State College Hosts 1st “Bigger Than Basketball” Game: A New Tradition Begins
At the heart of every great movement is a community coming together with purpose. On January 16th, 2025, the State College Girls’ Basketball Team hosted the Altoona Lady Lions for the inaugural “Bigger Than Basketball” game—a night dedicated to raising awareness and support for Sideline Cancer and its mission to fight pancreatic cancer. This event marked the start of a meaningful tradition, proving that sports can inspire change both on and off the court.
Despite the high stakes of the game—playoff seeding for the Mid-Penn Conference and District VI, with both teams boasting an impressive 11-2 record—the focus of the evening extended far beyond basketball. The players, coaches, and administrators from both teams united in recognition of the work of Cathy Griffith, President of Sideline Cancer. Her tireless efforts have propelled the mission to take “Pancreatic Cancer Off The Sideline & To The Finish Line For A Cure!”
Nationwide, Cathy Griffith is one of 20 patient advocates driving the fight against pancreatic cancer. Her leadership has connected patients, doctors, and communities, facilitating over $300,000 in donations to pancreatic cancer research and $200,000 in financial assistance for patients. Her advocacy has reached an astounding 197 countries, spreading hope and awareness through the unifying power of sports.
In December, the State College Basketball Team approached Sideline Cancer about hosting an awareness event during their game against Altoona. One month later, the first “Bigger Than Basketball” game became a resounding success, raising $1,800 to support the advocacy and awareness initiatives led by Cathy Griffith.
The State College Cheer Team added a special touch to the evening’s festivities by flipping over cards displaying the amount raised, accompanied by a dramatic drum roll from the State College Band. This tradition, shared by cheerleaders at other Sideline Cancer-hosted events, emphasizes the collective effort behind every dollar raised and every life impacted.
This remarkable night was made possible by the female athletes, coaches, and administrators at both schools who came together with a shared purpose. Their collaboration exemplifies the power of sports to inspire action and create lasting change in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
The “Bigger Than Basketball” game is more than a single event; it’s the beginning of a tradition that unites communities and strengthens the resolve to sideline cancer. Thank you to everyone who played a role in making this night unforgettable. Together, we can and will make a difference.