WKU News

During a special called meeting today (September 18), the Western Kentucky University Board of Regents approved the naming of the Harold and Juanita Koon Football Complex in honor of significant philanthropic support from the Koon family and the Koon Family Foundation. The Football Complex, which was completed in 2007, houses the Hilltoppers’ locker room, weight room, training room, coaches’ offices, football operations, and meeting rooms. 

“WKU and WKU Athletics have always been incredibly special to our family, going all the way back to games in the Red Barn,” said Gary and Dennis Koon, trustees of the Koon Family Foundation. “Our family has enjoyed so many incredible memories around Hilltopper games throughout the years, and we are blessed to pass on the legacy started by our parents, Harold and Juanita Koon, through the naming of the Football Complex.”

“I am pleased that the Board of Regents approved the naming of the Harold and Juanita Koon Football Complex,” WKU Athletic Director Todd Stewart said. “The Koon family’s decades-long investment in WKU Athletics has been unprecedented and played a vital role in our football program’s sustained success, championships, and national relevancy. Their consistent support in helping us overcome challenges has enabled our programs to grow and evolve while also positively impacting thousands of student-athletes. We are deeply appreciative of their loyalty to WKU Athletics and proud to recognize them on Saturday at halftime of our game against Toledo.”

“We are thankful to the Koon family for their unwavering commitment to and continued investment in Western Kentucky University,” President Timothy C. Caboni said. “Their generosity and vision have profoundly enhanced our campus community and enriched the lives of countless students.”

Harold and Juanita Koon were long-time residents of Bowling Green, Ky., and co-owners of Koon Food Sales. They were loyal and avid Hilltopper fans for many years, with the family’s philanthropic giving spanning the last 60 years.

“The Koon family has been tremendous supporters of WKU and Hilltopper Football for many years,” head coach Tyson Helton said. “We are incredibly grateful for the many opportunities they have provided our football student-athletes and program over the years. The success we have achieved would not be possible without the generosity of the Koon family, and I look forward to being reminded of that each day when I walk into work inside the Harold and Juanita Koon Football Complex.”

Harold Koon passed away in 1981 and Juanita Koon passed away in 2017, but their spirit of philanthropy lives on through the Koon Family Foundation and individual members of the family.

“Thirty-two years ago I was called into the President’s office and informed that we were dropping football,” former head coach Jack Harbaugh said. “The Koon family entered the discussion and said, ‘Not on our watch, we’re going to do everything we can to keep football at Western Kentucky,’ and they did. Twenty-two years ago, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Western Kentucky won the national championship. Today, with Coach Tyson Helton, we are competing at a high, high level. Thank you to the Koon family and all those who participated in keeping football alive at Western Kentucky University.”

“What I remember most about the Koon family is their absolute loyalty and passion for this university, particularly the athletic programs and football,” former President Dr. Gary Ransdell said. “I cannot think of anybody who has been more loyal fans. When we made the transition from, what was at the time, 1-AA to 1-A, the Koon family came forward to make that transition possible. I’m so proud that the Koon family name will be displayed on the football complex. What a great tribute to the family and our athletic programs.”

The Koon family will be recognized during Saturday’s WKU vs. Toledo Football game at Houchens-Smith Stadium. Among those expected to be in attendance from the family are six WKU alumni, including cousin Ty Koon, a member of Jack Harbaugh’s first recruiting class at WKU, and grandson Andrew Koon, a member of Harbaugh’s final recruiting class.

Contact: Scott Swegan, scott.swegan@wku.edu