Pink is the Pioneers’ new obsession, and it is for a great cause.
Over the last few weeks, several Warren County sports teams have hit the field or walked on the court sporting pink socks, arm bands and cleats as Pioneers and Lady Pioneers are trying to raise breast cancer awareness.
October is national Breast Cancer Awareness month and the national trend of wearing pink has trickled down to local sports teams during action over the last two weeks.
On Oct. 8, the Warren County Middle School boys and girls basketball teams wore pink socks during games against the Morrison Eagles at home while the Warren County High School junior varsity football team had players sporting pink wrist bands, socks and shoe strings during a 14-12 win over Coffee County.
The football team picked up its efforts to raise awareness last Friday when the Pioneers all wore pink socks against the White County Warriors, which coincided with the school celebrating Pink-Out day.
The idea of “pink-out” games are nothing new to Warren County, especially during the tenure of Warren County High School girls basketball coach Erick Baird.
The Lady Pioneers have had Pink-Out games scheduled the past two seasons with proceeds from T-shirt sales and game revenue going to the Kay Yow cancer research foundation.
Pink-Out night was canceled last year on the final night of the regular season due to weather conditions, so coach Baird moved up the date of the game this season.
The Lady Pioneers will play in the “Think Pink Hall of Fame” Thursday, Nov. 15 at Charlie Dalton Gym.
Coach Baird is hopeful the move will help generate even more money for cancer research, where Warren County has helped raise thousands of dollars in the past two years.
“We’ve raised about $2,500 the last two years with our Pink-Out games,” said Baird. “With more games this year, we’re hoping to generate even more money for cancer research.
“This is a big issue that has grown in awareness. I don’t think there’s anybody who doesn’t know somebody who hasn’t been affected by breast cancer. We want to continue to aid in the search for a cure.”
Incorporating pink into outfits was usually as simple as buying a ribbon, but one Jaycee basketball team may be taking the idea one step further this season.
Jaycee commissioner Darrell Austin got the request this year from one team to make their team colors pink and white after a 12-year-old team member made the suggestion the group could play a season in hopes of raising awareness.
Pink may not be a color just for the girls anymore, but for a great cause it seems everybody can be pretty in pink.