CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Northwest High softball hosted Clarksville High for a regular season, inner-city showdown on Monday.
However, before the two sides competed against each other, they came together for a common purpose. Northwest and CHS organized the contest to serve as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness.
The two schools partnered with the YMCA After Breast Cancer Awareness Program for the event. The money raised was donated to the YMCA program afterward.
Before the game started, everyone in attendance was given cards to recognize someone who is battling or lost their battle with any form of cancer.
There was also no first pitch thrown before the game. Instead, a game ball was placed on the mound along with a catcher’s mitt on home plate to honor those who have lost their battle with cancer. During a minute of silence, a video played with all of those in attendance holding their cards with the names of their cancer connection.
According to the YMCA, donations reached over $1,000.
Coaches corner
“I’ve been coaching for 32 years,” said Northwest Head Softball Coach Blake Lyons. “At my previous job, we tried to do put together a fundraiser every year, whether the cause was for a food bank, the military or cancer awareness. When I came to Northwest, we didn’t have the foundation to put anything together. We were kind of treading water, trying to get through the first year of rebuilding our program.
“So, through the support of our parents, kids, community and school, we felt it was time to go ahead and do something that’s bigger than the game of softball. We wanted these girls to realize that they can do some positive things through the sports they play. It’s not always about who wins or who loses, but just a chance to give back to your community for people who may need it,” Lyons said.
“Everyone in some way, shape or form has been effected by cancer. I’ve been blessed that I’ve lived a miracle. My sister was diagnosed in 2002 with a form of bone marrow cancer. So, I was her bone marrow donor, but she was given three years to live. She’s still with us today. I’ve seen the miracle work; I’ve seen what it can do, so it was great to find out the YMCA had the After Breast Cancer Awareness Program to help people who are fighting.”
Overview of the game
Clarksville High beat Northwest 18-0. Lady Wildcat starting pitcher Charis Nichols kept batters in check throughout the game.
She threw four scoreless innings, while only giving up one hit and striking out six batters. Offensively, CHS totaled 16 hits on the night, which included 13 players getting a hit.
Coaches corner
“We’re incredibly grateful Coach Lyons thought of us,” said Clarksville High Head Softball Coach Brian Rush. “He’s running a great program over here, and he’s got his players doing the right things. Anytime we can give back to the community, we want to be a part of that. So, we’re grateful Coach Lyons allowed us to be a part of that.”
“Our team latched onto the idea rather quickly, and it gave our girls pause, especially when you start writing down those names. When you have to start writing down those names of people who have been affected by it, you realize it’s affected your life in some way or another too. I think it was a great pause for us to take a look at.”