Cross Country Teams Raise Nearly $4,400 Through Relay For Life

April 2, 2009

Clemson, SC – The cross country teams at Clemson have raised nearly $4,400 as part of the university’s Relay For Life. The event will be held on the school’s campus beginning Friday at 5:00 PM until 5:00 AM on Saturday. In total, 89 participating teams have raised over $82,000. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society as the organization continues to fund research efforts to find a cure for the disease.

“It’s a beautiful thing when a close-knit group of student-athletes, such as our cross country team, can come together to raise money for such a worthy cause,” said Lawrence Johnson, Clemson’s Director of Track & Field and Cross Country. “It’s a testament to our entire program and how we’ve come together. Hopefully, we can continue to do our small part and help raise money in any way we can to help beat this dreaded disease.”

Led by team representative Maggie Bernard, the 23 members of the men’s and women’s cross country teams raised the money through personal donations and gifts. Bernard, a junior, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in the fall. Most of the team will be present this weekend at the Relay, with the exception of those competing for Clemson at this weekend’s track meet in Gainesville, FL.

Relay For Life is a signature activity of the American Cancer Society. Clemson’s Relay will be a 12-hour event in which teams will be camping out at the intramural fields, while members of each team take turns walking or running a loop around the field in front of Fike Recreation Center.