UCO Sports
Chris Brannick, Director of Sports Media Relations
EDMOND – The University of Central Oklahoma athletic department Tuesday received another record-setting gift – a $13.5 million anonymous donation – to construct a new baseball stadium and fund athletic scholarships. The donation is the largest in school history, surpassing a record of $10 million gift less than two years ago.
The gift is another in a line of major contributions to the UCO athletic department over the past two years. Since beginning the Complete the Dream campaign in 2015, UCO athletics has raised more than $25 million.
“This gift is transformational in every way, benefiting our student-athletes and advancing our mission to build quality facilities,” university President Dr. Don Betz said.
“What a monumental day for the University of Central Oklahoma, its student-athletes, alumni, and the institution as a whole,” Athletic Director Joe Muller said. “A gift of this magnitude will impact UCO athletics for generations to come and will have a significant impact on the sport of baseball in Oklahoma.
“For UCO athletics to receive $13.5 million, the largest single gift in university history on the heels of a $10 million gift just two years ago, is not only overwhelming to fathom, but signifies the commitment and determination of our strong support base of alumni and fans.”
The new stadium is expected to be among the finest Division II baseball facilities in the country. It will serve as home to the Bronchos, a host site for camps and clinics, as well as other events. Additionally, the gift will establish a significant, permanent endowment for student-athlete scholarships.
The UCO baseball team last year was one game away from the Division II World Series, falling short in the NCAA Central Regional Championship. The Bronchos enjoyed one of the best seasons in school history. Two pitchers from that team went pro, with one becoming the highest Major League Baseball draft pick in school history.
Construction of the new facility will begin in the coming weeks.