Mihalik-Thompson Stadium brochure

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Slippery Rock University will honor Head Football Coach George Mihalik's 40-year connection to the University and, more specifically, The Rock football program, by adding his name to N. Kerr Thompson Stadium.

Effective Sept. 10, 2011, the stadium will be known as Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.

“It is a great privilege on behalf of the University to pay tribute to Coach Mihalik and honor him for his undying devotion to Slippery Rock University and Rock football in particular,” said Robert Smith, SRU president, in announcing the decision to rename the stadium. “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. Anyone who knows George, knows that he is the embodiment of Rock Pride and he truly 'bleeds green.' ”

The rededication of the stadium on the northeast corner of the SRU campus will take place as part of The Rock's home football game vs. Cheyney University. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.

The celebration actually begins the previously night, when former players and coaches, family, friends and Rock football supporters will gather in the Multi Purpose Room of the University Union for a good-natured “roast” of the honored guest.

Immediately following the roast, friends will adjourn to the on-campus Ski Lodge to further renew friendships and reminisce.

“I am a little worried about what might be said and done during the roast,” Mihalik admitted. “But I am truly honored and humbled by the University's decision to put my name on the stadium and be recognized by all the events surrounding it.”

“Ordinarily, facilities are only named after someone when they retire or pass away,” he said. “Well, I'll still alive and I have no plans to step down as head coach, so this is a unique honor.”

“I especially look forward to having my family, former players, fellow coaches and friends here to help celebrate the occasion,” Mihalik said. “They are the people who have helped make it all possible because they have supported me win, lose or tie … Well, actually win or tie.”

Mihalik has won more than he's lost, or even tied. He became SRU's all-time leader in career wins Nov. 2, 2006 when The Rock won a dramatic 21-17 decision in a nationally televised game against archrival Indiana (Pa.). That win, the 127th in Mihalik's career, moved him ahead of N. Kerr Thompson on the SRU career wins chart.

Mihalik, the 15th head coach in Rock football history, enters the 2011 season with a 153-95-4 win-loss record in 23 seasons. He has led the Green and White to a winning record 17 times since becoming head coach in 1988. He ranks fifth on the PSAC's all-time wins list and 12th among active NCAA Division II head coaches.

The goal for the weekend of Sept. 9-10 is to generate an additional $100,000 through donations to the “Mihalik's Mission” football scholarship program.

Donors who fulfill a minimum commitment of $500 per year for five years will have their names permanently etched into a “Rock Football Wall of Fame Plaque” prominently displayed at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.

Following the roast and reception Sept. 9, festivities resume at 9 a.m. Sept. 10 with a golf outing at Oakview Golf Club. From 3 - 6 p.m., Rock fans can partake of a pre-game tailgate at the Alumni Pavilion adjacent to the stadium. The event culminates with a 9 p.m. post-game tailgate with Mihalik and the other members of The Rock football coaching staff.

Tickets for the cocktail reception and banquet Sept. 9 are $50 per person. Cost of the catered tailgate parties is $20 for adults and $10 for children 14 and under. Reserved seat tickets for The Rock football game vs. Cheyney are $8 each.

For more information on the Mihalik-Thompson Stadium rededication and all the accompanying events, contact Bill Richter, SRU's athletic development officer, at 724.738.2387 or wrichter@srufoundation.org.