Jan. 16, 2008

Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley President Thomas J. Haas is facing off against WOOD-TV 8 sports director Jack Doles in a free throw contest during halftime of the men's basketball game vs. Gannon University on January 19.

The two men will compete to see who can make the most free throws in a minute. If Doles wins, he gets to serve as Grand Valley president for a day. If Haas wins, he will do a sportscast on WOOD-TV.

The competition coincides with the announcement of a $1,000 one-time scholarship to a Grand Valley student who comes from the WOOD-TV 8 viewing area in Doles' name.

The game begins at 3 p.m. in the Fieldhouse Arena. "It'll be fun," said Haas. "I appreciate Jack's willingness to have a little competition." Haas -- who has coached and played basketball for years and occasionally plays pick-up games with Grand Valley students --is confident in his skills on the court.

"The stakes are high, and when I win, Jack will have to pay up," he said. "If, by some strange fluke of nature, Jack wins, I guess I'll have to give up the presidency for a day. I don't see that happening." Doles, however, isn't intimidated, noting that he's shooting 100 free throws a day to get ready.

"When I become president for a day -- and I will -- my first order of business will be to make all tests open book. Seriously, who doesn't use every resource available on a project once you're in the working world? I'm also considering making golf class mandatory for all students," he said. "My final act as president for a day will be to cancel all meetings on that day."