Coach roasted

Published 6:21 pm Tuesday, July 29, 2008

By Staff
BENTON HARBOR – The Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan hosted its second annual Community Roast on July 25 at Lake Michigan College's Mendel Center. This year's honoree was St. Joseph High School Football Coach Elliott Uzelac. Coach U, as he is known to fans, is credited with turning around the St. Joe football team from 0-9 to 12-1 in only two years. Just as important is the impact Coach U has made on the personal lives of the players. Coach U exemplifies the difference a mentor makes in the lives of young people.
Coach Uzelac has previously coached at Georgetown University, University of Kentucky, University of Colorado, Ohio State University, and University of Michigan (under Coach Bo Schembechler). He was head coach at Western Michigan and the U.S. Naval Academy.
The Roast featured Jim Gifford of Midwest Family Broadcasting as Master of Ceremonies. Roasters regaled the audience of over 200 with stories of Coach U's adventures in teaching, coaching, and handling critics. Roasters included Ike Muhlekamp (St. Joe High School), Denny Dock (Lakeshore High School), Ethan Schweir &Brad Guinane (07' St. Joseph players), Bret Witkowski (Berrien County Treasurer), Paul Schudel (Albion College, former U of M assistant coach), and Phil McDonald (Radio Personality) Photos and quotes from the event are available upon request by contacting the Volunteer Center.
Attendees were reminded of the need for volunteers to mentor youth in Southwest Michigan. Roasters credited Coach U for mentoring his players and Coach U encouraged others to reach out and make a difference in the life of youth. More information about mentoring programs is available by calling the Volunteer Center at 983-0912 or 683-5464 or by visiting www.volunteerswmi.org