Tuesday, March 14, 2006

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (March 14, 2006) - The East Tennessee State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has received word that its Alcohol Awareness Task Force will be receiving an additional financial commitment from Bill Breeding, President of Clyce Distributing Company.

The AATF will receive $2,000 per year for five years, a total of $10,000. The dollars are to be used to continue the AATF's efforts to promote responsibility and battle the dangers caused by under-age and binge drinking.

"Mr. Breeding's generosity and commitment to this University and community mean so much to ETSU and the Tri-Cities. His vision and the hard work of a very dedicated group of professionals are making a positive difference in the lives of our students," said Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator Barbie Breedlove, who also serves as chairman of the AATF.

Three years ago, Breeding came to the athletic administrative team with the beginnings of an idea to help battle irresponsible drinking behaviors. He contributed $2,000 per year for five years and the Alcohol Awareness Task Force was created.

The mission of the AATF is to educate ETSU students and help them make responsible choices about drinking. It focuses on reducing abusive drinking behaviors, such as underage drinking, drinking and driving, and binge drinking.

The outstanding work of the Task Force has been recognized in regional as well as national publications and ETSU is one of only 15 schools in the country to receive an NCAA Choices grant to further its work.

For more information on the AATF, contact Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations Michael White at 423-439-4220 or whitem@etsu.edu.