Photo by: Will Gentry
The Oklahoma Christian University basketball program donned sneakers with their suits on game days last week in partnership with Coaches vs. Cancer: Suits and Sneakers to help raise funds and awareness for cancer.
Head Coach of Men’s Basketball Dan Hays, Terril Hankins, Rob McKinzie and Brandon Troutman from the Eagles and Stephanie Findley, Lisa Zamroz and Larry Truesdell from the Lady Eagles all participated in the event.
Coaches vs. Cancer: Suits and Sneakers is a national fundraiser sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
To participate in this fundraiser, coaches across the country wear suits and sneakers to their respective basketball games in efforts to raise money and awareness about cancer.
Oklahoma Christian was not the only team to participate in the event.
The Eagles also invited St. Mary’s coach Jim Zeleznak and his staff to compliment their best suits with sneakers.
Not only do coaches wear suits and sneakers, but players and students are also encouraged to do the same.
Many students chose to participate and wear suits and sneakers to the games.
Senior Ben Meaders spearheads the student section’s supporting chants at Eagle basketball games.
“I often lead support of our basketball teams, and sometimes supporting them means supporting a cause they are involved in as well,” Meaders said.
Even the basketball players got involved in the action, wearing their own suits and sneakers to classes and chapel.
The goal for the Thursday and Saturday games was to raise funds to go towards cancer awareness and a cure.
Players from the men and women’s basketball teams passed through the bleachers during halftime with cups to collects donations.
This event provided the Oklahoma Christian community a chance to do something for a disease many today struggle to fight.
This event is also is a way to honor those that are battling cancer and the people who love and support them daily.
“Personally I haven’t had a lot of experience with cancer, though I have had several friends with parents who have had cancer, and those people are inspiring,” Meaders said. “If dressing up for a game is a way to honor them, I’m in.”
Sophomore Morgan Cocklin also spoke highly of the fundraiser.
“I heard people talk about the coaches wearing suits and sneakers basically all week, and it was awesome to see everyone come together for such an awesome cause,” Cocklin said.
Cocklin has a close connection to the disease.
She has seen the effects that cancer has on not only those diagnosed, but loved ones as well.
“My family has been personally affected by this disease and to see so many people stand behind raising awareness and finding a cure made me feel supported and proud to be a part of such a wonderful community of students, professors, and coaches,” Cocklin said. “Oklahoma Christian is such a great place for people to rally behind a cause and I wouldn’t want to be a part of any other university.”
This program is beneficial because of the number of lives cancer touches everywhere, according to Hays.
“Everyone is affected, whether it’s immediate or not immediate, and it’s just a nice way to get it out there make it more public,” Hays said. “We can always do better, but this year was better than it has been in the past, and hopefully this is the start of making this a big event.”
Senior Somer Helms said she also felt inspired by the sense of community.
“Its so awe-inspiring how it’s not only NAIA, Division II (that’s what we are striving to be) participating, but Division I as well,” Helms said.
Sophomore Kendall Bosse agreed.
“I just think it’s so inspirational seeing the school come together for this cause,” Bosse said. “The students and the community look up to the coaches. Participating in this cancer awareness and fundraiser really sets an excellent example for the Oklahoma Christian and Edmond community and I’m so lucky to be able to call myself an Eagle.”
All across the nation, coaches, players and fans will work together to raise their goal of $400,000 through Coaches vs. Cancer: Suits and Sneakers in hopes of finding a cure.
If students or fans still wish to donate they can contribute online at http://www.cancer.org/involved/participate/coachesvscancer or by texting “COACH” to 20222 from any wireless phone to make a $5 donation toward Coaches vs. Cancer.
Donations will be accepted until the NCAA Men’s Final Four Basketball Tournament begins on April 5th.
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