American Cancer Society's Coaches vs. Cancer Las Vegas Golf Classic 2021 E-Update |
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Dear Friends,
Although Dad is retiring from coaching, his passion for the Coaches vs. Cancer Las Vegas Golf Classic is greater than ever. In fact, he’s excited this year’s Classic will be the best in its 14-year history - and he’s looking forward to growing the event in years to come.
Las Vegas has meant so much to our family over the past 15-plus years and the Classic has been a big part of that. Alli and I love this community and the chance to lead the UNLV Runnin’ Rebel program is a dream come true. It also allows us the opportunity to be more involved in the Classic and the fight against cancer.
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We’re looking forward to seeing all the coaches, sponsors and golfers here next month. It will be fun to celebrate the retirements of Coach Roy Williams and Dad. But none of us will ever lose sight of who the real heroes are - those battling cancer.
Thank you for supporting Coaches vs. Cancer.
Kevin Kruger
UNLV, Head Coach
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LV Classic team delivered big in 2020
Event ranked No. 1 for golf nationwide supporting ACS
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All involved with the Coaches vs. Cancer Las Vegas Golf Classic presented by Sanford Health delivered when backs were against the wall last summer.
By generating over $1.15 million for the American Cancer Society last August, the Classic ranked as the No. 1 golf event nationally for ACS. It was also a Top 5 event overall benefiting ACS during a year where fundraising events were critical - but scarce - due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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“Cancer didn’t stop and neither did we,” said Lon Kruger, founder of the Las Vegas Golf Classic. “The dollars to fight cancer were more critical than ever last year and those involved were committed to that. From MGM Resorts to the golf courses to our transportation partners, they worked hard to make it safe and enjoyable for the golfers. The coaches and sponsors found a way. Looking back, it really was a special effort during a tough time.”
Kruger pointed to a specific group that showed a different level of commitment last year. Although they did not attend the event in August, these sponsors/golfers chose to turn their payment into a true donation: Derek Thompson (NextGen Cattle Co.), Danny Heatly, Rox Covert, Jesse Rogers and Pete Wilson.
“They will never know just how much that meant to us all last year,” Kruger said. “It was such a strong message about their commitment to this event and helping those fighting cancer.”
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CvC leaders Kruger, Williams retire from coaching
Kruger to remain chair of CvC Council
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Two key members of the Coaches vs. Cancer Las Vegas Golf Classic recently announced their retirement from coaching - Oklahoma’s Lon Kruger and North Carolina’s Roy Williams.
“As college basketball coaching legends Lon Kruger and Roy Williams retire, fans of the game will celebrate their extraordinary careers, incredible victories, and thrilling NCAA tournaments,” said Gary Reedy, CEO of the American Cancer Society. “But for many cancer patients, Lon and Roy’s biggest wins cannot be measured on the court. Instead, they are measured by the countless lives they have saved because of their tireless work with Coaches vs. Cancer. For decades Lon and Roy have been shining examples of using their platforms to do good for others. The American Cancer Society is fortunate to call them teammates in the fight against cancer.”
Kruger will continue to serve as chair of the Coaches vs. Cancer Council as well as lead the LV Golf Classic efforts annually. Both coaches will be highlighted at this year’s Classic. Congratulations on your retirements, Coach Kruger and Coach Williams! Team Coaches vs. Cancer is so proud of you!
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Sanford Pentagon highlights Coaches vs. Cancer in "game of the year"
Sanford Health's impact on CvC goes beyond LV Classic
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On Dec. 19, the Sanford Pentagon hosted what turned out to be the 2020-21 regular-season game of the year in NCAA Division I men’s basketball - No. 1 Gonzaga vs. No. 3 Iowa. And Coaches vs. Cancer left footprints on the nationally televised showdown.
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Iowa coach Fran McCaffrey and Gonzaga coach Mark Few both sported custom shoes during the game, adorned with Coaches vs. Cancer logos and artwork. It was their way of supporting the mission of the American Cancer Society and the Coaches vs. Cancer Suits And Sneakers program.
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Only select friends and family from both teams were allowed into the retro-style Pentagon for the game, but more than 1.35 million households watched the event live on CBS.
“Coaches vs. Cancer events help fuel the American Cancer Society’s mission, essentially grounded due to COVID-19, in the fight against cancer,” McCaffery said. “But it’s a fight that can’t be cancelled, postponed, or rescheduled. Cancer won’t stop. So neither can we.”
The Sanford Pentagon is the anchor of the Sanford Sports Complex in Sioux Falls, S.D. It is owned and operated by Sanford Health, the presenting sponsor of the Las Vegas Golf Classic.
Because of its place at the intersection of sports and health care, the Pentagon had an exceptionally busy 2020-21 season, hosting 36 Division I men’s and women’s basketball games.
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Win custom CvC shoes, support the fight
Sweepstakes features five LV Classic coaches
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Here’s your chance to win autographed, NCAA Tournament game-worn, custom shoes from participating coaches: Andy Enfield (USC), Mark Few (Gonzaga), Lon Kruger (Oklahoma - retired), Fran McCaffery (Iowa), Greg McDermott (Creighton), Kelvin Sampson (Houston) and Brad Underwood (Illinois).
Enfield, Kruger, McCaffery, McDermott and Underwood are all scheduled to take part in May’s Coaches vs. Cancer Las Vegas Golf Class presented by Sanford Health.
All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society and the fight against cancer. Click here to learn more about this sweepstakes which runs through the end of this month.
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The UPS Store returns for year seven with LV Classic
Support from sponsor is year-round in Las Vegas
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Every great team has unsung heroes - enter Tom Englund and The UPS Store Las Vegas. In addition to its sponsorship for the Coaches vs. Cancer Las Vegas Golf Classic, The UPS Store delivers (pun intended) for Coaches vs. Cancer efforts in Las Vegas.
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“For the past seven years, Tom and The UPS Store have been all in to support the Classic and all Coaches vs. Cancer activities in Las Vegas,” said Classic founder Lon Kruger. “And the passion is what makes it so special. Tom takes complete ownership of anything his group is involved with - they want the event and the partners to succeed.”
Las Vegas hosts Coaches vs. Cancer-related events throughout the year. And whenever Coaches vs. Cancer needs shipping or additional business support, The UPS Store Las Vegas team is always there.
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Tom Englund (far left) and friends supporting Coaches vs. Cancer |
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“We are dedicated to teaming with coaches and the American Cancer Society to fight the battle vs. cancer,” Englund said. “This isn’t about just a few days in May. We are in this to win and we’re committed to playing our part."
The UPS Store is the world's largest franchisor of retail shipping, postal, printing and business service centers providing convenient and value-added business services to the small-office/home-office market, corporate "road warriors" and consumers.
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Spokane's "Farnham Flatbread" benefiting CvC
ESPN analyst continues support of LV Classic
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ESPN’s Sean Farnham continues to find ways to contribute to the Coaches vs. Cancer Las Vegas Golf Classic presented by Sanford Health.
“The fight for cancer never stops and neither can the creative path for us to connect with people to help support that fight,” said Farnham, who serves as co-emcee at the LV Golf Classic. “I am so thankful for the Davenport hotel in Spokane that has committed to donating 100% of the proceeds from ‘The Farnham’ flatbread (spicy shrimp flatbread) sales during the NCAA Tournament to Lon Kruger’s Las Vegas Golf Classic.”
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Join our "Hole Hero" team today
Program designed to honor loved ones
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There is still time to be a “Hole Hero” at the 2021 Coaches vs. Cancer Las Vegas Golf Classic presented by Sanford Health. The program allows participants to honor a loved one who has passed away from cancer, is being treated for cancer or is a survivor.
"Hole Hero" sponsorships are $5,000 and will include signage on the course, exposure in e-newsletters and special recognition during LV Golf Classic events. Underwriters - who are also golfing in the event - will receive an additional free round of golf for four at either Southern Highlands Golf Club or DragonRidge Country Club in the Las Vegas valley. If you or someone you know is interested in more information about the program or wants to renew from last year, please contact Lon Kruger at lkruger@ou.edu or D.J. Allen at dj.allen@xsosofsuccess.com or (702) 339-0991.
The group of committed Hole Heroes currently includes:
- MGM Resorts International
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NextGen Cattle Co. in memory of Bryan Lindstrom
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Top of the World in memory of Kathy Hill and in honor of Shelly Wilson
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The UPS Store in memory of Joe Yale and Beth Sprude
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Comprehensive Cancer Centers in honor of our fighters, survivors and angels
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Xs & Os of Success in memory of Keith Campbell and Scot Boken and in honor of Larry Allen and Natalie Day
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Lon and Barb Kruger in memory of Coach Lew Hill
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The McGivern Family in honor of Coach Lon Kruger - Thank you for 10 amazing years at OU and your tireless leadership in the fight against cancer.
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Danny and Dana Heatly in memory of Dale Beckham and Charles Heatly
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Altamont Capital in honor of Kathy Diekroeger
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- Empire Marketing Strategies
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Fran and Margaret McCaffery in honor of Patrick McCaffery and in memory of Austin Schroeder
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Coaches vs. Cancer Family in memory of Peter Mindock, Ted Seagroves and Rick McGraw and proud to honor Coach Clark
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Call for golfer registration information
Patrons asked to provide all needed info asap
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Participants who have yet to provide organizers of the Coaches vs. Cancer Las Vegas Golf Classic presented by Sanford Health with any needed registration information (click here to access the form) are asked to do so immediately.
This may include room information, handicaps, shoe size, shirt size and cell phone number. This information is critical for organizers as we work with key partners such as Park MGM and Nike.
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Who is in for the Classic in 2021?
The following coaches/celebrities are scheduled to be part of the event next month:
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Roy Williams
North Carolina (retired)
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Lon Kruger
Oklahoma (retired)
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Bob Chipman
Washburn (retired)
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Frank Martin
South Carolina
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Greg McDermott
Creighton
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Wayne Tinkle
Oregon State
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Eric Konkol
Louisiana Tech
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Dave Pilipovich
New Mexico
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Tim Miles
TV Personality
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Ron Cottrell
Houston Baptist
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Chris Crutchfield
East Central
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Pete Herrmann
Young Harris (retired)
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Rick Byrd
Belmont (retired)
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Jim Harrick
UCLA (retired)
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Reggie Theus
NBA (retired)
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Joe Washington
Oklahoma/NFL
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Jud Kinne
Houston Baptist
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Joe Holladay
North Carolina (retired)
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Mike Montgomery
Stanford/Cal (retired)
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Jim Livengood
Hall of Fame AD
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Gene Taylor
Kansas State AD
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Desiree Reed-Francois
UNLV AD
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JT The Brick
Radio Personality
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Doug Gottlieb
FOX Sports Radio
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A special thank you to our sponsors |
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Sponsorships for 2021 Classic available |
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Want to join the likes of Sanford Health, MGM Resorts International, NextGen Cattle Co., Nike, Top of the World, The UPS Store, Comprehensive Cancer Centers, Wald Family Foods and Xs & Os of Success and play an even bigger role in supporting Coaches vs. Cancer? All while gaining valuable exposure for your organization?
Find out more about becoming a sponsor of the 2021 Coaches vs. Cancer Las Vegas Golf Classic by contacting D.J. Allen at dj.allen@xsosofsuccess.com or (702) 339-0991.
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Have questions about the 14th Annual Coaches vs. Cancer Las Vegas Golf Classic?
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You can always contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-800-227-2345 or at cancer.org/contactus.
The American Cancer Society | 250 Williams Street | Atlanta, GA 30303
Copyright 2021 American Cancer Society
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