The Coaches vs. Cancer game will be held Dec. 20 against Eureka in the Main Gym, the event involves both the boys and girls basketball game. During half time, a special commemoration will be done.
In collaboration with the national Coaches vs. Cancer program, a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches, Lafayette and Eureka have planned on making a fundraiser during their next game.
“[The basketball game] is about raising awareness for cancer and building support for people diagnosed and families suffering from that. During the game we try and raise money for cancer research and for improvements in medical treatments,” Activities Director Jonathan Sumner said.
The idea for Coaches vs. Cancer was started in 1993 by former head coach of University of Missouri’s men’s basketball program Norm Stewart. Stewart himself was a cancer survivor and member of NABC. He started the program by challenging fans to pledge a dollar amount for every three-point shot made by his team during the season. But has only been at Lafayette for a few years.
“The game has been going on before I took my role as athletic director, so at least six years it has been going on for,” Sumner said.
Apart from the basketball teams, other school clubs such as NHS and Key Club, along with Eureka’s basketball team will help in the events planning.
“Our basketball coaches are working with Eureka’s basketball coaches for part of it, I’m working with the Coaches vs. Cancer organization for aspects of it and then NHS and Key Club will help with the money collection,” Sumner said.
NHS will be in-charge of donations during the came and will also be creating posters to recognize survivors of cancer or those battling cancer.
“During half time there is going to be any activity called Miracle Minute where NHS will go onto the stands and solicit donation either by cash or online through a QR code,” NHS Adviser, Brian Fish said.
A special PA announcement will also be done during this time.
“If you’re a survivor or if you’re going through cancer, or if you’re around someone who’s experienced cancer, there’s a script that will be read to remember those that have passed away and show support to those currently fighting. NHS will be doing the Miracle Minute during this time and Key Club will be managing the concession stand and donations at the ticketing table,” Sumner said.
Fish said the event provides a way for the Rockwood community to join together for a cause.
“It’s a neat way to gather Rockwood schools together, not only does it get the Lafayette community involved but also the Eureka community. Both communities are invested in their students and athletes and it just shows a lot of solidarity amongst Rockwood when they come together for a good cause, and the Coaches vs. Cancer game is an excellent example of this,” Fish said.
