Basketball: Armuchee, Rome join Lady Hawks for Classic fight From Shorter reports

The start of a new season always ushers in high hopes. On Wednesday, however, the hopes of four teams will take on even bigger importance when they tip off the new season joining the fight against cancer.

The Shorter Lady Hawks, Clark-Atlanta University, Armuchee High School and Rome High School will gather at Shorter’s Winthrop-King Centre to play in the 19th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Classic.

Armuchee’s Lady Indians and Rome’s Lady Wolves take the court first for their respective season openers at 5:30 p.m., while the Lady Hawks and Clark-Atlanta square off at 7 p.m.

“We’re so thankful so many local teams have been a part of this and are willing to give up a home game to be involved, and we’re thankful to everyone involved who have helped make this happen,” Shorter head coach Vic Mitchell said. The Classic began when former men’s coach Ricky Williams came up with the idea to do something to help battle the disease that affects nearly every family.

“Ricky had the vision to start it and since then we’ve been trying to keep it going,” Mitchell said.

All of the proceeds of the Classic — which Mitchell said has exceeded $100,000 over the years — will benefit The Breast Center at Floyd and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s “Play for Kay” program. Even the local high school officials association has joined in the event, Mitchell said, as they will officiate the high school game waiving their fee.

In addition to playing in the game, the Lady Hawks were joined by the Lady Indians and the Lady Wolves in helping jump start the sale of T-shirts that, in addition to the gate proceeds, will help raise funds for the cause. About 300 have been pre-sold and both of the high schools’ head coaches fully understand that there is more to the Classic than the game itself.

“As a player and now a coach it is always an exciting and unique experience to play in the Shorter Cancer Classic,” said Lady Indians head coach Michelle Arp, who played in the game during her career at Shorter. “Every player and coach on our team has been affected by cancer. For us to be able to use the game we love to contribute to fight for a cure is awesome.

“This year is also special because our team’s breast cancer survivor that will be recognized at the game is retired educator and former Armuchee girls’ basketball coach Shelia Smith, who was not only an excellent teacher, but she had a tremendous impact on the girls’ basketball program at Armuchee High. It is an honor to play in this game to recognize breast cancer awareness and survivors like Ms. Smith.”

“The Rome High Runnin’ Lady Wolves always feel privileged to participate in the Shorter Breast Cancer Awareness Classic,” said Jared Hughes, who will make his debut as the team’s first-year head coach.

“We look at it as an opportunity to battle a disease that affects so many, including one of our own. It’s a great way to kick off a high school basketball season while also drawing attention to a worthy cause. We truly appreciate Shorter University’s invitation.”