Friends and Fans: Varsity Club brings more to Athletics

In 1970, you could find a small group of enthusiastic Screaming Eagle fans traveling up and down Franklin Street asking West Side businesses for their financial support of the newly formed Indiana State University-Evansville (ISUE) athletic program.

The ISUE Varsity Club was organized by a group of faculty, alumni and friends of the University to raise funds for basketball scholarships and create an athletic family for student-athletes.

While the USI Varsity Club no longer travels up and down Franklin Street asking for donations, it still strives to provide scholarship funding for more than 300 student-athletes participating in 17 varsity sports through club memberships and fundraisers, such as the upcoming Varsity Club Steak Fry 'n Auction held Thursday, September 18.

"They give us almost $100,000 every year for scholarships. It fluctuates year to year depending on events and memberships, but financially, that's huge for us," says Mandi Fulton, coordinator of athletic outreach and events.

Fulton says the Varsity Club provides unparalleled support to the Athletic Department in more ways than scholarship provision. "It's not just like, 'Here's my money,' and you don't know anyone's names. Everyone's very personable," says Fulton.

Lifelong relationships are forged between fellow Varsity Club members, fans, coaches and student-athletes. Don Powers, member and incoming president, knows their support runs much deeper than financial backing. "Varsity Club members are some of the best cheerleaders," he says. "They're here to support the athletes at the games, whether they win or lose."

In fact, "Several coaches have been at other [universities] and they all say, 'The support group here is hands down the best I've ever seen,'" says Fulton

Varsity Club members create meaningful connections by getting involved. If you stop by the Varsity Club's booth at the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival this October, you'll see some of the club's members working elbow to elbow with student-athletes from every team on campus. "The Fall Fest is my favorite fundraiser, because you can interact with the athletes working the booth," said Bob Werner, member and outgoing president. "It's a blast."

However, working fundraisers isn't a requirement of members. Membership includes admission to the Varsity Club Room in USI's Physical Activities Center (PAC), your name on the Varsity Club roster in the PAC, and an invitation to special events like wine tastings, golf scrambles, picnics, tailgate parties and much more.

Today, Varsity Club members trade their traveling on foot for traveling to a road game or a visit to see a former athlete and friend. "My wife Janet and I like to travel to as many away games as we can. We've developed a lot of friendships with the core group of USI travelers and the players' parents on away games. It's been a great experience," said Werner.

These experiences create memories that last a lifetime. Don Powers can't pinpoint his favorite moment with Varsity Club, but says, "Some memorable wins come to mind, but in reality, the best win is to see those athletes graduate with their degree and go out into the world representing USI and becoming future leaders."

For more information on volunteering or becoming a member of the Varsity Club, contact Mandi Fulton at 812-465-1022 or mfulton@usi.edu.