Dan Scully ’82

Fellow Football Alumni & Friends,

I wanted to write to express my thoughts about the New CFA. The Board Members of the CFA have worked very hard to create an independent organization that is now capable of designating where its funds are spent. Doing this meant more work for them, it meant more responsibility as a 501c non-profit and it meant more dedication to see it through. But all this was done with one purpose in mind; create a winning football program at Big Red. Why is this important? If you are not moving forward, you are falling behind. Big Red has reached a point where none of us want to see it or ever thought possible. There are many reasons for this but I have never found pointing fingers to be very productive. With the New CFA, there is a renewed focus on the issues that have plagued the team. It starts with bringing in talent by responding on a deliberate basis to those players that are interested in Big Red. CFA Chairman, Marty Rauch has been instrumental in being a visible and vocal advocate for the Big Red football program with the administration. It is an important step in revitalizing our program. And I do call it OUR program. Regardless of what your involvement was with the team, if you played one season or four, if you were scout team or a starter, this is OUR team. And OUR team needs your help!

The sport of football is the ultimate team sport and that is what I liked most about it. No matter what your role was, if you weren’t there, the whole team suffered for it. Each man was an integral part of the whole. It is the same way with the CFA today. We have some guys who are great leaders at the CFA. They have made incredible strides and have sacrificed their time and talents to do so. But without you, they will ultimately fail. You might not think that your donation will make a difference because it isn’t large enough. You couldn’t be more wrong. I am not a rich guy by any measure. So I have tried to help contribute in other ways in addition to the donations I make. I have traditionally harassed the guys from the Class of ’81 to contribute what they feel comfortable with. Every year, we collectively have raised $8-$10 thousand dollars that I have been able to count. I know there are more that come in that I don’t always see from our guys. I think that is significant and we did it as (you guessed it) a TEAM.

So please consider joining the CFA if you haven’t already. OUR Team needs YOU! And then, get yourself involved. It is not as hard as you think. There are many ways to help. Just ask a few questions of any members and you will be on your way. You will not regret it.

GO BIG RED!
Dan Scully ’82