In the world of college athletics, victory on the field, court, or track is often the main focus. However, Duke University’s commitment to fostering not just talented athletes, but also individuals who are deeply invested in their community, is one of the core values that sets Duke Athletics apart. One of the clearest demonstrations of this commitment was the recent Duke Athletics Sports Performance Bench to Beat Cancer event, a monumental success that united student-athletes, coaches, staff, and the greater Duke community for a common cause: fighting cancer.
The event, which involved student-athletes, coaches, and staff working together to raise funds for cancer research and support those battling the disease, showcased the best of what Duke Athletics represents: determination, resilience, and community involvement. It was not just another fundraiser, but a heartfelt effort that brought people together in a meaningful way to make a tangible difference in the fight against cancer.
In this article, we will reflect on the incredible success of the Bench to Beat Cancer event, acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the student-athletes and staff involved, and highlight the impact this event had on the cancer community and beyond.
The Origin and Purpose of Bench to Beat Cancer
The Bench to Beat Cancer event has become one of the hallmark events in Duke Athletics. It was originally inspired by the need to raise awareness for cancer research and to provide an opportunity for the Duke community to rally behind those who have been affected by this devastating disease. For years, cancer has touched the lives of many within the Duke family, from athletes to staff, coaches, and fans alike. This event was designed to combine the strength and competitive spirit of Duke’s student-athletes with the purpose of raising money to support cancer research and initiatives aimed at providing better treatment and support for cancer patients.
The format of the event is simple yet powerful. It revolves around student-athletes performing as many bench presses as they can in a designated time period to raise funds and awareness for the cause. The Bench to Beat Cancer event is an opportunity for athletes to physically challenge themselves while showing solidarity with the fight against cancer. As they push their limits in the gym, they are symbolically standing alongside those who have fought—and continue to fight—cancer.
In addition to the bench press competition, the event includes a variety of other fundraising activities, such as raffles, silent auctions, and community outreach efforts. The combined efforts culminate in a significant donation that is directed toward cancer research and support programs, ultimately making a tangible impact on the lives of those who need it most.
The Heart of the Event: Duke’s Student-Athletes
At the core of the Bench to Beat Cancer event were the student-athletes who brought their passion, energy, and competitive spirit to the cause. For these athletes, the event was more than just a physical challenge; it was a way for them to contribute to a cause that affects so many in their own community and beyond. The commitment these athletes displayed in preparing for the event and participating with enthusiasm was nothing short of inspiring.
Every sport at Duke, from football to basketball, soccer to track and field, had representatives participating in the event. These athletes took on the bench press challenge with the same discipline and focus they exhibit in their respective sports, training hard in advance and giving it their all on the day of the event. Some athletes set personal records, while others made sure they were doing everything they could to raise awareness for cancer research. In many ways, their participation was symbolic of the fight many cancer patients face—pushing through adversity and striving to overcome the odds.
Perhaps most impressive was the teamwork displayed throughout the event. While the bench press competition was an individual test of strength and endurance, it was clear that the athletes recognized that they were all united by a common cause. Each bench press was another step toward raising awareness, each repetition represented a small contribution toward a larger goal of making a difference.
Duke’s student-athletes not only showcased their athletic prowess but also their empathy and commitment to using their platforms for good. For these young men and women, it wasn’t just about competing on the field—it was about coming together to support those in need and creating a lasting impact through service.
Behind the Scenes: Coaches and Staff
The success of the Bench to Beat Cancer event was not solely due to the hard work of the student-athletes; it was also made possible by the tireless dedication of the coaches, staff, and volunteers who worked behind the scenes to organize and execute the event. From coordinating the logistics of the bench press competition to securing donations and organizing community engagement efforts, the staff at Duke Athletics played a vital role in ensuring the event’s success.
Coach Jon Scheyer, who is known for his leadership on the basketball court, was one of many coaches who supported the event, encouraging his athletes to participate and contribute. Scheyer, alongside other coaches, used his influence to rally the entire Duke Athletics community behind the cause. The support from the coaching staff underscored the university’s deep commitment to addressing the issues that matter most, both on and off the court.
In addition to the coaches, the administrative and operations staff worked diligently to secure sponsorships, organize volunteers, and handle the technical aspects of the event. Their efforts ensured a seamless experience for everyone involved, from the athletes to the fans. The success of the event was due, in large part, to the collective teamwork and dedication of these individuals, who saw the bigger picture and worked to ensure that cancer research and patient support remained at the forefront.
One of the most touching aspects of the event was the participation of cancer survivors and families of those affected by cancer. Many of them were present to cheer on the athletes, and some even took part in the event itself, symbolizing the strength and resilience that the Bench to Beat Cancer event was meant to highlight. The involvement of these families served as a powerful reminder of why the event matters and what is at stake in the fight against cancer.
The Community’s Support: Fans, Alumni, and Donors
Another integral part of the event’s success was the overwhelming support from the broader Duke community. Fans, alumni, and donors all came together to contribute to the event’s fundraising efforts. From attending the event in person to donating online, many members of the Duke family participated in various ways to help ensure the event was a success.
Alumni who had previously been involved in Duke Athletics came out to show their support, contributing not only financially but also by sharing their stories and experiences of how cancer had impacted their lives. Many donors pledged their support, either per rep during the bench press competition or through lump-sum donations. The event received considerable media coverage, and the response from the Duke fan base was overwhelmingly positive.
This level of support was vital in raising the funds necessary to make a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer. The sense of community and togetherness was palpable throughout the day, and it was evident that the Bench to Beat Cancer event had transcended beyond just a sports performance activity; it had become a rallying cry for the entire Duke community to come together for a shared purpose.
The Impact: Fundraising and Awareness
At its core, the Bench to Beat Cancer event was about raising funds and awareness for cancer research and patient support programs. The funds raised through the event went directly to organizations working tirelessly to improve cancer treatment, provide support for patients and families, and fund groundbreaking research that may one day lead to a cure. These contributions help ensure that progress continues to be made in the fight against cancer, and that those affected by it receive the care and support they need.
The awareness generated by the event was equally important. By coming together as a community to support cancer research, the event shone a spotlight on an issue that affects millions of people worldwide. The Duke Athletics Sports Performance Bench to Beat Cancer event not only raised money but also encouraged conversations about cancer prevention, treatment, and the ongoing need for research funding.
In a world where sports often serve as a form of entertainment or distraction, the Bench to Beat Cancer event showed that athletics can also be a platform for positive change. Through the dedication of Duke’s student-athletes, staff, and fans, this event was able to make a real impact in the fight against cancer.
The Duke Athletics Sports Performance Bench to Beat Cancer event was a resounding success, thanks to the collective efforts of everyone involved. From the student-athletes who gave their all in the bench press competition to the staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and the fans and donors who supported the cause, this event showcased what can be accomplished when a community comes together for a common purpose.
The event was not just about the bench press or the money raised—it was about showing solidarity with those affected by cancer and raising awareness for a cause that touches everyone in some way. For Duke Athletics, this event further solidified their commitment to developing athletes who not only excel in their respective sports but also care deeply about making a positive impact in the world around them.
To everyone who participated, donated, volunteered, or supported the Bench to Beat Cancer event, a heartfelt thank you. Your efforts have helped bring us one step closer to beating cancer, and for that, we are forever grateful. Let’s continue to carry the torch in the fight against cancer and show that, together, we can achieve greatness—both on and off the field.
