WVU Today
The inaugural Huggins Homecoming in Cincinnati raised more than $150,000 to bolster cancer care and research at the WVU Cancer Institute.
The Huggins Homecoming festivities welcomed West Virginia University Men’s Basketball Coach Bob Huggins back to the Queen City — which he called home during his tenure at the University of Cincinnati, from 1989 to 2005 — for three events to support the Norma Mae Huggins Endowment Fund at the WVU Foundation. Huggins established the memorial fund after his mother lost her battle with colon cancer in 2003.
The Huggins Homecoming events included a 5K run/walk along the scenic Little Miami Trail, post-run food and drinks at Fifty West Brewing Company and a chicken and ribs dinner at Ohio’s original Montgomery Inn. Huggins welcomed new University of Cincinnati Men’s Basketball Coach Wes Miller and former Bearcats players Tarrice Gibson, Keith Gregor, Corie Blount, Terry Nelson and Erik Martin — now an assistant coach for WVU — as special guests for the dinner, which was emceed by retired Cincinnati sports anchor Dennis Janson.
Between in-person attendees and livestream viewers, the Huggins Homecoming events attracted participants from Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, New York and Oregon. Combined proceeds totaled $150,043.
“I can’t thank Pete and Linda enough for all they’ve done and continue to do for our cause,” Huggins said. “Their vision and commitment to raise funds and awareness to support my mother’s endowment is inspiring. I’m truly grateful for their partnership. Special thanks too to Frank DeJulius and Fleet Feet Cincinnati for leading the way on our first-ever charity 5K. Together, we are making great things happen, and I’m already looking forward to next year.”
Huggins Homecoming was conceived by Cincinnati-area business owners Pete and Linda Zulia. Pete Zulia is a three-time graduate of WVU and longtime supporter of Huggins.
The two men developed a friendship after connecting several years ago at Bob Huggins Basketball Fantasy Camp. When Zulia shared how he lost his father, Simon, to lung cancer over 25 years ago, Huggins encouraged Zulia to make a difference by investing in clinical research.
Inspired by Huggins and a visit to the WVU Cancer Institute, the Zulias committed to raising $1 million to support the Norma Mae Huggins Endowment Fund. They started by donating $50,000 of their own money and $50,000 from their company, Oxford Physical Therapy Centers.
“Linda and I were overwhelmed by the Cincinnati turnout for our event,” Pete Zulia said. “The support and love shown for Coach’s Norma Mae Huggins Cancer Endowment was palpable. That energy shows Cincinnati’s commitment in helping Coach Huggins find a cure for cancer and has already kick-started next year’s Huggins Homecoming.”
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