Earlham College | News from Public Affairs

RICHMOND, Ind. — A team initiative has developed into a departmental effort as Earlham College Athletics recognizes National Breast Cancer Awareness Month at its home events this week.

Senior Kari Schneider is wearing Earlham's special pink volleyball uniform in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Quakers volleyball program annually takes on a community service project. Last fall, the team spent a day visiting with patients at Dayton's Children Hospital. The idea for this year's effort came from separate experiences of the coaching staff and a student-athlete.

"While recruiting this fall, my assistant and I discovered there was a big push in Ohio for high school volleyball teams to raise awareness of October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month," said Earlham Head Volleyball Coach Natalie Alred.

Also in September, senior outside hitter Kari Schneider attended an annual American Volleyball Professional beach volleyball tour event in her hometown of Cincinnati and returned with a flyer promoting National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. "It struck me as an important cause," she said.

In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Quakers volleyball team will wear pink uniforms during its North Coast Athletic Conference contest against Wittenberg University on Tuesday, Oct. 2.

"At some point during our match, breast cancer survivors and everyone who knows one will be asked to stand and be recognized," Alred added. "I think there will be quite a few of our fans respond. It's a widespread issue and many women will have to deal with breast cancer in their lives. Everyone should do a monthly examine. It can save lives. Education is the key, and that is what this week is about."

Sophomore cross country runner Bo Braun was one of several student-
athletes who wore pink wristbands during the Earlham Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 29.

In addition, Alred has gained the support of her Earlham coaching colleagues in the awareness initiative. The Quakers cross country teams wore wristbands during the Earlham Invitational on Sept. 29. Four other teams will show their support on Saturday, Oct. 6.

Earlham's football players will have stickers on their helmets for the Wittenberg game, and the field hockey team will wear pink bandanas against Transylvania University in a game using a pink ball.

Both soccer squads will wear pink T-shirts during warm-ups. "Breast cancer is pervasive and it seems to be so common," Earlham Head Men's Soccer Coach Roy Messer said. "My mom, Gloria, is a breast cancer survivor. Wearing the pink shirts is a small way to show support but it is more about awareness. That's what is really important and something we're trying to create. If everyone would give some thought to it, then the whole operation has succeeded."

Since the volleyball team doesn't have a match that day, squad members will be distributing educational materials, selling T-shirts and accepting donations for the Susan B. Komen for the Cure foundation.

Contact:
Don Tincher, sports information director
765/983-1795 — E-Mail Don