COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – Johnnie Strong. 

To the resilient Saint John's University community and its athletic department, the phrase represents qualities such as toughness, persistence and generosity. The campus atmosphere and the Johnnie network of alumni and friends are just a few examples of this motto, which emulates the prideful lyrics from the school's fight song, "…show the world what SJU can do, the fighting Johnnies' spirit will win through."

Now, that commitment is needed more than ever during these trying times, and we're asking you to help.

The SJU athletic department will hold its second annual 24-hour, online giving campaign – the aptly named Johnnie Strong - Go Johnnies Challenge – on Thursday, Sept. 3. 

The event, which was originally scheduled for April 2, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Go Johnnies Challenge's website remained live from late March to April 2 and 228 generous donors gave $39,375. 

The goal of the Johnnie Strong - Go Johnnies Challenge is 650 donors for the university's 650-plus varsity and club student-athletes. Monetary gifts can be designated toward specific sport programs and the general athletic department, as well as athletic training, strength and conditioning and the J-Club. 

"We will get through this crisis, and Saint John's continues to stay strong," said SJU athletic director Bob Alpers '82. "We are so grateful for the support we have received in the past and for the out-pouring of support we've received for our student-athletes.

"Our reality is that even though most may not compete this fall, we still had to buy shoulder pads, hockey sticks and golf balls. The cost to outfit our large rosters is always a challenge. Our student athletes need the support of our generous friends and alumni now more than ever. Once again, every gift, every size makes a difference as 100 percent of the dollars raised go directly to the sport."

Friends of SJU Athletics are encouraged to donate to the sport/s of their choosing and/or challenge their friends and teammates with a matching gift (per donor, preferably).

For a sneak peek at the Go Johnnies Challenge, click here.