A big component of being a student-athlete at Oswego State is serving the local community! Each year the athletic teams participate in numerous community service projects and fundraising efforts.
Here is what the Lakers have accomplished so far during the 2010-11 year.
St. Baldricks Headshaving Fundraiser (2/28/11) - The Oswego State Athletic Department hosted a community-wide event with some of its own student-athletes among the participants. Money raised during the event through pledges and raffles went to the St. Baldricks Foundation, an international organization committed to funding research to cure childhood cancer. More than $29,000 was raised with players from men's tennis, men's soccer, men's lacrosse, and men's ice hockey all participated in the head-shaving. Other teams also assisted with the event as the women's soccer team sold raffle tickets, pins, buttons, and wristbands, the men's basketball team donated an autographed basketball for raffle, and the women's ice hockey team gave an autographed stick to the top fundraising individual.
Pink Zone (2/18/11) - The Laker women's basketball team hosted its annual “Pink Zone” Game for Breast Cancer Awareness, in conjunction with the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and the school's "Colleges Against Cancer" group, in their 84-61 win over Brockport. Oswego State wore pink warm-ups for the occasion, and fans had the opportunity to pledge donations as well as learn more about breast cancer. All proceeds benefitted the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
Move Along, Inc. Promotion (2/12/11) - At the Oswego State men's ice hockey game versus Morrisville, Move Along, Inc. sold t-shirts, handed out promotional information, and provided a sled hockey demonstration between the first and second periods. Move Along, Inc. is dedicated to helping the physically disabled lead healthy, active lives.
Pink at the Rink (2/4/11) - The Laker women's ice hockey team was decked out in pink jerseys, socks, tape, and skate laces in their contest against Buffalo State. Admission was free and fans were asked to make a donation to the More than a Game Foundation and the Golisano Children's Hospital in Syracuse. A pink jersey was auctioned online with funds raised going towards both organizations.
Suits and Sneakers (1/28/11) - The Oswego State men's basketball coaching staff wore sneakers for their conference game versus Buffalo State to help raise awareness for cancer research as obesity is one of the main contributing factors for cancer. At halftime, fans who made contributions shot free-throw attempts in an effort to win t-shirts.
Saves for a Cure (1/8/11) - The Lakers auctioned off jerseys worn during a 3-0 win against Curry College in support of Saves for a Cure, Inc., a foundation created by former Brockport goalie Todd Sheridan. Over $3,650 were raised for the organization.
2010 Holiday Skate (12/12/10) - The Oswego State men's and women's ice hockey teams hosted an afternoon of skating at the Campus Center Arena complete with Santa, holiday music, and autographs from the Lakers. Proceeds totaling nearly $400 were donated to the United Way.
"Takedown Cancer" (12/11/10) - The Laker wrestling team raised money for a month prior to a dual match versus Ithaca College that was called a "Takedown Cancer" match. All proceeds went to the Adam Frey Foundation, which was named after a Cornell University wrestler who lost his battle with cancer in 2009. T-shirt sales and match-day donations raised over $1,500.
United Way Food Drive (12/10/10) - Fans attending the men's and women's ice hockey doubleheader on December 10 were asked to bring canned and other non-perishable food items in an effort to stock the five Oswego County food pantries. Donations filled six large bins.
Charity Volleyball Tournament (11/21/10) - The Laker volleyball team raised money and awareness for cancer patients and their families by hosting a co-ed tournament that was open to the general public. The tournament raised more than $1,550 for two local cancer patients. In addition, canned foods were collected and donated to the Catholic Charities Food Pantry of Fulton.
Hoops for Haiti (11/19-20/10) - Admission was free for all eight games in this year’s Max Ziel Basketball Tournaments, as all spectators, team members, fans and family were asked to make a cash donation toward Haitian disaster relief. Proceeds were forwarded to the American Red Cross, targeted specifically for the people of Haiti. The event raised over $800.
Fifth Annual Ted Mullin Hour of Power (11/9/10) - Laker swimmers and divers took part in the fifth annual Ted Mullin “Leave it in the Pool” Hour of Power from 5-6 p.m. Oswego State was one of more than 124 colleges participating in the event, which is sponsored by the Carleton College swimming and diving teams. Named after Ted Mullin, a Carleton swimmer who died in 2006, the event aims to promote team spirit and to generate awareness of sarcoma, a rare cancer that disproportionally affects adolescents and young adults.
Leaf-Raking Project (10/24/10) - More than
300 Oswego State student-athletes and
21 head coaches participated in the event. Nearly 50 yards in Oswego were raked in what was the highest participation in the history of this annual event. We will need more rakes next year! The event was coordinated by women's ice hockey coach Diane Dillon and SAAC.
Photo gallery of athletes in action
Dig Pink Volleyball match vs. SUNYIT (10/19/10) - The Laker volleyball team's event raised approximately
$1,150 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Raffles, publicity, and decorations were done by members of the squad, including senior Rachel Rossi, whose mother and grandmother have battled breast cancer.
Photo gallery
Men's Lacrosse Green/Gold/Pink Intrasquad Game (10/16/10) - The Laker men's lacrosse team raised nearly
$2,700 in its third annual fundraiser for Coaches vs. Cancer and the American Cancer Society. The game was part of the SUNY Oswego's Family and Friends Weekend.
After-School Basketball Clinic (10/11/10) - The Oswego State men's basketball team conducted an after-school basketball clinic for approximately 50 youth from the Oswego School District. Participants worked on ball-handling skills and basic shooting fundamentals.
PDSA 5K Run/Walk (9/25/10) - Over
100 Oswego State student-athletes representing
five different programs ran in this benefit for the Platelet Disorder Support Association in Hannibal, N.Y. Members from the field hockey, wrestling, women's soccer, and men's and women's lacrosse teams battled it out in a race within a race with the men's lacrosse team finishing in the front of the pack. More than
$1,100 was raised, thanks largely to the Lakers' participation and support.
