Colorado coaches lace up to support cancer research

DENVER — For nearly 30 years, coaches across the country, both on the high school and collegiate levels, have come together for a cause way bigger than basketball.

The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a collaboration between the National Association of Basketball Coaches and coaches across the nation, with the goal of raising awareness for the American Cancer Society and to help work towards defeating an all too common enemy.

Through fundraising and acts of solidarity, coaches near and far have supported the American Cancer Society in their efforts to save lives. Two local coaches participated in the program this year: newly appointed Head Coach of the Metropolitan State University of Denver Men’s Basketball, Dan Ficke, as well as the University of Colorado Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Tad Boyle.

The two men are joining many coaches across Colorado — and the country — who will be lacing up this weekend for “Suits and Sneakers." The week-long event is part of the Coaches vs. Cancer campaign. While courtside, coaches and their staff wear sneakers with their suits during games to raise awareness and funds, and to encourage people to educate themselves about cancer prevention, screenings and early detection.

Both Ficke and Boyle say they are proud to lace up for something so important.

“It takes on a special meaning because I lost my mom to cancer when I was a sophomore in college," Ficke said.

In his 12 years of coaching, Ficke said each year his mission has been to support the cause and bring awareness. He even co-founded a charity in honor of his late mother: the JoAnn B. Ficke Cancer Foundation. Through their efforts and fundraising, the foundation has been able to raise just over $1.76 million for cancer research and helping those living with the disease.

Ficke said the opportunity to show support goes beyond the basketball court, it touches everyone who joins the fight.

"To keep it in perspective: what we get to do every day is play a game. And we're fighting battles that are far from what the people facing this disease fight. And if we can bring them a little bit of enjoyment in that day of, 'Hey, let's watch basketball. Forget about my treatment, or what I've got going on' … We're fortunate to have that opportunity to do so," Ficke said.