Funding a dynasty

As the University of Georgia Mens' Tennis team earlier this month fought to defend its back-to-back NCAA titles, it is easy to forget that 54 years ago, there was practically no tennis facilities at UGA. It took the vision and dedication of Georgia's legendary coach Dan Magill to found what today looks like a dynasty with six NCAA titles, 32 SEC titles, and stadium facilities second to none.

Yet at the outset, there was nothing. Literally. Starting with the courts, the program was built step by step, win by win. Alongside the official funding from the University and the Athletic Association, many former players, coaches, and students, as well as local and global fans have pitched in via the Champions Club to help bring Georgia Men's Tennis to the absolute top.

Alumnus Lindsey Hopkins, Jr. donated money for the indoor courts, singer Kenny Rogers and his wife Marianne were responsible for the Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame, and actress Kim Basinger brought the stadium lights. But aside from such grand acts of charity, the Georgia Tennis Champions Club counts many boosters. Supporters who are lifelong members of the Georgia Tennis family.

The term "lifelong" is no accident. Since 1954 Georgia has only had two head coaches, the aforementioned Dan Magill, and his successor from 1989 Manuel Diaz. The word "successor" is no accident, either. Rather, it has a double meaning: Coach Diaz has followed Coach Magill's two NCAA titles with four more during his ongoing, 21-year tenure.

The supporters mirror that commitment which is fundamental in building excellence into a dynasty. Like Georgia fans in other sports, their blood runs "red and black" for life.

This year, the Champions Club website was re-launched, complete with online menbership applications and contact forms for young tennis players, dreaming of playing in red and black one day.

"We wanted a site that would look clean and professional," said Head Coach Manuel Diaz. "And we wanted to be able to update and build it out ourselves, players, coaches and staff, without having to rely on technical resources. We got both in one elegant solution."

The website design was done and donated by John Holleman of Innovative InSite, a caSaaS Creative Partner. The technical implementation in caSaaS web CMS was compliments of caSaaS and the company's owner, Erik Seifert.

"We have just started building out from the base content," said Coach Diaz. "But we already had live coverage by the players themselves at the NCAA tournament. We'll build upon these player blogs as we go along. And thanks to caSaaS Data Lists, we automatically collect the submitted information on boosters and future prospects in a database. We have really been given a base from which to grow our donations and support."

Georgia fell short in its quest for a third, straight NCAA title this year, finishing 6th in the final, national rankings. But it marked the 19th year out of the last 21 that Georgia has ended the year in the Top 7 nationally.

Not bad for a dynasty founded and funded only 54 years ago.

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Erik
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Erik Seifert, CEO
caSaaS