Press Release: May 3, 2006

GUSTAVUS TENNIS TEAM LEADS “RELAY FOR LIFE” FUNDRAISING 

Relay teams from many athletic squads, dormitory sections, fraternities, sororities, and campus clubs gathered in Lund Arena on the evening of Friday, April 28.  They were drawn by the hope for a cancer cure and the chance to honor cancer victims and survivors.  Their pathway around the arena was lined with luminaries that featured the names and pictures of people affected by cancer. 

Each relay team agreed to have a member walking from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.  Other activities kept the evening interesting, including “tug of war’ contests, cancer testimonies, and live musical entertainment.  When the relay ended the team that raised the most money for the American Cancer Society was recognized.  Matt Toppin (SO, Hastings, MN), captain of the men’s tennis relay team, came forward to accept top honors.  The team raised $5000, and the Gustavus “Relay for Life” event netted over $50,000.

Gustavus team members who walked for the tennis team were Chad Anderson, Ashok Jethwa, Alex Sadighi, Brian Laumeyer, Aaron Zenner, Alex Horton, Andy Bryan, Claudio Bravo, Dan Suchy, David Koppel, Ben Tomasek, Charlie Paukert, Nick Hansen, Mike Burdakin, Matt Toppin, and John Kauss.  Team members walking for other teams included Griffin Foley, Asitha Jayawardena, and Evan Wilcox.

The fundraising success for men’s tennis depended on the support of parents, alumni, and friends.  The team deeply appreciates their generosity.  The accompanying requests for luminaries included many touching stories involving cancer.  Many thanks to those who shared stories and pictures!  Luminaries were prepared for Maureen Anderson, Allen Applegate, Bette Howe, Brenda Gilbertson, Lee Erickson, Karen Jurgens, Barb Wilkinson, Dorothy Koppel, Ardyce Wall, David Byfield, Jenny Byfield, Ron Radl, Don Tomasek, Norman Schmidt, Meme Turner, Melissa Herbert, Don Roby, Ron Trondson, Dick Karzen, Trey Fraser, Don Peak, Sue Krueger, Abby Kuphal, Natalie Diekman, and Bernard Zenner.