Demorest, GA -- The Piedmont College basketball doubleheader this Saturday, January 22 against Maryville College is about more than facing off against the team's conference rival. It will also be about giving to a cause that has touched hundreds of lives. The men's basketball coaching staffs of both Piedmont and Maryville will be wearing sneakers instead of their usual dress shoes on the sideline as this fashion statement is to show support for the Coaches vs. Cancer initiative and to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Coaches vs. Cancer is collaboration between the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the American Cancer Society in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. Coaches can show their outward support of the mission by wearing sneakers on the sidelines.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of college and high school coaches and fans throughout the nation, Coaches vs. Cancer participants have raised more than $60 million since 1993 to help the American Cancer Society fund groundbreaking cancer research, provide up-to-date cancer information and education, advocate for public health policies that benefit communities, and deliver services that improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

Because cancer has touched so many of our nation's basketball coaches, Coaches vs. Cancer offers them the unique opportunity to fight the disease. Through integrated fundraising activities and public awareness campaigns, participating coaches are truly making a difference in the fight against cancer and are raising awareness in their communities about the importance of cancer prevention, early detection, and making healthy lifestyle choices.

Piedmont College basketball fans can help join the cause by making a donation that will be sent directly to the American Cancer Society on behalf of the initiative. The PC men's basketball program will match the total donations collected at Saturday's game. For more information on the Coaches vs. Cancer initiative, visit http://www.coachesvscancer.org. Donation will be collected during the afternoon in the lobby of the Mize Center. Over the past two seasons, the men's team and its fans have donated over $1,200 to the ACS.

"I am proud that our men's basketball program has chosen to continue to take part in the Coaches vs. Cancer initiative for the third consecutive year. Cancer is one of those consuming diseases that, directly or indirectly, affects almost everyone. I am looking forward to seeing both our campus and local community use the afternoon of basketball to come together and compete against a much greater cause," stated eighth-year head coach Lee Glenn.

NABC Suits & Sneakers Press Release