For more than 73 years, sports have been an integral part of the college experience at Montclair State. It began with a coach named Earl Leslie, who headed three men's sports at Montclair State Teachers College, and has grown over seven decades to become one of the most successful and respected Division III programs in the state and nation.

Today there are 24 sports for men and women in which 450 students compete. The Red Hawks have captured five NCAA Division III national championships and have seen more than 250 student-athletes named All-Americans. MSU has produced athletic standouts such as women's basketball's Carol Blazejowski and football's Sam Mills.

Several years ago, in an effort to support the continuing growth of the athletics program, Red Hawk Pride was created to help subsidize expenses for team travel, equipment, facilitiy improvements and more.

"Red Hawk Pride has been a tremendous success over the past three years," said Associate Athletics Director Rob Chesney, who oversees the program. "The generous support we have received has allowed our teams to compete successfully at the conference, regional and national levels."

Last year, Red Hawk Pride had a membership of 150 supporters and the program raised nearly $17,000 for the athletic programs. This year both numbers continue to climb.

"Red Hawk Pride members are committed to giving our student-athletes every opportunity for success by providing support for the entire athletic program," Chesney said. The fund helps defer costs for the teams to travel during the regular season and to take international trips as well.

In addition to Red Hawk Pride, the Athletics Department sponsors an annual golf classic to raise money for the program. This year's event will be held Monday, May 12, at the Basking Ridge Country Club. Last year's event raised $10,000. "Our athletes also get involved in the golf classic and other departmental events to help raise money for their teams," Chesney said.

For the student-athletes, the experience they gain makes it all worthwhile. "The hard work, dedication and passion I've poured into playing sports have transferred into my academic and professional life," said Donna Russo '01, who played field hockey and lacrosse for four years. "The attitude and character that was born through athletics is carried into my everyday life."

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