A Coach's Cancer Battle, A Central Regional Community Rising

Mike Clemente first wanted Central Regional High School to host Coaches vs. Cancer two years ago to teach kids about giving back to the community. He had no idea what was coming from the community, and in his life.

The boys basketball coach was diagnosed in July 2017 with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He has made a full return and will be on the sidelines when the Golden Eagles host Coaches vs. Cancer this Saturday.

"This showcase is able to bring the whole community together," Clemente said. "That’s the whole purpose of running this event."

It's been a long, rough road for Clemente.

Clemente wasn't able to teach until three-quarters of the way through last school year. He needed six cycles of chemotherapy, spending five days in the hospital each time.

He would go home for 14 days after each cycle, visiting doctors multiple times weekly to check his blood count. Clemente had to return to the hospital if his count went too low.

"It was very difficult, especially as time went on," Clemente said. "I was not able to teach at that point because of my blood count being so low. I wasn’t allowed to be out in a public setting because of how easily I could get sick."

January 2018 came, and so did Central Regional's second time hosting Coaches vs. Cancer, a nationwide initiative that raises money for the American Cancer Society through high school and college basketball showcases.

Central Regional's inaugural showcase in 2017 raised about $2,000. But while Clemente underwent treatment, the event grew. Central Regional's showcase raised $20,000 last year. On top of that, the Golden Eagles defeated Point Pleasant Beach, 46-44.

"To be 100 percent honest, that number is mind-blowing still. When people bring that up to me, I can’t believe it," Clemente said. "...I would’ve been happy with giving any amount of money to such a great cause."

Here is the schedule for the 2019 Coaches vs. Cancer Showcase at Central Regional High School:

• Donovan Catholic vs. Howell, 10 a.m.
• Manasquan vs. Brick Township, 11:30 a.m.
• Freehold Township vs. Woodbridge, 1 p.m.
• Toms River North vs. Cherokee, 2:30 p.m.
• Central Regional vs. Sayreville, 4 p.m.
• Ranney vs. Keansburg, 5:30 p.m.
• Lakewood vs. St. Rose, 7 p.m.

Pictured above: Walter Maldonado and coach Mike Clemente. Maldonado earned MVP for Central Regional's win against Point Pleasant Beach.

Photo provided by Mike Clemente