Going to the Heights for Great Cause

Day 4 of our 2009 Preseason Training Camp started early with a 6 A.M. wake up call and a 20-minute drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon to the Snowbird Resort for a very special event. The Cancer Wellness House of Utah was hosting their annual Survivors at the Summit hike.



Katie Porter is the cousin of Ute sophomore Lauren Porter and also the Executive Director of the Cancer Wellness House. We were asked to come and help set up for this wonderful event. Teams of hikers climb up the mountain to raise money and honor loved ones afflicted by cancer. Our players took the tram up the the Hidden Peak Summit (11,000 feet) and helped to set up the seats, podium and "Tribute Flags" that were raised with names of cancer survivors. Players and coaches also got to write the names of their loved ones on flags .

For more information on the Cancer Wellness House, click here!

For more information about Snowbird Resort, click here!

Special props to sophomore Katie Martinez who managed the terrain just a couple of weeks after an arthroscopic procedure on her knee. And also kudos to Chelsea Forbes who overcame a serious fear of heights while helping out up top.

After the short trip back to campus, the team gathered for an early afternoon training session, featuring a team scrimmage. Goals were scored by Anne Shallenberger, Hanna Terry and Erin Dalley with two as the shirt team squeaked by with a close victory.

The Utes will take a much-needed rest day on Sunday before regrouping on Monday morning for another big week of preparation.

Sunday is "Pink on the Pitch" Day

This Sunday's game against Cal State Fullerton will be a special day at Ute Field. "Pink on the Pitch" day will be used the game to promote cancer awareness.

Under Armour, supplies the uniforms for both the Utes and the Titans. They have provided each team with special uniforms...the Utes will be wearing white with pink...while the Titans will be dressed in pink...

Some of the day's big features:

• Everyone is encouraged to wear pink...Free admission to all fans in pink!
  

• 500 pink hankies & special Utah Athletes Cancer Awareness posters will be given away.
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• The Huntsman Cancer Institute will be on-site handing out informational pamphlets.
  

• Halftime presenter: MaryAnn Gerber was diagnosed at the age of 24 with melanoma. She beat the beast & survived. Now she is a great advocate to keep our youth out of tanning beds. It's been three years since her diagnosis and she is now trying to educate the public about the sun and how to keep our skin safe.