Blugold family,

Another year has come and gone in the blink of an eye for the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Athletic Department. Summer is a time for reflection in this industry, and as we move forward into another chapter in our proud history it's a chance to review the road that has taken us here.

It was another resoundingly successful campaign for the Blugolds. National and conference champions proudly called UW-Eau Claire home. Blugolds competed in 14 different national championship events this year, including five teams who played in the NCAA Tournament. Our teams produced 46 All-America honors and two national athletes of the year. Three different Blugolds won a total of four national championships. And when our teams faced adversity, I'm proud of how they tackled the challenge.

Whether it was fall, winter or spring, Blugolds made our campus and community proud. That was evident in our 21^st-place finish among 323 NCAA Division III institutions in the Learfield Directors' Cup – an all-sports competition that highlights the best all-around departments in college athletics. That puts UW-Eau Claire in the top 7 percent in the Division.

Success wasn't just limited to athletics though. Student-athletes continued to raise the bar for themselves and others in the classroom and in their community. Our Blugold athletes tallied a cumulative 3.37 grade point average, and our university was represented on three different Academic All-America first teams. In their free time, our student-athletes and coaches offered their talents and efforts around campus and beyond.

Our success would not have been possible without the selfless support of our alumni, donors and fans. Whether it was packing the bleachers in Eau Claire or traveling far and wide to cheer on our teams around the country, your efforts made a difference.

Of course, our supporters made their impact felt financially as well. Fundraising made a difference throughout the year, but especially during our annual Week of Giving. Blugold supporters around the world stepped up to make a difference in the lives of our student-athletes and coaches. Through your generosity, we raised $318,050 during a single week. It was a monumental success, and one that made me fiercely proud to be a Blugold. I cannot thank you enough.

As we begin to gear up for another year, I have a vision for UW-Eau Claire Athletics. We are built on a foundation of belief, details and trust. Those three words will be commonplace in our huddles, locker rooms and offices this year. They're values that drive excellence on and off the field.

As a leader in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and a program that earns national recognition through NCAA Division III competition, UW-Eau Claire sets the standard for what it means to excel at this level. At its core, Blugold Athletics is shaped by premier coaching, a rich tradition of excellence, and a commitment to the principles that build champions.

Our championship culture aims to be rooted in belief, details and trust. Our student-athletes can thrive in competition and character, and every team can be a source of pride for the university and community. We develop transformational leaders who elevate others through mastery of the details, unwavering trust and contagious belief. We strive for alignment where everyone is pulling with shared focus toward a common goal. When alignment is strong, silos fade, culture accelerates, and success becomes collective.

It's an exciting time for UW-Eau Claire Athletics. I can't wait to see you on campus this fall, and hope you'll join us in working toward our vision.

Thank you, and go Blugolds!

Jason Verdugo
Director of Athletics
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire