MOUNT PLEASANT – Art Van Furniture and the Central Michigan
University Football Alumni Club have partnered to enhance the equipment
operations of the CMU football program.
Through a cooperative effort between the alumni club and Art Van, the
CMU football program will utilize a 26-foot moving truck for all road
games in 2007. The truck, donated by Art Van, will transport gear and
equipment for players and coaches as well as equipment for the athletic
training staff.
“This is just another illustration of the support we have for the
Central Michigan University football program,” said CMU head coach
Butch Jones. “I am very appreciative of all the efforts that went into
getting this done.”
In previous seasons, CMU rented a truck for each road game. The program
will now have the same truck available on a week-to-week basis. The new
truck features a CMU helmet graphic and Art Van’s logo on the side and
front of the truck. Stone Transport, owned by former CMU player Dean
Darby, will provide a driver for the truck for each trip at no cost to the university or football program.
“One of the most important things was making sure we had the right
truck for our needs as a football program,” said coordinator of
equipment operations Michael McPike. “This truck is ideal for the types
of stadiums we visit. We appreciate all the support Art Van has shown
us in working with us.”
Art Van Furniture operates Michigan’s largest private delivery fleet
with approximately 400 trucks, service vans and tractor trailers. The
company is family owned and operated, with Art Van Elslander as CEO and
his sons Gary and Ken as co-presidents. It is the number one furniture
retailer in Michigan and ranked in the top 15 of the leading 100 U.S.
furniture stores.
“As an alumnus of Central Michigan University, I remain interested in
supporting the growth of their athletic and academic programs,” said
Ken Van Elslander, co-president of Art Van Furniture. “When I was
approached by (CMU Football Alumni Club President) Dustin Preston about
supporting the football team by filling a transportation need, it was
something I knew we could accommodate. We are pleased to be a part of
this endeavor.”
The truck hits the road for the first time this weekend, when the
Chippewas open the 2007 season at Kansas. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Eastern Time on Saturday.
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