Springfield, Ohio – Wittenberg University men’s lacrosse players Hunter Bastian (Knoxville, Tenn./Horace Greeley) and Will Stocker (Cincinnati, Ohio/Turpin) both know all too well what it is like to live with type 1 diabetes. Given the opportunity to make a difference in the fight against the disease, both knew just what to do.
Each year, Tiger men’s lacrosse team members participate in a 10-kilometer run as part of the Tigers’ nontraditional fall season. In addition to helping the Tiger players to train for their upcoming season and building team camaraderie, the annual “10K Journey to Success” raises money for a charity through a letter-writing campaign. In 2013, the proceeds were split between the expenses associated with the team’s annual spring break trip to Florida and JDRF, an organization formerly known as Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation that is dedicated to research funding and advocacy for type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Since its founding in 1970, JDRF has awarded more than $1.6 billion to diabetes research. More than 80 percent of JDRF’s expenditures directly support research and research-related education (www.jdrfswo.org).
Stocker was diagnosed with T1D as an infant, while Bastian learned he was afflicted at the age of 11. Both undergo treatment regularly yet have excelled on the field and in the classroom at Wittenberg, thanks in part to medical advances made possible by organizations like JDRF.
“Being able to donate to JDRF was a great opportunity, and I am proud of the difference that our team was able to make,” Stocker said. “Being a type 1 diabetic for a majority of my life, JDRF is a foundation that I have been aware of for quite a while. Making them our charity was great, as it gave us a chance to give back to an organization that has made a difference in my life for so many years.”
First-year Head Coach Jay Owen said that the personal connection Bastian, a senior defender, and Stocker, a junior midfielder who also plays football at Wittenberg, share became an inspiration for the entire team. Not only did the team members have fun and improve their fitness by running the 10K in October, but they collectively raised $1,000 for JDRF.
“Making JDRF our charity this year was important to us because we are both type 1 diabetic, but more importantly we know the difference JDRF can make on improving lives and working towards a cure,” Bastian said. “Our team did a great job helping us raise money for a good cause.”
Cris Peterson, Dayton Development Manager for JDRF, was pleased to accept the donation on behalf of the organization.
“The funds raised will go to fund research and improve the quality of life for all those living with type 1 diabetes,” Peterson said. “These efforts to support our mission are most appreciated and are truly making a difference in the lives of many.”
The Tigers recently started practicing for their season, which opens with a road trip to Nashville, Tenn., where Wittenberg will square off with Sewanee at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. Wittenberg is coming off a 2013 season that ended with records of 8-5 overall and 3-4 in the North Coast Athletic Conference.