Auction Raises $132,000 Toward Scholarships
4/30/2016 8:09:00 AM | General
KENT, Ohio- Kent State welcomed back New England Patriots' lineman Josh Kline as the guest of honor Friday night, hosting its fifth annual Athletics Scholarship Auction at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center.  The event included 432 registered bidders and raised over $132,000 to benefit student-athlete scholarships. In the last four years since being hosted at the M.A.C Center, the auction has raised over $380,000.
"I'm truly blessed and very thankful for my scholarship," Kline said.  "It gave me the opportunity to be where I'm at today. I love Kent State and the city of Kent."
The Flasher Brass band welcomed patrons on the front steps of the M.A.C. Center and later performed inside where more than 140 items were up for bid in both silent and live auctions. Items included various trips, a five course dinner for 15 people in Heidelberg Distributing's Bordeaux Room, travel experiences with Kent State teams, fine jewelry and one-of-a-kind Kent State and sports memorabilia, including autographed bats from Major League Baseball Hall of Famers Ernie Banks and Stan Musial.
New to the auction this year was a Mystery Item. Â Revealed to the winning bidder was a dinner for four with Director of Athletics Joel Nielsen and his wife Sharon at their home to be joined by two head coaches of their choice and four student-athletes.
"This event continues to outdo itself," Nielsen said. "It's a thrill to have so many Kent State supporters and staff members that really make this a special night. The scholarship opportunities that come out of this event enhance the student-athlete experience for current and future Golden Flashes."
Kent State President Beverly Warren was among the many guests. Dinner for four at her house was among the more coveted auction items.
The evening featured gourmet food stations, an open bar, live music provided by Don Moore '68, "Red White and Brew presented by Heidelberg Distributing" and the chance to meet and mingle with numerous Kent State student-athletes, coaches and Flash.Â
"I'm really appreciative of my scholarship," said senior field hockey player Alayna Harris. "It's allowed me to meet other student-athletes that are just as passionate about their sport as I am. And it allows to me to continue my education."
Everyone who purchased a ticket by Feb. 15 was entered into an early drawing to win two VIP Cavs tickets. Â Friday, there was also a drawing for two-week trip to Hawaii.Â
Just a couple hours after his team defeated Miami Friday, Head Baseball Coach Jeff Duncan took the stage with play-by-announcer Ty Linder for the live auction. A four-day trip to Cancun was auctioned off at $3,500 and a Gulf Coast trip with men's basketball went for $2,800. A trip with the football team to the University of Alabama brought $2,000.
Kline was joined at the event by family and many former teammates.  The four-year letterwinner at Kent State started 13 games at guard for the Patriots during the 2015 season. He has been in the starting lineup in each of the past two AFC Championship games and earned a Super Bowl ring in February of 2015.
In 2012, Kline played a major role in Kent State's 2012 Mid-American Conference East title and 11-1 regular season. He earned All-MAC honors, helping the Flashes' offense rack up the most yards and touchdowns in program history.Â
