February 18, 2008
For Immediate Release: Feb. 18, 2008
Sports News Office
ieSmartSystems Donates $25,000 to New Equestrian Facility
COLLEGE STATION, Texas--The Texas A&M equestrian team's effort towards completing a new barn facility on the Brazos County Expo Center grounds took a big step forward thanks to a donation by ieSmartSystems on Monday.
Kim Colvin of ieSmartSystems, an audio/visual, building automation, cabling infrastructure and security company located in Houston, presented a check for $25,000 to Texas A&M head coach Tana Rawson on the Expo Center grounds.
"We've known Kim and her family since 2000," Rawson said. "She started out with us towards the infancy of our program and now has her own horse and is showing so she's continued her passion of riding horses. Even though she's no longer with us on the team, we've kept that relationship going and are extremely grateful for what she and her family have given back to us today."
Colvin was a member of the equestrian team for three years, from the 2001-02 season until the 2003-04 season. She competed in the intermediate I horsemanship division initially before advancing into intermediate II horsemanship as a junior.
"I was a member of the team while at A&M and it was a fabulous program," Colvin said. "With our coaches and great talent on the team, we?â„¢ve had a lot of success. I know they don?â„¢t receive as much money as some of the other sports so I think it?â„¢s important as a graduate of A&M to give back to the school and the local community. This is just my way of giving back to them because they gave a lot to me through my good memories, experiences, and friendships."
The Aggies hope to move into the new barn facility during the summer and is on track to begin competing at the Brazos County Expo Center in the fall.
"This donation really means a lot as we?â„¢re moving out here very soon," Rawson said. "The athletic department has given us a good jump start to get our facility started but we?â„¢re definitely out campaigning to get everything together we need to make this project come completely to fruition. This donation by ieSmartSystems is a great kickoff. It?â„¢s extra special for us in that this donation came from one of our former team members. We hope to get even more support on down the road as we continue this campaign."
The Aggie riders will continue their season this Saturday at 9 a.m. when they face Big 12 rival Kansas State at Freeman Arena. Admission is free.