Big Red Football Runs for National Breast Cancer Foundation
September 16, 2009
Varsity football team poses in pink "Awareness" shirts
Pink football helmets, emblazoned with Exeter’s lion
Big Red football has a new color: pink. The 55-strong team has been collecting donations for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, handing out pink lanyards as a thank you to contributors. They use pink football helmets, emblazoned with Exeter’s lion rampant in red, to collect donations.
The boys have taken on the challenge with gusto, collecting over $6,000 so far. The fundraiser “reminds us that we’re working for a purpose,” says Ian ’10, a lineman returning to the varsity team for his second year.
The boys did a walk/run/jog of 1,000 yards after each preseason practice. “We did the runs to keep ourselves and others around us aware of the struggles with breast cancer,” explains Bill Glennon, the varsity football coach. Glennon estimates that the team ran a total of 550,000 yards. They were often joined by Exeter faculty on their post-practice runs.
Ian (l) and Ivan proudly wear their pink lanyardsThe boys have met with breast cancer survivors, including Modern Languages Instructor Polly MacMullen ’76. One team member, whose mother suffered from breast cancer twice and has gone on to compete in marathons and Ironman contests, shared his personal experiences. “I am very proud of the team’s effort,” Glennon adds, “and ecstatic that they've gained so much knowledge about this disease from Polly and others who spoke to us about their stories or battles.”
Originally planned as a preseason fundraiser, the success of the team’s efforts has led them to continue into the fall term. “The boys have bonded around a cause,” explains Glennon. “We hope that our efforts may help beat this awful opponent, an opponent much greater than any we see on the field.”
For seniors like Ian and teammate Ivan, a lineman who moved from JV to the varsity team this year, the summer was busy. They both worked out frequently to increase their weight, spent time working on college admissions essays and worked to raise money for the fundraiser.
Varsity football during preseason practiceWhen asked about his Exeter experiences, Ivan, who weighs in at 6’2” and 218 pounds, responds: “Exeter is great. The highlights for me have been the Exeter/Andover game last fall and the lacrosse team last spring.”
All eyes are now on the Exeter/Andover football match, which will be played in Exeter on November 14. “Coach has said we’re excited and getting a lot better every day,” explains Ian, who weighs in at 6’3”, 190 pounds. “We have a very good group of guys this year. We have team spirit. Hopefully we can come together, and play smarter to make up for a smaller lineup this year.”
The breast cancer fundraiser is one of many non sibi projects undertaken by Exonians. Exeter Social Service Organization (ESSO) encourages and supports social service opportunities for the Phillips Exeter Academy community. It is composed of over 90 student clubs focusing on local outreach and global initiatives. 700 students participate during the year. ESSO works with 120 community partners in the local Exeter area on an ongoing basis.
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