SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus Adolphus College athletic department's second-annual Give Like a Champion athletics giving days - a two-day, online fundraising campaign - once again exceeded its fundraising goal. 

A total of 1,263 donors contributed $442,205 to support all 23 varsity teams, as well as club athletics, sports medicine, sports information, and the G-Club general athletics fund. The Give Like A Champion campaign has now raised $869,538 in just two years of hosting the event. 

Ten teams far and away exceeded their individual fundraising goals, led by football with over $58,000 raised. Men's hockey also raised over $50,000, while women's soccer set the donor benchmark with $42,515 from 205 contributors.

"What an amazing two days with our second annual Give Like A Champion campaign," Gustavus athletic director Tom Brown said. "On behalf of the entire athletic department, we cannot thank you enough for your donations team and more importantly, the support of our athletic teams.

"A special thank you to the Gustavus advancement team for all of their behind the scenes work, as well as all our alumni, coaches, and student-athletes who took the time to share their stories and their wonderful experiences in the athletic department and also at Gustavus. We're looking forward to this event again next year, and again, thank you for everything. Go Gusties!"

The initial goal for the two-day campaign was to reach $400,000 for the College's 800-plus varsity and club student-athletes. That milestone was passed Thursday afternoon (Feb. 6).

Of the 1,263 donors, 41% were alumni, 28% parents, 23% friends, 7% faculty/staff, and 7% current students. A total of 65 matching gifts or challenges were made and inspired further donations. The Give Like A Champion video series also eclipsed 400,000 views between social media and the Gustavus Athletics YouTube channel.  

Gifts can still be made to Gustavus athletics by clicking here.