Malone represents Cabrini at Florida conference

by Caroline Cinquino staff writer

Christy Malone, a junior, attended the NCAA Champs Life Skills Continuing Education Conference. in Clearwater, Florida, from Feb. 5th through the 8th, While working in the athletic office, Malone was informed of the letter-writing campaign by Associate Athletic Director, Leslie Danehy who accompanied Malone to the Conference.

The campaign focused on expressing appreciation to those who had the most impact on today's student athletes and Malone immediately decided to write a letter to her mother, who she considered to be her inspiration. "She is my mentor and inspiration, a great role model for myself and others."

The conference was planned by the NCAA Champs/Life Skills Program, a development program for student athletes. The organization has an Education Outreach Mission: ''To provide services and support to the membership, public and media to develop and enhance the life of the student-athlete through educational pro- grams and resources focusing on gender equity, student-athlete welfare and life skills." The program is dedicated to academic excellence, athletic excellence, personal development, career development, and service.

The Conference was in celebration of Student Athlete Day and recognized those who inspired the student athletes academically, athletically and personally. Student athletes were asked to write letters to the person(s) in their lives whom encouraged or inspired them the most. The letters were mailed to the people chosen along with a certificate of appreciation by the colleges of the students. Students chose to write to parents, coaches, professors and friends. The Athletic Department here at Cabrini College received several phone calls from the letter recipients who were touched by the gesture.

Malone was selected out of many students to attend the conference in Florida. Her genuine and heartfelt letter to her mother earned her the National Student Athlete Day Award as well as an all-ex- pense paid trip to Florida to join the others selected in attending the conference.

In her letter, Malone told her mother about how she appreciated all of her support such as corning to her soccer, softball, basketball and lacrosse games. She wrote about the special bond she shares with her mother and how she hopes to someday have that same bond with her children. Malone wrote, "You give me strength knowing that you believe in me I think Dad would be proud of you. Looking down upon you and seeing bow you juggle work and bringing up five kids ... You are my angel and Dad is my angel in heaven." Malone's letter was filled with emotion and honesty. Students came to the conference from schools all around the country. During the program, the student athletes took part in workshops as well as smaller group sessions in which topics included violence prevention, alcohol awareness, communication and leadership skills.

Malone prepared a poster displaying the purpose of the letter-writing campaign as well as banding out more information about what the campaign was all about. Malone reported that most of the audience was athletic and loved the idea of thanking those who inspired athletes this year.

"It was a more relaxed presentation instead of getting up on stage and presenting, people came up to you and discussed your project. It went very well and everyone seemed very receptive and wanted to try it at their school."

"I definitely learned a lot about new strategies for being an effective leader. I definitely walked away with a new understanding the NCAA is not just concerned with the athletic program, but is also concerned with the development of the student athlete."

Malone reported that she was a little nervous going into the new situation. However, it proved to be a "great overall experience." She also reports that Florida was beautiful, although a little colder than she had anticipated.

Flyers raise a record $1.36 million for local charities

by Linsey Heiser news editor

The Philadelphia Flyers drew a sold-out crowd this past weekend at the First Union Center, but it wasn't for the usual hockey game with fights.

This time the fight was for lives. The 24th annual Flyers' Wives Fight for Lives Carnival was held on Sunday, Feb. 13.

The carnival took place from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and was attended by over 9,000 people.

This year, the carnival raised a record $1.36 million, surpassing last years total of $1.25 million. All of the proceeds benefit the Barry Ashbee Laboratories at the Isadore Brodsky Institute for Cancer and Blood Diseases at Hahnemann University Hospital, along with other Delaware Valley charities.

When the carnival was first held in 1977, Barry Ashbee, a Flyers defenseman and assistant coach. was losing a battle with leukemia. Since then, the carnival bas grown every year and to date has raised more than $13 million. Now, the carnival is one of the largest single day fundraisers in North America.

Many activities took place throughout the day at the carnival. Fans could get auto- graphs and have their picture taken with the players, including Eric Lindros, John LeClair and Mark Recchi. Also, an auction was held for many items and gift boxes were sold with Flyers memorabilia, including jerseys and posters. A new feature was held this year, a question and answer period where everyone could get to know more about their favorite Flyers.

Andrea Pirri, a sophomore, attended this year's carnival. She was able to meet all of her favorite players and got their autographs.

"I bad a really great time," said Pirri. "I like to go becauseof the greatcause, cancer

research for kids."

The carnival this year had extra special meaning for some of the Flyer's family. In June, the legendary voice of the Flyers, Gene Hart, died of complications from liver cancer.

Since then, his daughter, Lauren Hart, team anthemnist, has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Also, the head coach of the flyers, Roger Neilson, has recently been diagnosed with bone-marrow cancer.

Hopefully, with the efforts of the Flyers and their wives, the fight to find a cure for cancer will become an easier one.