CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland State University Department of Athletics hosted a media day Tuesday to promote the annual Northeast Ohio Coaches vs. Cancer men's basketball doubleheader on the fifth floor of the Wolstein Center.
This is the fourth straight season that all four Division I programs in Northeast Ohio have played a doubleheader on college basketball's opening weekend. This year's event, the first hosted by Cleveland State, will take place Saturday, Nov. 10. Akron will play Youngstown State at 4:30 p.m. followed by Cleveland State hosting Kent State at 7:00 p.m.
Head coaches from all four schools were in attendance at Tuesday's event—Akron's John Groce, Cleveland State's Dennis Felton, Kent State's Rob Senderoff and Youngstown State's Jerrod Calhoun.
The media day was hosted by CSU play-by-play voice Al Pawlowski and featured remarks from Sarah Wells, an Executive Director for the American Cancer Society. Pawlowski engaged the coaches in discussion surrounding the event's cause before assembled media asked questions of the coaches regarding the upcoming 2018-19 season.
Sophomore Tyree Appleby, a Preseason All-Horizon League First Team selection, joined Coach Felton in representing the Viking program at the event.
Cleveland State then held an open practice to the media early Tuesday afternoon.
Tickets for the Coaches vs. Cancer event are on sale now with a portion of proceeds being donated for the fight against cancer. One ticket is valid for both games of the doubleheader.
Fans also have the opportunity to purchase a two-game plan that provides discounts off standard rates. The two-game plan will give fans the chance to attend the Northeast Ohio Coaches vs. Cancer doubleheader along with any other game of their choice.
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 (NABC), provided the vision and inspiration for the Coaches vs. Cancer concept. He challenged fans to pledge a dollar amount for every 3-point shot made by his team during the season. The concept evolved and soon the Coaches vs. Cancer program became a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the NABC. Through fundraising and education initiatives, the Coaches vs. Cancer program has supported the American Cancer Society in improving and saving lives from cancer in the US and worldwide.
