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Local Basketball Coaches Gather To Raises Money For American Cancer Society

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Basketball coaches often meet on the hardwood.

Last night, they gathered at Heinz Field for a special event that's close to many of their hearts.

The 8th Annual Coaches Vs. Cancer Tip-Off Madness is designed to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

"It's just a great night to get together to show our support in the fight against cancer," Pitt women's basketball coach Suzie McConnell-Serio said.

"It's part of our role as head coaches here in the city to do our part to promote this great cause," RMU head coach Andy Toole said.

"We're so grateful to have the coaches from Pitt, Robert Morris, and Duquesne, both men's and women's coaches who give of their time and we know how busy they are, who give of their time to really make a difference for our community," Brant Woodward, of the American Cancer Society, said.

Since 1993, Coaches Vs. Cancer has raised $87 million nationwide.

The impact is being felt here in Pittsburgh.

For every dollar raised locally, $1.40 goes back to the community, including $6.6 million in research grants at Pitt.

"Fundraising for cancer is something that's extremely important and through the game of basketball, it's a way that we've always brought people together as coaches and this is just another example of that," Toole said.

The event featured various auctions and EPSN analyst Jay Bilas was the guest speaker.

The coaches say the night is a great time to put competition aside and unite.

"We don't see each other a lot, but we respect each other, we root for each other, we want each other to do well and we want the other schools to do well, believe it or not," Pitt men's coach Jamie Dixon said.

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