Murray, NEB- Conestoga is joining schools across the nation in the fight against cancer through the Coaches vs. Cancer organization, sponsored by the girls’ basketball team.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide program between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. According to the American Cancer Society, since 1993, this initiative has implemented personal experiences, community leadership, and the professional excellence of coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living. Since 1993, over $167 million has been raised by this organization. Many schools take part in the campaign each year to dedicate a night to help support cancer research.

Conestoga’s head girls basketball coach, Mark Skiles, shares how the team started the event last year and raised $700. The goal for this year is to raise $1500. “I plan to have my girls on the team spearhead efforts within our school system to raise money for cancer awareness and research,” Skiles added. This year, the team plans to attend more events by bringing this opportunity to at least one game per athletic season.

During some of the games, the team will have a table set out with a jar for donations that help support the cancer research cause. When asked how his campaign will help people, Skiles states, “Donating will help people by providing research dollars to be used to eradicate cancer in the future.” This cause allows the community to help in the fight against a disease that has touched many lives.

Through experiences like this, high school teams demonstrate that sports can be more than a competition, as they can bring people together to support an important cause. “The Coaches vs. Cancer organization helps everyone!” exclaimed Skiles.