NEWBERRY — Wednesday night’s game against Emmanuel was more than two teams facing off to determine a winner. It was about “Fighting Together” against cancer.
Just last year, nearly 1.7 million people across the United States were diagnosed with some form of cancer. On Wednesday night, the Wolves wanted the community and their loved ones to know that they are not alone in this fight.
Each Newberry men’s lacrosse player donned a customized jersey with the name of the individual in whose honor or memory he was playing across the back. The sides featured ribbons of various colors to represent awareness of and support for those fighting the different types of cancer.
Head Coach Nick Cotter wanted to start a tradition here at Newberry College where those who have battled against cancer and survived and those who have fought bravely but were unable to prevail can be recognized and celebrated.
“My father passed away about four, five years this summer,” said Erick Szurley from Holbrook, New York. “He was always at every one of my games. So, playing tonight for him just meant the world to me. He was everything to me.”
Szurley’s father lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.
“My father was my best friend and the greatest role model I could ever had asked for. He put his family first no matter the circumstances. I have never met someone that has ever had anything negative to say about my dad. He was truly an amazing person and I miss him every day,” he said.
“I was playing for my mother. This past year she passed away,” said Neil Swingruber from Ballston Spa, New York. “So, having her name on the back of my jersey just meant the world to me today. To come out here and get the win with my brothers, it’s exactly how I hoped the night would go. I know she would be proud.”
“I’m playing for my grandfather, Jimmy Kearnan,” said Brady Kearnan from Courtice, Ontario. “He had prostate cancer. He’s actually a survivor right now. So, he’s doing better, but at the time, it was really hard for my family. My Nana and Papa were affected, and they’re some of the bravest people I know. Cancer is a weird thing because it’s unknown. It’s tonight seeing people struggle and those affected by the struggle. Keep fighting and there will always be support for anyone affected by cancer.”
“I was in a tough decision having to go and start a new program,” Cotter said. “It made me think of being able to give back to these student-athletes who have also scarified a lot and being able to honor (those who have died) and those who are still battling this terrible sickness.”
Cotter’s father, Gord, past away to small cell lung cancer two years ago on the day he was offered the chance to begin Newberry’s men’s lacrosse program.
“As one significant chapter ended in my life, another was about to open,” he said.
During halftime of the game, the Newberry men’s lacrosse team recognized two individuals, Glaydeane Lee and Mitzi Kirsch, and their efforts with The Cancer Association of Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties.
Glaydeane, a Boiling Springs native, has worked with the Cancer Association for over 14 years after a 12-year career in marketing and advertising. She is married to Chuck Lee. They have a son who lives in Germany along with three granddaughters and one grandson.
Mitzi Kirsch is a Realtor with Century 21 Blackwell & Co. She became a Board Member for the Cancer Association of Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties in 2018 and will be competing in Dancing with the Spartanburg Stars on March 22nd. Mitzi is the mother of two sons, Blake and Brice, who plays for Newberry.
To donate to the Cancer Association of Spartanburg & Cherokee Counties, please visit https://www.cancerassociation.org/.
The Newberry College Men’s Lacrosse program hopes that Wednesday’s game will serve as an important reminder: “We are all fighting together.”