Friends of Basketball

By Rick Pialet, '77

Dear Air Force Basketball fans,

Let me introduce you to the Friends of Air Force Basketball.

Some of you are well acquainted with the Friends. For those who don't know us, let me explain that we are a non-profit booster group, organized six years ago to provide support for our great basketball program. The Friends group works in cooperation with the Association of Graduates. Donations are fully tax deductible-100% of gifts go directly to support the basketball program.

Like you, I have been excited to watch our program develop into a perennial contender for the conference title and post-season honors. The credit for this achievement, of course, belongs to the outstanding coaches and players. However, the Friends of Air Force Basketball has also played an important role.

Financial contributions from the Friends directly supported some of the most important needs of our basketball program, including facility upgrades, equipment purchases, out-of-session meal and hotel expenses for players, the homecoming reunion, and preseason (foreign) team travel. Last September the team traveled to Vancouver, Canada, where they played five exhibition games in three days, gaining vital preseason experience against the best teams available. This trip was entirely funded by the Friends of Air Force Basketball through the AOG.
We share Coach Reynold's optimism for the upcoming season. Just as he plans to improve the level of play, we hope to increase and expand our level of support. Beyond the day-to-day basics that the Academy provides, there are still numerous things the program requires to compete with the other programs in the Mountain West Conference. With your financial support, the coaching staff can initiate programs to further raise our level of competitiveness.

For those of you who have supported the Friends in the past-thank you-the basketball players and the program have benefited from your generosity. For all, I would like to invite your active participation for the 2007-2008 season. If you would like to help or simply learn more, please visit our web site at www.FriendsofAirForceBasketball.org. It is the best source on the Internet for information on Falcon Men's Basketball and related topics.

Thank you again for your time and consideration. Go Falcons!