Big 5 schools and Drexel score huge with charity

by Brian O'Connell sports editor

The Coaches vs. Cancer charity has been going well for the past 10 years in college basketball across the country. This is a charity that was started when former Missouri basketball coach, Norm Stewart was diagnosed with this dreadful disease. However, what really got the country's college basket ball programs involved was when Jim Valvano, former college basketball coach, fell victim to cancer and died.

Since then, more than 500 colleges now take part in this charity.

Fundraisers and various activities such as basketball tournaments have been played across the country and they all result in thousands of dollars raised to help fight cancer.

"The purpose of this charity is to raise awareness towards the fight towards cancer," University of Pennsylvania head men's basketball coach Fran Dunphy said.

Last Saturday, Oct. 30, the Philadelphia Big Five schools, LaSalle, Penn, St. Joseph's, Temple, Villanova along with Drexel all took part in a fundraiser at the historic Palestra. Each of the teams had practice sessions which were free and open to the public. In addition, buckets were places at the entrance of the Palestra for anyone who cared to donate some money to help fight the disease.

"This is a great way for us to get together and raise money to help fight the disease," Dunphy said.

"We decided to have the practices at the Palestra because it is the home of co11egebasketball."

One might wonder how the schools came up with the idea to hold this event and why it is so early in the season.

"It was really a collective effort," Dunphy said. All of the coaches agreed that it would be a great way to raise money."

The Philadelphia Big Five schools and Drexel have already participated in the charity over the past few years. Last year, the coaches were able to raise $100,000. St. Joe's head coach

Phil Martelli had the idea of coming up with a golf tournament to raise money. The coaches agreed and they raised $32,000 the first year and have received more money each year the tournament has taken place.

Programs and coaches all over the country have participated in this charity and it has gotten bigger and better as each year passes.

If anyone would like to make a donation to the Coaches vs. Cancer charity, please contact any of the Philadelphia Big Five schools and Drexel University to make a donation.

The Philadelphia Big Five coaches were very happy with the turnout last Saturday, and only hope that this charity catches the attention of more people across the country. They want people to realize the severity of the disease and make every effort possible to see that donations are made. They need people to take their side and help find a cure for cancer.