Dominic Di Palermo

Members of the student section hold up signs in honor of loved ones who have had cancer during a home game against the Florida International University in the Diddle arena on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024.

In a visually striking display of support, WKU men’s basketball hosted its inaugural ‘Pink Out’ Thursday, with the Hilltoppers and their fans rallying together to show their support for cancer survivors.

The stands in the arena transformed into a sea of pink as fans, players, and the team’s coaching staff adorned themselves in the color to symbolize unity in the fight against cancer. 

Bowling Green’s Med Center Health provided the first 5,000 fans with their very own ‘Block Out Cancer’ Hilltopper t-shirts, a symbol that shined bright throughout Diddle Arena.

To show their support, each of the Hilltopper players auctioned off their pre-game shooting shirts. The ending bid of these items ranged anywhere from Jaylen Dorsey’s $64 bid up to Dontaie Allen’s $256 purchase. 

In addition to each of the player’s shirts, four tickets to sit behind the Hilltopper bench closed at $300. WKU raised $4,200 in total donations for Coaches vs Cancer and the American Cancer Society according to the team’s Instagram.

After the game, WKU’s Head Coach Steve Lutz talked to the media about what this night meant for him and his organization.

“I mean, I don’t know if it could warm my heart anymore,” Coach Lutz said. “Like there’s a lot of people who have been affected by cancer, some good and some bad, and my heart goes out to all of those people.”

Even after WKU’s 105-91 win over the Florida International Panthers, the basketball game went beyond the scoreboard, leaving an incredible mark in the hearts of fans and community members. 

One individual community member, Maria Blades, a freshman at WKU, shared her experience following the game.

“Being in attendance tonight was absolutely incredible,” Blades said. “It’s so great to know that I am part of a University that does an amazing job at conducting a supportive and family-like environment. Being here tonight and seeing the love from our school, fellow students, and surrounding community made me proud to be a Hilltopper.”