Coaches vs. Cancer

Coaches vs. Cancer is a partnership program between the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the American Cancer Society.

History
1996-97 - Coach Jim Boeheim from Syracuse University pledges his support of Coaches vs. Cancer and heads the local campaign. First year program raises $77,727; a record for first year programs nationally. Syracuse finishes second to the University of Missouri.

1997-98 - The backcourt shoot-out is introduced and raises over $90,000 through sponsorships and individual participation. This amount added to the successful Three Point Attack promotion catapults Syracuse to the #1 program in the nation, setting a national record with over $160,000 raised, a 112% increase over the previous year's total.

1998-99 - Additional involvement in the Coaches vs. Cancer program by local high schools adds to Syracuse's momentum. Syracuse University holds on to their #1 status, this time with over $218,000 raised - another record!

1999-2000 - Another new single-season record is established, as Syracuse University raises $270,000 for the fight against cancer. The addition of the Coaches vs. Cancer High School Tournament serves as an additional source of both income and exposure.

2000-01 - The Central New York CvC program sustains its national number #1 ranking, reaching a new level of success by raising over $560,000.00.

2001-02- For the fifth season in a row, the Central New York CvC program is the top fundraiser in the nation, raising $505,000. In addition to all the money raised through Syracuse University, CvC programs at local high schools raised nearly $60,000 through tournaments, one-night events, and the 3-Point Attack.

2002-03- The Syracuse University basketball team began the 2002 season (that ended with a National Championship) by participating in the AT&T Wireless Coaches vs. Cancer Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Coaches vs. Cancer continues to grow through new developments such as the Coaches vs. Cancer High School Challenge presented by Cherundolo and Bottar & Leone, held at LeMoyne College on January 4, 2003.

2003-04-The Syracuse University program raised a net total of $466,000, with the 5th Annual Basket Ball Gala raising a net of $350,000. New program sponsors such as Strategic Computer Solutions and Saranac Root Beer kept the program at the top nationally.

2004-05- Syracuse began the season at the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic in Madison Square Garden, becoming champion of the tournament with wins over Mississippi State and Memphis. New developments include the Syracuse women's basketball team joining the program, and the creation of the Coaches vs. Cancer Girls High School Challenge presented by Strategic Computer Solutions, held at Onondaga Community College on February 5, 2005.

2005-06- Syracuse University again competed in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic, losing to eventual national champion Florida in the Classic's title game at Madison Square Garden. The local Coaches vs. Cancer program continues to grow with the addition of new sponsors such as Kinney Drugs, Raymour & Flanigan, and Haylor, Freyer & Coon.

Purpose
The proceeds from the Syracuse University Coaches vs. Cancer program will benefit the American Cancer Society's research, education, advocacy and patient and family services in the Central New York region. The Syracuse University Coaches vs. Cancer program has raised approximately $3 million for local programs in its first eight years.

For questions or more information, please contact:

Michael T Bristol
Official Publicist and Marketing Manager for Jim and Juli Boeheim
Marketing Consultant for Carmelo Anthony Foundation
Marketing Consultant for Coaches vs. Cancer
315.685.5289 (w)
315.685.8909 (f)
315.383.7932 (c)