Fayette, Mo. – The Central Methodist Department of Athletics hosted the 10th annual Eagle Athletic Auction on Friday, July 17, inside Puckett Field House.
The event drew more than 250 supporters and raised a record-breaking $230,000, with all proceeds benefiting CMU student-athletes. The record-setting amount also pushed the Eagle Athletic Auction past $1 million in total funds raised since its inaugural event in 2016, marking a significant milestone for one of the university's premier fundraising traditions.
Guests bid on a record 170 silent auction items, along with several featured live auction experiences, including a weekend trip to Nashville, a St. Louis Cardinals jersey autographed by two-time World Series champion Yadier Molina, and a Red River Gorge getaway with Dr. and Mrs. Drake.
The evening opened with a highlight video celebrating the success of the 2025-26 athletics season. Attendees also heard from 2026 NAIA National Champion pentathlete Haley Bellamy before a special video commemorated the first 10 years of the Eagle Athletic Auction.
The live auction was led by Dick Hutchison '83 of Dick Hutchison Auction and Real Estate LLC.
"What a night!" said Director of Athletics Jeff Sherman. "This record-breaking accomplishment is a direct reflection of the incredible support we experience every day from the Central Methodist University community. There are so many people who made this event possible and whose hard work will directly benefit our student-athletes. I want to thank Stasia Sherman and Bill Sheehan and the Advancement staff, Elaine Green and the Athletics staff, Joe Waner and the Marketing staff, Sharon Cravens and the Fresh Ideas staff, Derry Wiswall and the Plant Operations staff, and Gary Linhart for serving as our emcee, Dick and Seth Hutchison for serving as our auctioneers, and the CMU Board of Trustees."
"Our atmosphere for this event is second to none, and I truly believe we continue to raise the bar every year," Sherman added. "Every dollar raised goes directly toward supporting our CMU Athletics programs. What a way to celebrate the first 10 years of the Eagle Athletic Auction. We look forward to even more record-breaking events and championship moments in the years ahead with a community that always crosses the finish line together. Go Eagles!"
The 11th annual Eagle Athletic Auction is scheduled for Friday, July 16, 2027 inside Puckett Field House.
To view the photo gallery from the evening, please click here.
To donate to Central Methodist University, please click here.
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