The Downtown Coaches Association of The University of Toledo will hold its first luncheon for the 2019-20 athletic year Monday, Aug. 26, in the Savage Arena Grogan Room.

A buffet lunch is available beginning at 11:30 a.m. for $15. The program featuring Head Football Coach Jason Candle will start at noon.

Anyone interested in Rocket athletics is encouraged to attend. Annual membership dues are $40, and a joint membership for couples is available for $50.

Each week, members will hear from Rocket coaches, student-athletes and other special guests.

Due to Labor Day, the second meeting of the Downtown Coaches Association will be held Tuesday, Sept. 3, and then will meet every Monday after that.

Fans can join at the first meeting, online at the Downtown Coaches Association website, or by calling 419.530.5087.

The University of Toledo Coach’s Show will kick off the 2019 season at a new home — The Stubborn Brother Pizza Bar, 3115 W. Bancroft St., on Main Campus.

The live radio show features Toledo coaches and student-athletes, and is carried on the Rocket Sports Radio Network (WSPD AM 1370 in Toledo) every Monday from 6 to 7 p.m. The show features interviews, highlights, previews, and a chance for Rocket fans to ask the featured coach questions in person or by phone.

The show will make its 2019 debut Monday, Aug. 26, with host Brent Balbinot and Head Football Coach Jason Candle.

“The Stubborn Brother Pizza Bar owners and staff are thrilled to be connected to The University of Toledo through the Coach’s Show,” said Stubborn Brother owner Gabrielle Mancy. “Each day, as our business has grown, our location has proven to be a great spot for us to connect to the neighborhoods around us, as well as the University community. We are grateful for their continued support.”

The Stubborn Brother’s location on campus and across from the Old Orchard neighborhood is easy to access for UToledo students, faculty, staff and community members. Ample parking is located in the rear of the building.

The pizza bar is open Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

The University of Toledo football team will play a three-game series with the University of Kentucky beginning in 2025.

The Rockets will host the Wildcats in 2027 and will travel to Lexington in 2025 and 2028.

The three-game series is in addition to a game already scheduled between the two schools this year. Toledo plays at Kentucky in the 2019 season opener Saturday, Aug. 31, the first ever meeting between the Rockets and Wildcats. Kickoff is set for noon on the SEC Network.

Kentucky will be the second SEC school to visit the Glass Bowl. Missouri played at Toledo in 2014.

“We are very pleased to enter in this three-game series with the University of Kentucky,” Toledo Vice President and Athletic Director Mike O’Brien said. “Bringing an SEC opponent into the Glass Bowl is huge for our football program and for our fans. We look forward to an exciting series with the Wildcats, beginning with the game in Lexington this fall.”

Following the Kentucky game Aug. 31, the Rockets will host Murray State Saturday, Sept. 14.

UToledo students are admitted free with their Rocket ID; faculty and staff can buy tickets half price with ID.

For season tickets or single-game tickets, go to the Toledo Football Central website or call 419.530.GOLD (4653).

Former Rockets Pimchanok Kawil and Pinyada Kuvanun are set to embark on their path to becoming professional golfers. The duo will participate in the first stage of the LPGA Qualifying Tournament this week at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif., and Shadow Ridge Golf Club in Palm Desert, Calif.

The 72-hole, four-day tournament will begin Thursday, Aug. 22, with a cut after 54 holes. The top 60 finishers will advance to Stage II, which will be held Oct. 12-17 in Venice, Fla.

Live scoring for the Q school qualifying can be found on the LPGA and Symetra Tour website.

“The opportunity for Pim (Pimchanok) and Bright (Pinyada) is incredible for them and our program,” Head Coach Jenny Coluccio said. “The time and dedication these two have invested in themselves and their games is a key reason why they have reached this level. We enjoyed every minute of their senior years and worked from the very beginning to prepare them for the start of their professional careers.”

Coluccio said that an objective she has for the Rockets’ program going forward is providing graduates the opportunity to play at a professional level if they desire.

“One goal we have for each player to enter our program is to love the game even more than when they leave our program, even if it doesn’t become their profession,” Coluccio said. “I’m thrilled these two have a continued passion for it, and we are here to support them along the way.”

Kuvanun already has been playing some professional events this summer, highlighted by a fifth-place tie at a Cactus Tour event in Rancho Mirage, Calif. July 30-Aug. 1. The Khonkean, Thailand, native carded a three-under 213 (73-70-70) on one of the courses that will be utilized in the qualifier.

“I have tried to gain information from playing at the courses that are used in the qualifier,” said Kuvanun, who holds school records for season (72.9) and career (73.7) stroke average. “I played them in tournament mode, and I imagined how I was going to play during Q-School. Playing well at the Cactus Tour event helps me feel more confident with my shot and my course management overall.

“The key for me at the qualifier is to remind myself of my goal and to never give up,” Kuvanun continued. “I know that it is going to be challenging, and I believe coming to The University of Toledo has helped me prepare me for this great opportunity.”

Kawil also played the Cactus Tour event in Rancho Mirage and tied for 36th place with a seven-over par 223 (75-73-75). The Chiang Mai, Thailand, native holds the Rockets’ school records for lowest 18-hole (65) and 54-hole (208) rounds.

“I am excited and looking forward to play in the Q-School, and I want to thank The University of Toledo for giving me the opportunity to come and experience college golf in the United States,” Kawil said. “Having a chance to play a tournament on the Cactus Tour helps me with my confidence and helps me get to know what I need to practice in order to be ready.

“It is going to be one of the most challenging tournaments I’ve played, but I have put all the work in and did everything that I need to do in order to feel prepared” Kawil said. “I am going to just do my best, play easy golf, have fun and enjoy my game.”

All University faculty, staff and students are welcome to participate in New Student Convocation Sunday, Aug. 25, at 4 p.m. in the Glass Bowl and the subsequent barbecue in the Flatlands.

“New Student Convocation is our official welcome to our new Rockets. We are going to experience some school spirit, learn about the importance of our traditions, and celebrate the many ways to build community and achieve success at UToledo,” David Young, director of Toledo Excel and special projects, said. “Being welcomed and inducted into the Rocket family by University leadership, faculty, staff and other students is a meaningful way to begin the year.”

University President Sharon L. Gaber will be at the event to greet and address new students.

Other speakers will include Dr. Karen Bjorkman, interim provost, Dr. Phillip “Flapp” Cockrell, vice president for student affairs; Jason Candle, head football coach; Tod Kowalczyk, head men’s basketball coach; Tricia Cullop, head women’s basketball coach; and Rebecca Sturges and Madison Lawson, Student Government president and vice president, respectively.

“Dr. Cockrell will discuss the importance of co-curricular learning and taking advantage of University resources,” Young said.

“Dr. Bjorkman will introduce the college deans and the president of the Faculty Senate,” he added.

Blue Key will perform the national anthem, and Blue Crew, Rocky and Rocksy, the cheerleading squad, and the pep band will teach new students the University’s fight song, “U of Toledo,” as well as spirited cheers and chants.

“This event is a chance for new Rockets to become acclimated with campus life before classes start,” Young said. “This is a great opportunity to come together and welcome new students to The University of Toledo.”

Following the event, participants are encouraged to attend a barbecue in the Flatlands.

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the New Student Convocation will be moved to Savage Arena, and the barbecue will take place outside the building.

The University of Toledo is welcoming students for the 2019-20 academic year with the debut of kayaking on campus, newly renovated classrooms, and fun events to celebrate and motivate for a successful, engaging semester.

UToledo President Sharon L. Gaber will roll up her sleeves to help students unpack their belongings and move into their residence hall Friday, Aug. 23, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Parks Tower.

Fall classes at UToledo begin Monday, Aug. 26.

The University will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the new kayak launch and pedestrian bridge leading to Savage Arena Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 3:30 p.m. near lot 2 along North Towerview Boulevard. The prefabricated steel truss bridge features a redesigned plaza with a seating area at the north end overlooking the Ottawa River.

“We look forward to the return of the energy and excitement that students bring to a new academic year,” Gaber said. “With the addition of Lime scooters last year and now kayaks, we are offering a variety of fun ways for students to enjoy our beautiful campus and community.”

Recreational Services will provide kayaks, paddles, life vests and helmets from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Kayak rental is free with a membership to the Student Recreation Center.

Soccer games are returning to Main Campus for the first time in 23 years. A dedication ceremony for the new soccer field — Paul Hotmer Field — will be held prior to kickoff of the first match Thursday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m. when the women’s soccer team takes on the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Three new active learning centers are opening on the second floor of the Snyder Memorial Building this fall semester and one in Gillham Hall. These technology-rich classrooms are designed to allow students to collaborate with each other, share work in progress, get rapid feedback, and provide instructors with access to all parts of the classroom.

UToledo renovated the auditorium in McMaster Hall over the summer and eight classrooms in Stranahan Hall. Two of those are computer labs for the College of Business and Innovation, and six are general purpose tiered classrooms.

New Rockets will be welcomed to UToledo at the New Student Convocation Sunday, Aug. 25, at 4 p.m. in the Glass Bowl (rain location: Savage Arena) when Gaber and faculty and staff members will greet new students and talk about what it means to be a Rocket. The event will be followed by a barbecue in the Flatlands.

During the first few weeks of classes, the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership in the Division of Student Affairs has planned a number of events to encourage students to meet new friends, have fun, and learn about the University.

The events to welcome students to the new school year include:

Friday, Aug. 23

• Zero Week, 6 a.m., Student Recreation Center. Take the Combat Water Survival Test, which includes a 15-meter swim with a mock rifle. At 9:30 a.m., navigate the high-ropes course with Army ROTC members. From noon to 3:30 p.m., fall kickoff will take place in the Health Education Center; stop by to meet cadets, have some free food, and play games.

• Paint Party, 8 p.m., the Flatlands. Students are invited to dance, paint and make new friends. This event is sponsored by Campus Activities and Programming.

Saturday, Aug. 24

• Bonfire, 8 p.m., the Flatlands. The Resident Student Association hosts this annual tradition that includes pizza.

Sunday, Aug. 25

• Jam Session and Multicultural Organization Fair, 7 p.m., Thompson Student Union Steps. Members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council will step it up to spotlight the Greek community, and students can learn about various multicultural organizations.

Monday, Aug. 26

• Sundae on a Monday with President Gaber, 4 p.m., Centennial Mall. Meet the president and snag some free ice cream.

Wednesday, Aug. 28

• Student Involvement Fair and Part-Time Job Fair, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Centennial Mall. Rain location: Thompson Student Union Auditorium and Rooms 2582 and 2584.

Thursday, Aug. 29

• Women’s Soccer Match, 7 p.m., Paul Hotmer Field inside the UToledo track on the west side of Savage Arena. Be there when the Rockets return to play on Main Campus. After a dedication ceremony, Toledo will take on the University of Illinois at Chicago. Tickets are $6 and $4 for 18 and younger; UToledo employees can purhcase tickets at half price; UToledo students are admitted free with ID. Go to the Toledo Rockets’ ticket website or call 419.530.GOLD (4653).

• Late Night Breakfast, 9 p.m. to midnight, Ottawa House East.

Friday, Aug. 30

• Rockets in the City, 5:30 p.m., Fifth Third Field, 406 Washington St. in Toledo. Psych up at the pregame party and watch the Toledo Mud Hens play the Louisville Bats at 7 p.m. There’ll be fireworks after the game, and a concert featuring Arctic Clam and Amelia Airharts, along with a rooftop DJ at Holy Toledo. The Division of Student Affairs is paying for 200 student tickets; register through InvoNet. UToledo employees, alumni and friends can purchase discounted tickets through Fevo.

Tuesday, Sept. 3

• Office of Multicultural Student Success Patio Party, noon to 3 p.m., Thompson Student Union Room 2500. Stop by to learn about the office and for free food, entertainment and games.

Wednesday, Sept. 4

• Big Event’s Committee and Service Showcase, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Centennial Mall. Find out about the Big Event, UToledo’s largest student-run service project. In addition, representatives from service organizations will be on campus. Check out how you can make a difference.

• Greek 101, 7 p.m., Thompson Student Union Auditorium. Students interested in joining a sorority or fraternity are invited to learn about expectations, requirements and benefits of Greek life.

Thursday, Sept. 5

• Career Services and Office of Student Involvement Open House, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thompson Student Union Rooms 1532 and 1533. Stop by and meet the staff over refreshments and learn about the offices’ programs and services.

Tuesday, Sept. 10

• President’s Backyard BBQ, noon to 2 p.m., Centennial Mall. Rain location: Health Education Center.

• Pep Rally, 12:30 p.m., Centennial Mall, Thompson Student Union Steps.

Thursday, Sept. 12

• Glow Zumba, 8 p.m., the Flatlands. The Resident Student Association is hosting this enlightening exercise event.

Saturday, Sept. 14

• President’s Tailgate, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., grass area north of Rocket Hall. Students are invited to meet President Gaber. Stop by for free food before the UToledo-Murray State football game.

• Toledo vs. Murray State, 7 p.m., Glass Bowl. Students are admitted free with their Rocket ID; faculty and staff can buy tickets half price with ID. Go to the Toledo Football Central website or call 419.530.GOLD (4653).

For a full list of events, go to the Weeks of Welcome website.

An adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque’s classic novel, “All Quiet on the Western Front,” by Matt Foss, UToledo assistant professor of theatre, will receive its professional premiere in Chicago Friday, Aug. 16.

It will open the season of Red Tape Theatre and is a co-production between Red Tape, the Greenhouse Theatre Center, and The University of Toledo, and run through Saturday, Sept. 14.

The production represents a unique collaboration between a public university and professional theatre, allowing a showcasing of work incubated in Toledo to be shared with a larger audience.

Along with Chicago-based professional actors and designers, Stephen Sakowski, UToledo assistant professor, is serving as the production’s lighting designer, and recent UToledo graduates Austin Rambo and Bianca Caniglia round out the acting ensemble.

The story is centered on the experiences of 2nd Company on the German Front lines during the last year of World War I as they navigate the vicious cycle of tedium, boredom behind the lines, and constant terror when installed in the trenches at the font. The adaptation closely follows the events of the novel, as the central storyteller, Paul, speaks to the loss of friends, the deepening of human connections, and the growing realization of what is true and what is not in the face of war.

“It speaks to the cycles of history from which we are charged to learn, and our approach to the play seeks to gather the threads of this cycle — from the time of Remarque’s writing and to our immediate present,” Foss said.

The play was created with permission and in association with the Remarque estate and was initially produced at The University of Toledo on the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI last November. It featured a set design by student Kevin Upham, sound by student Ryan Peters-Hieber, and costumes by Lecturer Kelly McBane.

Red Tape Theatre is a free venue committed to the creation of new and experimental work through collaborations with ensembles, playwrights, musicians, dancers and visual artists.
All tickets are free to every performance and can be reserved through the Red Tape Theatre website.

Foss is no stranger to the Chicago theatre scene. His work as a director and adaptor there has received critical praise, and his own production of his adaptation of Upton Sinclair’s groundbreaking exposé novel about the working conditions in the meat-packing industry, “The Jungle,” received multiple Joseph Jefferson Award nominations for best production, best director and received the city’s top theatre prize for best new adaptation.

“The Jungle” will open UToledo’s Theatre season in November.

It’s coming back: The 43-hour shoe sale will start at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, and run through 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, in The University of Toledo Medical Center’s Four Seasons Bistro Atrium.

The Satellites Auxiliary and the UToledo Retirees Association in conjunction with Outside the Box Shoes will present the popular event.

“Our employees love the convenience of being able to shop for good work shoes at the hospital,” Lynn Brand, president of the Satellites, said. “That’s why we have two shoe sales each year.”

Brand names will include Clarks, Klogs, Skechers, Merrell, Jambu, New Balance, Dansko, Kamik, Grey’s Anatomy Softwalk and more.

Cash, credit cards and payroll deduction will be accepted.

Profits will benefit the auxiliary’s and association’s campus scholarships.

The Satellites Auxiliary promotes education, research and service programs; provides support of patient programs in accordance with the needs and approval of administration; conducts fundraising events; and offers volunteer services.

For more information on the shoe sale, contact Brand at lynn.brand@utoledo.edu.

Incoming freshman Madison Broad of The University of Toledo swimming and diving team represented her home country, Canada, in the 100 and 200 backstroke at the 2019 Pan-American Games last week in Lima, Peru.

“This meet was a great stepping stone in Madison’s international and upcoming NCAA career,” said Head Coach Jonas Persson, . “She raced some really fast swimmers, which helped her gain experience and will make the transition to competing in big collegiate meets easier. Two sixth-place finishes at a meet like this is a big deal, and it was great to see her have so much success.”

On Aug. 7, Broad competed in the preliminary round of the 200 backstroke, touching the wall in 2:14.25 and securing a place in the A-finals. Swimming in lane seven, Broad was able to drop nearly two seconds off her time to finish sixth. The Wallaceburg, Ontario, native clocked a 2:12.82 in the final round, finishing nearly four seconds ahead of Florencia Perotti from Argentina who took seventh.

Finishing up at the Pan-Am Games Aug. 8, Broad saw herself in the A-finals of the 100 backstroke, after clocking in at 1:02.99 during the third heat of the preliminary round. Competing in lane one of the A-finals, Broad posted a time of 1:02.44 to finish in sixth place, less than a second behind Fernanda De Goeij from Brazil.

Broad’s personal best time of 2:09.45 in the 200 backstroke is ranked 18th in the world and is the 88th-fastest time in history.

She will be joining the Rockets this fall, looking to make an immediate impact in the backstroke events.

The Toledo women’s basketball team arrived at its final destination, Rome, Saturday during its seventh day in Italy.

The Rockets toured the historic Colosseum and posted an emphatic 84-39 victory over the Rome All-Stars to complete their three-game exhibition schedule with a perfect 3-0 mark. 

UToledo made the four-hour bus trip from Sorrento to Rome this morning before going on a guided tour of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Colosseum is the main symbol of Rome and can be traced back almost 2,000 years. During the tour, Toledo had the opportunity to discovery the way of life in the Roman Empire.

“The Colosseum was simply amazing,” senior Sara Rokkanen said. “It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. I find it very interesting that many of the modern-day arenas have a lot of the same features as this almost 2,000-year-old structure.”

In tonight’s final exhibition contest, the Rockets were led in scoring by the tandem of junior Tanaya Beacham and freshman Soleil Barnes with 14 and 11 points, respectively.

“We played really well tonight,” said Beacham, who was named the game’s MVP. “We moved the ball well, took good shots, and took the right shots. I thought we played very well as a team.”

Toledo also received eight points from Mariella Santucci, seven from freshman Sophia Wiard and sophomore Lexi Lance, and six by Arianne Whitaker, junior Tatyana Davis, freshman Mali Morgan-Elliott and freshman Quinesha Lockett, respectively.

“The biggest takeaway from these three exhibition contests is teaching our players all the nuances of the game at both ends of the floor,” said Head Coach Tricia Cullop. “It takes time to learn the game, sometimes by succeeding and sometimes by failing. Because we were able to play everybody in each game, I thought everyone got quality reps.

“What I love most about this group is that not only do they work hard, but they are extremely coachable.”

Toledo will have the opportunity to attend Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral in the morning, followed by a guided bus tour of the city in the afternoon.