(Peru, Neb.) – If you come to the Peru State College (PSC) basketball games on Thursday, Jan. 26, and you see the coaches wearing sneakers instead of dress shoes, do not be alarmed.  The Bobcat coaches will be participating in the ninth annual “Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers Weekend.”
 
The basketball teams will be hosting Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) women and men's doubleheader against the Evangel University Crusaders from Springfield, Mo.  The women's game will begin at 5:30 and will be followed by the men's game at approximately 7:30 p.m.
 
It is anticipated that nearly 4,000 head and assistant basketball coaches across the United States are expected to being wearing sneakers during the Jan. 27-29 weekend.   The coaches are joining the American Cancer Society (ACS) by supporting its vision of a world with less cancer and more birthdays.  Peru State is taking part one day early as they are not hosting a game during that period, similar to last year when their scheduled date was canceled due to one of the snowstorms.
 
From a media advisory from the ACS, Cynthia M. LeBlanc Ed.D, the volunteer board chair of the ACS stated, “We are excited that basketball coaches nationwide are joining in the fight against this deadly disease.  Coaches are truly influential celebrities within their communities; they can reach fans and share important information about reducing the risk of cancer by encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.”
 
The nearly 4,000 coaches participating in the effort will lace up their sneakers to spotlight the fact that cancer remains a major health concern and that everyone can take daily steps to reduce their risk of the disease.

Last year, on their rescheduled date, Peru State was able to generate over $750 to donate to the cause.  The College's administration has agreed to waive the admission fee for the basketball games.  Fans will be encouraged to support the effort by giving a freewill donation.
 
Bobcat athletic director Steve Schneider appreciates the administration's backing of this effort.  Schneider said, “With the assistance from VP Batterson and the rest of the College's administration, the athletic department is allowed to help support the efforts of our basketball programs, as well as, other community-service related events.”
 
The Coaches vs. Cancer is a collaborative initiative of the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), empowering coaches, their teams, and their local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer.  The event helps build grassroots community support through this national event and other similar events throughout the year.
 
“We are excited to continue the tradition of hosting a Sneakers & Suits game each year.  This event is just a small way for us to give back to cancer research in the area,” said Bobcat head coach Troy Katen.  “Everyone can look back and say they've had someone that has been affected by this disease.  This is an opportunity at our level to bring some awareness to southeast Nebraska, our fans, and the HAAC Conference.  We had a record amount raised last year and look forward to beating that amount this year!” said Katen in conclusion.
 
So, Bobcat fans and others wanting to support this noble cause, show up at the Al Wheeler Activity Center and generously donate to help fight cancer.  You, of course, can wear whatever shoes you want!!