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Marketing and University Communication UW-Green Bay, CL 815 2420 Nicolet Drive Green Bay, WI 54311-7001 (920) 465-2626 E-mail: hildebrs@uwgb.edu Last update: 9/27/07 |
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In
the News Archive - Year:
May 18, 2004 College basketball: Packers-UWGB relationship picks up By Rob Demovsky
Packers President Bob Harlan once served as the head of the Phoenix Fund, the fund-raising arm of the athletic department.
But the relationship between the Packers and UWGB is perhaps at its strongest. There will be no greater example of that than tonight, when more than 500 UWGB supporters attend the fourth annual steak fry fund-raiser at Lambeau Field.
"The relationship has picked up quite a bit in recent years," Harlan said. "We feel that we need to give strong support to the local school."
Since athletics director Ken Bothof and men's basketball coach Tod Kowalczyk, a De Pere native, began working at UWGB in 2002, the ties have grown stronger. Together, they have made a conscious effort to raise the athletic department's profile within the community.
"One of the first things that happened when Ken and Tod got here was they both reached out to us and vice versa," said Mark Schiefelbein, the Packers' director of administrative affairs and a member of the Phoenix Fund board of directors. "The relationship had already been there and previously we'd always try to help them out whenever we could, but every year there's been more involvement."
Several Packers staff members and even a handful of players attended men's basketball games at the Resch Center last season. Harlan said the Packers have approximately 20 UWGB season tickets for their employees to use.
"I've told Tod that whenever he needs something, just call us," Harlan said.
"They've taken giant strides with their program, and we want to make sure we help."
Harlan and several front office staff members, coach Mike Sherman and several players attend the steak fry. Both Harlan and Sherman have spoken to the Phoenix players on several occasions. Harlan spoke to the team before last season's game against Loyola, and Sherman often speaks to recruits when they tour Lambeau Field.
"Having the Packers involved in our program is a big advantage for us," Kowalczyk said. "I am extremely grateful for everything they have done for us since we've been here. They're willing to help our program be as successful as it can be."
The steak fry started in 2001 under UWGB's previous athletic administration and men's basketball coaching staff. The first year, about 350 supporters attended the event, which was held in the Packers' gymnasium. This year, more than 500 people are expected to attend the event, to be held in the concourse at Lambeau Field.
Because the Packers donated the use of their facility and other businesses such as American Foods Group, The Bar and Levy Restaurants have donated the food and beverages, all of the profits go to UWGB basketball. Last year's steak fry raised $37,300. More than $40,000 is expected to be raised this year."The fact that everything is donated makes this event so big for us," Bothof said. "We're so grateful to all those organizations. It directly benefits our basketball program."
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