FLORENCE, S.C. – The Francis Marion University athletic department is in the midst of its 2007-08 Swamp Fox Club fund-raising campaign with a goal of $125,000 for the coming year.

Recognizing the nickname of the university’s namesake, the Swamp Fox Club is the fund-raising arm of the Francis Marion athletic program. FMU sponsors 12 intercollegiate sports, six each for men and women. Two of the programs, men’s golf and women’s soccer, compete as NCAA Division I independents, while the other 10 sports are members of the Division II Peach Belt Conference.

According to FMU athletic director Murray Hartzler, “The mission of the organization is provide a quality college experience for student-athletes as well as scholarship support for each team, as established under NCAA guidelines.

“We are looking to push our intercollegiate program to new heights in 2007-08. Our golf and women’s soccer programs successfully completed their transitions to Division I membership and are competing well at that level. Our other sports are looking to challenge for conference titles within the Peach Belt, and thus attain Division II post-season invitations.”

Depending on the amount of the contribution, different membership privileges are afforded Swamp Fox Club members.   Memberships are available to both individuals and businesses.

Annually, more than 175 student-athletes receive some scholarship assistance from the athletic booster club.

For more information or to receive a Swamp Fox Club brochure, call the athletic office at 843-661-1240.