FLORENCE, Ala. -- Following a record-breaking year in financial support, the North Alabama Lions Athletic Club, the official athletic booster organization of the University of North Alabama, donated a record $225,000 to UNA's athletic program.

Lions Athletic Club President Johnny Simpson, along with members of the club's board of directors, presented UNA Athletic Director Dr. Josh Looney with a ceremonial check on Saturday at UNA's home basketball game against Lipscomb.

The donation is the largest single-year gift by the Lions Athletic Club to UNA since the organization was created in 1966.

Looney said the funds will assist the department with facility upgrades and the various sports coaches in their operating budgets.