Powderpuff football fundraiser benefits breast cancer research
The players on the field of Kelly/Shorts Stadium Sunday night may have been dressed in pink, but the quality of football remained the same — rough.
About 80 women from Saxe/Herrig/Celani and Fabiano/Emmons/Woldt residence halls hit the field for the third annual Central/Western Weekend Challenge for Breast Cancer Awareness.
The two-hand touch game of powderpuff football was full of big hits, tough calls and tons of competitive energy from each team.
“It’s become a tradition and something the girls really enjoy doing,” said Ben Witt, head coach for SHC team and Saxe Residence Hall director. “The only thing we’re trying to beat tonight is cancer. The girls go out and have a good time and it gives them a chance to play at Kelly/Shorts Stadium which most students never get the chance to do.”
After a long struggle, the 2008 and 2009 winner SHC continued their winning streak by defeating FEW 6-0 after Kelly Cartner caught the winning touchdown in triple over-time. The Oxford freshman, who played wide receiver for FEW and was also named game MVP, said catching that pass was the best feeling in the world.
“We did awesome; offense scores points but defense wins games,” Cartner said. “I think this event is the greatest thing in the world.”
All proceeds from the event go to the Kelly Cares Foundation, which supports breast cancer research, treatment and education. It was founded by former CMU Football head coach Brian Kelly.
Witt said it is one of the most popular fundraisers for breast cancer hosted by the residence halls and the number of interested participants has doubled each year since its start in 2008.
Illinois sophomore Tricia Henry, who played linebacker for FEW, said while they were hoping for the win, it’s really all about the cause.
“I played powderpuff football in high school and it was a lot more tackling and fighting, but everyone out there is just having fun and being competitive at the same time,” Henry said. “I love tonight’s cause.”
