The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Bob Golic Rib Burn Off a success in first try
Despite the rain, which attributed to a low turnout on opening day, Willowick Mayor Rich Regovich said the Bob Golic Rib Burn Off was a success for its first year.
Golic, who played for the Cleveland Browns in the 1980s and was born and raised in Willowick, hosted the Aug. 11-13 event to raise funds for the city’s youth sports teams.
“We had actually come back here to Willowick and I was in one of the parades,” Golic said. “I hadn’t been to my hometown in a long time. Once we did that (the parade) we said we should do something back there.”
Regovich and Golic discussed the ideas and came up the rib burn off after Regovich reached out to him on Facebook.
“It just got to be a cool idea the more we got into it the more it progressed, and now I get to see all the people I grew up with and their grandkids,” Golic said.
Regovich equated the event to a big block party. It featured ribs and food from six vendors and live music performed by multiple bands throughout the weekend.
“Great food, great music and Willowick’s own Bob Golic had the residents telling stories and remembering when Bob and his brothers were lifeguards at Willowick’s pool or when they played Little League sports,” he said. “It was a great way to meet your neighbors and talk to residents in a relaxed atmosphere.”
Golic shared memories with those who came out about how he played Little League on the very fields there at Dudley Park where the event was held and how his father used to work him out at Willowick Middle School when he played football while his friends played softball.
Golic wasn’t the only former Browns player present at the event. Cornerback Hanford Dixon was there signing autographs on Aug. 11 and running back Greg Pruitt came out Aug. 12 to support Golic.
Pruitt discussed how his one and only coaching experience was with a flag football team almost 20 years ago and they won the championship in Willowick.
He also explained how Golic told him what he was trying to do with the event and that he needed support, so as a friend and alum he came out to offer his support for the event.
Pruitt had a special message for the youths. He told them that they are the future of America whether they want to be or not. He also said he likes to remind them that everyday they get a day older, and they can’t change that fact but they can decide what to do with the future.
“I had to retire and somebody who prepared themselves made sure they were in the right place at the right time,” Pruitt said. “They took that job, took advantage of that opportunity. So do what you are supposed to do — take advantage of every opportunity and know that dreams do come true I’m living proof of it.”
The youth leagues provided many of the volunteers to help with the event and make it possible, Regovich said.
The Rib Burn Off is set to become an annual event, according to Regovich and Golic.
“We are already looking to improve this event for next year,” the mayor said.
“Julie Kless and the recreation department did an outstanding job bringing this event to life,” Regovich said.
“I would like to thank Bob Golic, along with his team, for being a gracious host.”
“It just got to be a cool idea the more we got into it the more it progressed, and now I get to see all the people I grew up with and their grandkids.” —Bob Golic