The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics' head coaches toured the Valparaiso community on Tuesday and Wednesday as part of the Beacons' fourth annual summer Head Coaches Bus Tour.
 
The head coaches engaged with community members and promoted their programs while spending time with fans, external stakeholders and each other.
 
The tour kicked off on Tuesday night, as Valpo Athletics had a tent at the Summer Outdoor Movie Night hosted by Valparaiso Events at Central Park Plaza. Valpo coaches handed out t-shirts and promotional print materials to the many attendees including families who were gearing up for a downtown movie that evening. Later in the evening, the head coaches enjoyed one another's company at a team building dinner at a local restaurant.
 
A full Wednesday of activities began bright and early as the bus arrived at Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Valparaiso for "AM Valpo," a monthly networking event hosted by the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce that occurs on the first Wednesday of each month. A packed house of attendees each gave their 30-second elevator pitch for their business or service, including each head coach encouraging community support for their program.
 
The bus then made the first of three stops visiting some of our local heroes as the coaches dropped off Valpo swag, Jimmy John's sandwiches and tickets at the Valparaiso Police Department. The coaches received a tour of the department.
 
Next up was the live radio show at Wings Etc. Grill & Pub in Valparaiso. Each coach took turns being interviewed by Todd Ickow as part of the live remote. Click here to view the coaches show. After lunch, coaches walked around Central Park Plaza to engage with community members and hand out promotional materials.
 
The stops thanking local heroes resumed as the bus made its way to the Valparaiso Fire Department Stations 1 and 2 with Valpo Athletics t-shirts, tickets and Jimmy John's. The coaches received a tour of the station and learned more about a day in the life of a firefighter.
 
The coaches then made their way to Valpo Velvet and took turns scooping free ice cream for patrons, providing delightful service for customers. A long and fun-filled day concluded as coaches and staff handed out Valpo athletics t-shirts and free games of bowling as part of a bowling night at Inman's.