In a heartwarming twist that highlights the importance of community support in college athletics, former Syracuse athletics booster Adam Weitsman has stepped up in a big way for the Siena men’s basketball team. Back in April, Weitsman, a prominent figure in the Syracuse sports scene and a longtime friend of the new Siena head coach Gerry McNamara, expressed his willingness to contribute to the program. Fast forward to now, and he’s putting his money where his mouth is, pledging a generous donation of $100,000 to support the team.
Weitsman’s donation is a significant boost for the Siena men’s basketball program, and his commitment comes at an exciting time. The team has launched an Excellence Fund for the current season, aiming to elevate its competitive edge. Additionally, Siena has established a school-endorsed name, image, and likeness (NIL) collective named Saints March On, which was initiated last year. These initiatives represent a fresh chapter for the program, and Weitsman’s contribution is a testament to his belief in McNamara and the direction he’s taking the team.
“Gerry and I go way back,” Weitsman stated, expressing his admiration for McNamara. “I really respect him and want to help him succeed in his new role.” It’s clear that Weitsman’s support goes beyond just financial contributions; he genuinely cares about the success of his friend and the program as a whole. His connection to the Albany area, where his recycling company has a location at the Port of Albany, adds a local flavor to his philanthropy. “We feel connected to the area there, for sure,” he remarked.
What makes Weitsman’s contribution even more compelling is the flexibility he’s allowed with the funds. While the donation is earmarked specifically for the men’s basketball team, he has left the decision-making up to the Siena administration regarding how the money should be allocated. “It’s whatever they feel is the best way to do it, with their compliance department and the coach,” he mentioned. This hands-off approach is a sign of trust in McNamara and the Siena leadership, allowing them to make the best decisions for their program.
Weitsman, who is 56 years old, is not just a casual supporter; he’s actively engaged in the future of Siena basketball. He’s planning to attend the team’s regular-season opener against Brown on November 4 at MVP Arena. His enthusiasm for the upcoming season is palpable, and he hinted that this $100,000 donation might just be the beginning of his contributions. “I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t be,” he said about the potential for future support. “I’m definitely going to try to support my friends any way I can.”
In a related development, the excitement surrounding McNamara’s hiring has also inspired the Saints March On collective to ramp up their fundraising efforts. Co-founder Frank Ambrose shared that they are doubling their fundraising goal this year, aiming to raise $250,000. Last season, the collective managed to secure over $100,000, and with McNamara at the helm, there’s a renewed sense of optimism and potential for growth. “We feel like with Gerry there, the excitement behind things is growing, and we’re exploring new opportunities to generate revenue through events rather than relying solely on individual donations,” Ambrose explained.
One of the key events that Saints March On is organizing is a golf tournament fundraiser scheduled for this Saturday at the Saratoga Golf and Polo Club. This event will feature both McNamara and the new women’s basketball coach, Terry Primm, and it promises to be a fantastic opportunity for supporters to engage with the coaches and the community. For those interested in contributing, registration is available on the newly relaunched website, saintsmarchon.org. This initiative is not just about raising money; it’s about building a community around Siena athletics and fostering relationships between players, coaches, and fans.
In an innovative move, Saints March On is partnering with NIL Empire, a company founded by Siena graduate Jeremiah Maher, which aims to help athletes secure branding partnerships. This collaboration is crucial as it provides a pathway for student-athletes to earn NIL money while also supporting local charities. Ambrose noted that Siena athletes will have the opportunity to earn their NIL money through public appearances on behalf of these charities, making it a win-win situation for everyone involved.
The collective has also made strides in signing five Siena men’s basketball players, all newcomers to the team. These include redshirt freshman guard Reid Ducharme, who transferred from Xavier, and junior guards Major Freeman and Justice Shoats, who joined from junior college and Lock Haven, respectively. Freshman forward Tajae Jones and freshman guard Gavin Doty round out the group. Ambrose shared that Ducharme, Freeman, Shoats, and redshirt sophomore center Pete Carey will benefit from a special arrangement with a Lia dealership, allowing them to use dealership vehicles while paying a nominal monthly rental fee. This arrangement not only supports the players but also strengthens local business relationships.
Not to be left out, Siena women’s basketball players are also getting in on the action. Anajah Brown, Ahniysha Jackson, Valencia Fontenelle-Posson, and Alden Yergey have all secured deals through Saints March On. Ambrose revealed that the collective even found NIL opportunities for forward Teresa Seppala during the team’s summer trip to Ireland, showcasing the collective’s commitment to supporting all athletes, regardless of their backgrounds.
Transparency is key for Saints March On. Ambrose emphasized that all athletes associated with the collective sign contracts, ensuring clarity and mutual understanding. He referenced a recent national news story about UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka, who left his program amid disagreements regarding promised NIL inducements. “We coordinate with the (basketball) staff and have conversations internally to make sure everything is synced up properly,” he stated. This proactive approach helps ensure that players receive fair compensation while aligning with the team’s values and messaging.
Before Weitsman made headlines with his generous donation, Ambrose noted that there had already been interest from Syracuse fans looking to contribute to Saints March On in support of McNamara. This enthusiasm demonstrates the broad appeal of McNamara’s hiring and the shared commitment to elevating Siena basketball.
In conclusion, Adam Weitsman’s significant $100,000 donation to Siena men’s basketball represents more than just financial support; it embodies friendship, community engagement, and a vision for the future of college athletics. With McNamara at the helm, there’s a palpable excitement surrounding the Siena program, fueled by innovative fundraising efforts like Saints March On. As the season approaches, it’s clear that the Siena community is rallying together, and with leaders like Weitsman and Ambrose at the forefront, the future looks bright for Siena men’s basketball. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, there’s no denying that this season will be one to watch!
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