“Swinging Pink” at their home games on a picture-perfect afternoon, three different NWC teams helped to raise $550 in support of breast cancer research on May 11. Click here for a video from the day, and here for photos. 

This was the second annual NWC Swing Pink event, the brainchild of NWC Baseball Coach Cory Carlson. But it had special significance this year: Sharon Swanson, wife of Assistant Baseball Coach Dave Swanson, is currently battling breast cancer, and Barbara Maule, mother of Assistant Baseball Coach Jason Maule, passed away from stomach cancer on May 6. In addition, Ruth Crowley, wife of Southington Baseball Coach Brian Crowley, is a cancer survivor.

The home and opposing teams wore specially designed shirts, plus pink shoelaces, sweatbands, and other pink paraphernalia, and they played on fields and in front of stands festooned with pink balloons, pink ribbons, and messages of hope.

Complimentary pink goodies were available all afternoon, and donation cans held contributions from supporters. The money went toward the NWC Baseball team’s “Walk for the Cure” team in Walnut Hill Park in New Britain on May 12. The entire Baseball team, as well as Athletic Director Matt Martorelli '03, Softball Coach Kate Mayer, and Boys' Basketball Coach John Mirabello and his family participated in the walk.

The icing on the cake: The NWC Baseball and Softball teams both won their games, while the Boys’ Lacrosse team lost a hard-fought game to Conard.

“Caring for others is part of the mission of Northwest Catholic,” said Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson. “NWC’s student-athletes realize the importance of raising funds for research and devote their time and energy to helping to do this. We are delighted that other teams join us in these efforts.”