News Room

 

Release:  On receipt, May 6, 2008

Contacts:  Jeff Starr, Tournament Director, (515) 279-4653, jeff@principalcharityclassic.com or

               Beth Haag, Media Director, (515) 490-8890, beth@principalcharityclassic.com

 

Jason Taylor to play in the CIBER Pro-Am at The Principal Charity Classic®

(WEST DES MOINES, Iowa) – Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor will play in the CIBER Pro-Am at The Principal Charity Classic® presented by Wells Fargo on May 28 at Glen Oaks Country Club.  Taylor, a third-round pick (73rd overall) in the 1997 National Football League draft by the Miami Dolphins, has become one of the superstars of the league at his defensive end position.  Taylor has also become a superstar on the ABC-TV hit show, “Dancing with the Stars” and was named one of People Magazine’s most beautiful people.

“We are excited that Jason is joining us this year,” said The Principal Charity Classic Tournament Director Jeff Starr. “He’s a terrific athlete and now a finalist on Dancing with Stars, but it’s his personal charitable efforts with children that fit so well with our ‘FORE Our Kids’ theme.”

In his 11th season in the NFL, Taylor has earned five Pro Bowl selections (2000, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006).  His 106 career sacks ranks third among active players, and he is signed with the Dolphins through the 2009 season. 

Taylor was home schooled throughout high school in Pittsburgh, Pa., but he got the chance to play varsity sports for Woodland Hills High School in Pittsburgh, where he quickly made a name for himself.  He earned all-Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League honors by the Pittsburgh Press Gazette and Gateway Press his senior season as a tight end and free safety.  Taylor also lettered in basketball for the Wolverines.  After graduation, Taylor was a four-year letterman (1993-1996) for the University of Akron and three-year starter for the Zips.  

Taylor enjoys boating, fishing and playing golf in his spare time.  He cites "The Godfather, The Complete Epic," as his favorite movie, "The Sopranos" as his favorite TV program, and The Bible as his favorite book.   He is married to Katina, and the couple resides in Davie, Fla., with their two sons, Isaiah Paul and Mason Paul.   

 

Other celebrities scheduled to appear include:

            • Ron Livingston – Actor from Marion, Iowa; star of the cult-hit film "Office Space"
            • Gary Barta - University of Iowa athletic director
            • Cael Sanderson - Olympic gold medalist; four-time NCAA wrestling champion with an undefeated record; is currently   the Iowa State University wrestling coach
            • Bobby Hansen - Former NBA player most known for his time with the Chicago Bulls
            • Tom Davis - Former Drake University men's basketball coach
            • Jamie Pollard - Iowa State University athletic director

Tickets for The Principal Charity Classic can be purchased at www.principalcharityclassic.com or by calling (515) 279-4653.

About The Principal Charity Classic® presented by Wells Fargo

The Principal Charity Classic, presented by Wells Fargo, is an annual Champions Tour event at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines. The 2008 tournament will be held May 28-June 1. Greater Des Moines Community Foundation plays host to the event, which is focused on philanthropic giving for designated “FORE Our Kids” charities:

  •          Blank Children’s Hospital
  •          Bravo Greater Des Moines
  •          Greater Des Moines Community Foundation
  •          United Way of Central Iowa
  •          Variety-The Children’s Charity.

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