CLEVELAND, Ohio-- January 25-30 marks the National Association of Basketball Coaches' Suits and Sneakers week that promotes cancer awareness and raises funds for research. 

As a part of the NABC's efforts to bring awareness to the American Cancer Society, members of the North Coast Athletic Conference will team up with their counterparts in the Ohio Athletic Conference to raise funds in the name of Capital University Head Coach Damon Goodwin, who is battling leukemia. In addition to their efforts on behalf of ACS, the coaches are making a separate effort to support Coach Goodwin. Funds raised during that six-day span will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) in Goodwin's name.

In addition, NCAC and OAC coaches will be wearing orange ties on Saturday, January 30th as a show of support for Coach Goodwin, his family and the cause.

Coach Goodwin and his family have strong Tiger roots, as Damon was a Wittenberg men's basketball assistant coach from 1990-95 and his son, Grant, was a member of the Tiger's baseball program.

All donations are tax deductible and go to support LLS research, patient services, advocacy, education, and community services.  Please visit lls.org to for more information and to donate online. Donations can also be made to the American Cancer Society.

Coaches vs. Cancer Suits And Sneakers Week is a nationwide event when basketball coaches across the country unite for a common cause – saving lives from cancer. Coaches and their staff are encouraged to wear sneakers with their suits while coaching games to:

• Raise awareness about the fight against cancer.
• Share the importance of nutrition and physical activity in reducing one's risk of the disease.
• Promote the American Cancer Society as a place for people facing cancer to turn for free information, help, and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Wittenberg is back in action in Springfield the 27th against Wabash at 7:30pm, as well as the 30th at 7:30pm against Denison.

For more information: American Cancer Society - Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Original Release Compiled by NCAC League Office January 21, 2016