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About the Bluejay Backers
The Elmhurst College Bluejay Backers is celebrating its 25th
year of support for the college's intercollegiate athletic program,
which includes eight sports apiece for men and women. The Elmhurst
College Bluejay Club held it's first meeting on August 6,1979,
and adopted the name of Bluejay Backers two months later.
The organization's Executive Committee consists of former athletes,
College administrators, members of the College's Board of Trustees,
community members, parents of student-athletes, a student-athlete,
and as many as four at-large members.
Interim Athletic Director Paul Krohn serves as the Executive
Director.
BJB hall of fame football player Earl Wilcek, '78, was selected
in 1998-99 as the organization's first President.
The purpose of the Bluejay Backers is:to promote and increase
interest in Bluejay intercollegiate athletics with the various
publics of the College; to assist the Office of Athletics and
its endeavors; to further enhance the reputation of the College
through the Office of Athletics; and to raise funds for the
College athletic purposes, both restricted and unrestricted,
under the supervision of the Office of College Advacement.
The Bluejay Backers raised well over $150,000 last year (fiscal
year 2002-2003) through a variety of fundraising activities.
Since 1979, gifts totaling in excess of $1 million have been
raised through the Bluejay Backers for the Elmhurst College
athletic programs.
The Blejay Backers provided initial funding for the 2002 Langhorst
field renovation and the 1997 renovation of the football locker
room in Goebel hall, as well as the 1987 construction of the
Oliver M.Langhorst Field Press Box. The Press Box includes a
concession stand and restrooms for the comfort and convenience
of spectators, as well as two levels to assist the media, film
crews, coaching staffs and other officials.
The Organization has purchased rehabilitation and conditioning
machines for the training room, weight machines for the weight
room in the Tyrrell Fitness Center, and all of the concession
equipment used in the concession stands at Langhorst Field and
R.A Faganel Hall. It has provided funding for new uniforms,
team equipment and team trips.
Bluejay Backers also sponsors the plaques given each year to
Elmhurst College's Athletes of the Year and Scholar-Athletes
of the year, and provides letters, certificates and plaques
presented to reorganize athletes.
In 1996, the Bluejay Backers presented its first Community
Service Recognition plaque to a deserving friend, Elmhurst Mayor
Thomas D. Marcucci, during halftime of the Community Day home-coming
football game. This tribute has become an annual event; the
honoree in 2003 is Dr. Joel Morris, superintendent of Elmhurst
Community School District 205.
Bluejay Backer Golf Outing
The 22nd annual Pro Select Bluejay Backer Golf Outing will
be held Tuesday, June 8, 2004.
The registration fee includes 18 holes of golf with a cart,
lunch, hors d' oeuvres and dinner. Gifts, prizes and a raffle
add to the fun each summer. To register or to receive more information
on the golf outing, please contact the Elmhurst College Athletic
Department at (630) 617-3140.
Established in 1982, the golf outing has developed into the
Bluejay Backers' biggest fundraising event each year.
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