Kansas Men's Basketball Hosts Annual Ladies Night Out
Oct. 24, 2012
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Pink was the theme Wednesday night in Allen Fieldhouse as Kansas head coach Bill Self and the rest of the men’s basketball team hosted the annual “Ladies Night Out”.
The event benefitted Jayhawks for a Cure and all proceeds were donated to Lawrence Memorial Hospital and the KU Cancer Center in an effort to fund cancer research.
“In all seriousness, we will have fun but this is for a great cause,” Self said to the crowd. “These guys (KU players) are young and haven’t been affected the same way we have. As we get older we all get touched in some way, shape or form (by cancer). I think it is awesome that you guys think enough about this to be here and we think it is awesome to do this. Hopefully you’ll get something out of it. We shouldn’t lose site of the fact to bring more awareness to this cause.”
The 450 women in attendance were treated to an opening by Self who introduced the 2012-13 Jayhawks and staff. A special highlight video followed which featured Kansas’ 2011-12 season which the Jayhawks won their eighth-straight Big 12 title, advanced to the school’s 14th Final Four and reached the NCAA championship game in New Orleans.
The on-court intros wrapped up with KU director of basketball operations Doc Sadler conducting a raffle and informing the group of silent auction items which also raised more money for Jayhawks for a Cure.
Then Self, the players and staff broke into individual stations where the ladies were taught skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting and post moves. The evening also featured an autograph and photo session with players and coaches as well as a lesson in strength and conditioning with KU assistant athletics director for sport performance Andrea Hudy.
“I think this is a good opportunity for these women to have a good time and learn some things,” freshman Andrew White III said. “I never get tired of the support. It’s good for everybody and tonight was for a great cause.”
After the individual stations came to an end, which included a tour of the locker room, the ladies were treated to one last outing; a hors d’oeuvres hour with Self and men’s basketball staff inside the Booth Hall of Athletics.
Ladies Night Out with Bill Self is one of several Jayhawks for the Cure events that will take place throughout the 2012-13 athletic year as part of a campus-wide initiative to bring awareness to cancer research. Student-athletes, coaches and staff work together with the university and the community of Lawrence to raise funds for cancer research at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and the KU Cancer Center.
For more information, go to the “Jayhawks For a Cure” official website at http://www.kuathletics.com/ot/for-a-cure.html.
