TRAVERSE CITY -- Thirlby Field will be awash in pink when the St. Francis Gladiators and the Grayling Vikings vie for the conference championship during the second annual Breast Cancer Bowl, Saturday.
In their last home game of the regular season, the varsity football team will play for more than a win-loss statistic. Proceeds from the sale of commemorative T-shirts and luminaries as well as donations collected during the game will benefit the Munson Women's Cancer Fund.
"It is exciting to team up again with another community to raise awareness and funds for such a worthy cause," said St. Francis varsity football coach, Greg Vaughan who brought the idea of the Breast Cancer Bowl to St. Francis last year after being involved in a similar project at a previous school.
The school was eager to get behind the effort after two Grand Traverse Area Catholic School kindergarten teachers were diagnosed with breast cancer. Last year, more than $7,500 was raised to benefit the fund used to provide financial assistance for supportive care including prosthetics, transportation, utility payments and childcare during treatment for women diagnosed with cancer in the Munson community.
"Almost everyone knows of someone affected by cancer," said Grayling High School athletic director and varsity football coach, Tim Sanchez, who considers it an honor to join with the St. Francis community to raise money for a great cause.
"We are grateful that Coach Sanchez and the Grayling community are willing to join in and teach our boys that there are bigger things in life than a football game," Vaughan said.
Activities begin at 5 p.m. with a tailgate party and a Pop Warner kids' football game. The varsity game begins at 7 p.m.
Following the game, fans from both schools will be invited to join the players, band and cheerleaders on the field for a candlelight ceremony dedicated to all people battling cancer and those loved ones who have lost their battle with the disease.
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