The 2016 Hobart and William Smith Athletics Day of Donors Challenge was a huge success creating a groundswell of support for Statesmen and Heron student-athletes through gifts to the Statesmen Athletic Association and the Heron Society. During the 24-hour challenge more than 1,700 gifts were made to the SAA and Heron Society.
 
On May 23, donors were asked to support their favorite team with a gift to the SAA or Heron Society. The top three teams with the most donors for each school earned a financial bonus for their 2016-17 budget. The first place teams earned $3,000, second place $2,000, and third place $1,000.
 
The William Smith soccer team won the day with 480 donations, more than any two other teams combined.
 
 
"It was a tremendous day for our 'Heron Soccer Nation' as we got out of the chute fast and never looked back," William Smith Head Soccer Coach Aliceann Wilber said. "I couldn't be more moved by—or proud of—the willingness, generosity and effort of our alums, their families, our friends and our current players and their families to put their collective shoulders to the 'soccer wheel.' It felt like the same kind of force that propelled us to the national championship a couple of years ago. I'm just so fortunate to be a part of this amazing group."
 
The William Smith swimming and diving team took second with 190 donors and field hockey placed third with 156 donors. In all, 1,217 gifts were made to the Heron Society during the challenge.
 
"I applaud the Heron Society Board of Directors for initiating and supporting the Athletics Day of Donors," William Smith Director of Athletics Deb Steward said. "It was an amazing 24 hours of engagement from our Heron Nation. We are very grateful for the team spirit and Heron pride demonstrated through the generosity of so many. While this makes a great financial impact on our teams, our hearts were also deeply impacted."
 
 
On the Hobart side, 498 donors supported the SAA and Hobart student-athletes. With 172 donors, the rowing team enjoyed an open water victory on the field.
 
"We have an exceptional core of friends and families supporting the team and I was so proud to see that on full display during the challenge," Hobart Head Rowing Coach Paul Bugenhagen said. "The $3,000 winning prize will come in very handy as we look to purchase a new set of oars for the team. We can't thank our friends, family, and alumni enough for their support and we are very proud of our entire Hobart rowing family!"
 
With an overnight surge, Hobart basketball moved past football to finish second. Basketball received 89 donations, nine more than the football team.
 
Membership in the SAA and Heron Society allows fans to lend their support to Hobart and William Smith athletics. The two organizations assist the Statesmen and Herons with budgetary needs ranging from uniforms and apparel to equipment and travel and much more.