Scranton Taking Part In Cancer Awareness Program In Landmark Doubleheader

SCRANTON, Pa. - The University of Scranton’s men’s and women’s soccer teams will be participating in ‘Red Card Cancer’ this Saturday, October 3, in conjunction with their Landmark Conference doubleheader against Susquehanna University at Fitzpatrick Field. The women’s match will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the men at 3:30 p.m. Admission is free.

This program is designed to bring awareness through the soccer coaching community in the fight against cancer. It was developed by current Bloomsburg University and former Royals' men’s soccer coach Paul Payne.

“Everyone has been touched in some way by cancer.” says Payne. “Those of us in the soccer community have lost some influential people in the last few years. Joe Bochicchio, long-time coach at The University of Scranton, and Charlotte Moran, who was the president of EPYSA and one of the most active organizers for girls’ and women’s soccer in America, have been taken from us by this dreaded disease. It’s time we help in the fight and finally hand a red card to cancer.”

Bochicchio was a coaching legacy at the university, taking over the women’s program in 1984 and transforming it into a national power. In 23 seasons, he amassed an overall record of 298-144-33, which included 15 Middle Atlantic/Freedom Conference titles and 11 NCAA tournament appearances. His youngest son, Jeff, is a senior midfielder on the Royals’ men’s soccer team.

On game day, participating teams will wear specially designed t-shirts during warm-ups that will feature the “Red Card Cancer” logo. T-shirts will be sold during the games and donations will be accepted to benefit the American Cancer Society.

Donations will also be accepted on Friday, October 2, outside of the DeNaples Center on the campus of The University of Scranton and during the men’s and women’s soccer games at Fitzpatrick Field.

In addition to the ‘Red Card Cancer’ event, the men’s and women’s soccer teams are inviting all area youth soccer players to attend the games for the ‘Royal Youth Soccer Day’. All youth soccer players are encouraged to wear their uniforms and to cheer loudly in support of their favorite team.

Story provided by Scranton Sports Information