April 15, 2005
2005 Men's Soccer Silent Auction Reservation Form
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The University of Memphis men's soccer program will host its annual silent auction and banquet beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, at Christian Brothers High School's Heffernan Hall.
"This is a way for us to have a nice night, raise some money and expose the program in a positive way," Grant said.
Northeastern State University (Okla.) men's and women's head soccer coach and former New York Cosmos player Charlie Mitchell will be the guest speaker at the event. Last year, Mitchell coached the Division II NSU men's team to an 18-4-0 record and 11-3-0 in the Lone Star Conference, the program's most successful year ever. Current Memphis men's soccer assistant Robert Nicholson played for Mitchell from 1997-99.
After a successful playing career in his native Scotland for St. Mirren, Mitchell played with the New York Cosmos alongside the legendary Pele in 1976. The Cosmos reigned as the flagship franchise of American soccer from 1971-1985, capturing five North American Championships in '72, '77, '78, '80 and '82. According to Memphis head coach Richie Grant, Mitchell is "a very charismatic coach who brings a lot to the evening."
The silent auction will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with several items available ranging from golf games and restaurant vouchers to autographed jerseys. This year the Tigers will auction off autographed jerseys from the Kansas City Wizards, including one signed by Memphis 2004 team captain and recent Wizard signee Daniel Dobson. Jerseys from the Liverpool Futbol Club out of England will also be available.
In the past, funds from the auction have been used to improve the men's soccer locker room facilities and to help allow the team to play MLS teams in the spring. This year the money will be used to help fund the team's trip to Europe, touring Holland and Belgium in May.
Tickets for the event are $25 per person for soccer alumni and students, $60 per individual or $500 for a sponsor table that seats 10. Reservations are encouraged and can be made through mailing in the PDF form or by calling (901) 678-4630. Seats can also be purchased at the event. The banquet begins at 7 p.m. with Charlie Mitchell speaking at 8 p.m.
