Mihalik

SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock University’s first home football weekend will be a busy one.

The Rock opens the 2011 campaign with a 3 p.m. road game Sept. 3 at Seton Hill before hosting Cheyney in a 7 p.m. game Sept. 10. That home opener will feature the renaming of SRU’s stadium to Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.

The weekend will include a good-natured “roast” of Mihalik the night of Sept. 9 in the multi-purpose room of the University Union.

A golf outing takes place at 9 a.m. Sept. 10 at Oakview Golf Club. From 3 to 6 p.m., fans can partake in a pre-game tailgate at the Alumni Pavilion adjacent to the stadium.

The event ends with a 9 p.m. post-game tailgate with Mihalik and other SRU coaches.

“I’m overwhelmed by everything the university is undertaking that weekend,” Mihalik said. “I’m humbled.”

Mihalik, 59, is 153-95-4 in 23 seasons as The Rock’s head coach. He has produced 17 winning seasons since being named head coach in 1988, ranks fifth on the PSAC’s all-time win list and 12th among active NCAA Division II head coaches.

Mihalik was at quarterback for SRU from 1970-74. He was an assistant coach for The Rock from 1976-87.

“Starting as an incoming freshman in 1970 and continuing on through his career as a student athlete, assistant coach, head coach and member of our faculty, he has demonstrated the highest degree of professionalism and personal integrity,” Robert Smith, SRU president, said in a prepared statement.

“Anyone who knows George, knows that he is the embodiment of Rock Pride and he truly ‘bleeds green.’”

Mihalik hopes the weekend of Sept. 9-10 also generates an additional $100,000 through donations to the “Mihalik’s Mission” football scholarship program.

Donors fulfilling a minimum commitment of $500 per year for five years will have their names permanently etched into a Rock Football Wall of Fame Plaque.

“That plaque will be displayed somewhere in the stadium to recognize those people,” Mihalik said. “These festivities are a good oppoprtunity to generate additional support for the program.

“We need that help to attain our goal of winning another championship.”

SRU football won four consecutive PSAC West titles from 1997 through 2000. The program has not reached the Division II playoffs since 1999.

“I get embarrassed when I talk about this stadium dedication because stuff like this doesn’t happen unless you’re retired or dead,” Mihalik said. “It’s going to be a memorable weekend for myself and my family.”

Booklets detailing the weekend’s activities and Mihalik’s career have been mailed to Mihalik’s former players. He has coached more than 2,000 players at SRU.

Mihalik said he has no plans to retire from coaching soon, saying only that “when the time comes, I’ll know.”

“I won’t put a time-line on myself. I still enjoy what I’m doing and I’m looking forward to this season,” he said.

Tickets for the cocktail reception and banquet are $50 per person. The catered tailgate parties are $20 for adults and $10 for children 14 and under.