ISU gymnastics team holds Pink Out event for breast cancer awareness

NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State University Gymnastics team is holding a Pink Out themed meet to support Breast Cancer Awareness.

Gymnastics Head Coach Bob Conkling indulged into why this event is of great importantce to him and the team.

“It’s something a lot of gymnastics coaches and gyms do in the month of February,” said Conkling. “It’s been done for years and we like to support it because I think almost everybody knows somebody who had breast cancer. Whether it’s a relative, a friend, a parent, so I think supporting Breast Cancer Awareness is really important.”

Conkling has had personal experiences with loved ones receiving a diagnosis with breast cancer in the past and is passionate about the cause. Because of this, he and his team decided to collaborate up with some more Redbirds to help the cause.

“Personally, my sisters had breast cancer and I had some friends that have breast cancer,” said Conkling. “So, I really truly want to support the cause and this year we’re going with women’s basketball because they’re doing the Play4Kay on Sunday, so we thought we would combine with them to help raise awareness and hopefully raise some money to donate to breast cancer awareness.”

Conkling encourages all fellow Redbirds to come out and support the cause by donating at the match or by cheering on the gymnastics team.

“Wear pink and if you haven’t seen a gymnastics meet, they’re definitely a lot of fun, and almost everyone who comes usually wants to come back because they’re such a good time,” said Conkling. “Its great for all ages, males and females, it doesn’t matter everyone seems to really like it when they come to one.”

The meet is Friday, February 3 at 7 p.m. in CEFCU Arena.