Picture of Frenchie LaJoie looking kind of hawt

NEWS RELEASE

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY

************************* LSSU'S Cooper gym floor campaign approaches fourth quarter Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. - The Home Court Advantage capital fundraising campaign to replace the current portable wood floor in the Bud Cooper Gymnasium at Lake Superior State University has reached 85 per cent of the established goal, thanks to the generous support of alumni, friends of Laker athletics, and local businesses. These include a five-figure gift from an anonymous donor and a $25,000 contribution from Central Savings Bank of Sault Ste. Marie.

Central Savings Bank Chief Executive Officer W.W. "Frenchie" LaJoie is shown presenting a ceremonial $25,000 check to Lake Superior State University President Betty Youngblood.

Looking on are women's basketball head coach Jamie Pewinski and men's head coach Mike Fitzner.

In recognition of the gift, the Central Savings Bank logo will be featured in the center court of the new wood floor. "These two outstanding commitments to the project really helped give us a year-end boost," said Bob Kjolhede, co-chair of the campaign and a 1976 alumnus of the Laker basketball program.

"We’re pleased to report that we’ve received $192,000 in gifts from former Laker athletes, alumni, LSSU employees and friends of the program. It's like the last quarter of some of the games we played; the big challenge is rallying the team for a strong finish." The campaign began in March 2006 after it was determined that the current portable wood floor was approaching the end of its seven-year life expectancy.

A goal of $300,000 was established for the project, with an estimate of $260,000 necessary to complete the floor construction and related adjustments.

The remaining $40,000 is earmarked for a maintenance fund that will cover future refinishing and repairs to the floor.

Funding for the project must be secured by May 1 for construction to begin that month.

On this schedule, the new floor would be ready for use by the middle of August, in time for the Laker volleyball season. "It's truly impressive that we have received gifts from so many individuals, businesses and foundations who understand the positive impact this project will have on our current and future Laker student-athletes,” said campaign co-chair Kevin Cooper (’79).

"In order for us to raise the remaining $68,000, we must continue our outreach to our alumni base, fans and supporters of the program to help us make this project a reality." For more information on how to support the Home Court Advantage campaign, click here or call Tom Coates, assistant athletic director, at 906-635-6670.

LSSU photo by John Shibley

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