I’m Henry Budd, a Head Coach and Second Rope Caller for the 2025 Phi Kappa Psi Tugs Team. I am a senior at NIU, entering my fourth year on the Phi Kappa Psi Tugs Team. Over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of being a part of three third-place victories from 2022, 2023, and 2024, giving us three consecutive years in that spot. While we’ve had great success, our goal is clear: to bring home the First-place trophy.

This season, we have a dedicated team of over 30 members. We’ve already held two practices on “The Box” (our current practice boards), and as a team, we’ve discussed how we can elevate our performance and push for the top spot. Our strategy includes purchasing new practice boards to replicate the dimensions of the trenches we’ll face during the tournament, supplying duct tape and athletic tape throughout the whole season, and providing the team with jerseys. We’re also committed to fueling the team with Gatorade, protein bars, and pre-match fuel. In addition to these essentials, we plan to organize three Tugs Team Breakfasts. These breakfasts will help ensure our team is properly fueled and ready for the challenges ahead.

To support these efforts, we are fundraising $2,900 for the season. This will cover the necessary costs listed below and provide the essential tools for our success:

• $700 for new practice boards

• $600 for duct tape and athletic tape

• $600 for team jerseys ($20 x 30 members)

• $100 for Gatorade, protein bars, and pre-match fuel

• $900 for three team breakfasts (for 30 Tuggers, prior to matches)

We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support from our alumni and parents. Your generous contributions will make a tremendous impact on our journey toward victory. Thank you for being a part of our team’s success!

Best regards,

Henry Budd

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