The Golden Flashes Club Newsletter
August 2018
August 2018 Newsletter
Varsity "K" Hall of Fame Class Announced
Kent State recently announced its nine-member 2018 Varsity “K” Athletics Hall of Fame class, which will be introduced as part of the 40th induction ceremony on October 20, 2018.
Inductees selected for this year’s Hall of Fame include Kerry De Vries (field hockey coach, 1997-2005), Jenny Eckel (gymnastics, 2000-03), Jamie Fitzpatrick Jones (softball, 2005-08), Anthony Gallas (baseball, 2007-10), Danielle Holt (volleyball, 2002-05), Mike Inge (men’s track & field, 2003-07), Eugene Leonard (wrestling, 1979-82), Colleen Ramharak Dotson (women’s track & field, 2002-05) and Usama Young (football, 2003-06).
In addition to the inductees, four other awards will be presented. The 2000 and 2002 field hockey teams and the 1958 wrestling squad will receive Team of Distinction honors. Ben Rings will be recognized as Distinguished Athletic Alumnus. Barbara Donaho is the 2018 Varsity “K” Person of the Year, and Scott and Connie Hamilton are this year’s Honorary Varsity “K” Members.
The induction will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Kent State University Student Center Ballroom. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children (10 & under). Click here to purchase your tickets.
To view a complete list of past year’s inductees, click here.
The Golden Flashes Club Golf Outing
The Golden Flashes Club Golf Outing was held on Wednesday, July 25 at Windmill Lakes Golf Club. This year's event was another sell out and included a record number of sponsors, all supporting our student-athletes in their pursuit for success.
Each of our sports programs and our athletics staff were well represented on the course throughout the day. Student-athletes, coaches and staff participated in golf or greeted golfers at holes on the course. Flash was also present to take photos and cheer on the golfers at the Hole In One, sponsored by Lambert Buick GMC.
Thank you to all of those who came out for the day or sponsored the event! Proceeds from the outing provide scholarship support for 19 programs. Be sure to mark your calendars for next year's The Golden Flashes Club Golf Outing scheduled for July 24, 2019.
#FLASHFAST Football Season Game Day
Kent State's "FlashFAST" Football season is quickly approaching! Be sure to know where our The Golden Flashes Club hospitality areas are located and where your support qualifies you to enjoy the game. If you are interested in upgrading or would like more information, please feel free to contact our office at 330-672-2078.
We look forward to seeing you at Dix Stadium this season! Here is the latest game day map.
Still need to get your game day tickets? Contact our Athletic Ticket Office at (330) 672-4455.
IBAKA Platform
Annual Donation: $100 or complimentary to former student-athletes
Location: Covered North East Party Platform
Hospitality Includes: Discounted prices on satellite concessions and beer; Game day program
Number of Guests: Limited to the number of season tickets purchased
Parking: Complimentary East or West side parking
Jim & Carolyn Phelan Varsity "K" Room
Annual Donation: $250+
Location: Jim & Carolyn Phelan Varsity "K" Room and covered patio
Hospitality Includes: Complimentary heavy hors d'oeuvres, popcorn and discounted beer; Game day program
Number of Guests: Limited to the number of season tickets purchased
Parking: Complimentary designated West side parking area
The President's Blue and Gold Suite Patio Passes
Annual Donation: Please contact Maggie McKendry for details at 330-672-0462
Location: Patio only seating outside of The President's Blue and Gold Suite
Hospitality Includes: Complimentary food and beverages; Game day program
Number of Guests: Limited to the number of season tickets purchased
Parking: Complimentary designated West side parking area
The President's Blue and Gold Suite
Annual Donation: Please contact Maggie McKendry for details at 330-672-0462
Location: Suite level West side
Hospitality Includes: Complimentary food and beverages; Game day program
Number of Guests: Limited to the number of season tickets purchased
Parking: Complimentary designated West side parking area
The Varsity "K" Flashback All Sports Reunion
Join Kent State Athletics, October 6, to reconnect and reminisce with ALL former Golden Flashes during the 7th Annual Varsity "K" FLASHBACK All Sports Reunion.
The event is part of Homecoming weekend, in which Kent State Football faces Ohio University at 3:30 p.m. Come out to tailgate, then watch your Golden Flashes kickoff against the Bobcats.
We will be kicking off the All Sports Reunion with a tailgate at 2 p.m., open to all former student-athletes and their families. The tailgate will be located at the Northeast IBAKA platform and includes complimentary food and beverages.
A game ticket and RSVP is required for both events. You can register at KentStateSports.com/VK_Reunion. Check back into KentStateSports.com for any updates before Homecoming.
* To purchase game tickets, please call the Kent State Athletics Ticket Office at 330-672-4455 and mention "Varsity K" to purchase $15 discounted football tickets. Tickets will be $30 day of the game. Game ticket required for both events.
Donor Appreciation Days
WE LOVE TO CELEBRATE OUR DONORS!
Mark your calendars now to come out and cheer on your Golden Flashes! Be sure to stop by The Golden Flashes Club table, located at the venue's entrance, to help us celebrate our Donor Appreciation Days! Kent State Athletics is thankful of our donors and will provide a token of our appreciation at the following games:
- Thursday, Oct. 4 - Soccer vs. Buffalo at Zoeller Field, Dix Stadium - Pop Socket Giveaway to the first 100 TGFC Members
- Sunday, Oct. 14 - Field Hockey vs. Ohio State at Murphy-Mellis Field - Phone Wallet Giveaway to the first 100 TGFC Members
- Friday, Oct. 19 - Volleyball vs. Northern Illinois at the M.A.C. Center - Soft Cooler Giveaway to the first 75 TGFC Members
- Saturday, Oct. 20 - Football vs. Akron at Dix Stadium - White Out T-Shirts While Supplies Last (Item pick-up will take place at the IBAKA Platform, in the Jim and Carolyn Phelan Varsity "K" Room and in the Blue & Gold President's Suite)
Future dates, times and locations to be announced SOON. Check back for more information!
Important Dates to Remember
Sept. 14 Men's Basketball Season Ticket Renewal Deadline
Women's Basketball Season Ticket Renewal Deadline
Sept. 17 Men's Basketball New Season Tickets on Sale
Women's Basketball New Season Tickets on Sale
Oct. 15 Men's Basketball Single Game/Packages on Sale
Women's Basketball Single Game/Packages on Sale
Nov. 1 Wrestling Season Tickets/Single Match/Packages on Sale
Nov. 5 Men's Basketball Season Tickets Mailed
Women's Basketball Season Tickets Mailed
Dec. 1 Gymnastics Season Tickets/Single Meet/Packages on Sale
Dec. 31 The Golden Flashes Club Donation Deadline for 2018 Calendar Year
Catching Up with Former Football Player, Mike Laraway
Michael Laraway ’89 is a proud and passionate former student-athlete and alumnus of Kent State University. Although he received multiple full-scholarship offers to play inside linebacker elsewhere, he felt that Kent State had the most interest in him. This decision set the course for the rest of his life.
Laraway now works as an operations manager for FedEx and owes much of his progression in the work industry to his time as a Kent State football player under three head coaches. He has worked under 11 bosses in 22 years at the company. “I had to adjust to new coaches as a student-athlete, and I used my playing experience to prepare for the real world,” Laraway said.
Mike recently joined the Varsity “K” Club as a Gold member and attended last year’s Varsity “K” Flashback All-Sports Reunion. “Last year’s All-Sports Reunion was fabulous. I spent most of the first half catching up with teammates and former players,” he said, adding that he plans to attend this year’s All-Sports Reunion on October 6.
Laraway and his wife, Katherine, a KSU graduate of 1989, met on Kent State’s campus. He says that her passion for their alma mater is just as strong as his. Their newest goal is to make their two daughters, Kristina and Stephanie, Golden Flashes. They are both strong students and avid volleyball players. Mike plans to use his Varsity “K” Club membership to connect with former teammates, and to introduce his daughters to life at Kent State. “I thought by joining the Varsity “K” Club, I’m connected and more obligated to go to Kent State Athletics events,” he said.
Thank you, Mike, for your membership to this year’s Varsity “K” Club, and for being a passionate Golden Flashes advocate to our fans. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Welcome Associate Athletic Director, J Locklier!
The Golden Flashes welcomed a new member to its family in June of 2018. J Locklier, formerly an Assistant Athletic Director for Leadership Gifts at the University of Cincinnati, will serve as the Associate Athletic Director, Executive Director of Athletics Advancement for Kent State Athletics.
Locklier was a student-athlete basketball player and a member of the 1999 Miami (OH) MAC championship team that made a run to the Sweet 16 at the NCAA Tournament. J later transferred to Washington State, where he became the 2001 Pac-10 Newcomer of the Year and a 2002 Pac-10 All-Academic First Team selection.
“I’m excited to be here. Everybody I have met so far is very passionate about Kent and that is neat to see. We have an enthusiastic and talented staff here at Kent State and I’m excited about the things we can do to enhance the student-athlete experience.”
Locklier has been a wonderful addition to The Golden Flashes Club office. In addition to his fundraising knowledge, he also can name any Division 1 basketball school’s mascot in the country. Despite multiple challenges by our staff, J has yet to get a school’s mascot wrong.
Crowdfunding Launch
Last year’s crowdfunding campaign raised over $128,000. Every cent went toward the various fundraising goals of our Kent State Athletics’ teams. The Golden Flashes Club is excited to announce that a brand new set of initiatives will be released and available for donations on November 1, 2018. These campaigns will coincide with Kent State University’s Giving Tuesday Initiative. This year’s endeavor will increase from fourteen campaigns to sixteen, due to last year’s overwhelming success. The bar will be raised to newer heights in support of Kent State Athletics!
Stay tuned in the coming months for exciting updates on the new crowdfunding campaigns. As we prepare for a new set of iniatives, if you have any comments or feedback from the previous year, please e-mail Greg Moon at gmoon1@kent.edu.
We Give Thanks!
“This scholarship has given me the opportunity to travel and experience soccer at the highest level. Your support is greatly appreciated!” - Ashleah McDonald, Women’s Soccer, Langley, British Columbia
"I am thankful for being close to my family, and all the time I get to share with them. Also, I am thankful for our amazing student-athletes who remind me each and every day why I do what I do! If it weren't for the athletes, amazing donors, and our Flash Family, my job would not be the same!" - Katie Schilling, Associate Director of Student-Athlete Development
"I am thankful for the continued support we have within the university of Kent State, as well as the local community. Being a former student-athlete, the support has not only maintained but continues to grow and the Men's Basketball team couldn't be any more grateful." - Julian Sullinger, Men's Basketball Assistant Coach
“Thank You, my graduation never would have been possible without the many people, like you, that helped, supported and encouraged me. I have enjoyed my time as a student-athlete and will forever cherish the memories made and the knowledge gained along the way. Go Flashes!” - Samantha Tollerud, Women’s Track & Field, Eugene, OR
“We are so thankful for our Kent State extended family and their contributions to our program - they allow us to develop our student-athletes in a place they call home. This would not be possible without all of you.” - Meaggan Pettipiece, Assistant Softball Coach
"I am thankful to be in our wonderful Kent community, both on campus and off! We are surrounded by such a strong and passionate Flash Family here! I’m also grateful for all the amazing and talented student-athletes, staff, and donors I get to spend my time with! You all keep a smile on my face every day! You are what makes our Flash Family what it is!" - Maggie McKendry, Assistant Athletic Director, Athletic Advancement
