Most Division I schools have wealthy alumni pouring money into the athletic programs.
There are also lucrative sponsorships as well as the sale of team merchandise and ticket sales.
This money goes to state of the art sports facilities with every possible amenity and the latest and greatest athletic equipment to give athletes every possible advantage. All these luxuries help elite teams attract top-notch athletes, which leads to more success, more fans and ultimately more money rolling in.
In Division II the landscape isn't quite as posh even for the nation's most elite teams.
While there are boosters and sponsors and some merchandise sales, there's often not enough to go around.
That's why the Northwest Missouri State football team hosts the Shawna Zech Memorial Classic (commonly known as the Bearcat Classic) every summer.
The annual golfing tournament draws in former Northwest players and other alumni to help assuage some of the expenses the football team incurs during the season.
The Classic raises enough money to pay for a large chunk of travel expenses for the team.
Bearcat fans and alumni will take to Mozingo Lake Golf Course this Friday in two sessions (8 a.m. and 2 p.m.) to try and give their favorite team a little boost.
"It's a big fundraiser for us," Northwest football coach Mel Tjeerdsma said. "The way things are now it's something we need."
In a time where the entire nation is feeling a money crunch, the Bearcats are not immune.
Tjeerdsma said the response has continued to be good this year for the Classic, but they're still saving money wherever they can.
"So far we've been pretty fortunate," Tjeerdsma said. "I think we're like everybody. We just have to watch things a little closer and be a little more responsible with everything.
"I think our administration and Dr. Bob (Boerigter) has done a great job of keeping this going."
Tjeerdsma said the Bearcats might even have to find some other ways to raise a little extra prior to this season.
However, the Classic isn't just about money. It gives fans a chance to connect with former and current players. It also gives those former players a chance to reconnect with coaches and old teammates.
Tjeerdsma said he likes to use the Classic as a way to catch up with his old players and their families.
"It's a special time because we get quite a few people that for us it's probably the only time we see them," Tjeerdsma said. "These guys get back for the games sometimes, but unless they wait afterward we don't get a chance to talk to them as coaches."
Tjeerdsma said some of his more famous alumni will be back for the classic as well. He said Giants' defensive end Dave Tollefson and former Arizona quarterback Chris Greisen have already made plans to attend. He said he thinks Bills running back Xavier Omon will at least be back for some of the pre-tournament festivities Thursday night.
They'll be joining hundreds of former players who might not have made it on the next level but have their playing days etched into the minds of the Bearcats faithful.
And like in their playing days, they'll all have one common goal — do whatever they can to help the Northwest Missouri State football team reach its goals.
Maryville, Mo. —
