March 17, 2004

UM Softball, Baseball to host weekend raising awareness for cancer and cystic fibrosis

MOBILE, Ala. -- This weekend’s baseball and softball games that pit the University of Mobile against Spring Hill College will transcend renewing cross-town rivalries; it will also be about raising awareness and donations, for cancer and cystic fibrosis, respectively.

The fourth-ranked Rams softball team (23-5) will once again put their unblemished 16-0 home record to the test against the 14^th-ranked Badgers. More importantly, they will attempt to exceed the nearly $1,000 dollars raised in last year’s “Strikeout Cancer” fundraiser, by teaming up with Spring Hill.

After teaming up with their cross-town rival to host the elite, 16-team, Gulf Coast Invitational tournament in Orange Beach, this will mark the second consecutive collaboration between rival coaches, former teammates, and good friends UM coach Becky Clark and Spring Hill coach Coby Mackin.

Last year, NAIA Pitcher of the Year Missy Passley and NAIA All-Tournament pitcher Kirby Baxter combined for 16 strikeouts.

Those attending the double-header, set to begin Saturday at 2 p.m., may give a flat donation or make pledges for each strikeout.  If interested in making a donation or pledge, contact UM coach Becky Clark at 442-2277 for more information.  Please make all checks payable to “American Cancer Society.”

Also in action on Saturday is UM Rams head coach Mike Jacobs and his baseball team.

The Rams will also be dueling cross-town rival Spring Hill College in what is being dubbed as “Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Weekend.”

When coach Jacobs and his Rams baseball team begin double-header play at home, on Saturday at 12 noon, they will do so in hopes of raising awareness and money for cystic fibrosis. A portion of the gate money as well as money donated will go towards “Great Strides”, the cystic fibrosis annual and nationwide walk to cure fibrosis.

The tens of thousands of children and young adults who battle this life threatening genetic disease that affects the respiratory and digestive systems have been given hope through the CF Foundation who relies heavily upon the fundraisers such as the “Great Strides” walk.

Along with raising money and awareness for research for cystic fibrosis, coach Jacobs hopes many in attendance will volunteer to participate in the April 24^th walk for cystic fibrosis in Cottage Hill Park.

Contact UM Coach Mike Jacobs at 442-2228 for more information or to make a donation.