Town & Country – The Westminster Christian Academy varsity girls basketball team coached by former Mizzou and NBA player Steve Stipanovich has been selected to participate in the American Cancer Society Coaches vs. Cancer Shootout presented by Ameren Missouri. This is the first time Westminster will participate in the event, scheduled for Thursday, January 26 at Scottrade Center.
The Coaches vs. Cancer initiative provides education and prevention information to basketball fans nationwide and invites fans to join with their local coach in support of the program.
Coach Steve Stipanovich says Westminster was selected based upon the team’s competitive record and the school’s reputation as an active, spirited and supportive community.
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“We view it as an honor to be selected, and we want to represent Westminster well,” says Stipanovich. “We’re going to do our best to put on a good show for the fans to raise money for a great cause.”
Eight games will be played throughout the day, with the first game starting at 9:30 a.m. and the final contest at 8:30 p.m. Westminster Christian Academy will play the first game of the day against Mary Institute Country Day School (MICDS), a rival of Westminster, at 9:30 a.m.
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In support of the event, Westminster is canceling a portion of the school day so that the student community, including the band and cheer squad, may attend the event. Last year, the school held a fundraiser, during which students could veer from the school’s dress code by wearing shorts for one day, raising $1,000 for the cause.
Coach Stipanovich says every student has been affected by cancer in some way, whether through a friend or family member. Senior player Brittany Hawkins says the event is particularly meaningful – more so than playing a regularly scheduled game. “It’s an opportunity to draw attention to a very important cause,” says Hawkins. “We hope that we can raise awareness and many members of the community come out to support the program!”