Moon Township, Pa. – The RMU men's basketball team announced Thursday it will host an exhibition game Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. against Penn State at the UPMC Events Center. Proceeds from the exhibition between the Colonials and Nittany Lions will support the American Cancer Society as part of Coaches vs. Cancer for cancer research and programs. Tickets for the game are $10.00 and go on sale Monday, Oct. 2.
In March of 2023, RMU Director of Basketball Operations
Matthew Sweet was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer. Sweet, a native of London, Ohio, has completed four rounds of chemo and immunotherapy as well as one round of chemotherapy and radiation. Over the next year, Sweet will continue immunotherapy treatments.
Penn State will be playing in support of mindfulness coach Alex Peavey and the Peavey Project. A trusted friend and ally of Peter and Ann Tombros Endowed Head Coach Mike Rhoades and the Penn State coaching staff, Peavey has endured a five-year battle with two stage-four cancers. Peavey has been given days, weeks and months to live throughout his battle, but has continued to persevere and fight.
"We couldn't be more excited to host Penn State in an exhibition game at the UPMC Events Center and bring awareness to a great cause in Coaches vs. Cancer," RMU Pat Gallagher Head Coach
Andrew Toole said. "I'd like to thank PSU head coach Mike Rhoades and his staff for embracing the opportunity to play the game. It's great to have a willing partner for such an important cause. Matthew has faced his challenges head on this summer as he battles against a rare form of cancer, and we're here for support and encouragement as he continues his fight."
For over 30 years, the Coaches vs. Cancer program, in collaboration with the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), has united coaches and fans nationwide to help the American Cancer Society defeat a common enemy – cancer. Through fundraising and initiatives, the Coaches vs. Cancer program has supported the American Cancer Society in its efforts to save lives from cancer.
RMU has had a longstanding relationship with the Northeast Region of the American Cancer Society in Pittsburgh, Pa., with both partnering on the Coaches vs. Cancer Fundraising Gala for the last 14 years along with the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University. The 2023 Coaches vs. Cancer Tipoff Reception is set for Tuesday, Sept. 26, at the Home Plate Club at PNC Park. College basketball analyst Debbie Antonelli will serve as the featured speaker.
Led by Toole, the Colonials return three starters from a 2022-23 squad that finished with an overall record of 16-17 (.485), including a mark of 10-10 (.500) in the Horizon League. RMU advanced to the quarterfinals of the Horizon League Tournament for the second consecutive year, with guards
Josh Corbin and
Jackson Last and forward
Stephaun Walker returning as starters for the Colonials in 2023-24.
Follow The Colonials: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | RMU Athletics Gameday App
