Boys free throw fundraiser earnings will be split between Relay for Life, Domras family

The $15,300 raised by the boys basketball program in this year’s Coaches vs. Cancer free throw fundraiser will be split in two ways.

While some will go the Le Sueur County Relay for Life and eventually to the American Cancer Society, a portion will be allocated directly to the Domras family to help support CHS junior Aiden Domras as he undergoes cancer treatments.

During the free throw fundraiser, which was held in the new gym on February 28, members of the Clipper varsity, JV and C teams each shot 10 rounds of 10 free throws. A few of the players had a scheduling conflict and had to shoot at a different time.

Sinking 94 out of 100 free throw attempts, Carson Lyons was the top shooter. In second place was Jack Mons with 86 made free throws while Bode Bartell was just one behind Mons for third.

Before the fundraiser, the basketball players found sponsors, who typically pledged a dollar amount for each free throw the player made. Four players raised over $1000. Lyons’ sponsors contributed $2191. Mons’ sponsors donated $1232, Braeden Smith’s sponsors gave $1150, and Gavin Struck’s sponsors provided $1094.

Head coach Mike Meyer has been involved in Coach’s vs Cancer for several years. His college coach, Rick Jeddeloh, is heavily involved in the American Cancer Society and especially with Coaches vs. Cancer and Relay for Life. Jeddeloh approached Meyer several years ago and asked if he wanted to join the effort.

Both Jeddeloh and Meyer have undergone bouts with the disease.

“I’m a two-time cancer survivor, so it holds near and dear to my heart,” Meyer said, “but I think it’s a just a good thing for these guys to learn and understand the importance of giving back and providing for their community. They’re all great kids, but the more they see how they can help in different ways, it’s good for their growth as young men.”

Meyer said that besides being for a worthwhile cause, the free throw fundraiser is enjoyable for both players and coaches.

“There’s a little incentive with it. We put out prizes for highest shooter and fundraiser, and obviously it’s practice shooting free throws, which this year we definitely needed.”

Above: Players and coaches during the Coaches vs. Cancer free throw event, from L-R, Assistant coach Carter Kopet, assistant coach Andy Schmidt, Brayden Schmidt, Jack Anderson, Luke Heldberg, Carson Lyons, Zayden Linder, Zander Linder, Garrett Heldberg, Alex Kortuem, Tony Hollerich, Killian Kunkel, Johnathan Cink, Mason Kluntz, Pierce Lyons, Brayden Smith, Tyler Smith, Luke Kortuem, Miles Tomaszewski, Gavin Struck and head coach Mike Meyer.

Alex shot Alex Kortuem sinks a free throw.