DIG PINK with guest blogger Kristen Bauer!

Ladies and gentlemen, there's a very special promotion going on out there called "Dig Pink"--volleyball teams working together for breast cancer awareness. The Big South Conference has member schools involved in Dig Pink, leading us to turn SHOUT over this morning to guest blogger Coastal Carolina Head Coach Kristen Bauer (pictured below at right) for the whole story...

In the Fall of 2008, hundreds of teams from around the country will participate in the “Dig Pink” National Breast Cancer Awareness Rally. For the month of October, the Coastal Carolina volleyball team will promote breast health education as well as raise funds to help eradicate this disease. “Dig Pink” attendees will not only cheer the players on as they compete on the court, but will support the cause by donating funds and make a statement by wearing pink to home matches. The proceeds from all donations will benefit the Side-Out Foundation.

The foundation’s name underscores the purpose of the organization – “Side-Out” in volleyball occurs when one team wins a point while its opponent is serving, thereby regaining serve or control of play. Likewise, in the war against cancer, the Side-Out Foundation enables those affected to regain control of their lives.

Coastal Carolina University Volleyball will highlight their match on October 7th, 2008 against Winthrop at 6 pm in Kimbel Arena. Players will be wearing pink warm-ups and pink socks. Dr. DeCenzo, the President of Coastal Carolina University, will be introducing our event and speaking on the importance of giving to this wonderful cause. Our very first volleyball player to receive a scholarship is Martha Davis. She is a six-year breast cancer survivor and will be serving the first ball of the evening. The Coastal Carolina Student Athletic Advisory Committee will be giving pink ribbons to all in attendance. HTC (Horry Telephone Cooperative) is sponsoring the event by donating $1 for every fan wearing pink.

Throughout the month, the Coastal Carolina University Volleyball team will be raising money by going into the community and asking for donations. We have already had two bake sales on campus and have been stationed at our local Food Lion grocery stores collecting funds. Several companies in Conway and Myrtle Beach have donated items to be sold and all the proceeds will go to the Side-Out Foundation. In addition, the Side-Out Foundation has also graciously allowed a portion of our proceeds to be given to a local breast cancer organization. This way, the Coastal Carolina University Community is helping save lives in their own area.


THANK YOU, COACH BAUER!

That's fantastic information and a great cause--now if you can't get to Conway for the game, there's another Dig Pink event coming up in Asheville 10/18, when UNC Asheville hosts Coastal Carolina for more exciting Big South Conference volleyball, so stay tuned for that!

Finally today, a huge SHOUT-out to former Coastal Carolina men's golf standout Dustin Johnson (one of the Big South 25th Anniversary "Best of the Best"). Johnson birdied the final two holes Sunday to get his first tournament victory on the PGA Tour. The win in the Turning Stone Resort Championship in Verona, NY, earns him a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour. Congratulations, Dustin!