By Steve Lindley, Communications Director
Putnam City Schools
The boys’ and girls’ soccer teams from all three district high schools are joining together to host the “United Against Cancer” Soccer Classic, two nights of outstanding high school soccer games that will raise funds for cancer research.
Girls’ teams will take part in the soccer classic with three games on Monday, Feb. 27, followed by boy’s teams playing three more games on Tuesday, Feb. 28. Games both nights are at Putnam City Stadium, 5300 N.W. 50th. Admission is $5, but elementary and middle school students wearing their school shirts will be admitted free of charge.
The teams coming to play Putnam City teams in the Soccer Classic all have solid credentials. On the boys’ side, Edmond Santa Fe and Bethany were both state playoff teams last year and Westmoore is expecting a resurgence. On the girls’ side, Edmond Santa Fe, Bethany and Westmoore all competed in the state tournament a year ago. People who go to the games can expect a high level competition and hard play.
All of the games will be exhibition-length games – 30-minute halves and 5-minute halftimes. The schedule looks like this:
Girls’ Games, Monday, Feb. 27
• 5 p.m., Putnam City West vs. Bethany
• 6:15 p.m., Putnam City North vs. Westmoore
• 7:30 p.m., Putnam City High vs. Edmond Santa Fe
Boys’ Games, Tuesday, Feb. 28
• 5 p.m., Putnam City North vs. Westmoore
• 6:15 p.m., Putnam City West vs. Bethany
• 7:30 p.m., Putnam City High vs. Edmond Santa Fe
Players know that the larger purpose of the games has little to do with winning on the soccer field. It’s about winning the fight against cancer by helping fund cancer research at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.
For many players, it’s personal. Short surveys completed by a handful of players reveal that many of them have dealt with cancer in the lives of family and friends. Survey after survey reveals the pervasiveness of the disease – students who have seen mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends and teachers battle cancer.
Ryan Brownen is a junior at Putnam City High and a defender on the soccer team whose aunt lost a struggle with cancer and whose grandfather is now fighting cancer. Brownen says the games allow players to take on a meaningful role.
“The Soccer Classic is all about raising money to battle cancer. It doesn’t matter what team we’re on or what team we’re playing. The games show we can all come together and play for others instead of ourselves,” Brownen says.
For More Information
Steve Lindley, Communications Director
(405) 495-5200, x1204
(405) 812-6119
slindley@putnamcityschools.org
