Cardozo and Francis Lewis High School put their rivalry on hold and “went pink” for a volleyball match to raise money for breast cancer awareness.
On Wednesday, October 28, the 19-2 Francis Lewis girl’s volleyball team took control of the game and defeated their Queens nemesis – the 14-4 Cardozo Lady Judges. Though the game was extremely competitive, the two high school squads shook hands and congratulated each other on a job well done for a great cause.
The two head coaches, Danny Scarola from Cardozo and Arnie Rosenbaum from Francis Lewis, collaborated with Dig Pink, which is a breast cancer awareness rally organization that holds high school and college sports matches across the country during the month of October to raise funds for research. The coaches donated proceeds from the cover charge at the attendance of the game to the Side-Out Foundation for breast cancer research.
“We talked it over with the kids, and all thought it was a great thing to do,” Rosenbaum said. “The girls came out and they were pumped for it.”
Decked out in pink jerseys and pink socks, both teams enjoyed their new fashion statement, but also took pride in giving back to a cause that has stricken some of their loved ones.
“It means a lot because it’s great seeing that the kids are interested and are really passionate about the cause,” said Scarola, who has been coaching the team for nine years. “Everyone knows someone who has been afflicted by breast cancer,” he added.
Throughout every sport down the list, the top ranked Cardozo and Francis Lewis are bitter rivals. Even though the games are grueling matches as the two schools vie for the top position in Queens, they are nevertheless friendly matches where the girls can share smiles and a few laughs with the opposing squad.
“The rivalry is big, but its still fun and a lot of the girls are friends and know each other,” Scarola said. “A lot of hugs and kisses were shared at the end of the game.”
Though they only raised around $200 for the event due to a low attendance at Francis Lewis High School, the idea and tradition that this will bring in the coming years will make it worthwhile.
Both coaches failed to promote this event to fullest extent, but they will surely be prepared for next year.
“It was our first time ever trying anything like this, and now that we know what to expect, it [is] going to go a lot smoother next year,” Rosenbaum said.
