The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, with the help of Bill Brown (Class of 1953) and donations from Bronco football alumni, will unveil a Head Football Coaches Tribute Wall during a ceremony to be held at 6 p.m. on Sept. 11, one hour prior to the kick off the home season opener against Nicholls State.

This project is the brainchild of Brown, who not only was a member of the WMU football team under head coach John Gill, but has also been a lifelong supporter of Western Michigan Athletics and the Bronco footall program.  The name of the building that houses the coaches' offices, locker room, football strength room, athletic training facilities and meeting space bares his name - the Bill Brown Alumni Football Center.

The BBAFC will now also be the home of the Head Football Coaches Tribute Wall, to be located in the third floor atrium.  Together will the Brown family, WMU Athletics have commissioned an artist to create the piece.  The artwork will be surrounded by a plaque depicting the head shots of every member of the current football staff, a plaque with a message from the artist, a dedication plaque with a message regarding what it means to be a coach and a donor plaque.

As everyone knows, coaches teach, guide and influence through equal doses of discipline, knowledge and concern.  WMU has been fortunate to have head coaches who have done their part to shape young men not only as football players but also as citizens.

WMU has received confirmations from former WMU football coaches Elliot Uzelac, Jack Harbaugh, Gary Darnell, Al Molde as well as the daughter of Bill Doolittle and the son of John Gill, representing their respective fathers, along with current WMU head coach Bill Cubit. So far we have received donations from 83 Bronco alumni or on behalf of a Bronco alumni or coach.  If you want to be a part of this special project, please visit http://www.wmubroncos.com/garyfund to donate.

Unlike other donor acknowledgements where the names associated with the largest gifts go first, this list is alphabetical and includes your senior playing year (if applicable).  Be a part of the Head Football Coaches Tribute Wall dedication on Sept. 11.  You can also send a check made out to the WMU Foundation to:

WMU Foundation
Mike Gary Athletic Fund
Head Football Coaches Tribute
1903 W. Michigan Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5403