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Port Athletics reaches out to the community Basketball and Crew donate time, money, and shoes to organizations

Dan Miranda and Eric Fishbin, Sports Editor and Staff Writer
February 25, 2013

Coaches vs. Cancer

One day before Pennsylvania’s famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil told the world there would be an early spring, the Port Washington Vikings took on East Meadow in the Coaches vs. Cancer basketball game.  The game raised money for the American Cancer Society with sales of  t-shirts and paper cutouts.  Monetary donations were also collected  to support the cause. This is the second year that Port Washington has participated.

The Vikings got off to a rough start. East Meadow jumped out to an early lead in the first half.  The team knew that it had to win the game if it wanted to have a good chance at the playoffs.  The Vikings ended up winning 54-49 due to strong defense.

“We had a rough start but the team fought back to win.  It was a lot of fun and we were able to raise a lot of money for a really good cause.  Getting this win was big for us in terms of playoffs.  We are in a much better position than we were before,” said Coach Sean Dooley.

Throughout the week, Schreiber was able to raise over $2,000 to help those affected by cancer.

“It always feels great to raise money for cancer, but what made me feel especially good was raising awareness for such a widespread disease,” said senior captain Ryan O’Donnell.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a collaboration between the American Cancer society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches.  The event is held across nation and draws from the efforts of coaches, their teams, and their communities.  Many of the NCAA basketball coaches are extremely active in the organization.  In total the charity has raised over $87 million toward the fight against cancer.

Last year, softball and baseball participated as well, featuring “Strike Out Cancer” fundraisers.

“Dunk Your Kicks”

In a charitable night of basketball, the athletic department hosted the first ever “Dunk Your Kicks” event while the Vikings and Lady Vikings faced off in a double-header against division rival Hicksville Comets.

The event  supported MaxCure, a public charity  dedicated to advancing treatments for pediatric cancers and providing emotional and financial assistance to low-income families dealing with pediatric cancer.  During the games, spectators deposited used sneakers into brown boxes in the front of the main gym.  The sneakers are to be recycled by a company that pays the school one dollar for every pound of sneaker material.  The proceeds for this event will go to three families with children battling pediatric cancer at LIJ hospital.

“Our goal is to collect 2,500 pairs of sneakers.  The people donating no longer have a use for them, but those receiving them have a great need.  We are going to reach the goal, and we are going to help those families in need,” said Principal Mr. Ira Pernick.

Initial tallies indicate a good turnout.

“Our goal is to fill an entire Pod storage box with sneakers and as of right know I think we are well on our way,” said Athletic director Stephanie Joannon

The first game of the double header featured the boys team (7-5).  Consistent three-point shooting and solid defense helped number two ranked Hicksville (10-2) jump out to an early 16-11 lead.  Port was able to keep it close thanks to clutch shooting by 8th grader Jordan Walker.  However, defense was lacking as the team struggled to box out on rebounds.  By halftime, the Vikings trailed the Comets, 26-17, and subsequently lost 57-35.

The Lady Vikings also faced off against the Hicksville Comets.  Both teams entered the game with similar records, and the score remained close for most of the first half.  Momentum shifted in the Vikings’ favor in the final seconds of the half as Port hit a three pointer at the buzzer to make it 16-14 going into half time. The Vikings closed out the game strong with a 15-6 run in the fourth quarter.  Port won 39-29.

For every pair of sneakers (laces must be tied together), there will be an average donation of one dollar towards finding the cure to pediactric cancer.

Second annual ergathon

In December, Port Rowing competed in its second annual ergathon—this time to support Long Beach High School in its recovery from Hurricane Sandy.   The district had lost equipment and the usage of several gymnasiums in the storm. In January, Coach Steve Panzik  and some of those who helped row one million meters in December were there to present a $10,000 check to Long Beach to help.

Athletic Director Ms. Stephanie Joannon approached Long Beach Athletic Director Mr. Arnold Epstein to discuss the losses sustained to the community.  When Port rowers heard about the devastation, they decided to use the ergathon as a way to make the rebuilding process just a little bit easier.

“We’ve received many donations over the last few months, but the ones that mean so much to us are the ones that come from other students.  We admire you for the work you do to help others,” said Mr. Epstein.

Junior Joe Finkelstein was one of the many rowers who competed in the December ergathon and found the process rewarding.

“It was definitely a demanding experience to erg one million meters as a team, and I’m glad we were able to raise so much for Long Beach athletics,” said Finkelstein.  “We were lucky we made it through Sandy relatively unscathed after it was all said and done.   It’s important to aid our neighbors when we can.”

Head coach Steve Panzik understood the significance of the donation.

“As a coach, you want your athletes to learn life skills, ethics, teamwork and sportsmanship, and to extend a helping hand to teammates and opponents alike when they are down.  How the Long Beach student-athletes have come together with their community to rebuild is inspiring.  We hope that the money we raised will help them come back better than ever,” said Panzik..

This was the single largest donation Long Beach High School received in wake of the storm.