Springfield, Ohio — The Wittenberg football program has more wins than any other NCAA Division III institution, but for one night the Tigers are going head-to-head with the most treacherous of opponents.

The Tiger players are competing against one another to raise money for cancer research through the American Cancer Society's annual Wittenberg Relay for Life event Saturday and Sunday, April 24-25. Relay for Life is a nationwide program that honors cancer survivors, pays tribute to lives lost to the disease and raises money to help fight it.

Wittenberg has hosted one of the approximately 4,800 annual events for years. However, this is the second straight year that the American Cancer Society has had the entire Tiger football team around to do some of the heavy lifting.

The campus event is scheduled to start with an opening ceremony at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 24, at Wittenberg's Edwards-Maurer Field and Earl F. Morris Track. Every participating team will have a representative running or walking around the track continuously until the event concludes at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 25.

Wittenberg football players have split into eight "platoons," and they been competing to raise the most money for the relay. A total of 70 players and 11 coaches are involved, and the goal is to raise at least $3,000.

There is still time to make contributions on behalf of the Wittenberg football team. Donations can be made via the Wittenberg Relay for Life Web site.

"Relay for Life is an important cause," said Wittenberg Football Head Coach Joe Fincham. "Our players recognize this and want to make a difference."

Wittenberg tied a school record with 12 wins in 2009, compiling records of 12-1 overall and 7-0 in the NCAC to win the program's ninth title in 21 years in the league and advance to the program's 13th NCAA Division III Tournament since its inception in 1973. Wittenberg defeated Mount St. Joseph in the first round and Trine in the second round before losing at No. 2-ranked Wisconsin-Whitewater, 31-13, in the national quarterfinals on Dec. 5.

The Tigers open the 2010 season with three straight home games, starting off with Olivet on Saturday, Sept. 4.

Written by: Ryan Maurer

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