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Facing significant budget challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maryland athletics announced its ‘More Than The Score’ fundraising campaign Tuesday.
The athletic department has already taken efforts to minimize the impact of the financial loss on student-athletes, including budget and hiring freezes, along with staff salary reductions at some levels. But even with the Big Ten football season set to start on Oct. 24, the department projects to lose between $35 to $65 million in revenue, which it hopes to make up for with the support of donors.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our Maryland Athletics family has stayed committed to supporting one another,” athletic director Damon Evans said in a release. “Our program remains strong. And yet, the financial impact of the virus has cut us deeply.”
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Maryland also plans to use the funds to make up for increased operational expenses its facing right now, such as regular COVID-19 testing, special health services like ECGs and cardiac MRIs, mental health services, technology support for online academics and extra safety measures used for training, strength and conditioning.
Donors to the campaign will be rewarded with gifts ranging from T-shirts to permanent displays at Xfinity Center.
Maryland Athletics now faces the most significant budget challenges in our history.
— Maryland Terrapins (@umterps) September 29, 2020
We are steadfast in our commitment to our student-athletes. And they need your support more now than ever.
This is about MORE than the Score. https://t.co/exDw67Wknj pic.twitter.com/hz1wN9R1fm
In Other News
Maryland football quarterbacks Taulia Tagovailoa and Lance LeGendre were featured heavily by the program Tuesday.
The Duo @LLeGendre12_ and @tauliaa12 are making each other better. pic.twitter.com/qxIJs03cai
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) September 29, 2020
Elite accuracy ✅
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) September 29, 2020
Dynamic competitor ✅@tauliaa12 is a baller from Hawaii. pic.twitter.com/tQBO7xnNEt
Cannon for an arm ✅
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) September 29, 2020
Lethal with his legs ✅
Watch out for the kid from NOLA, @LLeGendre12_. pic.twitter.com/3TdVqzCML9
Maryland men’s basketball legend Len Elmore was recognized by the program.
The best rebounder in Maryland history.
— Maryland Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) September 29, 2020
Educate yourself on the greatness of @LenElmore.
➡️ https://t.co/AJpD6rhrHp pic.twitter.com/uajGTM23oh
Brenda Freese continues her recruiting prowess as her upcoming recruiting class lands in the top-10 nationally yet again.
According to ESPN, the #Terps’ 2021 recruiting class is ranked . 9...@BrendaFrese’s 14th top 10 class! #FearTheTurtle pic.twitter.com/hf1KPAZAgB
— Maryland Women’s Basketball (@TerpsWBB) September 29, 2020
Former Maryland women’s basketball players Alyssa Thomas, Brionna Jones, and Kaila Charles had their season ended in the WNBA Semifinals.
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) September 30, 2020
We love to see it!#SUNState pic.twitter.com/igt0pXjjEM
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) September 30, 2020
Alyssa Thomas was tabbed with WNBA All-Defensive First Team honors after leading the league in steals per game.
The OG. Our Engine.
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) September 29, 2020
No one more deserving. Congrats, @athomas_25!
➡️https://t.co/zD2jTLYuhO pic.twitter.com/4jKKbJl61a
Three former Terps start their runs in the MLB Postseason in the newly minted Wild Card Series.
Best of luck to our #ProTerps as they get started in the @MLB postseason!
— Maryland Baseball (@TerpsBaseball) September 29, 2020
Adam Kolarek ➡️ @Dodgers @Sweet_n_Lowe5 ➡️ @RaysBaseball @WadesWorld6 ➡️ @Twins #DirtyTerps pic.twitter.com/SWjU4c8Hqb