SAN ANTONIO, TX — While the NCAA men’s basketball Final Four took center stage in San Antonio over this past weekend, there was more than just elite level basketball to celebrate.
Also being recognized was the continued dedication in the fight against cancer by college basketball coaches across the country. And this year, St. Bonaventure men’s basketball coach Mark Schmidt was honored with the Coaches vs. Cancer Champion Award by the American Cancer Society.
“The Champion Award honors coaches who have shown extraordinary leadership and commitment in the fight against cancer,” according to a press release from St. Bonaventure.
The Coaches vs. Cancer cause is something that deeply resonates with Schmidt as he serves on its national board and has played a role in the collection of over $500,000 in his time with the organization.
Schmidt has taken part in the annual Suits and Sneakers and Set The Screen fundraising and awareness campaigns and has also coordinated a partnership with local Tim Hortons franchises to raise funds along with the $20,000 contribution he and his wife make each year.
Schmidt also established the 716 Golf Classic in Olean, a fundraiser that has brought plenty of high-profile participants to Olean for an event that has raised over $400,000 for cancer research since 2021.
“I am very grateful to Coach Mark Schmidt for his unwavering dedication to the fight against cancer,” Dr. Wayne Frederick, interim CEO for the American Cancer Society, said. “His passion for making a difference through hosting impactful fundraisers, expanding the Suits And Sneakers initiative, and his generous contributions exemplify what it means to be a Coaches vs. Cancer Champion.”
The press release also stated: “Coaches vs. Cancer is a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the NABC that empowers coaches, their teams, and communities to join in saving more lives. The program leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of basketball coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs.”
The Coaches vs. Cancer Champion Award was first handed out in 1996 and since then the award has been given to other coaches such as Roy Williams, Tom Izzo and Bill Self.
