Softball Strikeout Cancer Event

Hannibal-LaGrange University raises funds for those battling cancer. The HLGU Softball team is hosting the Strikeout Cancer Softball Game on April 12^th. The double-header against Stephens College will take place at HLGU’s softball field with the first game beginning at 2:00 p.m. The money raised at the event will go to the James E. Cary Cancer Center.

“Our team feels strongly about devastation that cancer has caused to so many people. This is our effort to make a difference in the lives of those effected,” says HLGU Softball Coach, Dan Hurst.

There will be a silent auction and a bake sale during the games along with a special balloon release ceremony. The softball team is also selling t-shirts to raise money. The honorary first pitch at each game will be thrown by two men who have battled cancer and have a strong connection to the university. HLGU Athletic Trainer, Steve DeMent will throw the first pitch during one of the softball games. The other pitch will be thrown by Roger Nelson. Nelson is the father of HLGU faculty member, Lonnie Nelson.

About 1.7 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2018. With more than 15.5 million Americans with a history of cancer, most people know someone that has been affected by cancer. Event coordinator, Sierra Brown, says that the whole campus is excited to give back to the Hannibal community. The softball team has been hosting this event for 15 years raising approximately $20,000 during that time. In 2017, HLGU was recognized by the Fast Pitch Coaches Association for being the top NAIA school to donate funds to their cancer event.

In the case of rain, the April 12^th game will be moved to a later date.

For more information about the Strikeout Cancer Softball Game, contact:

Sierra Brown

(660) 998-5195

sierra.brown.11@student.hlg.edu