RINDGE, N.H. (January 29, 2018) – Making 3-point shots this basketball season has taken on additional meaning for the Franklin Pierce University basketball teams. The Ravens are using their spotlight on the court to raise money for the American Cancer Society as a part of the national Coaches vs. Cancer 3-Point Challenge.

Twenty-five years ago, Norm Stewart, former head coach of the University of Missouri's men's basketball program, cancer survivor, and member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, provided the vision and inspiration to create Coaches vs. Cancer. He challenged fans to pledge a dollar amount for every 3-Point shot made by his team during the season. The concept then called the 3-Point Attack, evolved into a nationwide effort uniting coaches, fans, players, and communities across the country to assist in the fight against cancer.

After a successful first year effort in 2017, Coaches vs. Cancer is pleased to announce the return of the 3-Point Challenge, with high schools competing in January and college teams in February. Fans can join Franklin Pierce’s PLEDGE IT campaign and donate for every 3-pointer by visiting: the women’s page and the men’s page. Fans can follow the competition on the national leaderboard at 3pointchallenge.org.

Last year, both Franklin Pierce basketball programs made 91 three-pointers across the month of February and totaled $989.50 for the American Cancer Society.

“The Coaches vs. Cancer 3-Point Challenge is a great opportunity for our team to get involved and help out a great cause,” said men’s basketball team captain Mike McDevitt (Cumberland, Maine.). “I think it's awesome how the college basketball community as a whole comes together to raise money and spread awareness for cancer research.”

“We are excited to partner with Coach Chadbourne and the men’s team for Coaches vs. Cancer again this year,” said women’s basketball head coach Jeanette Wedo. “Everyone has been touched by this terrible disease and our goal is to outdo last year’s amount to support the fight against cancer!”

 “The 3-Point Challenge continues to revolutionize our online fundraising efforts through the Coaches vs. Cancer platform. With a unique URL, fans from around the country can make online pledges for their favorite teams and watch the donations from 3-point shots roll in to help the Society fight cancer,” said David Doan, VP, Strategic Alliances, Sports.

For the past 25 years, the Coaches vs. Cancer program, in collaboration with the National Association of Basketball Coaches, has united coaches and fans nationwide to help the American Cancer Society defeat a common enemy – cancer. With your passion and dedicated support, the impact has been felt in communities nationwide. Through fundraising and education initiatives, the Coaches vs. Cancer program has supported the American Cancer Society in improving and saving lives from cancer in the US and worldwide. The fight isn’t over, and we need you on our team. For more information and to join coaches in the fight against cancer, visit coachesvscancer.org 

For more information on Franklin Pierce Athletics, please visit the official website of Franklin Pierce Athletics (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu). Also be sure to follow the Ravens through the Department of Athletics' official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPierceRaven), its YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/franklinpiercesports) and its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/FPUathletics). Fans wishing to purchase Franklin Pierce basketball apparel can do so at the Department of Athletics' online store (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu/store).