Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Saluki Athletics and SIH announce Black Out Cancer football game
08/27/2012 | 12:00:00 | Football
Aug. 27, 2012
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Saluki Athletics and Southern Illinois Healthcare announced on Monday the return of the Black Out Cancer game for the 2012 football season.
Last year's inaugural Black Out Cancer game on Nov. 12, 2011, featured a jersey auction that raised more than $125,000 for cancer research. This year's Black Out Cancer event will repeat the jersey-auction formula for the Southern Illinois-Western Illinois game on Nov. 17.
All funds raised from the auction will go toward SIH's plans to build a new cancer treatment center in southern Illinois -- the SIH Cancer Center. Presently, cancer patients who live in the region are often required to travel long distances for treatment. A new, centralized treatment center would bring more quality care to the area.
"This community, through Saluki Way, made a significant investment in Saluki Athletics," said Director of Athletics Mario Moccia during today's press conference. "This is one more way that we can repay that investment that the community has made."
The fund-raising process for the game remains the same. The NCAA has once again granted special permission for Saluki Athletics to conduct an on-line auction, in which the top 80 bidders will have the opportunity to place the name of a loved one affected by cancer on the back of a jersey. The custom-made black jerseys will be worn by Saluki players during the game.
"The campaign we're announcing today reflects the University's commitment to delivering meaningful and life-changing services to our communities," said Chancellor Dr. Rita Cheng. "(The SIH Cancer Center) is a logical step to giving so many the hope and expertise they need here in Carbondale and southern Illinois."
Saluki Athletics and SIH have entered into a three-year agreement to sponsor an annual Black Out Cancer game. The partnership with SIH also includes the Saluki volleyball team's Dig for the Cure, women's basketball's Pink Out game and softball's Strikeout Cancer game.
"Eight of the top ten counties in Illinois with the highest cancer death rates are located in the southern Illinois region," said Rex Budde, CEO of Southern Illinois Healthcare. "That fact shows why the need for cancer care at home is even more important. Rarely in our lives do we have such a chance as this to make a significant and meaningful contribution to our community."
Head football coach Dale Lennon thanked former player Mike McElroy for introducing last year's Black Out Cancer game.
"What a great story -- a student-athlete with an idea and concept, of wanting to make it become a reality, and taking the necessary steps to make that happen," Lennon said. "On behalf of the football team and the players and coaches, it's just truly an honor to be part of something that is as special as this."
To bid on a jersey, go to salukisblackoutcancer.com. Bidding will end at 10 a.m. on Nov. 5.
