SIUE men’s basketball will participate in the annual Coaches vs. Cancer initiative Thursday when the team plays host to Ohio Valley Conference foe Austin Peay.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a joint initiative between the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the American Cancer Society. Cougar coaches will promote awareness by wearing sneakers with their suits, and encourage fans to do the same.

“This initiative is extremely important to help bring awareness,” SIUE men’s basketball Head Coach Lennox Forrester said. “A lot of people are touched by cancer or know someone who has gone through it.”

SIUE’s campus partners are Colleges Against Cancer organization and SIUE’s Relay for Life team.

This year’s event will feature Relay for Life T-shirt sales, a 50/50 raffle through Colleges Against Cancer, and an inspiration/remembrance wall which will allow fans to make a donation in honor of a family member, friend, or group that will then have their name displayed on the Cougars’ Wall of Wishes. The Wall of Wishes will then be displayed at SIUE’s Relay for Life April 11 at Korte Stadium.

Senior forward Tim Johnson has pledged to shave his head in honor of those fighting the battle with cancer should the Cougars and their fans raise at least $1,000. Scott Credit Union has already assured that Johnson will lose his hair by donating $1,000 towards SIUE’s efforts.

“We want to encourage people to give,” Forrester added. “Help fund the research that will help cure this deadly disease.”

Fans can donate online all day Thursday via the link at SIUECougars.com