On Friday, March 22, 2013, West Milford High School participated in a program that is actively participated in across America called Coaches vs. Cancer. This event stems from the widely known Relay for Life event. The American Cancer Society believes that this event has a very strong objective, according to their website, “The Coaches vs. Cancer program empowers coaches, their teams, and communities to join the fight against cancer by participating in awareness efforts, advocacy programs, and fundraising activities.”
Coaches vs. Cancer at West Milford High School consisted of a 3×3 game of students, as well as a teachers game. Participating in the teacher’s game were two separate teams, The Polski Smak and Genetic Perfection. Both high school and middle school teachers participated on the basketball teams. Mr. Matlosz, Mr. Nitkinas, Mr. Andrulli and Mrs. Bozenmayer were some of the players on the Polski Smak team. On the opposing team, Genetic Perfection, Mr. Maslanek, Mr. Gramata, Mr. Dougherty and Miss D’Elio were four out of the six teachers who participated.
Missy Townsend, a senior, was the student liaison for the event and Mrs. Metcalf was the teacher liaison, together they orchestrated this event from start to finish. Mrs. Metcalf shared that she was incredibly happy with the energy level of all the teachers as well as the active participation from the crowd throughout the event.
Not only was there basketball at the event, but a foul shooting contest at half time. In addition, there was a bake sale where multiple teachers who weren’t able to play in the basketball tournament, donated beverages and baked goods.
Many students helped out at this event as well. Taylor Ryan, Megan Heye, Kelly McGill, and Caroline Kearney were in charge of keeping score and updating the brackets. Senoirs, Heather Piccoli and Christa Callamari sold luminaries that could be personalized to commemorate people who have fought against cancer, passed away from cancer, or who are still fighting a battle against cancer.
When asked what the ultimate goal of this event was, and whether or not it was successful, Mrs. Metcalf said that there were two important reasons for holding an event like Coaches vs. Cancer. One, because it spreads awareness about Relay for Life and the fight against cancer. The second reason for holding an event like this is for the donations and profit that are made for cancer research. According to the American Cancer Society Coaches vs. Cancer nationwide has earned over $87 million dollars for cancer research. Mrs. Metcalf believes that the event was indeed successful.
As an extension of the Relay for Life event, that will take place on June 1 through June 2, 2013, Coaches vs. Cancer was an incredible event that not only spread awareness but was a fun night filled with positive energy. Everyone involved, from students to teachers, did an exceptional job.
