
Pinkel has a long association with the Mid-American Conference from his time as UT head football coach from 1991-2000, as well as his origins as a Kent State football player and graduate in 1975. Pinkel took over head coaching duties at Missouri in 2001 and is still with the Tigers.
Roethlisger was a record-setting quarterback over three seasons at Miami before getting drafted by the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers. He became the youngest quarterback to lead a team to a Super Bowl title and later added another Super Bowl title to a lengthy resume of professional success. He is still with the Steelers.
Joining Pinkel and Roethlisberger are Casey Cunningham (Central Michigan, wrestling), Bob Parks (Eastern Michigan, men’s cross country, men’s track and field), and George Dales (Western Michigan, men’s cross country, men’s track and field)..