Mike Rhoades proud of Penn State coaching, CVC roles
Mike Rhoades stood atop a small stage at Medlar Field on Thursday evening to address a crowd of a few hundred. The occasion, a cocktail reception to kick off the 26th annual Coaches vs. Cancer of Penn State Golf Tournament, served as another informal introduction to the Nittany Lions’ new head coach.
And, in an event he signed onto quickly, becoming the fifth men’s basketball head coach at Penn State to do so, the effort connected with him.
Telling the crowd that he’s been proud to be the new leader of the program for the past two months, he added that his involvement in the event was something for which he could be even more proud as money and awareness were being raised to help wage the ongoing battle against cancer.
“I know the tradition of Penn State, in athletics and outside of athletics. I’ve known that my whole life in this state and with my family connected to Penn State,” Rhoades told BWI at the event. “But, to take it a step further, and now have my feet on the ground here in State College, in this community, and watching all these people want to impact others. I’ve felt that for two months now, so that is cool and special.”
Mike Rhoades leads 26th CVC golf tournament weekend
That uniquely committed environment was on display on Thursday evening.
Among the attendees, former Penn State coaches Bruce Parkhill and Jerry Dunn mingled with former players and guests. Athletic director Pat Kraft was on hand as well, nearing the end of his first full year on the job.
Back for its 26th iteration this year, the Coaches vs. Cancer golf tournament has raised more than $2.2 million. The Penn State chapter of CVC has raised more than $3.6 million thanks to its other events throughout the year.
On tap all day Friday, the event will again make a major fundraising push. More than 300 golfers are set to tee off at Penn State’s Blue and White golf courses.
Next steps
Though Rhoades and his staff aren’t scheduled to play in the event, it also stands as something of a welcomed respite from what has been a frantic first two months on the job.
Inheriting a roster that was already set to experience massive turnover thanks to its position as one of college basketball’s most senior-led groups, the challenge of filling out 13 scholarships for his debut 2023-24 season has been formidable.
“It’s been two months of just every day has been get up early, stay late, and sprint to exhaustion. It’s been a whirlwind, but it’s been a lot of fun, too,” Rhoades said. “We got down to three players in the program. We’re not the only ones in the country to have to go through it, but it is what it is. And you can complain or make excuses, or find a way. We’re gonna find a way. So it’s been a whirlwind. And it’s pretty crazy. But hey, it’s what I signed up for.”
Some of Penn State’s players have started filtering into campus, including its three returning pieces from last season. Now, formal workouts are set to begin later this month. An opportunity to get started, Rhoades said he’s eager for the chance.
“I can’t wait. I know a certain amount of time every day, I’m in the weight room with these guys, I’m on the court with these guys, I can spend time with them, I can break bread with them. I could hang out with them this summer late at night and get to know them,” Rhoades said. “I’m so excited about that.”
Blue White Illustrated is again pleased to participate in this year’s CVC golf tournament. To support the Penn State chapter of CVC, learn more here.
