Tigers Host Annual Strike Out Cancer Event April 13

Springfield, Ohio – When the Wittenberg University softball team hosts North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) rival Hiram at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 13, the Tigers will be playing for a cause greater than a spot in the standings.

The Tigers will host the program’s sixth annual Strike Out Cancer event at Betty Dillahunt Field, part of the nationwide Strike Out Cancer program organized annually by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. The Wittenberg event will raise funds and awareness to support cancer research in honor of former Tiger softball standout and cancer survivor Haley Gerken, class of 2010, and Tammy Creasy, the late mother of assistant coach Hope Creasy, who passed away from the disease in 2012.

“We are so excited to be able to honor cancer survivors, as well as support Haley and the Creasy family,” said Head Coach Laura Matthews. “I’m happy that we are able to help with this fundraising effort and help families affected by cancer.”

The Tigers will wear special uniforms for the event. Pre-ordered T-shirts have been sold for $12, and they will also be on sale the day of the game. In addition, a variety of other items will be on sale during the game, including hats, totes, backpacks, wrist bands, socks and bags, with all proceeds going to the Women’s Cancer Center in Kettering, Ohio, which offers financial assistance to cancer patients who are unable to cover all of their costs.

Wittenberg’s Strike Out Cancer event fits with the university’s innovative Tiger GAME Plan initiative, which puts an emphasis on community service as an important part of each student-athletes’ collegiate experience.

Admission to the game is free, but donations will be accepted.

Wittenberg is off to a solid start to the 2013 season, checking in with records of 10-5 overall and 1-3 in the NCAC heading into key conference road games at Allegheny on Saturday, April 6, and Wooster on Wednesday, April 10.

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