WRESTLING: UB goes to the mat to 'Takedown Cancer'

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January 26, 2010

Staff Report The Journal-Register Tue Jan 26, 2010, 11:25 PM EST

The University at Buffalo will host a fundraiser on Saturday to benefit former wrestling captain Jeff Parker, who is battling cancer.

Proceeds from the “Takedown Cancer” event will go to Parker’s family, along with Carly’s Club in Buffalo and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Parker’s home town.

“In the 15 years I have been here, this is probably the single most important thing I have been a part of,” UB wrestling coach Jim Beichner said.

Parker, 25, compiled 73 victories in the 285-pound weight class in his four years at UB. As a senior in 2008, he was the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Vice-President, was named Academic All-Mid-American Conference, received a SUNY Chancellor Award, and was given an “Ideal Bull” Award for his accomplishments as a student-athlete.

“Ever time he stepped on the mat we knew we were going to get 100 percent from him,” Beichner said. “Jeff gave everything he had for our program and will always be looked at as a leader of our program.”

Last spring, Parker was diagnosed with melanoma and underwent successful surgery and chemotherapy. However, in the fall, Parker was told that the disease had spread to several of his vital organs.

“Takedown Cancer” will coincide with UB’s 1 p.m. dual meet with MAC rival Ohio.

UB athletics has coordinated various efforts to raise money for this event. A 50-inch plasma television, a pair of UB football season tickets, and a hockey stick signed by members of the Buffalo Sabres will be raffled off. Tickets cost $10 and are available at BuffaloBulls.com and the Alumni Arena box office.

Other items will be given away in a chance raffle, and the Bulls will be conducting a per-takedown pledge drive, as well as accepting flat donations.

“The response we have been getting from our alumni, friends and the wrestling community, has been phenomenal,” Beichner said. “I have never really been a part of an effort like this and it just warms your body and heart to see the kind of reaction people are having for this fundraiser.”

IF YOU GO

• WHAT: ‘Takedown Cancer’ fundraiser to benefit former UB wrestling Jeff Parker and cancer research organizations in Buffalo and Boston

• WHEN: 1 p.m. Saturday, during the Bulls’ dual meet with Ohio

• WHERE: Alumni Arena

• COST: Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 6 to 12. Raffle tickets will be sold for $10, and there will be a per-takedown pledge drive.

• MORE INFO: BuffaloBulls.com

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WRESTLING: UB goes to the mat to 'Takedown Cancer'

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