Each October, the color pink takes over football fields across the country. From football's biggest stage to Friday Nights.
“We wanted to start with North Allegheny and really build a road map,” says Alex Papson, co-chair of the American Cancer Society.
And though October is only a few days away, Papson has been thinking about it since April.
“There's quite a bit of moving parts,” he says. “That's really why the partnership is so valuable.”
Last year, the 2011 North Allegheny grad launched a new partnership between the organization and local high schools: Pink-out nights at football games. His alma mater was a perfect place to start.
“One thing leads to another, I'm coming to practice, soliciting interest for volunteers, explaining what the American Cancer Society does and the impact that these players can have.
Hands shot up to help, including senior quarterback Logan Kushner
“I jumped at the opportunity,” he says. “It's just a great cause for the American Cancer Society. It effects a lot of people, and I think it's just a good thing to be partnered with for me and our team.”
Players serve as ambassadors for pink out night, and wear black and pink jerseys, along with other pink gear.
It’s all a part of coach Art Walker's message that some things are bigger than football.
“We want to teach our players life beyond the white lines and be a team player, but also in your community,” he says.
This year's pink out night at North Allegheny is October 13th against Norwin.
Papson plans to expand into high schools across the region. But for now, the Tigers are prepared to ambush cancer.
“It feels great just knowing that we're leaving our footprint, and knowing the impact our team is making,” Kushner says. “I feel like it's a really special group and it's a special thing we're doing as a team.”