Football Traditions Barbeque a tasty success

No one was left hungry after the Football Traditions Barbeque held Sept. 17 to benefit the Emporia State University football program - not the players, not the Hornets' supporters, and definitely not the program.

In only its second year, the annual dinner raised more than $16,000 for the football program through ticket sales and an auction, compared to more than $12,000 last year. Players and parents mingled with ESU fans, friends and alumni during a feast fit for offensive linemen.

The Texas Roadhouse, an Olathe restaurant, donated its catering services to the barbecue. Five hundred pieces of rib-eye steak, 500 pieces of chicken and 400 pounds of pulled pork, along with green beans and mashed potatoes, were made from scratch that day. The meal might have cost $8,000 to $10,000, but the Roadhouse donated it all.

“It's our way of giving back to the community,” said Roderick Jones, a managing partner at the Roadhouse and an Emporia native. “Hopefully we can build a long-term relationship with Emporia State and do this year after year.”

Held at Russ and Jeannie Jenkins' ranch, the event was organized by the Jenkins and Kurt and Shiela Steinkuhler.

“What an outstanding event the Football Traditions Barbeque has become,” said Kent Weiser, ESU's athletic director. “It gives supporters of the football program a chance to get to know our players and their families, while also raising much-needed funds for our program.

“Proceeds from the event are vital to our program. Funds from the barbeque will be used in our football operations budget, which covers everything from team travel, uniforms, to video equipment,” Weiser said.

Auctioned items included weekend stays at StoneBridge Village in Branson, courtesy of the Village and Don and Willa Edwards, and at The Raphael Hotel on the Plaza, courtesy of Commerce Bank and the ESU Foundation; four passes to the Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City; an ESU football helmet signed by the team and stuffed with cash; a model Clint Bowyer car signed by its driver; and a limestone bench donated by Trent Schnakenberg of T.D.S. Rock Dezign. Special thanks go to the Mussatto Bros. Inc. for donating beverages.

Beyond fundraising, the barbeque gets the players out from under their helmets and in front of the fans, said Kurt Steinkuhler. Fans “notice the number and the name and are able to talk with the players and have a one-on-one and get to know them better,” Steinkuhler said.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>