TicketsNov. 16, 2010
By Jeff Gentil
GoBEARCATS.com
In their continuing effort to represent the University of Cincinnati in more ways than just in the pool, the Bearcat swimming and diving teams participated in the "Ted Mullen - Hour of Power" benefit on November 9.
For the third year, Coach Monty Hopkins and his squads took part in the event to raise money for the research and treatment of sarcoma, a rare soft-tissue cancer. Mullen, a swimmer from Carleton College in Chicago, passed away in 2006 from the disease and the event started in his honor the same year. Most of the proceeds go to support research at the University of Chicago, but UC got permission from Mullen's mother to donate to the University of Cincinnati's Barrett Cancer Center this year.
The swimming and diving teams regularly participate in a number of different events throughout the year and embrace each one the same.
"We have an extraordinary group of people who are committed to personal excellence and to sharing their abilities and good fortune with others," Hopkins said. "We have some who do far more but not in a team context."
No doubt cancer has touched the lives of nearly everyone. Prior to the start of the event, senior swimmer Erin Mullins spoke to the team about her experience with cancer. Sadly, Mullins lost her cousin, Ryan, earlier this year to a rare form of Leukemia.
"I spoke to the team about my cousin and watching his battle and the importance of research in that battle with cancer," she said. "It's very important for me to show support for a great cause and at the same time show support for our teammates with personal connections to that cause."
This year's event was a little more difficult for Mullins due to her loss, but also makes it more important to participate.
"I think this year has been different from past years because my cousin did lose his battle with cancer recently," she said. "He was one of the greatest men I knew. He had respect and love for everyone and always did his best in whatever activity he was doing. This year I am trying to honor him and live my life how he did, not only at the Hour of Power but also in life as a whole."
The format of the Hour of Power is simple: "leave it in the pool" by keeping all lanes full of swimmers of any stroke (breast, back, free, or butterfly) for an hour.
"I proposed participation two years ago and the team embraced it," Hopkins said. "The (response) has been very positive - they seem to enjoy the event and respect the purpose."
"This is my third year participating in the event and it is definitely an honor to be able to contribute," Mullins added. "Events like this are all about the spirit of the event. We go all out for one hour to remind ourselves of what cancer patients go through every day. To be able to say I've contributed, even in a small way, is truly an honor."
In addition to the Hour of Power, the swimming and diving teams participate in "Swim Quick" - an event to honor coaching legend Richard Quick - as well as "Relay For Life" and the "Buddy Walk" for autism in the spring.
"Events like these are a chance for us as a team to show support for a great cause," Mullins said. "They provide a chance for us to contribute and give back in some way, however small, and also allow us to grow closer as a team and begin to understand each other better."
If you would like to donate to the cause, send a check made out to "Barrett Cancer Center/UCF" to:
Ted Mullen - Hour of Power
c/o Bearcat Swim-Dive
2751 O'Varsity Way - Suite 662
Richard E. Lindner Center
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0021
Also request they notify the swimming program so the team can get credit for the monies raised.