It was the showdown of the week – Lake Forest College versus UCLA and Nichols College in the Coaches vs. Cancer 3-Point Challenge Bonus Contest. After a week-long battle, the Lake Forest College women’s basketball team showed both perseverance and generosity with a second place finish in the contest.
The Coaches vs. Cancer 3-Point Challenge is a nationwide partnership between the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) that seeks to raise funds to support the American Cancer Society’s live-saving mission. Supporters of the cause pledge an amount for every 3-point shot made during both home and away games over a month long period. In an effort to boost participation, each week the organization sponsors bonus contests where teams compete to secure the most new pledges with the top two teams earning a cash prize of $7,000 and $3,000 toward their campaign’s total.
The Forester women’s basketball team received national recognition with its runner-up finish in this past week’s contest after securing 161 pledges. The UCLA Bruins led the contest with 169 pledges and Nichols College trailed behind the Foresters with 106. Over the course of four weeks, the program raised $7,668 (including the $3,000 prize), nearly three times last year’s total.
Although not listed on the Leaderboard, the Forester men’s basketball team raised an impressive $1,027. The team hit 94 shots from 3-point range during the 4-week time period. Combined both the men’s and women’s basketball teams raised $8,715.