“Coaches Against Cancer” games scheduled

By Ian Ferguson

It’s a busy start to 2015 for the Blaine athletic department, with a month-long fundraiser, an upcoming spirit week and three winter sports in full swing.

January is the Northwest Conference “Coaches Against Cancer” basketball month. Teams are collecting money for cancer research and raising awareness of how cancer affects our communities.

Different teams have different methods, and Blaine’s tried-and-true tradition holding shooting contests at halftime during home games for both boys and girls teams. For $1, contestants can race the clock to sink baskets and attempt to win various prizes from local sponsors. The money raised will go to support local cancer centers.

“It’s awesome,” said Blaine athletic coordinator Steve Miller. “It raises a lot of money, but it’s more about raising awareness and helping out our neighbors who are battling cancer. It’s good to see the community coming out in support.”

On Tuesday, January 20 the boys basketball team will play a “Coaches Against Cancer” game against Bellingham in the Ken Waters Memorial Gym as a nod to bygone years, when fans packed the stands of the smaller gym. Fans are encouraged to wear their vintage Blaine clothing to the throwback game as they cheer on the Borderites. The JV game starts at 5:40 p.m. and the varsity game starts at 7:15 p.m. The cost is $6.

A total of five home games throughout January will culminate with the official “Coaches Against Cancer” doubleheader game at Sehome High School on Friday, January 23. All money raised will be taken to Sehome, where both girls and boys teams will play. The girls will take the court at 6 p.m. and the boys will tip off at 7:30 p.m.

A winter sports spirit week begins Monday, January 26 to support the wrestling and basketball teams. Students will dress up in various coordinated outfits each day, and on Friday, January 30 a dance will be held after the 7:15 p.m. basketball game.