AMES — A dominant victory for the Cyclones raised awareness for their case of being one of the best teams in the country and also for cancer awareness.
During the final week of January, basketball coaches are invited to either don a sports coat or a team-branded shirt with a CvC patch embroidered to support.
The movement is an opportunity to raise awareness, funds and advocacy in the fight against cancer.
Since its inception in 1993, the campaign has raised over $179 million for the American Cancer Society.
The foundation of the event was brought to life by Missouri head coach Norm Stewart. Stewart was a pancreatic cancer survivor himself and started the project by asking fans to pledge money for every three-point basket his team made.
The event eventually grew into what we know today as Coaches vs. Cancer.
A key part of the event is supporting the patients, survivors and caregivers. Programs like Hope Lodge and Road to Recovery also benefit from the help.
The Cyclone coaching staff, led by head coach T.J. Otzelberger, decided to embroider CvC patches on the sleeves of their Iowa State polos.
“We want to do our part in the fight against cancer,” Otzelberger said. “We know it affects so many of us, and so many of our families and I think it’s a small gesture we’re able to do to help bring awareness and to help bring support.”
Additionally, coaches can wear a pair of sneakers to support the cause. This was done by the Colorado coaching staff, in addition to Colorado head coach Tad Boyle wearing a suit.
“Whether it’s Ames, Iowa, or Boulder, Colorado, or any community in this country,” Boyle said. “So, I think it’s great that we do it a week every year where we bring awareness to it.”
The Buffaloes’ staff wore Nike Air Force Ones featuring bright pink laces to raise awareness for cancer.
“You gotta be thankful for what you have, certainly when you have your health,” Boyle said. “Because a lot of people are fighting battles that are more important than what the hell just happened tonight.”
The officials also wore pink whistles as a part of their own Officials vs. Cancer and Pink Whistle Campaigns.
Players could also wear an article of clothing to support the cause. The University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team wore custom shoot-around shirts before their Big 10 matchup with Minnesota.
The colorful shirts were designed by University of Wisconsin Health kids’ patients.
While the coaches and teams are stepping up to support the cause, the goal isn’t just to wear suits or sneakers; it is to raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society.
You can donate through a form on the website.
“Whether you host a fundraiser, plan a Suits And Sneakers Week game, or simply offer encouragement to a friend facing the disease, you play a critical role in advancing the lifesaving work of Coaches vs. Cancer,” Craig Robinson, executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, said. “We won’t stop fighting until the battle to defeat cancer for good is won.”
