell you a name of any of the top players right now.

I enjoy watching some of the Grand Slam events, but I am not going to make time to watch them.

Again I’m just curious what or if there is a someone who has knowledge on the impact these sports have on the University.

I’m hoping that others on this board can educate me on why the programs are offered.
 
Grizfrom68 said:
I was glad to see this email.

I have a question on why Montana has tennis programs.

I do see that there is one male on the men’s team from Montana, who happens to also be the only US citizen. The other nine players are from other countries.

On the women’s side there are four players from the US and 4 from other countries.

My question and concern is not that Montana should recruit more players from the US.

It’s more about what value/benefits do men’s and women’s tennis teams bring to the University.

I don’t have any idea. If there is a net gain to have these non-revenue teams than by all means keep them.

I know that this is the football section of the board, but it also gets the most attention.

I’m not advocating to have the tennis teams removed.

I’m just wondering what the sport provides for the University. Losing 8 students would make no impact on enrollment.

From the 70’s through the early twenty first century I knew names of several professional tennis players. They were in the sports news a lot. I could not tell you a name of any of the top players right now.

I enjoy watching some of the Grand Slam events, but I am not going to make time to watch them.

Again I’m just curious what or if there is a someone who has knowledge on the impact these sports have on the University.

I’m hoping that others on this board can educate me on why the programs are offered.
Click to expand...
Mens Tennis is one of the more consistent programs at UM and has had some great success in the past 2 years. Not sure about Women’s tennis
 
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