The annual Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers Week was Jan. 20 – 26, and it was filled with great images and news stories that showed off the amazing moments that can happen when people unite for a cause.
The event, part of the Coaches vs. Cancer program — a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches — is when high school and college coaches and their staff wear sneakers with their suits during games to raise awareness and funds.
Read MoreESPN reporter Holy Rowe Gets a Surprise Tribute
ESPN sideline reporter and cancer survivor Holly Rowe was left wiping tears during a surprise tribute at the Oklahoma State vs. Baylor University men’s basketball game in Waco, Texas.Before a commercial break, players, coaches and fans held up signs paying tribute to loved ones who battled cancer. Among those participating were members of the media, including ESPN broadcasters Bob Wischusen and Fran Fraschilla, who held up signs with Rowe's name. Rowe was diagnosed with melanoma in 2015, according to Cancer Today.
It’s Coaches vs. Cancer night at the Baylor game.@sportsiren was brought to tears when many media members and the crowd chose to honor her ???? pic.twitter.com/lshpzC9mlO
ESPN (@espn) January 21, 2020
Going for the Gold
Hands down, the award for Best Coordinated Laces goes to the couches and staff at Cal State. Cal State’s colors are black and gold, so what better way to show support for Suits and Sneakers Week than lacing up in the team colors.
@FullertonHoops coaching staff rocking the gold laces for Coaches vs. Cancer: Suits and Sneakers week! #StylinAndProfilin #CoachesVsCancer pic.twitter.com/yekNmJajht
Titans Men’s Basketball (@FullertonMBB) January 29, 2017
Team Effort
Head coach Roy Williams of The University of North Carolina Tar Heels wasn’t the only person on the team sporting special sneakers during games that week. Williams and the players wore special Air Jordan shoes (according to the Daily Tar Heel), with the players sporting bright pink versions.
Today’s kicks for Coaches vs. Cancer ????☑ï¸#CarolinaFamily pic.twitter.com/oslAUNs84s
Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) January 25, 2020
They continued to wear them at other games. (Really, why waste that color.)
Here comes Carolina ????????#CarolinaFamily pic.twitter.com/Pv7iEJLqZC
Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) January 25, 2020
The Sneaker Cam
Some teams used some special technology to make sure no one missed the sneakers being sported by coaches and staff. Enter: the Sneaker Cam.
We've got a sneaker on the ground for #SuitsAndSneakers Week this year! You could see #SneakerCam at a game near you. pic.twitter.com/aKb42QIVYf
Coaches vs. Cancer (@CoachesvsCancer) January 17, 2020
The Creighton University Blue Jay’s basketball team gets the cam up close and personal.
#SuitsAndSneakers x @BluejayMBB pic.twitter.com/7qc1hPYsfY
Coaches vs. Cancer (@CoachesvsCancer) January 26, 2020
The Bright Award
For sheer audacity (and color) our vote goes to the coach of the Wyalusing Valley Rams high school basketball team in Pennsylvania.
Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers game. Wyalusing really going all out with the suit. pic.twitter.com/KkT4OuUCQh
Brian Fees (@bdfees) January 24, 2020
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