An Evening with Don Nehlen & Friends is set for Sunday, August 31, 2008 in the WesBanco Arena in Wheeling, WV from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. This event kicks off a huge Friends of Coal Prep Classic Labor Day weekend of football-related entertainment in the Upper Ohio Valley. As West Virginia’s most successful and beloved football coach, Nehlen will be honored by many whose lives have been touched over the decades by Coach Nehlen. Former players and coaches, as well as coaching peers and active coaching greats will celebrate the contribution Nehlen has made as a coach, husband, father and friend to many. The entire evening will be emceed by the renowned Roy Firestone, seven-time Emmy award winner and one of ESPN’s “original” personalities.
Coaching legend after coaching legend will take center stage to tell some of their funniest, craziest stories from their coaching days, both at the high school and college levels.
The list of legends scheduled to appear include:
- John Cooper (Arizona State, Ohio State)
- Terry Donahue (UCLA)
- Vince Dooley (Georgia)
- Pat Dye (Auburn)
- LaVell Edwards (Brigham Young)
- Hayden Fry (Iowa)
- Don James (Washington)
- Frank Kush (Arizona State)
- Dick MacPherson (Syracuse)
- Bill Mallory (Colorado, Indiana)
- Tom Osborne (Nebraska)
- John Ralston (Stanford)
- John Robinson (USC)
- R.C. Slocum (Texas A&M)
- Gene Stalling (Alabama)
- George Welch (Virginia)
Former Ohio State football recruiting coordinator Bill Conley (now the featured ‘recruiting writer’ for ESPN.com), along with former basketball coaching great Rollie Massimino (Villanova, 1985 National Champion) are also scheduled to be in attendance.
The beneficiary of the evening will be high school student-athletes from the Ohio Valley area schools. Scholarships will be awarded to those who best exemplify the ideals of Coach Nehlen. An additional charity of Coach Nehlen’s choice will be included as well.
Tickets will be $25.00 with locations of purchase to be announced.
The following day will feature a showcase of top national prep football teams, including Cleveland Glenville, Thomas Jefferson (PA), Lakeland (FL), Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Wheeling Central Catholic and Steubenville Catholic.
Contact: Ken Halloy (614) 394-2282 or ken.halloy@fahlgren.com