PORTLAND, Ore.—Lewis & Clark College Athletics raised a record $500,656 dollars during the program's annual Day of Champions last week.
The tenth-annual Day of Champions set new records for the most donors and most money raised. The Lewis & Clark Athletics community came together with 2,223 donors and impressive participation from alumni-athletes, parents and friends of each team. The department raised almost $90K more than the previous record, set in 2025, in setting a new record for donations.
"Reaching the $500,000 mark is a tremendous milestone and a testament to the generosity, commitment, and support of our Lewis & Clark Athletics community," Director of Physical Education and Athletics Mark Pietrok said.
"I am incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to our teams and department. It is inspiring to see so many people invest in our student-athletes and demonstrate their belief in what we are building at Lewis & Clark. The support of our community makes it possible for us to pursue our goals and provide the best possible experience for our student-athletes.
I also want to recognize and thank our coaches, staff, and the Advancement Department whose hard work in building and strengthening relationships with our alumni, supporters, and prospective student-athletes has been instrumental in making this success possible. This milestone is truly a reflection of what we can accomplish together."
The funds will help support program's travel, equipment upgrades, new gear and apparel and much more.
"We are so appreciative and thankful for all the support and donors during Day of Champions," head softball coach
Shawna Cyrus said. "The softball team will be traveling to Texas this season and every dollar counts when you consider transportation, meals and lodging for a group of 25. Our alumni, families and friends really stepped up to help our program have another successful season and it's days like this, that show just how supportive and committed our Lewis & Clark fan base is"
Head men's and women's cross country and track & field coach
Chris Reed noted, "The support our amazing community of alumni, parents, friends, and fans is inspiring. Our student-athletes work very hard, and having this many people behind us in such a meaningful way is part of what makes Lewis & Clark so special. We are so grateful for the overwhelming generosity!"
