College Coaches Unite On Las Vegas Golf Courses to Fight Cancer

Las Vegas, Nevada (May 19, 2011)--Cancer impacts all of us. As such, it impacts all college coaches in some way as well. That is the reason several college coaches--and country Star Toby Keith and former major leaguer Roger Clemens are descending on Las Vegas golf courses for the annual Coaches Vs. Cancer Las Vegas Golf Classic. Even Lon Kruger, who recently left hometown UNLV for Oklahoma, is returning as the chair of the tournament. --By Brian Hurlburt.

“We have been honored to be part of such a great event over the past few years,” Oklahoma head coach Lon Kruger said. “Coaches vs. Cancer is a great opportunity for coaches to help raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. We are excited to welcome new UNLV head coach Dave Rice to the event as well as many other coaches from across the nation.” Events include an opening night at the Bellagio, and golf at two of the best Las Vegas golf courses, Southern Highlands Golf Club and Shadow Creek.

Can't make it to this event but still want to play golf in Las Vegas? Click now for the official Las Vegas golf tee times guide. Featured course: Coyote Springs Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus gem.

Kruger will welcome new UNLV Head Coach Dave Rice to the event, which benefits the American Cancer Society. The three-day event will kick off with a reception on Sunday, May 22 at 7 p.m. with “Opening Night at Bellagio.” Sports fans are invited to join the coaches from the Mountain West Conference and across the nation for an evening of cocktails, heavy hors d’ouerves, a silent auction and entertainment. Join coach Lon Kruger and help welcome new UNLV head coach Dave Rice to the event at a VIP meet and greet prior to “Opening Night at Bellagio” on Sunday, May 22 from 6:30-7 p.m. Coaches from the Mountain West Conference are scheduled to attend, as well as Roy Williams from UNC, Tom Izzo from Michigan State, John Calipari from Kentucky, Travis Ford from Oklahoma State, Frank Martin from Kansas State and Bob Chipman from Washburn University.

At Sunday’s “Opening Night at Bellagio,” party goers will have the chance to challenge their favorite coach to a “Hot Shot Basketball Challenge.” Entry fee is $50 with all proceeds going to help the American Cancer Society’s effort to provide free summer camps for children with cancer. Tickets to “Opening Night at Bellagio” are $100 per person. Purchase by visiting www.coachesvscancerlasvegas.comor call the American Cancer Society at 702-891-9012. Sixth-man sponsorships are available for $1000 and include ten tickets to the “Opening Night at Bellagio,” exclusive entrance to the VIP meet and greet and a special commemorative gift.