Rodney Coates, right, talks with members of the Miami University football program on Wednesday, Dec. 11, during a luncheon at the Gross Student-Athlete Development Center organized by Coates to celebrate Miami’s bowl berth. The luncheon has become an annual tradition.
Oxford, Ohio/Miami University – As members of the Miami University football team filed into – and later out of – the Gross Student-Athlete Development Center on Wednesday afternoon, many offered handshakes and words of appreciation to Rodney Coates.
The thanks weren’t only for the meal provided, an annual tradition Coates first organized about a decade ago to celebrate when the RedHawks earn a bowl bid, but also for the role Coates plays each year.
Coates, professor of Global and Intercultural Studies, teaches as part of the Summer Bridge Program, which helps many student-athletes prepare for the academic experience.
“It’s above and beyond to feed us for a bowl game, but really more so than that what we appreciate is Dr. Coates’ relationship,” said Chuck Martin, head coach of Miami football. “It’s very unique. He’s helped our kids so many different ways. He really helps our kids get ready for college.
“I couldn’t put a price tag on what he does for our kids.”
A former Miami football player inspired the initial lunch. The player had a long-term spinal injury, and that resonated with Coates.
“I said, ‘We need to celebrate it. Not wait for things to happen,’” Coates said. “Let’s make it something really special where Miami comes together to say thank you for what you’ve done. That’s how it started.”
Coates has taught at Miami since 1990. He received the Distinguished Educator Award from the College of Arts and Science in 2021, as well as the President’s Medal that year.
Coates has worked with the Summer Bridge Program for more than a decade.
“Professor Coates is incredibly supportive of our outstanding student-athletes here at Miami,” Miami President Gregory Crawford said. “He works tirelessly with our student-athletes both in and outside the classroom. His December football luncheon is a cherished tradition, celebrating their success and showing our gratitude for all they contribute to Miami and our community.”
After winning eight games this season and advancing to the Mid-American Conference championship game, the RedHawks will play Colorado State in the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop on Dec. 28 in Tucson, Arizona.
Kickoff is 4:30 PM at Arizona Stadium. The game will be broadcast on The CW Network.
This is the fifth straight bowl appearance for the RedHawks and eighth in the last nine years, which has meant several Coates luncheons for many players.
“As soon as I hear about it, it’s circled on the calendar,” said John Young, a senior offensive lineman.
“It’s a way for all of us at the end of the year to get together for a couple of last meals,” added senior offensive lineman Reid Holskey. “It’s kind of good to have these moments with the guys who are here right now.”
David Sayler, Miami’s director of athletics, called the luncheon “a bonding moment.”
“It’s really nice for the football student-athletes to see deans, the President’s Office, and everybody else who supports it helping provide food for them,” Sayler said. “It’s really a nice gesture and doesn’t go unappreciated by the players.”
Dec. 28 marks the 16th overall bowl appearance for Miami, beginning with the 1948 Sun Bowl (a 13-12 victory over Texas Tech).
The last five years have included stops in the LendingTree Bowl (2020), the Frisco Football Classic (2021), the HomeTown Lenders Bahamas Bowl (2022), and the Avocados from Mexico Cure Bowl (2023).
During that stretch, Martin became Miami’s all-time winningest coach.
“We’ve done this a few times now,” Coates said. “It’s become a tradition amongst them (the team) too.”
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg.
