Limestone University To Unveil Plans For “Championship Focus” Athletics Campaign

Limestone University will officially launch its “Championship Focus” athletics campaign during a reception on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at the Legacy Lounge in the Timken Center.

The event, starting at 5 p.m., will be held just prior to the Limestone women’s basketball game against Wingate at 5:30 p.m. and the men’s contest at 7:30 p.m.

The transformative “Championship Focus” initiative aims to raise $1.5 million to support the continued success of Limestone's student-athletes, enhancing the resources and opportunities available to them both on and off the field. According to Stacy Aldrich, Limestone’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement, approximately $235,000 has been raised to date toward the campaign’s overall goal.

The public launch will give attendees a closer look at the campaign’s goals and its long-term impact on Limestone and its Athletics Department. University leaders, Board of Trustees members, athletic staff, donors, and Saints Club members are all invited to attend the event and discover how they can play a role in supporting the university’s athletic facility improvements.

“We’re excited to launch the ‘Championship Focus’ campaign, which will provide our student-athletes with the state-of-the-art facilities they need and deserve,” said Hailey Martin, Limestone’s Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. “The financial support from new and loyal donors will allow us to elevate the experience for our Saints and the larger campus community.

“With our student-athlete numbers at an all-time high, which is critical to Limestone’s overall enrollment goals, it’s clear that the need for expanded and upgraded facilities is critical,” she continued. “This campaign will ensure the continued success and sustainability of Limestone Athletics.”

Key projects within the “Championship Focus” initiative include:

• Center for Athletic Excellence: Conversion of part of the Bob Campbell Field House into team meeting rooms, new office spaces, a tutoring center, and a visitors’ locker room.
• New Hardwood Court: Installation of a new court at the Timken Center, which serves multiple sports including basketball, volleyball, wrestling, acrobatics and tumbling, and more.
• Expanded Seating at Saints Field: Increased bleacher seating for six teams, including football, lacrosse, soccer, and field hockey.
• Improved Safety at Founders FCU Stadium: Adding protective padding to enhance safety for baseball players.
• Upgrades to Jimmy Martin Field: Enhancements to the softball facility, including permanent dugouts.

Naming rights are available for each phase of the campaign, offering a unique opportunity for donors to leave a lasting legacy.

“Our athletic teams play a crucial role in our enrollment and financial sustainability, while also fostering a deep sense of pride within our university community,” said Limestone President Dr. Nathan Copeland. “The ‘Championship Focus’ campaign will help us partner with our stakeholders and the broader Limestone family to elevate our university to new heights. Support from donors is essential in transforming our facilities and providing the best possible experience for our student-athletes.”

Copeland emphasized that as Limestone competes for talented student-athletes locally, nationally, and internationally, providing an exceptional athletic experience is key to recruiting, retaining, and developing championship-caliber teams.

As announced recently, as part of the “Championship Focus” campaign, Dr. Hank Jolly and his wife, Dr. Michelle Bedell Jolly, have committed to matching donations up to $75,000 to support the hardwood court replacement at The Timken Center.

In addition, Founders Federal Credit Union has committed to a $50,000 matching gift challenge.

“Founders has been a longtime supporter of Limestone University. We have worked closely with Limestone’s leadership team to help promote and foster growth of the University and its facilities,” said Bruce Brumfield, Chief Executive Officer. “We have already contributed substantially with naming rights for Founders FCU Stadium among other commitments. However, we knew this would be a wonderful opportunity to not only help with the court but also encourage other businesses and community leaders to step up and help make this happen.”

The total fundraising goal to replace the hardwood playing surface at The Timken Center is $250,000.

To learn more about the “Championship Focus” campaign or to make a donation, visit HERE.