Welcome MLive readers to your complete source of coverage for WMU Athletics!
KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Western Michigan baseball team hosted the 2016 edition of the Bronco Leadoff Dinner Thursday night with about 150 in attendance on campus. The event included a silent auction, keynote speaker and a chance to meet the team among other various activities.
To begin the night, the team was welcomed in starting with the freshman and ending with the seniors. Former Broncos Brett Sunde and Kurt Hoekstra were presented a jersey by head coach Billy Gernon. Robin Hook, "the voice of the Broncos," was presented with an engraved bat by the team. Gernon also recognized Hall of Fame coach Fred Decker, who was the head coach of the Broncos from 1974 through 2004 and holds the all-time win record at WMU.
The Broncos welcomed in keynote speaker Colonel William C. Berris of the Marine Corps. Berris is a former Western Michigan football player from the years 1985-88 and was a captain on the 1988 WMU Championship team. He has been deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq and Horn of Africa. He spoke to the team and attendees about his story growing up as a troubled child and how to take advantage of the chances that life gives you along the way.
"If you attended last night, you got to hear a message you might remember for a lifetime," Gernon said. "Colonel Berris is a captivating, powerful and passionate speaker and he is a great American hero. I can't thank the Colonel and his wife Melissa enough for being part of our Leadoff Dinner. Thank you to all those who supported our event last night, it truly hit the "sweet spot.""
The silent auction included many priceless pieces of sports memorabilia such as a Troy Tulowitzki signed bat, a Dustin Pedroia signed ball, Carlos Gonzalez signed bat, WMU hockey coach Andy Murray signed stick, WMU 2016 baseball team signed ball and a Detroit Red Wings package that included tickets to a game and a locker room tour among many other items.
The Broncos start the season three weeks from today down in Georgia as the take on Georgia State on Friday, Feb. 19 with game time scheduled for 4 p.m.
Follow the Broncos on Twitter @WMUBaseball for all updates about the Broncos!
