I want to personally thank everybody for signing the petition to help "Save Oregon Wrestling."  The number of petitioners is substantial and cannot be overlooked by UO administrators, and I wanted to let you know that your voice really counts.  With that said, there's still a lot to do and the clock is running. This letter is an update on where we are, what we're trying to do, where we want to go and how you can help.

We had a meeting with Athletic Director Pat Kilkenny last Tuesday.  The meeting went primarily as expected both sides trying to establish their positions. Pat listened to our proposal and indicated an interest in our method.  The major issue was his lack of confidence in the ability of the wrestling program to raise the needed funds.  Pat took our proposition to Melinda Greir, a University VP & legal counsel, for further review.

In the proposal, we used a ten-year time frame for the program to be self-sustaining.

The immediate issue is a facility.  We believe that we need to have the cash in the bank, have our plans on the table and ready to break ground as early as July for there to be any possibility of consideration. We have created an escrow account to hold the funds until a decision is made. Obviously, a positive decision means we move forward with the building. In case of a negative response, ALL the donated funds that were specified for the escrow account rather than the 501(c)3 account would be returned.

We have contacted individuals who have offered several options on how we can accomplish this goal and we're expecting to receive major gifts and efforts to make this option a reality. You'll be updated as these
events unfold.

We need major donors, but we also need to develop a broad base of donors to allow us to reach our objectives.

We have broken down our operating budget into four different areas: Team Travel, Recruiting, Training Equipment & Supplies, and Scholarships.  We would seek to have individuals commit funds for each of these categories.  Here is what we think we'll need with the final goal of becoming self-sustaining in ten years and what it will take to achieve it:

Team Travel 500 Donors needed, $2,500,000 Ten-year Total
One-time $5,000 check  -- $500 a year for ten years -- $42 per month for 120 months

Recruiting 300 Donors needed, $900,000 Ten-year Total
One-time $3,000 check -- $300 a year for ten years --  $25 per month for 120 months

Training & Equipment 200 Donors needed, $400,000 Ten-year Total
One-time $2,000 check -- $200 a year for ten years -- $17 per month for 120 months

Scholarships  500 Donors needed, $3,000,000 Ten-year Total
One-time $6,000 check -- $600 a year for ten years --  $50 per month for 120 months

This does take a commitment by the people and fans of wrestling.  In this model, 1,500 contributors are needed.  But the dollars aren't daunting!  And there could be thousands of donors -- 6,000 of you cared enough to make your comments heard.  That's why we have this chance to save the wrestling program!

This is our first call for your financial support with the actual financial numbers that we need to achieve our goal.  We are now counting on you to get more involved and come in with some money.  Enlist anyone and everyone you know.  And remember, your entire donation will be fully refunded if you specify your donation to the escrow account, if the program doesn't move forward.  

Click on the following link to go to the donation page:
https://www.SaveOregonWrestling.org

Again, thanks for all your support.  If you have any questions, please let me know.

Coach Ron Finley
rfinley@uoregon.edu