It is that time of year again, to honor and celebrate the life of an amazing dad, husband, coach, teacher and friend. On October 27, 1999, Buffalo was shocked with the death of a young, vibrant high school science teacher and head boys basketball coach. Pat Sonju passed away after a tumor ruptured on his adrenal gland following knee surgery.

Pat was a great husband to Kim Sonju-Zrust for 10 years and a proud dad to Cameron Sonju (currently attending the U of MN, 3 years old at the time) and Avery Sonju (currently a senior at BHS, 4 months at the time). During the time that Pat was a teacher and coach in Buffalo, he made many friends and was never shy to share what he valued in life…Family, Friends and BASKETBALL!

Each year a memorial basketball game is played in honor of Pat Sonju and his contribution to the Buffalo Basketball Team. The Bison will take on Waconia at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 4th at Buffalo High School.

The game is played and organized around Pat’s motto of “Go Hard.” The game is a FREE WILL DONATION with all donations supporting the Pat Sonju Memorial Scholarship, which has provided over $35,000 in scholarships to BHS graduates and currently have over $58,000 in the endowment fund.

There will also be a silent auction with great items, raffle and Pat Sonju Memorial t-shirts for sale.  

This event is open to the public!  If Pat, Kim, Cameron, Avery or the rest of the Sonju crew has touched your life in any way, or you just want to enjoy a great game of basketball, please come and enjoy taking part in honoring a great man!

Come early to view the silent auction, get your raffle tickets, buy your shirts and enjoy the atmosphere.

It is truly a FUN event for the whole family!!!