LORETTO, Pa. – The Saint Francis men's basketball coaching staff will join the National Association for Basketball Coaches for its annual Coaches vs. Cancer Suits And Sneakers Week for its home games against Sacred Heart and Merrimack this week. 
 
"Coaches vs. Cancer is something that is very important to not only me, but our entire staff," said assistant coach Luke McConnell. "My family lost the most thoughtful and selfless person we know, my cousin Emily Leyland, due to cancer. Emily was always very passionate about spreading awareness about how you can help fight this disease. We are honored to collaborate with such an important initiative to increase awareness and help raise funds against this awful disease."
 
Saint Francis is one of the few coaching staffs in the country that still wears suits both home and away regularly for competitions.
 
The American Cancer Society's Coaches vs. Cancer - Suits And Sneakers ® Week (January 22-28, 2024) is a nationwide event that unites coaches across the country to raise funds and awareness about the fight against cancer and promotes the American Cancer Society as a source of inspiration and hope for those facing cancer. While coaching games during the week, coaches wear sneakers with their suits as a visible reminder of their support of the American Cancer Society. ​
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 The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. 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 $155 million for the American Cancer Society.

Norm Stewart, former head coach of the University of Missouri's men's basketball program, 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.