The Meade Activity Center is proud to announce Western Kentucky University Men’s Basketball Coach and Meade County native Rick Stansbury will be the guest of honor at the 8th Annual MAC Matters Gala on Tuesday, May 9th. The MAC is proud to count Coach Stansbury as the eighth keynote speaker at this prestigious event. Previous guests of honor include actor & comedian Chris Tucker, US Track & Field Gold Medalist Michael Johnson, entrepreneur and philanthropist Todd Wagner, tennis great Monica Seles, solo artist and member of the Eagles Don Henley, former CBS Evening News anchor Dan Rather, and PGA Golfer Kenny Perry.
Rick Stansbury, a Battletown, Ky., native, has a career in coaching that has spanned over 30 years at five different schools including at his alma mater, Campbellsville University, where he was recognized as an inductee to the Athletic Hall of Fame. Stansbury made his name over a 22-year run at Mississippi State, including the final 14 as head coach (1999-2012), where he compiled a career record of 293-166 (.638), led the Bulldogs to the postseason 11 times – with six NCAA appearances – and became Mississippi State’s all-time wins leader in the process.
In his first season at Western Kentucky University, Stansbury inherited a roster with no returning guards. He responded by fielding a competitive squad with several new faces, including three talented, experienced graduate transfer guards with multiple years of NCAA Tournament experience between them. Stansbury’s recruiting class for 2017-18 is ranked in the top 15 nationally by every major recruiting outlet and is WKU’s first top-25 class in the modern recruiting era. In November, the Hilltoppers signed five-star center Mitchell Robinson – the first McDonald’s All American in school history – as well as top-50 guard Josh Anderson and guard Taveion Hollingsworth, the top prospect in the state of Kentucky.
Stansbury is a 1977 graduate of Meade County High School. He’s married to the former Meo Mellen of Roanoke, Va. The couple has three sons, Isaac, Noah and Luke.
The annual goal of the MAC Gala is to raise capital that supports the mission of the Meade Activity Center. Most importantly, proceeds directly impact those less fortunate, and fund the MAC Financial Assistance program that provides fitness and recreational opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and incomes. The emcee for this event will be Kari Wagner, a Meade County native, whose passion for giving back and love for her community have made her a MAC advocate since its inception.
In addition to a presentation with Rick Stansbury, the Gala will feature a gourmet dinner and complimentary cocktail service. Tickets will go on sale on March 20th at a cost of $100 per person. Individual tickets or tables of 8 may be purchased on the MAC’s website at www.meadeactivitycenter.org or at the MAC Office, 493 Lawrence Street, Brandenburg, KY 40108.