Football fundraiser to feature former and current players, barbecue

ESU football fans - September 25 is your chance to meet the team and support the football program!

Hornets fans are invited to an evening of fun, food, live music and football stories after the game against Truman. The First Annual Football Traditions Barbecue will run from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Jenkins Ranch, 1988 Burlingame Road , in Emporia . Tickets are $50 each and must be reserved by September 20 by calling (620) 342-7576.

Emporians Shiela and Kurt Steinkuhler are spearheading a committee of community volunteers working to make this event possible. After enjoying the basketball fundraising dinner in April, the Steinkuhlers knew they wanted to do something for the football program.

"Twenty-some volunteers are working on an event that will celebrate and relive ESU football history and give fans a chance to meet current players," Shiela Steinkuhler said. "It's a great chance for a lot of people - including community members and parents of players - to get involved in supporting the football program."

The money raised from the event will go toward a fund from which the football program can draw for unexpected expenses.

"This money gives the coach the flexibility to allocate extra funds for travel, recruiting and equipment," explained Boyce Baumgardner, executive director for university advancement. "It helps the coach handle expenses over and above the established budget."

While the football program will benefit from the funds raised, fans will find the barbecue to be a great return on their investment.

The three-hour program will include great food, live music and the opportunity to meet former and current players. Several past players will be speaking at the event, including Athletic Hall of Honor inductee John Lohmeyer, who played for the Kansas City Chiefs after graduating from Emporia State University . In addition, rumors of other celebrity guests are circulating.

Fans are also invited to sponsor a current player to attend the event, even if they are not attending the barbecue themselves. For more information on sponsoring players, contact Shiela or Kurt Steinkuhler at (620) 342-7576.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>