CLINTON, N.Y. – The Hamilton College men's basketball coaching staff will participate in Suits and Sneakers Week to support Coaches vs. Cancer and the American Cancer Society during the Continentals' home games on Friday, Jan. 30 and Saturday, Jan. 31.

Head Coach Adam Stockwell and Assistant Coach Ryan Schmadel will lace up their sneakers on the sideline as Hamilton hosts Bowdoin College on Friday at 7 p.m., followed by Colby College on Saturday at 3 p.m. on Coach Tom Murphy Court inside Margaret Bundy Scott Field House.

The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). This initiative leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs. Since 1993, coaches have raised over $179 million for the American Cancer Society.

By participating in the initiative, the Continentals aim to strengthen community spirit, support the American Cancer Society's work in research, early detection and patient care, as well as inspire others to take action in the fight against cancer.

Norm Stewart, who is the former head coach of the University of Missouri men's basketball program, a cancer survivor and member of the NABC, provided the vision and inspiration for the Coaches vs. Cancer concept. He started the program by challenging fans to pledge a dollar amount for every three-point shot made by his team during the season. The concept evolved into a nationwide effort uniting coaches, fans, players, and communities across the country to fight cancer. (nabc.com/cvs)

"Suits and Sneakers Week and the broader Coaches vs. Cancer program are bigger than basketball," NABC Executive Director Craig Robinson said. "Cancer impacts us all, and coaches are privileged during this signature week to put our collective passion for impacting the fight against the disease into action."

"Suits and Sneakers Week is a powerful reminder that progress against cancer happens when people come together with purpose," American Cancer Society CEO Shane Jacobson said. "When coaches, athletes, and communities unite around prevention, screening and support, we move closer to a future where we can end cancer as we know it, for everyone."