Good shooting
Flames help raise money for cancer
FOR THREE — Senior guard John Dawson shot a 3-pointer against Charleston Southern.
Photo Credit: Michela Diddle
Coaches vs. Cancer is a yearly event where every February, the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) partner to raise support for cancer awareness.
Because most of the donations come through sports fans, Coaches vs. Cancer has specifically made the event like a competitive game in which the team that raises the most money will win the contest.
All the funds will benefit the American Cancer Society.
This February was no different for the Liberty men’s basketball team as they are taking part in Coaches vs Cancer.
Leading scorer for the Flames, Ryan Kemrite, said the team’s involvement and support with this cause is something special.
“It’s always a good feeling when you can make a difference in something,” Kemrite said.
“With Coaches vs. Cancer, it gives us the ability to do what we love but also try to make a difference to bring awareness to a cause that needs to be brought to the light of everyone else.”
The Flames made 61 3-pointers in February, raising a total of $61, ranking No. 138 in the country.
For every 3-pointer made, fans have pledged to pay $1.
Liberty only has one fan that has pledged on the official Coaches vs. Cancer website.
However, the target amount for Liberty’s men’s basketball team is $5,000.
McKay has been pleased with the support of the fans, and continues to urge fans to show their support for the cause.
“I think one fan being in support of this makes it worthwhile,” McKay said.
“And certainly we’ve had a great deal of support and not just in our own team, but within our conference and nationally. We are pleased and proud to be a part of it.”
According to the Coaches vs Cancer website, the leading team is Villanova which has a total of 61 3-pointers and has raised $6,427.
McKay said that sports have a way of reaching various groups of people, making it a great partner for events like this.
“I think sports in general transcend culture, ethnicity (and) demographics,” McKay said.
“I think because of that you see a spirit of unity. We are the benefactor because we get a chance to support causes like this one.”
According to the NABC website, the initiative is to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through their awareness efforts, fundraisers and advocacy programs.
It began with Norm Stewart, former head coach of the University of Missouri’s men’s basketball team.
He started small, by merely challenging fans to pledge a dollar for every 3-point shot made during the season.
Eventually, the concept evolved into the nationwide effort it is today.
Since 1993, coaches have raised more than $100 million for the American Cancer Society.
The American Cancer Society is the largest voluntary health organization and has contributed to a 22 percent decline in cancer deaths since 1991, according
to its website.
With the 3-point challenge in effect, both McKay and Kemrite said the event did not make the team shoot more 3-pointers.
“I take the same amount of 3-pointers,” Kemrite said.
“I take whatever I am open and that’s what I try to abide by.”
In the month of February, The Flames made 61 of 186 from behind the arc with a 3-point percentage of 32.8.
In their win against Longwood Jan. 26, they made 17 3-pointers — the most in program history.
Kemrite has been the most consistent shooter for the Flames this season, averaging 13.6 points per game, while shooting 44 percent from three.
For the 2016-17 season, Liberty leads the conference in made 3-pointers with 283.
Copeland is a sports reporter.