The Champions Circle

History

A half century ago, legendary Willamette coach and athletics director John Lewis formed the Cardinal Round Table, a group of local alumni, friends business leaders committed to supporting Bearcat Athletics. John’s legacy continues and today we build on his original concept with the Bearcat Club Champions Circle.

Commitment

The Champions Circle represents that same commitment to building championship teams and individuals. Athletics excellence is borne from desire, conviction and relentless passion. Consider Willamette’s 500 scholar-athletes and the dedication each one demonstrates above and beyond the typical student. With your help, we will provide a scholar-athlete experience that is second to none, and supports the goals and aspiration of our scholar-athletes.

Passion

At the heart of collegiate athletics is a steadfast commitment to amateurism. No place is this more true than at the NCAA Division III level, where scholar-athletes enroll at their chosen institutions without athletically-related financial aid, where they choose athletics because of innate passion for competition and the will to succeed. The pursuit of excellence at Willamette recognizes the value of the competitive arena and the life lessons learned through participation.

Leadership

Willamette’s legendary coaches are the foundation of our great athletic heritage. Les Sparks, Spec Keene, Ted Ogdahl, John Lewis, Fran Howard and Chuck Bowles all represent the essence of the Champion’s Circle. Thes great coaches made a dramatic impact on the lives of thousands of yound men and women. They were able to do more for their teams, their scholar-athletes and their programs because of financial support of alumni, parents and friends through John’s Cardinal Round Table.

Current Bearcat coaches are equally committed to producing not only champions, but well-rounded individuals who will succeed in life. And just as their predecessors did, these coaches need the support of alumni, parents and friends of Bearcat Athletics. This is the role of the Bearcat Club, and specifically, the Champions Circle.

Living Willamette’s Motto

Willamette’s motto, “not unto ourselves alone are we born” captures the true spirit of those dedicated to athletics excellence. Great coaches have long understood this concept as the essence of teamwork that transforms talented individuals into cohesive, synergized units. Our team includes alumni, parents and friends of the program whose support enables our scholar-athletes and teams to maximize their potential.

Our Challenge

In order to maintain quality experiences for our student-athletes, we must ensure competent coaching, safe and appropriate facilities, suitable competitive opportunities and internal support for the smooth operation of an excellent athletics program. The essential components require external resources. The Champions Circle goal is to raise $100,000 annually in support of our scholar-athletes..

You can download a Bearcat Club gift form (PDF) here.

 

If you have questions, please call 503-370-6420