It is not uncommon for Guilford athletes and coaches to host special events to raise extra money for their sports clubs and teams. Whether it is for new equipment, uniforms or travel, fundraising has a significant impact on a team’s ability to perform over the season.

“I do believe that budget constraints have affected athletics financially,” said baseball head coach Nick Black. “But I think everyone has been affected. We are all trying to do our part to help during a tough time.”

With President Jane Fernandes’ plan to recover from the over $4.4 million deficit by the end of the 2016-17 school year, athletic teams are working hard to overcome tough economic times.

“I think everyone, not just athletes, is aware of how we need to be more proactive than we have (been) in the past with fundraising,” said former basketball player Will Koppenhaver ‘16.

“Teams have responded extremely well, in my eyes, by creatively fundraising for gear and travel,” he added. “This is an exciting time at Guilford College where we are seeing everyone get involved in supporting their school more than ever before.”

Softball head coach Dennis Shores believes the answer lies within the business model.

“School is a business — the business of education,” said Shores. “Guilford is a quality education, but it needs kids to run. Some professors say that we should just do away with athletics, but it’s what draws kids in. Without it, you’re effectively running half a school.

“The softball team has been known as a team that raises money. T-shirts, calendars and camps that run in October and November — all the proceeds head directly to the team.”

Players and coaches agree that the school as a whole has been affected and that teams are being pushed to find creative new ways to raise money.

On July 13 to July 16, the college held a basketball camp for youth ages 6 to 15 from all across North Carolina. The cost of the camp was $110, but patrons were also charged $5 each day for parking, with proceeds going directly to the basketball team.

Junior and baseball player John Todd explained that one creative way the baseball team raises money is by hosting a homerun derby and charging participants by the swing.

But what if you can’t just hold a homerun derby and charge per swing or sell large quantities of t-shirts?

President of Community Senate and cross country athlete Molly Anne Marcotte expressed her concerns with the recent budget cuts to one of the school’s smaller athletic programs.

“The cross country and track and field budget is very small, and it’s been cut again” said Marcotte. “It’s worrying. The fact that Guilford doesn’t have its own track means (that) the team can’t host events and raise money through admission. And being so small, we can’t commit to fundraising like other teams.”

Head track coach Danny Cash explains the significance of such a dilemma on his team this season.

“I coach three active seasons for both men and women programs here, so there is little time to go out and raise money,” said Cash “At a time when our roster is increasing as we recruit new student-athletes, there is no additional funding for uniforms, transportation or meals.

“My wife and I contributed over $1,500 out of our pockets last year for the team. Our student-athletes make sacrifices individually to help the team as a whole and this year is no different.”