American Cancer Society's Coaches vs. Cancer Las Vegas Golf Classic 2024 E-Update

Feb. 2024 ￨Issue No. 3

Toby Keith, country music superstar and Classic supporter, passed away peacefully last week after a battle with stomach cancer.  

"Toby's talent, enthusiasm and time were gifts that delivered signature moments for the Classic," reflected Classic founder Lon Kruger. "His friendship, generosity and fighting spirit will never be forgotten. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans around the world. His legacy will live on through his music and service to others."    

Keith and his band graciously donated two memorable performances throughout the event’s history - one in 2012 performing in Kruger’s Las Vegas backyard and the other in 2014 at MGM Grand.

He will be greatly missed.

Big West, Diamond Head Classic focus on Coaches vs. Cancer

How did Lon Kruger and the Las Vegas Golf Classic influence Hawaii’s Eran Ganot, the Big West Conference and the Diamond Head Classic to focus on Coaches vs. Cancer? Find out more below. 

Company remains dedicated to defeating cancer

Wald Family Foods is excited to be back in Las Vegas in May for the 17th Annual Coaches vs. Cancer Las Vegas Golf Classic. This marks our fourth consecutive year as a Starting Lineup sponsor.

Cancer touches us all in one way or another. We at Wald Family Foods are no exception. This past year, we've celebrated victories against the disease while also losing somebody very important to us after a long battle. Through research and innovation, he enjoyed many more years with his family and friends than doctors originally projected.

We look forward to reconnecting with the many friends we've made at the event while raising money and awareness in order to one day defeat cancer once and for all. (CEO Tommy Wald is pictured.)

NAME THAT COACH



This Coaches vs. Cancer Las Vegas Golf Classic current head coach’s grandfather, Jerry Bush, guided the same basketball program for nine seasons from 1955-1963.

A. San Jose State’s Tim Miles

B. Stanford’s Jerod Haase

C. Nebraska’s Fred Hoiberg

D. USC’s Andy Enfield

See answer below. 

Event is just three months away - secure your plans

Player information is needed for those with foursomes in the May 19-21 Coaches vs. Cancer Las Vegas Golf Classic presented by Sanford Health. Click here to complete the registration form and return it to Samantha Molinero with American Cancer Society at samantha.molinero@cancer.org as soon as possible. Player information and payments are due by April 12.

More information is also available on the Classic's website. 

Those interested in playing - but who have yet to secure a foursome - please contact Lon Kruger at lonkruger12@gmail.com regarding the status of the waiting list. 

Hotel accommodations on the evenings of Sunday, May 19 and Monday, May 20 are included with tournament registration fees. The American Cancer Society is unable to provide complimentary rooms for participants on Saturday (May 18) or Tuesday (May 21). Park MGM has offered special room rates (for the first 50 rooms booked each night) for participants on the following days - Friday, $279 plus taxes/fees and Tuesday, $89 plus taxes/fees. The current rate for Saturday is $665 plus taxes/fees and is subject to change based on demand. 

Contact Samantha (email address above) to inquire about staying additional nights.

Head coaches committed for this May include:

Dana Altman

Oregon

Greg McDermott

Creighton

Matt Painter

Purdue

Fred Hoiberg

Nebraska

Porter Moser

Oklahoma

Chris Crutchfield

Omaha

Bob Chipman

Washburn (retired)

Ron McHenry

Washburn (retired)

Lon Kruger

Retired

Andy Enfield

USC

Tubby Smith

High Point (retired)

Jerome Tang

Kansas State

Tim Miles

San Jose State

Mark Schmidt

St. Bonaventure

Ron Cottrell

Houston Christian

Jim Harrick

UCLA (retired)

Fran McCaffery

Iowa

Brad Underwood

Illinois/CvC Council Chair

Kevin Kruger

UNLV

Jerod Haase

Stanford

Reggie Theus

Bethune-Cookman

Pete Herrmann

Young Harris (retired)

Chris Klieman

Kansas State FB

ROAD TO RECOVERY DRIVERS

RECOGNIZED IN LAS VEGAS

KRUGER'S RECRUITMENT EFFORTS MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE



Local American Cancer Society Road To Recovery drivers were honored during the Runnin’ Rebel’s Coaches vs. Cancer game presented by Comprehensive Cancer Centers last month. 

The Road To Recovery program gives cancer patients free transportation for cancer-related medical appointments, and volunteer drivers are being recruited nationwide. As a trained volunteer driver, you’ll join cancer patients on a crucial part of their journey to recovery, transporting them to and from their appointments and ensuring their access to care isn’t prevented or delayed because of lack of transportation. 

When Classic founder Lon Kruger began his recruitment efforts for the program last year, the Las Vegas valley had 15 drivers. The local program is now at nearly 70 drivers and continuing to climb.

A few hours of your day could make a lifesaving difference. All you need is a car, driver’s license and insurance. Training is easy and online, and you can drive as much or as little as fits your schedule. Click here or contact natalie.morrison@cancer.org to learn more about Road To Recovery volunteer opportunities in your area.

Hear more from Kruger and Road To Recovery driver Deidra Hamilton below about the program and recruitment efforts currently underway in Nevada.

NAME THAT COACH



Answer: Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg (pictured (far left) with his team in 2023).

Hoiberg is in his fifth season as Nebraska’s men’s basketball coach in 2023-24. Hoiberg, who was born in Lincoln, is the 28th coach in the history of Nebraska men’s basketball, a fraternity that includes his grandfather, Jerry Bush, who guided the Husker program for nine seasons from 1955 to 1963. Hoiberg’s ties run deep to Nebraska as his other grandfather, Otto Hoiberg, was a history professor at the University, while his father, Eric, received his doctorate degree from Nebraska.

A special thank you to our sponsors

Gail McNally & Shelly Wilson

Want to join the likes of Sanford Health, MGM Resorts International, NextGen Cattle Co., Nike, The UPS Store, Comprehensive Cancer Centers, Wald Family Foods, RBC Capital Markets 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 2024 Coaches vs. Cancer Las Vegas Golf Classic by contacting Bridget Byrne at bridget.byrne@xsosofsuccess.com or (702) 275-1124.

Have questions about the 17th Annual Coaches vs. Cancer Las Vegas Golf Classic? 

Visit the Classic's website or contact Samantha Molinero with American Cancer Society at samantha.molinero@cancer.org or (954) 639-2101.