Ever wonder what goes through the mind of a Super Bowl winning coach as he prepares to play for a championship? El Pasoans will have a chance to find out when UTEP Athletics presents ‘An Evening with Coach Dungy’.
EL PASO – Motivational speaker and retired NFL coach Tony Dungy will speak about his experiences as a coach and his philosophy in life as UTEP Athletics presents ‘An Evening with Coach Dungy’ on April 9 at 8 p.m. at the Don Haskins Center.
“UTEP Athletics wanted to bring someone to the city of El Paso that could be of interest to the entire community,” Senior Associate Athletics Director Brian Wickstrom said. “His philosophy of coaching and motivating players applies to all walks in life, and it has earned him a tremendous amount of respect as a coach and as a mentor.”
All proceeds from the event will benefit the UTEP Athletics student-athlete scholarship fund. Tickets can be purchased at the Miner Athletic Club located in the Brumbelow Building beginning Feb. 15. Floor seats are $60, lower-level general admission seats are $30 and upper-level general admission seats are $20. Sponsorship opportunities are also available by contacting the MAC at (915) 747-8759.
In 2007, Dungy became the first African-American head coach to lead his team to a Super Bowl championship with the Indianapolis Colts. Before his retirement in 2009, Dungy established an NFL record becoming the first head coach to make 10 consecutive playoff appearances, beginning in 1999 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He guided the Colts to five AFC South titles and two AFC Championship game appearances.
Dungy began his head coaching career in Tampa Bay in 1996 before accepting the same position with Indianapolis in 2002. He worked as an assistant coach at the University of Minnesota and at the professional level with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings. Before entering the coaching ranks, Dungy played three seasons in the NFL.
Dungy is an analyst for NBC’s Football Night in America. He is also author of the #1 New York Times best sellers Quiet Strength and Uncommon, as well as the children’s book You Can Do It.
He is widely involved with a variety of charitable organizations such as Athletes in Action, Mentors for Life, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs, the Black Coaches Association National Convention and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
“Tony Dungy is an individual whose successful football career is highlighted with Super Bowl wins, once as a player with the Pittsburgh Steelers and as a head coach for the Indianapolis Colts,” Wickstrom said. “It is a rare opportunity to have someone with his accolades come to El Paso and share his message about becoming a champion in life.”
