Athletics Launches ‘Rutgers Tough’ to Fight Cancer
The Rutgers Tough campaign is inspired by men’ s basketball head coach Steve Pikiell and his wife Kate.
Rutgers Athletics has announced Rutgers Tough, a fundraising initiative inspired by head men's basketball coach Steve Pikiell, his wife Kate, and his recent cancer diagnosis.
The centerpiece of the campaign is a limited-edition Rutgers Tough T-shirt with all proceeds going to RWJBarnabas Health to support their efforts in cancer treatment and patient care. The first opportunity to claim this exclusive Nike T-shirt is Friday, November 6, at the men’s basketball home opener at Jersey Mike’s Arena. T-shirts go on sale for $30 and will be available for purchase while supplies last at each of the Scarlet Knights’ first three games of the season. Fans can purchase single-game tickets here.
- Friday, November 6 vs. University of New Haven at 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, November 10 vs. NJIT at 6:30 p.m.
- Friday, November 13 vs. Bryant University at 6 p.m.
In addition to the proceeds from T-shirt sales, a fund has been established through the Rutgers Cancer Institute for those fans wishing to donate in support of cancer research. The Rutgers Cancer Institute is one of an elite group of comprehensive cancer centers in the United States as designated by the National Cancer Institute and the only one in the state of New Jersey.
Visit www.scarletknights.com/RutgersTough to contribute to the cutting-edge research and clinical trial programs led by the Rutgers Cancer Institute.
Pikiell, who is in his 11th season leading the Scarlet Knights, announced in September that he had been diagnosed with cancer and had undergone successful surgery. He continues to receive treatment.
When he shared his diagnosis, Pikiell made his mission clear. "Just as I ask my team to fight and embrace challenges head-on, I'm going to attack cancer the same way."
Pikiell has always brought relentless determination, energy, and heart to men's basketball. Rutgers Tough gives the community a way to rally behind him. The phrase is more than a baseline standard on the basketball court; it is how the Scarlet Knights face every challenge, head-on.
Generous support from Nike, All Colors, and Follett made it possible for 100 percent of the T-shirt sale proceeds to go to RWJBarnabas Health.
Rutgers greats Ron Harper Jr., Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, Geo Baker, Caleb McConnell, Paul Mulcahy, Clifford Omoruyi, Cam Spencer, and Jacob Young offered messages of support for the Rutgers Tough campaign release video.
Support the Rutgers Tough Campaign
Stand with Coach Steve and Kate Pikiell in the Fight Against Cancer.
