ADRIAN, Mich. – The Adrian College football team is hosting its first annual "Football Bash" on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 5:00 PM. This off-season event is designed to honor the 2024 Seniors and award winners and provide an opportunity for all groups associated with the football program to come together for an enjoyable evening. The Bulldogs would like to invite all family, friends, and alumni to the event in support of the football program.
"This is the first time we have hosted a Football Bash and we look forward to growing the event on a yearly basis," said head coach Joe Palka. "We are inviting all of our alumni, family, and friends to celebrate the season and enjoy a fun evening connecting with our staff, seniors, and all groups associated with Bulldog Football. The money raised from this event will directly help our players in multiple ways, including locker room upgrades.
The evening will open with a cocktail hour followed by hors d'oeuvres. Coach Palka will make opening remarks and our player award winners will be presented. Silent auction items will be available all night and a live auction will be held as well. The night will conclude with a light dinner. Adrian College Football looks forward to welcoming back Alumni with a couple of notable guests saying a few words. Ron Labadie and Taz Wallace each will deliver remarks.
Ron Labadie '71 played football at Adrian College before joining the coaching staff after graduation. Labadie served as head coach of the Bulldogs from 1982-89 where he went on to win three MIAA Championships in 1983, 1988, and 1989. While at Adrian, Labadie compiled a career coaching record of 53-21.
Tavarski "Taz" Wallace '07 was inducted into the Adrian College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2021. He was a three-time First Team All-MIAA selection, a two-time D3football.com First Team All-American, and appeared in the East Coast Bowl All-Star Game and the Magnolia Bowl All-Star Game in 2006. Wallace continues to hold the Adrian College career record for total tackles (429), solo tackles (227), and assisted tackles (202). He also continues to hold the NCAA Division III record for career tackles per game with 13.41.
The event is designed to be informal, with grazing and mingling encouraged while socializing with old friends and meeting new ones. The program will consist of recognition for players, short talks, a silent auction, jersey sales, and several live auction items headlined by the use of The President's Box for a home football game.
Tickets to the dinner along with sponsorship opportunities are available. Each ticket includes two drink tickets and heavy hors d'oeuvres. A "late night" snack will also be provided after the completion of the program. Single tickets can be purchased for $50 and couples tickets (2 seats) for $85. Table Sponsors (includes 8 seats) are $400.
Tickets can be purchased by clicking HERE. The deadline to purchase tickets is February 14, 2025.
