Rise As One: UW-Oshkosh Athletics Launches Fundraising Appeal

The UW-Oshkosh athletics department announced Wednesday (Nov. 18) the launch of the "Rise as One" campaign — an initiative created to help navigate the financial impact of COVID-19 on the school's student-athletes, coaches and staff.

The Rise as One campaign provides an opportunity for the Titan community to play a role in continuing the tradition of UW-Oshkosh athletics. Through financial support, UW-Oshkosh can ensure that its student-athletes continue to compete at a championship level and foster the exciting and enriching student-athletic experience.

"The Rise as One campaign allows all Titans an opportunity to support our programs as we battle through the fluctuating challenges presented to our athletics department," said Darryl Sims, UW-Oshkosh Assistant Chancellor, Athletics. "We have been able to enjoy a variety of great moments during our rich history, all of which were enjoyed by our Titan family as one. We are now asking everyone to support us and Rise as One as we look to continue providing top-tier support to our student-athletes."

Funds from the Rise as One campaign will be used for COVID-19 testing and program operations designed to elevate the student-athlete experience. COVID-19 tests — that will be administrated regularly — will allow student-athletes to safely return to practice and take one step closer to competing.

UW-Oshkosh athletics has been postponed since COVID-19 hit last March. Postseason competition for women's basketball, men's diving, women's gymnastics, wrestling and men's and women's indoor track and field were cancelled in spring 2020, followed by the cancellation of spring sports and fall sports this season. Winter competitions for 2020-21 have be postponed until at least January.

Being one step closer to competing — with the help of the Rise as One campaign — is an exciting thought for Natalie Dillon, a senior on the softball team who is an English and journalism double major from Monroe.

"I've been sidelined the last two years because of injury and the virus," Dillon said. "I want all the feelings that go along with a senior season and I want to go into my last at-bat knowing that this is it. I don't want to look back on a moment that seemed so insignificant and realize that it was the last time I'd ever competitively played the sport I love."

Because of the commitment from the Titan community, Dillon, her teammates and all the UW-Oshkosh athletics programs have the opportunity to emerge from this crisis. With the support of the Titan Nation, our Titans will rise and they will Rise as One.

To donate or for more information, visit here.

Written by Liz Smith, UW-Oshkosh University Marketing & Communications