Page 220 - Toledo Football Media Guide - 2012

THE UNIVERSITY 221

when the Fanatics adopted the Athletic Department slo-gan, “See You at the Game,” andbegan distributing thou-sands of Rocket Fanatic t-shirts to UT students. Waves of Rocket Fanatic t-shirts can now be seen in the student sections of the Glass Bowl and Savage Arena.

The Blue Crew / True Blue “The Blue Crew”and“True Blue” are secret societies of spirited indi-viduals who represent the pride inside of every Rocket. These organizations consist of UT students who are fully dedicated to instituting, reviving, and maintaining the University of Toledo’s traditions. Each member is hidden under an assumed identity and name.

The Blue Crew and True Blue attend all home University of Toledo sporting events, and as many away games as possible.

The Varsity ‘T’ Club

The Varsity T Club is a support group of former var-sity letter winners whose purpose is to support Rocket Athletic programs through service projects and special events. The Varsity T Club provides fnancial assistance to the athletic department on an annual basis.

Over the years, the club has provided over $100,000 to fund the purchase of weight equipment in the Lar-imer and Savage Hall weight rooms. The club has also supported the replacement of the Glass Bowl turf, the student-athlete handbook, senior scholar-athlete recep-tions, the annual Hall of Fame Banquet and has also as-sisted in raising funds through a summer golf outing, and most recently, made a major commitment to the Build-ing Champions Campaign to name the new Hall of Fame area in the Sullivan Athletic Complex at Savage Arena. In 1998, the Varsity T Club completed a $300,000 capital campaign for the construction of the Varsity T All-Sports Pavilion located just south of the Glass Bowl. The club sponsors pregame tailgate receptions prior to all home football games for club members and guests. In 2007, the club reached an all-time high with over 530 dues paying members.

They Support the Rockets

The Rocket Fund

The Rocket Fund is the UT Athletic Department’s of-fcial annual giving program. Over 1,100 Rocket fans are donors to the Rocket Fund at the $100 gift level and up. Gifts may be designated for operations for a particular sport, for scholarship aid, or for unrestricted use. Benefts are provided at all gift levels of $100 or more. For more informationon the Rocket Fund, visit our website at www. utrockets.com or call the Athletic Development Ofce at 419-530-2510.

Downtown Coaches Association

TheDowntownCoachesAssociationisasupportgroup whose purpose is to promote, encourage and stimulate interest in intercollegiate athletics at the University of To-ledo. It was founded in 1937 by athletic director and head football coach Doc Spears. For over 71 years, the DCA has sponsored Monday luncheons and assisted in the depart-ment’s fundraising eforts. The DCA sponsors an annual reverse rafe and conducts 50/50 rafes at UT football and basketball games.

In 2008, the DCA made a major commitment to the Building Champions Campaign to name the new “Wall of Champions” in the new Sullivan Athletic Complex. The wall features photos of every Rocket MAC Championship team.

Student Pride Groups

Rocket Fanatics

The Rocket Fanatics were organized in 1995 in an efort to increase student spirit, pride, attendance and participation. Today, every UT student is considered a Rocket Fanatic the minute they enroll at the University of Toledo. The group exploded in popularity in 2000,

letic Traditions