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Eighth-annual Rock Chalk Roundball Classic to benefit three local children battling cancer
DYLAN SHERWOOD
@dsherwoodku
The eighth edition of the Rock Chalk Roundball Classic will take place on Thursday June 16 at Lawrence Free State High School.
Former Kansas players, from several years back to decades ago, will be participating in the game. This includes Ben McLemore, Cole Aldrich, Wayne Simien, Scot Pollard and Darnell Valentine, with many more names still to be announced. Along with the players, back to lead the red and blue squads will be Kansas basketball legends Bud Stallworth
and Calvin Thompson.
File photo/KANSAN
Aleldrich (left) and Brady Moringstar (right) watch to see if the red team gets the basket in last year's Rock Chalk Roundball Classic.
"I'm anticipating 45 former Jayhawks in house," Event director Brian Hanni said. "We'll have the deepest benches in terms of coaches that we've ever had. We will also have the deepest benches in terms of players that we've ever had as well."
Hanni, who is the "Voice of the Texas Tech Raiders" men's basketball and baseball teams, still coordinates the event, even though he lives in Lubbock, Tex.
Hanni was approached to do this event in 2009, in memory of local pastor Brandon White. White passed away before the event could take place.At the time, Hanni was working for 1320 KLWN, as well as the Jayhawk IMG Sports
Network.
This year's beneficiaries are: Anna Kearney, 16, Matthew Martin, 3, and Rachel Howland, 6.
"We [Hanni and staff of the Rock Chalk Roundball Classic] are so inspired by kids like [Anna], Matthew and Rachel," Hanni said. "I think it's fun for .one night to not think about chemotherapy, not think about what lies ahead, but have [Kansas] coach Bill Self give you a high five. Have [Ben] McLemore put you on his shoulders and lift you up to dunk a basketball. For little kids like Matthew and Rachel to be in attendance, that's more valuable than the money we raise."
beneficiaries. In seven years the event has raised over $150,000. Each beneficiary will receive equal amounts of whatever is raised the night of the event.
Proceeds from this year's event will go to the
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with a pregame concert by Lawrence band Cowgirl's Train Set, followed by local D.J. Noah Ness. Former Kansas public address announcer Hank Booth will help kick off the game at 7 p.m.
"This should be a special evening," Hanni said.
Along with honoring this year's beneficiaries, both of the beneficiaries will be honored as well in both Dade Cannon and Levi Ross. Cannon will be in-attendance, but Ross unfortunately passed away
last September. A tribute among players and coaches will be made in honor of Ross.
"He [Dade] just got the news late last month that his cancer is in remission in his third bout," Hanni said. "What a warrior this young man is."
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance at 23rd Street Brewery, AAA on Wanamaker Road in Topeka, and at the door at Free State High School.
For more player announcements and information on the event, go to their Facebook page. "Rock Chalk Roundball Classic."
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