Most Powerful Boosters

[KB]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2285986

Paul W. Bryant Jr.

School ties: University of Alabama (Class of '66)

Age: 61

Wealth: N/A

How made money: President of Greene Group, a privately held company involved in dog tracks, casino management, reinsurance and farming.

How much donated: N/A

School song/cheer: Roll Tide

Braggin' Rights: Best known as the son of the legendary football coach, Paul "Bear" Bryant. ... Currently serving a second six-year term on the University of Alabama board of trustees. ... Donates millions to his alma mater, including a $10 million gift in 2002 and led $100 million athletic fund-raising campaign.

The Buzz: 'Bama insiders say he has a hand in everything, but discreetly keeps his name out of the headlines. ... Looking for a coach after Dennis Franchione bolted in 2002, 'Bama AD Mal Moore flew down to Tampa on Bryant's private jet to interview South Florida's Jim Leavitt. Later, Bryant personally flew out to Washington on his jet and delivered Mike Price, who was fired before ever coaching a game. ... One of nation's leading advocates for preservation of Civil War battlefields.

[Bullsayer]

This is an example (albeit a little extreme-if the millions and million$ are, in fact correct) of the difference between USF and.. well the rest of the collegiate sports establishment.  Start with most of the CUSA schools and work your way up. Heck, there's probably dozens of lesser known, smaller schools (D1 and lower) who raise millions more than USF. It's called maturity and it takes generations of fans and donors. We have such a long way to go.

[Joe]

Thats what I've been saying Slayer, market to the students and get the well filled with possible donors.

[bulls96go]

we are

[USFMikeB]

It's called maturity and it takes generations of fans and donors. We have such a long way to go.

Bingo.  Keep in mind that USF is just 50 years old, and the football program is less than a decade old.  The first graduating classes are finally in retirement age, and we'll start seeing more bequeathments.  However, with such a new football program, it will take decades to get the donor base to where we need it to be, as opposed to schools that have established football histories.

[WoolyBully]

And here's one that's even more entertaining - or alarming:

http://www.osuf.org/1-10-Pickens.htm

Pickens’ gift is the largest single donation for athletics to an institution of higher education in U.S. history.

[ChiTownBull]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2285564

[bullman3]

I dont see many students from the mid 70's and 80s returning  to watch basketball.   Win and they will come.  Create excitement and they will come.  Put on a mediocre show, and you will get a mediocre crowd.  Simple as that.  That is what the AD has allowed the bball program to become.   A complete joke.   3000 fans last week vs a top 25 wvu team?  And that was the announced crowd.  More like 1500-2000 max.  You could have fit everyone on one side of the rose bowl (Lower section for those not in the know!)  Hello we had 10500 fans in the mid 90's vs UNC-Charlotte.  

[Zonald]

I'm donating a free car to Julmiste.  Please don't report that to the NCAA or he might become ineligible!   ;D ;D ;D

[Matt]

actually i saw Pat at a local oil change place...

he drives a lexus