Mountain West coaches to host third Coaches vs. Cancer Classic this weekend

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UNLV coach Lon Kruger and friends pose with a donation to the American Cancer Society at the 2008 Coaches vs. Cancer event in Las Vegas.

By Ryan Greene

Tuesday, May 18, 2010 | 11:30 a.m.

This weekend, UNLV coach Lon Kruger will host the third annual Coaches vs. Cancer Las Vegas Golf Classic and Party at the Palms, benefitting the American Cancer Society.

This time, however, the whole Mountain West Conference will be behind the event.

"All of the coaches in the Mountain West hosting it this year broadens the base of interest and awareness, and it helps get the word out there," Kruger said. "We'll have more participating this year than we've ever had."

Kruger said that attendance for the three-day event also is expected to top last year's turnout.

Outside of the nine Mountain West coaches set to attend are some from outside of the league, such as Kansas State head coach Frank Martin, former UNLV coach and current Loyola Marymount boss Max Good, Washburn's Bob Chipman, and Indiana State's Kevin McKenna.

Also in attendance at the party will be former UNLV coaches Jerry Tarkanian and Charlie Spoonhour. Taking part in the two-day golf event will be UNLV legend Larry Johnson and future Major League Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux.

The event kicks off Sunday with the party in the Hardwood Suite at the Palms. It features cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction. Attendees also will be able to challenge the coaches to shooting contests on the suite's court.

The two-day golf portion of the event begins Monday at TPC Summerlin, then concludes Tuesday, May 25, at Southern Highlands Golf Club. Included are two rounds of golf; range, cart and greens fees; gift bags; and on-course meals.

To be a part of the event, visit http://gala.acsevents.org/lasvegas or call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.

Of all the charitable efforts Kruger makes, none may be more near and dear to him than his work with the American Cancer Society. His father, Don, passed away in 1998 following a battle with skin cancer.

"Everyone's been touched by cancer," he said. "It's a bad disease, and we'll do anything we can do to assist in promoting awareness and help find a cure."