The Mendota Gridiron Club, Inc. is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization and athletic booster club whose sole purpose is to support Wisconsin football and to raise contributions (in cash and in kind) for the University of Wisconsin football program.
The Mendota Gridiron Club, incorporated in 1979, originated as the Mendota Association in 1949. From the original small group of strong and loyal Wisconsin football fans, the club has grown to exceed 2,000 members. Today, members have the opportunity to assist the football staff in continuing the successful program established in recent years.
Any individual may become a member of the Mendota Gridiron Club, Inc. by contributing money, material or services needed and requested by the Athletic Department for the football program. All contributions (cash or in kind) entitle the contributor to membership status for the calendar year in which the contribution is made.
Any individual who makes a contribution to the Athletic Department and designates “Football” is considered a member of the Mendota Gridiron Club. Please note that unrestricted gifts tied to football preferred seating do not entitle an individual to membership in the Mendota Gridiron Club. All contributions made in support of Wisconsin Athletics, including those made to the Football Fund, count toward Athletic Department annual giving levels and related ticket, parking and special event benefits.
It is tough to put into words how honored and excited I am to be the head football coach at the University of Wisconsin. While I have only been a Badger for a short time I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support I have received. It is easy to see what makes this place special.
Obviously, as I have learned very quickly, a big part of that support is the Mendota Gridiron Club. The outstanding showing at our Signing Day celebration reinforced what everyone had already told me, that the group is made up of a number of loyal Badger fans hungry to provide support for the football program and help it succeed.
For me and my coaching staff, that success does not translate only into wins on the football field. Our goal is to help our student-athletes succeed academically, socially and athletically. At the top of that list is taking care of our young men, helping to turn them into a man, and making sure they leave this prestigious university with a degree.
I realize that I am small piece of this puzzle. You will hear me say many times that “players make plays.” My focus is, and will always be, ensuring that our players have a tremendous experience at the University of Wisconsin. My staff and I expect to uphold the tremendous tradition that has been established here. And with the help of the Mendota Gridiron Club and the loyal Badger fans, I am confident that will happen.
With Spring Practice right around the corner, followed by summer conditioning and Fall Camp, the 2013 season will start before you know it. I know you share my excitement for the new season. The players we have returning are a very impressive group and hungry to build their own legacies. We will continue to play tough, smart and sound football, a recipe for success that has proven to work.
I look forward to seeing you all at Camp Randall this fall and want to thank you for your continued support.
Go Badgers!
Gary Anderson
Head Football Coach
2011 Mendota Gridion Club
