Kruger to be recognized for his successful career on and off the court
The City of Henderson announces UNLV Runnin’ Rebel head basketball coach and Henderson resident, Lon Kruger, will be the honorary grand marshal at this year’s Henderson Heritage Parade, April 17 at 10 a.m. Kruger will be recognized for his achievements as a basketball coach, mentor and humanitarian. He will lead the parade down a mile-long route on Water Street, from Ocean Avenue to Victory Road.
“We are thrilled to have Coach Kruger as this year’s parade grand marshal,” said Andrea Primo, Director of the Cultural Arts & Tourism Department. “He has made a significant impact, not only within the sport of basketball, but within the Southern Nevada community, epitomizing the true values of leadership, teamwork and compassion.”
Kruger recently finished his sixth season at UNLV by leading the Runnin’ Rebels to, yet another, NCAA Tournament appearance with an overall record of 25-9. It was the third NCAA Tournament appearance in the last four seasons for the Runnin’ Rebels, who only appeared in the tournament twice during the previous 15 years. Under his direction, the program is, once again, positioned as one of the most competitive programs in the West.
UNLV won Mountain West Conference (MWC) Tournament titles in both 2007 and 2008, the first consecutive MWC Tournament titles since the 1990 and 1991 squads. It was also the first time in MWC history that a school repeated as the conference tournament’s champion. Kruger led UNLV to NCAA Tournament in 2007, 2008 and 2010, with the Rebels advancing to the Sweet 16 in 2007 for the first time since 1991.
Kruger is already the second-winningest coach in UNLV basketball history, behind only to the legendary Jerry Tarkanian, and his Rebels have won 75% of the games they have played since the beginning of the 2006-07 season.
Kruger is involved with a number of charities and causes in the Southern Nevada community including Coaches vs. Cancer program sponsored by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, an organization that raises money for research, education and treatment programs for the Nevada Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society. He also has an active role in the Clark County School District, Southern Nevada Health District with childhood obesity, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada and the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth.
He and his wife, Barbara, have two children: daughter, Angie, an obstetrician in Miami, and son, Kevin, who played point guard at UNLV for his senior season and was instrumental in the team’s Sweet 16 appearance in 2007. Currently, Kevin is playing in the NBA Developmental League.
The Henderson Heritage Parade & Festival is a celebration of the city’s 57-year history, rich traditions and community spirit. In addition to the parade, the event includes a breakfast with Mayor Hafen and City Council members, as well as a festival at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water Street, featuring delicious world cuisine, hours of live entertainment, craft and cooking demonstrations, international games and a car show, courtesy of the International Food & Folklife Association. Admission and parking is FREE.
For additional information or a complete schedule of events for the Henderson Heritage Parade & Festival, visit www.HendersonLive.com or call (702) 267-2171. Follow us on Facebook at HendersonLive.
The City of Henderson supports the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Advanced notice may be necessary to ensure that appropriate accommodations will be provided. For full telephone, use Relay Nevada by dialing 7-1-1.
About the City of Henderson Department of Cultural Arts & Tourism
The City of Henderson Department of Cultural Arts and Tourism is dedicated to creating and promoting innovative events, entertainment, programming and venues that celebrate diverse cultural arts, enhance tourism, involve and serve the community and enrich the economic and cultural fabric of Henderson.
The Henderson Pavilion, Henderson Convention Center and Henderson Events Plaza are all managed by the Department of Cultural Arts and Tourism.
For additional information on our programs and entertainment, please contact us directly at (702) 267-2171. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.