CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
ARCATA, Calif. – The Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics Department is proud to announce that tickets are now available for the 40th Annual Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics Auction, set for Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Sapphire Palace inside Blue Lake Casino.
Event Details
Date: April 11, 2026
Time: Doors Open at 5:00 p.m. | Program Begins at 6:00 p.m.
Location: Sapphire Palace, Blue Lake Casino, Blue Lake, Calif.
Celebrating four decades as the department's premier fundraising tradition, the Athletics Auction directly supports student-athlete scholarships and the continued success of Humboldt's 13 intercollegiate athletics programs.
This year's special guest speaker is Humboldt alumnus and current Atlanta Falcons wide receivers coach Robert Prince, who brings more than 30 years of collegiate and NFL experience, including stops with the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, and Miami Dolphins, and has coached standout receivers such as CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks.
Before his NFL career, Prince was a walk-on wide receiver and mathematics major at Cal Poly Humboldt, graduating in 1989. Originally planning to become a high school math teacher and coach in the Los Angeles area, his path shifted when then-head coach Mike Dolby invited him to remain in Arcata as a graduate assistant. Prince earned his master's degree in physical education in 1991, launching a coaching journey that would eventually lead to the NFL.
Prince credits Humboldt for shaping both his professional philosophy and personal values. His approach to coaching extends beyond Xs and Os, focusing on mentorship, leadership, and helping young men grow both on and off the field.
"Helping a guy succeed—that's kind of the thrill of coaching," Prince has said. "It's about making people better. Helping players become better men, better teammates, and better versions of themselves."
His time in Arcata—practicing in the Redwood Bowl, building lifelong friendships with teammates, and forming close relationships with professors—left a lasting impact. Prince often reflects on the strong sense of community, small class sizes, and the balance of academics and athletics that helped him grow as both a student and a leader.
Now coaching at the pinnacle of the sport, Prince continues to carry the lessons he learned at Humboldt.
"Hard work doesn't guarantee success," Prince says, "but it gives you the best opportunity for it. I learned that at Humboldt."
The evening will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to hear firsthand about Prince's journey from Lumberjack student-athlete to NFL coach, while celebrating and investing in the future of Humboldt Athletics.
Tickets are expected to sell quickly. To purchase tickets for the event, please click here. For more information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Mike Herbert at 707-826-3662 or mjh43@humboldt.edu.
