By Staff
Tracy B. Cieniewicz, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle Lady Tigers fans are being challenged to trade in their school colors for pink attire tonight at the Girls Area 16 Basketball Tournament as the basketball team and varsity cheerleaders "Lace-up for the Cure" to raise breast cancer awareness.
The tourney begins tonight at Hartselle with Athens taking on Muscle Shoals at 6 p.m. and Hartselle, currently ranked No. 2 in the state, meeting Russellville at 7:30 p.m. The two winners from Thursday night's matchup will advance to play at Hartselle this Saturday at 7 p.m.
HHS varsity cheerleaders have forged their own courtside competition to see which of the four teams can raise the most funds to benefit the American Cancer Society, as well as who will have the most fans wearing pink for breast cancer awareness.
The HHS varsity squad will participate in the 2006 American Cancer Society Relay For Life Hartselle, the city's first ACS event, May 12 and 13 at E.A.R.T.H. Park. All proceeds raised at the tourney and through pink T-shirt sales will help meet Relay Hartselle's $50,000 fundraising goal.
"The community has gotten really involved in this event," Beth Long, HHS varsity cheerleading sponsor, explained. "Area businesses have made donations and matched pledges for each Lady Tigers point scored. The girls will be taking up money at the tournament as well, so there are lots of ways to get involved. But most importantly, we want everyone to come out, support the Hartselle Lady Tigers, wear pink and come back Saturday."
Pink T-shirts will be available at the game for $10 each. For more information on contributing to the HHS varsity cheerleaders Relay For Life Hartselle team, contact Beth Long at 773-5426.