PARKERSBURG - The list of sponsors for tonight's Mountaineer Athletic Club's Mountaineer Coaches Caravan continues to grow while the number of tickets for the annual event has shrank to zero.
"Right now, it would be safe to say that there will be no tickets available at the door," explained event organizer Eric Fitzer. "I talked to Tom (Hughes) at J.P. Henry's and he told me that he did not have a single ticket remaining and we've been out since Monday."
A packed house will be on hand to greet WVU's Director of Athletics Oliver Luck as well as head coaches Dana Holgorsen (football), Bobby Huggins (men's basketball), Mike Carey (women's basketball) and Craig Turnbull (wrestling). Also on hand will be former-Oklahoma head football coach Barry Switzer and one of his top players Billy Sims-the 1978 winner of the Heisman Trophy.
Serving as the host site for the 11th straight year will be J.P. Henry's Restaurant on Emerson Avenue.
"Tom and Sabrina (Hughes) really go all out for this event," added Fitzer. "They have installed large screen plasma televisions throughout so that fans that can not get seats up front to see the coaches will still have a great view of them and will be able to hear what they have to say."
All monies raised from the event, which is expected to exceed $18,000, will go to support the MAC. Over the past decade the local chapter has raised more than $175,000. In addition to funding scholarships for WVU student-athletes, MAC members play a pivotal role in the enhancement, construction and maintenance of first-class athletic facilities and in the establishment and operation of key service and support functions for the athletic department.
Joining American Clean Air, Chancellor Insurance, Cutlip Warner Development, DeBarr Trucking, Hornor & Harrison, The PM Company and Woodcraft Supply as Blue sponsors is Chapman Printing and D.J. Wingrove & Sons Jewelers.
Gold sponsors include Astorg Motor Company, Bill Merriman, Bonds Drug and Tailgators, Derow Enterprises, Edible Arrangements, Family Carpet, Global Commodities, Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield of WV, Intra State Insurance, Pierce Food Company/Snyder of Berlin, Sledd Company, Wincore Windows and WV Paving, Inc.
Doors for the event will open at 5 p.m.
