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Oneida Today
By the People, for the People
Syracuse Booster Matches $50K in Back G-Mac Campaign
Fundraising drive for new basketball coach Gerry McNamara gains momentum with dual $100K pledges.
Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:04pm
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The vibrant, community-driven Back G-Mac Challenge aims to rally Syracuse fans behind the team's new coach and revitalize the Orange basketball program.Oneida TodaySyracuse University has launched a grassroots campaign to encourage fans to support the Orange basketball program and the school's new coach Gerry McNamara. Syracuse booster Vinny Lobdell immediately pledged to match all donations up to $50,000, and another anonymous booster has now mirrored that $50,000 pledge, creating a total $100,000 matching pool for the Back G-Mac Challenge.
Why it matters
The Back G-Mac Challenge is a critical fundraising effort to support the basketball program and new head coach Gerry McNamara, who is tasked with reviving the Orange after several down seasons. The dual $50,000 matching pledges demonstrate significant booster enthusiasm and will help drive fan engagement and donations to the campaign.
The details
The Back G-Mac Challenge was launched last week by Syracuse University to encourage fans to donate and support the men's basketball program and new head coach Gerry McNamara. Syracuse booster Vinny Lobdell was the first to pledge, offering to match up to $50,000 in donations. After the campaign quickly reached that initial $50,000 mark, another anonymous Syracuse booster has now stepped forward to match an additional $50,000, creating a total $100,000 matching pool for the fundraising drive.
- The Back G-Mac Challenge was launched by Syracuse University last week.
- Vinny Lobdell pledged to match up to $50,000 in donations immediately after the campaign launched.
- The campaign reached the initial $50,000 matching goal within a short period of time.
The players
Vinny Lobdell
A Syracuse University booster who pledged to match up to $50,000 in donations to the Back G-Mac Challenge.
Gerry McNamara
The new head coach of the Syracuse University men's basketball team, who the Back G-Mac Challenge is aimed at supporting.
What they’re saying
“We must rally behind Coach McNamara and the basketball program. This matching challenge is a great way for fans to make an impact.”
— Vinny Lobdell, Syracuse Booster
What’s next
The Back G-Mac Challenge will continue to accept donations from Syracuse fans, with the full $100,000 matching pool available until the funds are exhausted.
The takeaway
The dual $50,000 matching pledges for the Back G-Mac Challenge demonstrate strong booster support for new basketball coach Gerry McNamara and the university's efforts to revitalize the program through grassroots fan engagement and fundraising.
