"We are excited about the additional resources this NCAA grant will allow us to direct toward our great fan experience and particularly in building upon the tremendous partnership and fan base we have established with the 1st Sustainment Brigade and the soldiers, families and friends at Fort Riley," K-State head coach Deb Patterson said.
Within the early planning stages from the K-State Fan Experience and Sales Department for execution of the proposal are a Fort Riley Family Fun Night, a 1st Sustainment Brigade Night and military discounts for season and single-game tickets. Season tickets are only $50 for those with military IDs stationed at Fort Riley.
"The partnership we developed with the Wildcats last year is amazing," said Lieutenant Colonel J.P. Silverstein, deputy commander for the 1st Sustainment Brigade. "Last season we looked forward to the events planned with the team and many of our Soldiers and families organized group attendance at multiple games throughout the season.
"The coaches and players are an extension of our 'durable' family and we stand by them, just as they are standing by us throughout our current deployment."
K-State's grant committee includes representatives from the following organizations: Information, Ticketing and Registration (ITR), The Directorate of Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), the 1st Sustainment Brigade and the USO at Fort Riley, for the 2010-11 season.
"The partnership with the K-State women's basketball team was something that my family enjoyed very much. With three young girls in my family, they were all very excited about their experience with the basketball team," Staff Sergeant Gregory Zemke said.
Last season, the K-State established a relationship with the 1st Sustainment Brigade and gained an understanding of what they do on a day-to-day basis. While visiting Fort Riley last September, the Wildcats were able to take part in a simulations training exercise involving tanks and vehicle engagements with the 1st Sustainment Brigade.
The NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Grant Program was generated from the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Discussion Group, chaired by the late NCAA President Myles Brand. The group consisted of head coaches, media representatives, former student-athletes, conference, institutional and Women's Basketball Coaches Association administrators. It has been strongly supported by the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee and the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Issues Committee.
Along with K-State, institutions to earn the grant this season were: Bowling Green State, Columbia, Dayton, Florida, Hartford, Miami, Southern Illinois, Stanford, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Xavier and the Atlantic Sun Conference and the West Coast Conference. Hartford (2009-10), Columbia (2008-09) and the West Coast Conference (2009-10) are being awarded the grants for the second time.
