A Winning Effort on Viking Strong Cancer Awareness Night

On Tuesday, January 31 ^st, the MCCC Athletic Department hosted its first Viking Strong Cancer Awareness Night during a men’s basketball game vs Del Tech.  The night focused on raising cancer awareness and recognizing all those who have battled any form of cancer.  Mercer’s sports medicine physician, Dr. Adam Redlich with A+ Athlete Sports Medicine sponsored the night with proceeds from the game benefitting the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Cancer Center. 

The Vikings basketball team wore purple Viking Strong shirts during warm ups.  The bleachers behind both teams were decorated with Cancer Awareness posters and cards filled out by the Athletic Department staff and basketball team honoring people they know who have had cancer.  The cards will be moved to the lobby of the PE Building and remain on display for the semester.

MCCC President, Dr. Deborah Preston attended the game along with her Leadership Team.  Athletes and coaches from Mercer’s teams helped fill the stands including players from men’s lacrosse, baseball, softball, women’s and men’s soccer and women’s tennis.  Student Life provided giveaways for fans and set up a backdrop for photos in the lobby.

At halftime, Mercer’s Sports Information Coordinator Erin Cahill-Wetzel was honored.  Cahill-Wetzel battled breast cancer while pregnant and returned to work for the Athletic Department this past November after nearly a year out of work.  Cahill-Wetzel shared about her experience and told the crowd that in addition to having a healthy baby boy Bryce who will turn one next month, she was declared cancer free this past July.

The night was topped off with a 95-86 win for Mercer, which featured three Viking players scoring 20 or more points.  Regardless of the outcome of the game, it was a winning night for all those who attended and supported Cancer Awareness Night.