A New Level of Commitment
TEAM USF -- Developing Successful Student-Athletes

The University of Sioux Falls and Cougar Athletics is on the verge of a major transformation. This transformation will raise the level of commitment to USF student-athletes, providing greater opportunity to be successful in the sports arena and in life after college athletics.

Community
Cougar Athletics has been blessed with a strong and supportive community. The city of Sioux Falls is one of a kind; with safe neighborhoods, a strong economy and population growth. Students at USF have a great experience outside of the classroom while studying in Sioux Falls. Many local businesses and organizations provide internships for our students which lead to jobs post-graduation.

The community has been generous financially. Over the last five years, the USF community has supported construction and remodeling of athletic facilities. These generous gifts help provide student-athletes the experience of competing in state-of-the-art facilities. Cougar soccer plays on the only FIFA sanctioned artificial turf, the first of its kind to be installed in the United States. USF track and field features one of the 20 largest facilities in the country and Cougar football is one of the few programs of its size to utilize a video board for live footage, instant replays and game enhancing features. The Stewart Center has been upgraded with new scoreboards and bleacher and chair back seating. Plans to improve the facilities for USF's other athletic programs are in progress.

Recognizing the strong support of the Sioux Falls community, Cougar Athletics will increase its efforts in the city whose name is worn across our chests. Partnerships are being formed to give back to the city of Sioux Falls and do our part in making Sioux Falls a great place to live.

Student and Fan Experience
Because of the generosity of our community, USF is making greater efforts to promote the student and fan experience at all athletic events. Facility improvements play a big part in this effort. Comfortable seating, affordable and quality food in its concessions and greater production in the game presentation will be evident in the upcoming seasons. It is the hope of Cougar Athletics that these enhancements will result in an increase in interest and excitement among Cougar fans.

Greater Opportunities -- NCAA Division II
In what has been a highly publicized decision, USF has made application and has been accepted to enter a candidacy period for NCAA Division II. One major factor in this decision was the student-athlete opportunities provided by the NCAA. It is the support of the NCAA which will allow Sioux Falls student-athletes the benefit from the following features of Division II:

• Graduation Rate: Division II student-athletes graduation rate is consistently 10-15 percentage points higher than the total student body.
• Class Time: Division II's regionalization philosophy rewards the scheduling of local or regional opponents in the regular season, resulting in limited missed class time for student-athletes.
• Additional Assistance: The Degree-Completion Scholarship Program provides deserving Division II student-athletes who have exhausted their collegiate eligibility with financial assistance.
• National Championship Opportunities: Division II features unparalleled opportunity for student-athletes to advance to national championship competition as a result of the division's generous championship access ratios.
• Community Partnerships: Division II has initiated national community partnerships with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Habitat for Humanity.

How you can help...

TEAM USF:
Our effort to provide a greater experience for student-athletes at the University of Sioux Falls is not possible without the generous support of the USF community. Neighbors, parents, alumni and friends all contribute in a variety of ways. Here are three ways you can help Cougar Athletics reach its goal of Developing Successful Student-Athletes.

Tickets:
By purchasing tickets, fans are able to contribute to the Cougar athletic department while providing support for the student-athletes. All athletes will agree, that playing in front of a crowd of USF fans enhances their experience. Season tickets are available for football and men's and women's basketball. Tickets are available for all other athletic events on gameday. For a schedule of events, visit USFCougars.com.

Football
The Cougars are in pursuit of their fourth National Championship and need your support. Join us at "The Bob" for great entertainment and hard hitting football. Great seats are still available at the USF Sanford Health Sports Complex for the 2009 season. Reserve your seat for the next 5 championship pursuits for just $200. With your reservation you will receive:

• Season tickets for the 2009 football regular season and an option for season tickets at $50 per seat for the subsequent 4 seasons regardless of market price.
• Nameplate on the seat
• Premier parking in lot A, B or C (first come, first served).
• Advanced opportunities to purchase tickets for your seat to football postseason games & other USF and community events (concerts, festivals, etc.) up to 24 hours prior to event.

Already reserved your seat? Renew your season ticket for just $50!

Basketball
Cougar basketball is on the rise! The women's basketball team looks to improve upon their 18-13 mark and the men's team hopes to build from their late season surge in 2008-09. Be a part of all the hardwood action with season tickets in the Stewart Center. Season tickets are good for all regular season men's and women's basketball games, as well as USF volleyball and wrestling regular seasons. Catch all of the Cougar sporting events in the Stewart Center for $175 per seat or sit courtside for $250.

• Season tickets for the 2009-10 basketball season and an option for season tickets at $100 ($175 courtside) for the subsequent 4 seasons regardless of market price.
• Nameplate on the seat
• Access to the Ruby Tuesday hospitality room for all regular season conference home basketball games.
• Advanced opportunities to purchase tickets for your seat to postseason games and other USF and community events (concerts, festivals, etc.) up to 24 hours prior to the event.
• Access to all volleyball and wrestling matches