The Concordia University athletic department is pleased to report that the fourth annual Put Me In Coach banquet was a huge success with a record number of attendees. The event took place on Saturday, April 26 at the Buenger Education Center in the evening.


The record turnout number was 150 and featured a diverse crowd of former athletes and administrators as well as current coaches, athletic staff, professors and administrators in addition to the loyal parents of student-athletes.

The event's purpose is to recognize the "Top Four" student-athletes at Concordia University. With 53 student-athletes being nominated, the 2008 honorees were quite honored and humbled to be recognized for their on and off field contributions to the university and community.

The 2008 Top Four were: Michael Brooks (football), Kirk Ingram (baseball), Katie LaViolette (women's basketball) and Shae Wallin (track & field / cross country). All four were introduced by either their coach or an important staff member at CU. Wallin, who is studying to complete her Spanish degree in Mexico, was not present but sent a DVD acceptance speech while her father, George, accepted the award plaque on her behalf.

Put Me In Coach is also a fundraiser for the athletic department with all of the money going right back to benefit the student-athletes. The athletic department had a silent auction with numerous items along with a raffle drawing for airline tickets, a Nintendo Wii or professional photography sessions.

The fundraiser was closed out with the live auction, conducted by head baseball coach Mark "Lunch" McKenzie. The items this year were a week stay at a condo at Lake Geneva, Wis., a signed and professionally framed Joe Mauer game jersey and an Adrian Peterson signed football.

Food and beverages were also served, with athletic sponsors providing the cuisine (Famous Daves, Jimmy Johns, Davanni's, Green Mill, That's Amore and Bennett's Chop and Rail House).



Prior to the live auction, the audience was entertained by local magician "Hondo." Hondo played a card trick on LaViolette, a 4.0 student, tricked women's basketball and soccer alum Stephanie Hodson with foam balls and also seemingly shredded assistant athletic director Tommy Mauer's $100 bill before making it reappear. Hondo's website is www.hondomagic.com.

The Concordia athletic department would like to thank all who came to Put Me In Coach IV. The event is an annual success for everyone involved and the hope is to continue to grow the event each and every year.

Go Golden Bears!!!