President's Message
Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Dear Fellow Lettermen,
It seems impossible that we are already three months into my term as TCU Lettermen's Association President for 2002. During these fast months, TCU Athletics have continued to enjoy unprecedented success across virtually every sport! Our men's and women's teams continue to display the excellence that is the hallmark of our Horned Frog tradition. And the year is still young!
The return of spring brings March Madness, greening fairways, power serves, fast times, curve balls and preparations for next fall's gridiron successes. Our collective goals of further strengthening the tradition and national reputation of Horned Frog athletics also bring a renewed opportunity for ALL former lettermen to more actively participate in the programs' successes. In 2001 our Association members answered the call for support in dramatic fashion. Thanks to the generous contributions from our members, over $460,000 in financial support was contributed to the TCU Athletic Department. This figure included our annual dues, but many of you also stepped forward with additional contributions to support athletic scholarships, funding the new Lupton Baseball Stadium, provide corporate support for various programs and projects, and numerous other areas that give our student athletes the greatest opportunities for success on the playing field and in the classroom.
We have all learned long ago the fallacy of resting on past triumphs and successes. Whether in your business or personal life, if you don't grow you die. We need to maintain the momentum of last year's efforts and gain further ground on securing the national level of success and prominence TCU is capable of attaining. To accomplish this goal we need the help of each and every former letterman. We need your Association renewal and that of every teammate with whom you toiled and fought with to the honor and glory of TCU. The percentage of former student-athletes contributing to the university's programs continues to grow but we need to increase those numbers even more. As we are possibly the greatest benefactors of the generosity of Horned Frogs who came before us, I hope that we can step forward this year even more than before and show our support for TCU Athletics. The future success of TCU and our athletic programs rely on your continuing commitment and that of every member of our Association.
Enclosed you will find a reply form to return with your 2002 TCU Lettermen's Association dues payment. For the mere $50 annual payment you will receive the following:
- a 50% discount off the price of one season ticket to TCU football,
- a 50% discount off the price of one season ticket to TCU men's & women's basketball,
- a 2002 Lettermen's Association window decal,
- an updated roster of former TCU lettermen,
- newsletters, E-mail sports updates and details of other breaking news from the Athletic Department, and
- invitations to events open only to Lettermen's Association members and their families.
Your Association membership also provides numerous opportunities to simply become a more active participant in the life of TCU athletics, renew friendships with former teammates and get to know other lettermen who have contributed to the tradition of Horned Frog Pride. Our members also enjoy an outstanding variety of functions throughout the year. We recently hosted a reception honoring our former women lettermen, with more of them to come. On April 5 we'll hold the annual Spring Golf Tournament, coupled with a fun evening cook-out for members and their families featuring the renowned 'stok-in smoker' of John Marsh and his grilling crew. July brings the Mike Sullivan-hosted "Floating Frog Fandango" down the New Braunfels river for all Lettermen and "significant others" (adult discretion strongly advised!). Our Annual Meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 4 (Homecoming vs. U. of Houston) at which time we will honor a legendary team from TCU's storied past.
Speaking of our storied past, a most significant part of our tradition is the TCU Lettermen's Hall of Fame. More details about this fall's induction banquet will follow, but I'd like you to take a moment and include your nomination for this year's inductees with your dues renewal form. Our Association by-laws specify requirements for election into the Hall of Fame are as follows:
B. Candidates should be judged on the basis of athletic achievement while at TCU and/or thereafter (70%), service to TCU after school (15%), and community service and standing (15%). Primary consideration should be given to athletic achievement.
Also enclosed is a roster update form. Over the past two years this form has enhanced the accuracy of our member information and allowed us to reach more former Horned Frog student-athletes than ever before (especially via your email address). Please take a moment to complete and return the form, and also provide a copy to any former teammates you know who may not be currently receiving our information directly. We need your help in reconnecting with former lettermen to help our Association grow. We appreciate your help!
As always, questions, comments and suggestions can be directed to me personally at dhardin@barrowhanley.com, or at (214) 665-1900. To speak to someone at TCU, you're welcome to call Mark Mourer in the Frog Club office at (817) 257-6905 or via E-mail at m.mourer@tcu.edu.
Horned Frog athletics have already had a great start in 2002! We're looking forward to even greater success as the year progresses in the performance of our student athletes and in the growth of our TCU Lettermen's Association. We need you to participate! Join our work in insuring the continued success and tradition of Horned Frog Pride! Help sustain our Association's "Common Bond, Continuing the Tradition".
Thanks, and GO FROGS!
David Hardin, Track '73
TCU Lettermen's Association President
