The Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Athletics Department soared to new heights during its first-ever Cardinal Challenge, the university’s inaugural digital focused week of giving dedicated to supporting Cardinal student-athletes and teams.
The results exceeded all expectations.
The challenge rallied over 1,500 donors and raised more than $245,000 for Saint Mary’s athletics. The original goal of 350 donors to represent the university’s 350 student-athletes was shattered before the first day even came to a close.
Saint Mary’s Athletics proudly recorded the most donors of any Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) institution participating in a similar challenge event, highlighting the incredible passion and support within the Cardinal community.
“What an absolutely incredible show of support and impact with our first Cardinal Challenge,” athletic director Brian Sisson expressed. “Our supporters — whether it was alumni, parents, family and friends, or those within the community — we are forever grateful, and this challenge and the results were a true team effort.”
Throughout the week, the department saw widespread participation from alumni, parents, families, and friends. Notably, 25 percent of all gifts came from athletic alumni, while 19 percent were contributed by parents, which creates a lasting connection to the university’s athletic programs. In addition, 30 unique challenge gifts were made, motivating participation and inspiring donors across all sports and programs.
One highlight of the week was the Alumni Challenge, a unique competition sponsored by an anonymous benefactor who pledged an additional $4,000 gift to the team with the highest percentage of alumni donors. After an exciting week of engagement, the Saint Mary’s tennis programs emerged victorious, earning the bonus contribution with over 15 percent of their own tennis alumni making a gift to the tennis teams during the week.
“I was overwhelmed by the response of past alumni parents, friends, and the alumni athletes themselves,” said head tennis coach Jeff Halberg. “The fact that we won the Alumni Percentage of Participation prize speaks volumes.
“It’s really meaningful knowing that the people who came before us and those around us now care enough to support our team,” said junior women’s tennis student-athlete Emily Dondelinger. “It also motivates us to work hard and reminds us why we love being part of Saint Mary’s.
“The generosity shown through this challenge helps us continue building a program that provides our student-athletes with an outstanding experience on and off the field,” said Nick Winecke the head baseball coach and associate athletic director, whose program saw nearly 500 donations come its way during the challenge.
“It is so amazing to see and feel all of the support from alumni and community,” said senior baseball student-athlete Ryan Csida. “Seeing alumni from other decades, former teammates, friends, and family was really special.”
Another special highlight of the week came from the generosity of Elaine and Roger Haydock B’67, who pledged an additional $1,000 to every team that met its donor goal — a challenge that every Cardinal team successfully achieved.
“We are honored and delighted to support our scholar athletes,” said the Haydocks. “Their fundraising triumph reflects their commitment to Saint Mary’s and the love of their sport.”
The overwhelming success of the Cardinal Challenge not only showcased the strength of the Saint Mary’s community but also propelled the athletics department to its best annual fund results in school history.
The Cardinal Challenge showcased the spirit and generosity that define Saint Mary’s Athletics and will continue to drive its success into the future. The Challenge was a true collaboration between the department of intercollegiate athletics and the office of advancement.
The department hopes to repeat the Cardinal Challenge in early fall 2026 to support next year’s student-athlete teams.
