Badgers coach in La Crosse, promoting cancer benefit at UW-L
It’s called Garding against Cancer. The foundation is in memory of University of Wisconsin men’s basketball coach Greg Gard’s father.
Gard was in La Crosse on Tuesday, talking about the foundation and an event at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s student union on Sept. 12.
Gard’s father died of an aggressive form of brain cancer just months before he was named interim coach, following Bo Ryan’s retirement.
Garding Against Cancer works with research and raises money, which remains in local communities.
The coach says Garding Against Cancer tires to partner with local organizations to create initiatives designed to treat cancer patients more effectively.
“The money we raise will help patients and families right here in the La Crosse area,” Gard said. “We’re happy to work with Gundersen, Mayo, La Crosse County Health Department, and Sparta Cancer Support Group.”
That action of keeping money locally, as opposed to sending all of it to Madison or Milwaukee, for research is something his father embodied.
“He was a guy that shopped locally whenever he could and understood how impactful helping local community was,” Gard said. “We took that attitude and partnered it with what we experienced.”
As part of the partnership with UW-L, the Badgers will be playing the Eagles in an exhibition game on Nov. 1.
Gard spent years at UW-Platteville as a player, assistant coach and head coach.
At Tuesday’s press conference he looked back fondly on his days in Division III and the WIAC
“There’s a lot of talented players and coaches in the DIII game,” Gard said. “You also have a pure aspect where student athletes are playing for the love of the game, since they aren’t on scholarship.”
Garding Against Cancer has raised more than $4 million for research and patient care since it began 29 months ago
For tickets, visit https://www.gardingagainstcancer.org/
TOP PHOTO: AP FILE – Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard, right, talks with former Central High School’s Kobe King during the second half of an NCAA basketball game against Yale, Nov. 12, 2017, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)