Photos by: Gabby Brancato
Story by: Chelsie Yokum
The hallways were a sea of yellow on Thursday, Oct. 13, as students and staff sported the Livestrong T-shirts that were sold by the soccer team the weeks prior. That night was no ordinary soccer game; it was the Livestrong game against Staley High School. All funds from the T-shirt sales and concessions went to the Livestrong foundation, who’s objective was to benefit the lives of those affected by cancer. The team even had special yellow jerseys made for the game.
The event was organized by head soccer coach Derek Noll, who was inspired by junior Ray Saari, a member of the soccer team recently diagnosed with cancer.
“We talked about it with Ray so we decided to give it a try,” Noll said. “Ray was basically the inspiration behind doing it.”
In addition to selling T-shirts, the team also held a raffle at the game, selling tickets for a dollar each. The winner of the raffle won a signed Oak Park jersey as well as a jersey from KC Sporting player Kevin Ellis.
“He talked to his teammates and he brought his shirt,” Noll said.
The raffle winner also got a photo with members of the KC Sporting team.
The team raised over $2500 in shirt sales, and donated a total of $1773 to the Livestrong organization.
“The best part was raising money for a good cause,” said senior varsity player Derek Harvey, “and beating Staley at the same time.”