Around The USCAA - 8/28/14
Around the USCAA is a semi-weekly article that highlights current happenings, key matchups, and relevant news stories from across the association. If you have a relevant news piece that you would like considered for inclusion please send it toinfo@theuscaa.com.
Rochester Men’s Golf Team Accepts ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich.—On Tuesday, August 26th the Rochester College golf team participated in the A.L.S. Ice Bucket Challenge.
The Ice Bucket Challenge involves people dousing ice water on themselves while videotaping the experience. Participants then post the video on social media challenging others to do the same. People can accept the challenge or make a donation to an ALS charity of their choice, or in some cases do both.
ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) was first discovered in 1869 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot but in 1939 Lou Gehrig brought national attention to the disease. The hall of fame baseball player fell victim to ALS and even today the disease is most closely associated with his name. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
The RC men's golf team was challenged by freshman Blake Wohlfeil (Sterling Heights, Mich./Henry Ford II H.S.). "When Blake told me that he had challenged the team, I was really excited. I thought it was a great idea and I am really glad he thought to do that," said head coach Clayton Bissett.
The challenge hits home for the Warriors men's golf team as head coach Clayton Bissett's father is currently battling ALS. "This was special for me because of my dad. ALS has taken some things from him. He used to be a very active, personable guy who loved to tell jokes. He now cannot speak or eat and gets tired pretty quickly, but he has a great attitude about it and that really helps. He has shown me how to deal with tough life situations with grace and a positive attitude. It is a tough disease to deal with and I really feel for anyone who has it and for their family members," said Coach Bissett.
The challenge took place on the campus right after the very first chapel of the year concluded.
Sophomore Chet Ryeson (Metamora, Mich./Lapeer West H.S.) explains what was going through his head right before the team doused themselves in water. "I was a little nervous with a lot of the school watching but I think it's great," said Ryeson.
Freshman Mason Motte (Fenton, Mich./Holly H.S.) is glad to have played a part in the challenge. "It's pretty cold but it's for a great cause so we're happy to do it. Hopefully we get some recognition out for ALS from this," said Motte.
The challenge raised awareness of the disease for Ryeson and he hopes to see the challenge continue to spread. "At first I wasn't sure exactly what to think about it but because of this challenge I learned about coach's father which added a bigger purpose to it. If we can get more schools and more athletic programs on board to helping raise awareness it would be awesome. Athletic programs hold a lot of influence and if more and more teams participate in this then who knows; it could start a real ALS awareness wave amongst schools," said Ryeson.
The men's golf team challenged the RC baseball team and also campus minister Chris Shields. The baseball team and Shields have 24 hours to accept the challenge or donate money to their favorite ALS charity.
To watch the challenge live please click here: RC Men's Golf Team Ice Bucket Challenge
To watch the USCAA’s National Office Staff take their Ice Bucket Challenge clink the following link to our Facebook: USCCA National Office Staff Ice Bucket Challenge
To make a donation to this great cause you can clink on the following link which will take you directly to the ALS Association website: ALS Donation Page
Key Weekend Matchups
Women’s Soccer
8/30/14 - Paul Smith’s College at SUNY Canton 11:00 am
8/30/14 - Unity College at NHTI 1:30 pm
Men’s Soccer
8/30/14 - Rochester College at Marygrove College 3:00 pm
8/31/14 – Southern State CC at Penn State Greater Allegheny 12:00 pm
Women’s Volleyball
8/29/14 – Rochester College at Penn State Greater Allegheny 5:00 pm
8/29/14 – Unity College at University of Maine Fort Kent 6:00 pm