Sports
Women’s basketball team campaigns for cause
The Pointer
rnech142@uwsp.edu
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point women’s basketball team has been making a major effort in the attempt to raise funds and awareness for one of every woman’s most ardent enemies: cancer.
In a year-long fundraising endeavor, the Pointers and their coaches have been hosting raffles at every home game, silently auctioning off various items and asking for donations from their fans.
From the start, the project was Graduate Assistant Coach Kole Vivian’s baby. Going into the UW-Stout game on Wednesday night it had garnered around $2,200. WIth a successful night of fundraising, the team has come dangerously close to their goal of $2,500 for the St. Joseph’s Hat and Wig program. That means Assistant Coach Megan Wilson may be losing her lustrious brunette locks.
“It’s pretty bold, she’s just a great person with a great heart; she wanted to raise a little extra money too and she’s done a great job with it,” Vivian said.
Wilson will shave her head after the Saturday, Feb. 7 conference match- up against UW-Superior if the goal is indeed realized. She said she is a little nervous about the full head shave she may receive, but never hesitated to volunteer her hair-do in the name of awareness and support.
“As it gets closer, it gets more real but I don’t have any regrets,” Wilson said. “I’m glad I put it out there; I’m glad I could see this team and this community come together to raise money for such a great cause.”
Wilson lost her grandmother to cancer and has an aunt currently battling the disease. she said that the fundraising really hits home and that she never thought twice about her decision to sacrifice for the cause.
The team will host the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association “Pink Zone” night once again this season on Wednesday, Feb. 18, against UW-La Crosse. The Pointers will play in pastel pink uniforms that night in order to raise awareness for breast cancer.
“The team loves [the fundraising]; their families are coming out and supporting a lot,” Vivian said. “I just want to tell people to come out on the 18th for our “Pink Zone” night, wear pink and we’ll try to get a win.”
There will be multiple goodies given away that night such as Domino’s coupons, haircuts and movie rentals. Supporters are asked to wear pink to the game.
By raising their efforts this year, the team is able to offer a lot more support to the Wig and Hat program and Coach Shirley Egner remarked that it is a great thing to do for the community.
“It’s for a great cause and we’re working towards a goal and trying to bring some awareness to a very nasty disease,” Pointer Head Coach Shirley Egner said.
