ABOUT
	On May 13, 2008, Arizona State University Intercollegiate Athletics (ICA) President Lisa Love announced the decision to eliminate three Men’s sports: swimming, wrestling, and tennis.  In June 2008, with the persistence and dedication of Assistant Swim Coach Simon Percy, a group of former alumni from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s got together to save the team. In June 2008, we formed a 501.c.3 non profit organization to raise money aimed at reinstating Men’s Swimming.  The “Alumni Board” then began to organize a fundraising effort and made contact with the ICA.  In July 2008, ASU recognized the “Alumni Board” and provided specific reinstatement goals based on fundraising milestones.  We then signed an agreement with the ASU Foundation (which is the fundraising arm and holder of endowment accounts for the University). On July 15, 2008, approximately 60 days after the announcement that the team was cut, based on the outpouring of support from alumni, family, friends and supporters we presented a deposit in the amount of $330,000 to the ASU Foundation.  Lisa Love immediately reinstated Men’s Swimming, and the Sun Devil Swimming Association (SDSA) was officially in place. In August 2008, the SDSA Board members met with ICA and ASU Foundation officials to launch ongoing fundraising efforts and to provide support to improve the Men’s swimming performance.  From September 2008 to date, we have established new traditions such as the Annual Golf Fundraiser and Dinner Gala event, provided guidance for new coaching staff, coordinated alumni contacts, and continue to build the base of support for ASU Swimming. The SDSA Charter is to  “Ensure the financial viability of ASU Men’s Swimming and re-establish ASU as an NCAA Top 10 contender”. Our first priority is fundraising and we established the following milestones:    •   Milestone 1: $660K by December 31, 2008    •   Milestone 2: $1M by March 31, 2009    •   Milestone 3: $7M endowment by December 31, 2011 Unfortunately, due to the current state of the US and Global economy we have not yet met the first two milestones.  We continue to receive ongoing donations and pledges that provide sufficient funding for the operational requirements of the team (such as coaches salaries, scholarships, travel, etc) for the years ahead.  As of September 2009 we have raised approximately $450,000 and have pledges for an additional $500,000. Our second priority is competitiveness.  Our role is to not to coach the team nor make decisions about staffing or recruiting, but to leverage the strengths of Alumni, the Athletic Department (ICA) and the ASU Foundation (also known as the Sun Devil Club).  The intention is to create consistent team performance improvements and a top ten finish by 2012 NCAA Championships. So what is the work to be done?  We have created five sub groups within SDSA.  They are:    •   SDSA Operations    •   Marketing/Communications    •   Events Coordination    •   Athletic Department and ASU Foundation Liaison    •   Friendraising and Fundraising We need your help!  We don’t just need money; we also need people who are willing to donate their time, expertise, or connections. We all know about the proud legacy and tradition of athletic results, academic achievement, and coaching excellence for ASU Men’s Swimming.  Now SDSA is establishing a new tradition of alumni involvement. Working together we will ensure the future of ASU Swimming.