The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics toured Northwest Indiana on Wednesday as part of the department’s second annual Head Coaches Bus Tour. The summer event provided each of the department’s head coaches with the opportunity to spend time with community members and one another while promoting their programs and looking ahead to the 2024-25 season.

The day began as the bus of head coaches piled into Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Valparaiso for “AM Valpo,” a Valpo Chamber networking event where each participant gives a 30-second introduction of their business and services. Valpo Athletics surprised AM Valpo attendees with the large group of head coaches dropping by and providing the introduction of themselves and their programs while promoting attendance for the upcoming season and meeting new friends.

The second stop on the tour was Aberdeen Manor in Valparaiso for a breakfast with community members. Each head coach introduced a fellow head coach by providing biographical and anecdotal information on that head coach. Then, community members engaged in a question-and-answer session with the head coaches discussing each program.

The next stop was Catch Table and Tap in Merrillville for a live radio remote that aired on JED-TV and AM 1230 WJOB and was hosted by Sam Michel. The head coaches and Interim Director of Athletics Laurel Hosmer were interviewed for five minutes apiece. Following the hour-long coaches show, head coaches began a team-building retreat in a private space at Catch Table & Tap.

The tour’s next stop was Zao Island for a Community Meet & Greet. The head coaches signed autographs for kids and posters were handed out to promote Valpo Athletics. The head coaches also challenged one another in the arcade and in a competitive go-kart race, which was won by head tennis coach Bob Modesto. The race also featured Valpo Athletics mascot Blaze, who engaged with kids and fans during the Community Meet & Greet.

The head coaches finished an eventful day with a social event at President Padilla’s home.

Click here to view the Valpo Athletics Coaches Show live radio remote on JED-TV and AM 1230 WJOB.