University of Delaware Athletics
Alicknavitch Spearheads Colby Calendar Campaign for B+ Foundation
3/11/2015 12:03:00 PM | Baseball
• Purchase Calendar Here!
NEWARK, Del. -- On the mound, University of Delaware senior baseball standout Luke Alicknavitch is one of the premier relief pitchers in the Colonial Athletic Association.
In the final innings of a game, he can crush the hopes of any opposing batter. Off the field, however, Alicknavitch puts his efforts into crushing a different kind of opponent; raising hopes for those afflicted with pediatric cancer.
The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation has close ties to the University of Delaware's athletic program. Many of Delaware's teams participate in the “Adopt a Hero” campaign, which allows children with pediatric cancer to interact with current UD student-athletes.
Fifteen year old Colby Atkinson is the baseball team's hero this season. At the age of 14, Colby was struck with Leukemia. The team first met Colby during its fall practice and he immediately struck a chord with the squad. The idea of offering help through some type of fundraising endeavor was born, and the vision of creating and selling a calendar came shortly after.
“We first met Colby in the fall,” said Alicknavitch (right), a biology major. “We were able to meet him and his family and it was a great experience. We wanted to make the most of the opportunity, so one day we were talking in the weight room. That's when we first thought of doing the calendar. I had some family friends who would be able to help out with production and I knew the team and coaches would be on board, so I just took the reins from there.”
Cancer is nothing new for the Delaware baseball team. Senior outfielder Joe Giacchino suffered from a brain tumor as a teenager, but made a full recovery and is now one of the top hitters in the CAA.
“With having a teammate who had cancer at such a young age, I think most of the guys are familiar with the struggle a person goes through when they have cancer,” said the Kennett Square, Pa. native and Kennett High School graduate. “As athletes, we have the ability to raise awareness to Colby's fight and the battle other kids face.”
Delaware Baseball's B+ day will take place April 19 when the Hens take on College of Charleston at Bob Hannah Stadium. In commemoration of the 2015 Colby Calendar, which contains images of both coaches and players, Colby will throw out the first pitch.
“To get everyone's schedule to mesh and to get the calendar shot and produced was challenging, but it was worth it in the end,” said Alicknavitch. “I think it turned out great and it is something my teammates and I are extremely proud of.
“My ultimate goal is to leave a legacy. I want Delaware baseball teams to develop a charitable reputation and carry on this calendar tradition for years to come. It is a great way to raise awareness and money for a good cause.”
The calendars are currently being sold on the University of Delaware Athletics website bluehens.com with a portion of all proceeds benefitting the B+ Foundation. The deadline for purchasing calendars is March 15.
Jim Sherman
