By Staff
ST. JOSEPH – Tickets are now on sale for the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan's second annual roast.
This year's honoree is St. Joseph High School Football Coach Elliott Uzelac. Coach Uzelac has previously coached at Georgetown University, University of Kentucky, University of Colorado, Ohio State University, and University of Michigan (under Coach Bo Schembechler).
He was head coach at Western Michigan and the U.S. Naval Academy. Coach U, as he is known to fans, is credited with turning around the St. Joe football team from 0-9 to 12-1 in only two years. Just as important is the impact "Coach U" has made on the personal lives of the players. Coach U exemplifies the difference a mentor makes in the lives of young people.
On Friday, July 25 at 6:30 p.m. at LMC Mendel Center's Grand Upton Hall, coach Uzelac will be roasted by Ike Muhlekamp (St. Joe High School), Denny Dock (Lakeshore High School), Ethan Schweir and Brad Guinane (St. Joe players), Bret Witkowski (Berrien County Treasurer), Paul Schudel (Albion College, former U of M assistant coach) and Phil McDonald (Radio Personality).
Jim Gifford of Midwest Family Broadcasting will be the event's MC.
Tickets are $50 per person with $25 a tax deductible donation to the Volunteer Center.
Tickets may be purchased at the Volunteer Center's office in downtown St. Joseph located at 605 Pleasant Street or at Martins on Cleveland Road in St. Joseph.
Food to include a tailgate menu, beverages, a cash bar and a birthday dessert to celebrate the Coach's birthday. Guests are invited to wear their favorite high school, college or NFL team colors.
A live and silent auction will also be held at the event and will include: a Gladiator Chillerator Garage refrigerator, a full size authentic Carolina Panther helmet signed by Steve Smith No. 89, a Carolina Panther football signed by players, a New England Patriots football signed by Bill Belichick and many other sports memorabilia from NFL and college teams,
Come join the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan in celebrating Coach Uzelac's success and in raising awareness of the importance of mentoring.