“Stick It To Cancer” With the State High Field Hockey Team

State+High+Field+Hockey+team+after+their+Stick+It+To+Cancer+game+on+Oct.+6+in+front+of+the+Stick+It+To+Cancer+sign.

Claire Fox

State High Field Hockey team after their Stick It To Cancer game on Oct. 6 in front of the Stick It To Cancer sign.

Claire Fox, Staff Writer

On Oct. 6, State High Field Hockey competed against Mifflin County in their Stick it to Cancer Game. The team has been raising money for State High alum Sarah Finton through a virtual 5k that anyone can register for at this link here

The Stick it to Cancer game has been quite influential for the players and those who participate in putting the game together, as it helps to build a sense of community. Those who play already enjoy the sport, but playing for something adds more meaning to the sport.

“It gives another sense of purpose to the game. I already love playing it just for fun; being with my teammates, and getting to accomplish something. But just playing that game [means] representing something,” explained senior Sierra Grande when reflecting on the importance of playing charitable games. “Especially with this game since we were playing for a specific person. Normally it’s just cancer in general, [so this] was really special.” 

Head coach Sharon Herlocher explained that the team chose to shift their focus this year to cancer and not just breast cancer. 

“Sarah seemed like a good fit, as lots of people know her and her family, and it’s a very local and real connection to her at the school. Sarah was State High class of 2019, and so lots of people knew her and wanted to help her,” Herlocher said.

Finton has a type of cancer called Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL), which occurs when there are too many immature blood cells, leading to a lack of normal white and red blood cells in the body. The team is still accepting donations, and it’s not too late to register for their virtual 5k on Oct. 31 and help raise money for Finton. More information can be found at the Stick it to Cancer website. If participating in the 5k isn’t possible, there’s also the option of simply donating. 

Events like this are a great way to build a sense of local community and give back to those who have done so much for the school. Finton’s dad spoke before the game expressing his gratitude to the State High field hockey team. Support the team in helping Finton in her fight by donating at the link above.