Student-Athlete Scholarships Boosted at Annual Athletics Auction
4/28/2017 11:02:00 PM | General, The Golden Flashes Club
KENT, Ohio – Kent State athletics had a banner evening April 28 in hosting the Athletics Scholarship Auction at the Memorial Athletic Convocation Center.
While welcoming back former Golden Flash and current New York Jet Brian Winters as the guest of honor, Kent State raised a net $145,000 from 454 registered bidders benefiting student-athlete scholarships. The silent auction pulled in $46,046, while the live auction raised $20,500. Friday evening's event brought the annual tradition's five-year total to $525,000.
"I grew up 10 minutes away from this great place and I decided I wanted to go here," reflected Winters. "Not only did I get a great education but I got to play the sport I love and continue my career. Every time I come back to the university, I feel like there is something new going on. I'm excited for the future."
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. The auction items were headlined by:
-Vacation packages to both Waikiki Beach, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas and Santa Ponsa Spain
-A trip for two to Kent State's opening week football game against defending national champions Clemson
-The Kent State basketball jersey Charles Barkley wore prior to Kent State's NCAA Tournament game, framed and signed by the star himself
-Dinner with legendary coach and Flash alum Lou Holtz
"Year in and year out, this continues to be a fantastic event for our supporters and the student-athletes that benefit from it," stated Director of Athletics Joel Nielsen. "What makes this event special are the supporters and staff members who contribute to student-athlete scholarships. Through their support, we can continue our mission of graduating student-athletes and win championships."
The evening featured gourmet food stations, an open bar, live music provided by Don Moore '68, a Wall of Wine and the chance to meet and mingle with numerous Kent State student-athletes, coaches and Flash.Â
"My scholarship means everything to me," said men's basketball graduating senior Jimmy Hall. "Education is first and that is what my parents instilled in me. To be in college playing basketball is fun, but getting my education is the most important thing."
At this year's event, emcee Ty Linder was joined on stage by men's basketball head coach Rob Senderoff for the live auction. The ocean front condo package in Cabo San Lucas went for an evening-best $6,500.
As the guest of honor, Winters was joined by his family and friends at this year's auction. Winters was named to the All-Mid-American Conference First Team in 2012 and became just the second player in Kent State's history selected to play in the Senior Bowl. In the spring of 2013, he was chosen in the third round of the NFL draft by the Jets.
In 51 career appearances with New York, Winters has made 41 starts over four seasons. He recently signed an extension with the Jets to play through 2020.
In 2012, Winters played a key role in Kent State's Mid-American Conference East title and an 11-1 regular season. He helped the Golden Flashes' offense pile up the most yards and touchdowns in program history. After earning a starting role as a true freshman in 2009, Winters broke the program record for consecutive starts with 50. He was a three-time all-conference selection and a team captain as a senior.
