Murray State Athletics Receives Record $1.5 Million Gift from Swift & Staley

As the excitement around Murray State Athletics continues to soar to even greater heights with a new wave of progress underway and future plans taking shape, the Racers have received a generous $1.5 million gift from Swift & Staley, it was announced on Friday morning.

The record-breaking investment made by the Paducah-based company is the largest-ever single investment to MSU Athletics in department history and marks the fourth seven-figure gift given to the Racers this year.

"We are beyond grateful to have received this gift from Swift & Staley President and Chair of the Murray State Board of Regents Leon Owens and everyone involved at Swift & Staley," Director of Athletics Nico Yantko said. "I am incredibly appreciative of the servant leadership that Regent Owens displays on a daily basis and for his willingness to invest his time, talents, and treasures with Racer Athletics. This transformational gift to our department will provide a significant boost to the numerous facility projects that we currently have underway and to a multitude of future projects that will be announced in the months to come."

With a significant amount of funding being poured into renovations and enhancements around the athletics footprint, this gift will be used to further that progress and for future projects.

"There is a tremendous amount of positive growth happening around Murray State Athletics and we are honored to be able to invest in the vision that has been put into place by Director of Athletics Nico Yantko and his team," Owens said. "Murray State means a tremendous amount to me personally and it is so exciting to see the progress that is already being made. I know that the future is extremely bright and we look forward to seeing the impact it will have on all Racer student-athletes for years to come."

Murray State has seen unprecedented growth around its facilities, having already begun more than $1.5 million in capital projects, including the newly announced weight room renovation in Roy Stewart Stadium and the renovation of the men's basketball locker room.

Other projects that have been completed over the last 18 months include the Baseball/Softball Performance Center, upgrades to football team spaces and the new LED lights in the CFSB Center.+

"We are deeply grateful to our Board Chair and friend, Mr. Leon Owens, and Swift & Staley, Inc., for this generous gift," Murray State University President Dr. Bob Jackson said. "This is an institution-changing commitment and it will leave a lasting mark on the university and Racer Athletics."

The Racer Club plays a crucial role in helping support student-athlete scholarships, general operating budget, and facility enhancements. Investors play a critical role in funding the student-athlete experience and the competitive success of Murray State Athletics programs and student-athletes.

For more information on how to join the Racer Club, call (270) 809-3517 or click HERE.

Follow the Racers on Twitter (@MSURacers), Instagram (@RacersAthletics) and Facebook to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Murray State Athletics.

Murray State University Athletics

Murray State Athletics Receives Record $1.5 Million Gift from Swift & Staley

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