When they play on the volleyball court against one other, McAllen High, McAllen Memorial and McAllen Rowe are as ferocious as can be. City bragging rights, district titles, playoff possibilities show enormous favor to the victors and conquerors of the city. It’s a palpable energy and intensity from the moment the long-standing rivals step onto the field of combat.
But when it comes to the biggest of battles, the Bulldogs, Mustangs and Warriors are comrades of kindness and care.
That’s even more so the case this year as each team will host another of their rivals once during Cancer Awareness Month in October for the annual “Dig 4 A Cure” match. The event, which has taken place for 15 years, has traditionally been a contest between McAllen High and McAllen Memorial. However, this year the schools decided to each host a match.
McHi will host Rowe at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Memorial will welcome McHi at noon Saturday, Oct. 16.Rowe will host Memorial at noon Saturday, Oct. 23. All three schools also happen to be in a playoff battle as the second half of District 31-5A begins Tuesday.
“It’s going to be a real special month and it really takes on a lot more significance in our district. Like our shirts say, ‘In This District, No One Fights Alone,’ McHi head coach Michael Smith said. “We compete against each other but at the end of our day, we have each others’ backs.
“It was a no-brainer to make sure that all three schools are included and it makes sense in a donation standpoint. Before, whatever was raised in one game, we’d like to see triple the amount in three games.”
Funds raised — through concessions, silent auctions, banner sales, raffles and other fund-raising efforts at the different matches will be used for a variety of cancer awareness needs.
“The mission for each school is slightly different but raising funds for awareness is all the same,” McAllen High volleyball booster club president Shawna Ruiz texted to The Monitor. “At McHi.. (it) will be divided into three parts. Part 1, one-third of funds raised is donated to McHi Staff/Admin who has/have cancer. Part 2, one-third of funds raised is donated to a recipient whom the girls have chosen who has/have cancer. Part 3, one-third of funds raised is donated to a local organization or support community to help raise awareness.”
Smith, the Bulldogs’ first-year head coach, like many, has had personal run-ins with those who have suffered from the disease, including his wife’s grandfather and his grandmother, who both fought pancreatic cancer.
“Something we can control is making sure we are there for people,” Smith said. “I like the idea that we are supporting people whose families are going through this and provide some direct support for them and medical advances. It’s something we care a lot about and we want to make sure we can do everything possible to help.”