Benching for Breast Cancer

The Strength and Conditioning program at the College will hold their second annual Benching for Breast Cancer event on Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. in the strength and conditioning room at the Hart Center.

This is how it works: student athletes gather a team of four, each person pays a fee of $10 plus any other donations they can solicit, and then they challenge themselves to see how much they can lift—oh yeah—all while wearing a costume.

“Some of the football players can lift 400 pounds,” says Madison Horl ’12, organizer of the event.

But you don’t have to be able to lift that much to participate. “It’s really about the students coming together to fight for a good cause,” explains Horl.

Mary Kate Donnelly '09 started the event last year because breast cancer had touched her life. “She single handedly got this event off the ground with her persistence and commitment to the cause,” says Jeff Oliver, head coach, strength and conditioning.

Last year 150 students participated and they raised approximately $2,000.  This year they are expecting 350 – 400 participants.

“It’s a great opportunity for the student athletes to help the community, and the cause, by doing something they do every day—competing,” says Oliver. “I was amazed last year with the enthusiasm and the atmosphere the athletes created.  It was like a carnival!  It becomes much more than a bench pressing competition.”

Prizes will be awarded to the team with the most combined weight, most money raised, most enthusiastic (loudest), and craziest costume.  Plus, there will be plenty of food and great music says Oliver.

The proceeds will go to the Zona Children’s Fund, a scholarship fund for the nieces of Ann McInerny, associate head women’s basketball coach at the College, whose sister lost a battle with breast cancer this past summer; and to the Susan Koman Foundation of Massachusetts.

“My work with Benching for Breast Cancer combines my passions for helping others and interacting with my peers, while simultaneously benefitting a cause that is near and dear to my heart,” says Horl.

The Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), is helping to spread the word about Benching for Breast Cancer. This group of leaders in made up of representatives from each varsity team on campus. They work with the NCAA to give them an athlete's prospective on the recruitment process, eligibility, and other regulations that affect athletes.

“SAAC uses its platform of athletics to raise money for certain charities,” says Horl. “We hold events such as the carnation drive at football games, and the used equipment drive to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters clubs in Worcester.”

Students must register by Dec. 4.