LUBBOCK, Texas (NEWS RELEASED) – Texas Tech Athletics on Tuesday announced another significant gift to the Enduring Champions Campaign as former Red Raider student-athletes John and Tracy Sellers announced $11 million to the Texas Tech Athletic Department.
As part of the gift designation, Texas Tech will use $10 million toward the future construction of the Dustin R. Womble Football Center and the new south end zone at Jones AT&T Stadium, a $200 million project that officially opened in July.
Meanwhile, an additional $1 million will be allocated to Rocky Johnson Field for future facility improvements, which will include building an arena similar to Rip Griffin Park, as well as new field nets, an upgraded sound system and more. This is the largest commitment to the Texas Tech softball program in 20 years.
“We are very fortunate to have two of our former players contribute in such an impactful way.” Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt said. “John and Tracy care deeply about this university and athletic program and we cannot thank them enough for this gift. This is another important step that we see as successful for both our football and softball programs.
John Sellers, a Canyon native and former Red Raider football player, is the founder and CEO of Double Eagle Holdings, one of the most successful oil and gas exploration and development companies in the country. His wife, the former Tracy Cartier, was a softball winner from 2001-03, making 89 starts totaling 58 hits, 31 runs, four doubles, a pair of triples and 18 stolen bases during that time. The Red Raiders advanced to just their second NCAA regional in her first season in 2001.
The gift bolsters Texas Tech’s recent fundraising success, as the athletic department plans to begin construction on the project’s south end zone following the 2022 football season. Texas Tech continues to have unprecedented success with personal fundraising and philanthropy for the project. Texas Tech Athletics plans to raise more than $100 million privately for $200 million.
“This impactful gift will help us reach our goal of $77 million for the Womble Soccer Center and South End Zone Project. We are extremely grateful to John and Tracy and their commitment to the soccer and softball programs,” said Senior Associate Athletic Director Andrea Tyre. Our efforts have made great progress. We remain aggressive and hope to engage as many Red Raiders as possible in the coming months to reach our goal. Funding this project takes gifts at all levels, and we thank all who have and will continue to contribute to this critical phase of the project.
“Our football program cannot thank John and Tracy enough for this generous gift,” said head coach Joey McGuire. “The vendors really love this university, and that is evident every day. We teach our players to make an impact in all areas of life, both on the field and in the community, and to be able to set two true examples in two Red Raiders like John and Tracy, that’s special. “
Students and supporters interested in contributing to the project can donate directly at www.redraiderclub.com or by calling the Red Raider Club at 806-742-1196.
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