On Wednesday, October 10, the AHN and JHS swimming, diving, and volleyball teams made splashes and spikes in efforts to raise money for cancer research.  All of Spike and Splash’s proceeds will support the Moffit Cancer Center to fund cancer research.

At the event, the AHN and JHS swimming and diving teams both defeated Berkeley.  Also, the volleyball teams won their matches against Tampa Catholic. The Jaguarettes dance team performed a crowd pleasing kick line between the first and second volleyball games.  Every team was clad in Spike and Splash themed attire, with swim caps, towels, jerseys, shirts, bows, temporary tattoos, and face paint.

On hand to film the event for the evening news was Fox 13, who interviews Alex Diaz, swim team coordinator for the event. Also on hand to help with the evening were parents and students, who jammed the parking lot and added their cheers and donations to the cause.

T-shirts and towels were sold to raise money for the event.  On the actual day of the event, all funds collected from the team bake sales and raffle tickets support the proceeds as well.  JHS and AHN students spoke about the purpose of Spike and Splash and presented the symbolic check to AHN president Mr. Arthur Raimo.

The swimming and diving representatives and speakers included Jesuit seniors Thompson Marston and Will Jennings, AHN seniors Emily Pollock, Tori Litschgi, and Alex Diaz, and AHN junior Clare Fleming.  AHN junior Kristen Dawson passed the check off to Mr. Raimo and JHS senior Kent Kimura held the raffle ticket box for Mara’s husband Reagan and son Brian to pick the swimming raffle winners.

For the volleyball teams, seniors Chandler Cartwright, Tyler Ruppel, and Erin Przedpelski, and juniors Jen Aprile and Lily Veith discussed AHN’s fight for the advancement of cancer research. Sophomores Erica Menendez and Courtney Vogler presented the check to a Moffit Cancer Center representative.  Sophomore Molly Rawsch drew the winning raffle ticket, announcing a Tampa Catholic player as the winner.

Students were motivated to participate in this event in honor of former teacher, friend, and swim coach Mrs. Mara Schultz, along with other loved ones who were affected by the battle of cancer.  Senior Alex Diaz, a member of the swim team when coached by Mrs. Schultz, explained why Mrs. Schultz’s memory is always honored and remembered.

“Mrs. Schultz is the reason I am on the swim team today.  We specifically honor her at Spike and Splash because was one of the first members of the Academy community affected by breast cancer.  Although she lost her battle, she is still a model of a strong woman for our community and she will be forever missed.”

Senior Christina Gerecke, not on one of the participating sports teams, loved to still get involved every year in the event from the sidelines.

“Even though I am not on a sports team that participates in Spike and Splash, I feel called to support this event for all of the loved ones lost to cancer, especially my role model Mrs. Schultz.”

Everyone was encouraged to report on the event through by using #SpikeandSplash2012 on Twitter.

Special thanks to everyone who supported and participated in the event, especially the swimming, diving, dance, and volleyball teams, their families, and spirit club Golden Girls.