Pirates host Gauchos in annual Coaches vs. Cancer Night

COSTA MESA -- The Orange Coast College men's and women's basketball teams have joined in the fight against cancer by hosting their annual Coaches vs. Cancer Night, slated for Friday night against Saddleback College. The OCC women will play at 5:30 p.m. followed by the OCC men at 7:30 p.m.

Proceeds from both games, including admission, donations and consessions, will go towards the American Cancer Soceity as they continue their ongoing battle with this dreaded disease.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) that empowers basketball coaches, their teams, and local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer. The program leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of basketball coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs.

Coaches vs. Cancer evolved from a concept championed by Norm Stewart, former head coach of the University of Missouri's men's basketball program, cancer survivor, and member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. He started the program by challenging fans to pledge a dollar amount for every three points made by his team during the season.

The American Cancer Society and the NABC adopted that concept in 1993 and transformed it into a nationwide effort to unite coaches across the country in the common mission to provide help and hope to all people facing cancer. Today, more than 2,000 Division I, II, and III college coaches are involved in the program. Coaches vs. Cancer has raised nearly $50 million since its inception to support the American Cancer Society's lifesaving mission to eliminate cancer as a life-threatening disease. Additionally, more than 100 high school coaches also participate in the program.