Mission Statement:

Red Flash Future will be a fundraising extension of the Stokes Club in providing for improved athletic facilities and programs for Saint Francis University Athletics while enhancing student-athlete welfare.

The reason for the formation of Red Flash Future:

The Athletic Department Strategic Plan, student-athlete evaluations, alumni and athletic results have all identified areas of weakness at Saint Francis, within the athletic program that have become significant in reducing the opportunities for success at Saint Francis.

The inability to address the identified weaknesses will continue to weaken the athletic programs and eventually the well-being of the University, through a loss of student-athletes who feel they cannot be successful at Saint Francis in their pursuit of athletic success, thus impacting the recruitment and retention of students.

Purpose of Red Flash Future:

Red Flash Future will generate revenue through various membership levels to provide for capital and staffing improvements in the Saint Francis Athletic Department, as outlined in the Athletic Strategic Plan and in unison with the University’s Strategic Plan.

Objectives of Red Flash Future:

Immediate:

*Provide the funds to hire a strength and conditioning coach

*Provide funds to build a weight room in DeGol Field House

*Provide funds to begin to renovate team locker rooms in the Stokes Athletics Center (starting with men’s basketball)

*Provide funds to refurbish (new equipment) and relocate (to the first floor) the Stokes Center Weight Room

Long Term:

*Provide the funds for new scoreboards at DeGol Field and Stokes Athletics Center

*Provide the funds for a timing system for the Fr. Bede Hines Track

*Provide the funds for an additional athletic field for practices.

Impact of the Investment:

*The strength and conditioning coach will reduce the number of student-athlete injuries

*The new weight rooms and the strength and conditioning coach will develop stronger, quicker and more powerful athletes, making SFU more competitive in every sport.

*Our student athletes will have a trained professional in strength and conditioning, allowing coaches to focus on recruiting and coaching.

*Locker rooms will be upgraded, which will aid recruiting and provide for improved student-athlete welfare.

*The new facilities and the new strength and conditioning coach will be linked to the new DiSepio Institute, providing for educational opportunities and service to the local communities.

*The new facilities and the new coach will provide internships for students in Exercise Physiology.

Sustaining the program:

*The hiring of an outside fundraising group, led by Nick Ziccardi, will supplement the work of the Advancement Office in generating new revenue for the continued improvement of the athletic programs.

*Memberships in the Red Flash Future Club will be based on annual giving by each member and corporation.

 The addition of strength & conditioning coach Jesse Webber is due in part to the efforts of the Stokes Club and Red Flash Future.

 Webber trains members of the Red Flash football team.

 Renovations to the men's basketball locker room are also possible due to the fundraising efforts of the Stokes Club and Red Flash Future.