While free throws often make a difference in the outcome of a basketball game, for the American Cancer Society, free throws made by the Clipper basketball boys during their Coaches vs. Cancer free throw fundraiser will help make a difference in its mission to fight cancer.
All told, the Clippers raised $24,500 at the event, which was held in the new gym on February 14.
The funds will be forwarded Coaches vs. Cancer organizer Rick Jeddeloh, who is currently the varsity girls basketball coach at LCWM, and then eventually to the Le Sueur County Relay for Life, which in turn sends them to the American Cancer Society.
During the free throw fundraiser, 28 members of the Clipper varsity, JV and C teams each shot 10 rounds of 10 free throw attempts. Out of a collective 2800 attempts, they made 1954 baskets.
Missing only three shots, Brennan Kortuem was the top shooter.
“The three that I missed, I was kind of talking to people,” said the senior. “But I paid attention to the rim and made some shots, and that was it.”
Six behind Kortuem was sophomore Carson Lyons.
Sam Ternes made 82 shots, Zander Linder made 81 shots, and Kale Kelley, Miles Tomaszewski, Bode Bartell and Gavin Karels each made 80 shots.
Fourth grader Brayden Schmidt, who also participated, made 81 shots.
Kelley raised the most donations.
The American Cancer Society uses the donations to conduct research, provide education and advocate for cancer patient needs.
Above: The Coaches vs. Cancer participants and coaches: from L-R, front row: Wyatt Krenik, Sam Ternes, Charlie Perkins, Alex Kortuem, Tanner Simonette, Carson Lyons, Kale Kelley, elementary student, Tony Hollerich, Zander Linder, Zayden Linder, Jack Anderson, Dominic Anderson and Carsyn Ryg. Back row: Head coach Mike Meyer, Garrett Heldberg, Jack Mons, Luke Heldberg, Aiden Giese, Miles Tomaszewski, Alex Johnson, Brennan Kortuem, Gavin Karels, Braeden Smith, Kyle Connor, Mason Kluntz, Killian Kunkel, assistant coach Andy Schmidt and assistant coach Travis Mons.
