WNE athletes sponsor ‘Hour of Power’ relay

Date: 1/8/2015

SPRINGFIELD – Western New England University student athletes came together recently to host their annual “Hour of Power” Relay which is held in honor of Carleton College swimmer Ted Mullin, who passed away in the fall of 2006 from sarcoma, a rare soft-tissue cancer.

“For me, the event is an opportunity to raise awareness, effect a change, and to get the Golden Bear Family involved in a great cause,” senior Allison Ryan said. “The Ted Mullin Fund is an important organization, and while the reason it was created is unfortunate, the ideals it encompasses are important to me.”

When the event began in 2006, 15 college teams from across the country joined together to raise sarcoma awareness and $11,000. By 2013, participation included 167 teams and 8,100 athletes, who raise $76,500 for the fund. In its first eight years the Hour of Power has raised almost $500,000 nationally.

“This year meant even more because we were also supporting Jody Lemoi, who I have had the pleasure of working for since he started here last year," senior Nicole Birchenough said.

Half of the funds raised by the women’s swim team this year will be donated to help with medical expenses for Jody Lemoi, athletics business manager.

Junior Katherine Ferrari, women’s field hockey captain remarked, “I’ve had people close to me who’ve had cancer and so this event is very personal for me.”

Teams of swimmers, including many student athletes from many other sports, swam 50 meters at a time, competing for the fastest team time. The swimmers were cheered on by  plenty of spectators.

Senior Sarah Stevens, soccer and lacrosse captain added, “It is so great to see everyone involved. There were women athletes from every one of the University’s women’s teams participating in the Hour of Power event.”