Photo

Click on photo to enlarge

Rex Brown

Clemson head coach Oliver Purnell was presented this commemorative ball by Senior Associate Athletic Director Bill D'Andrea after his 100th career win by defeating the Savannah State Tigers at Littlejohn Coliseum on Nov. 25, 2008 in Clemson.

CLEMSON — All coaches are ultimately judged by their win-loss record, and certainly nowhere is that more true than when it comes to major college athletics.

However, in the grand scheme of things, the way those college coaches use the status and visibility afforded to them thanks to their profession is even more important.

As for Clemson head basketball coach Oliver Purnell, his record his exceptional in both regards.

Purnell announced Wednesday he will hold a second straight preseason fundraiser in an effort to support Coaches vs. Cancer, a partner of the American Cancer Society.

‘Oliver & Vicky Purnell’s Tigerfest ’09,’ sponsored by Blue Ridge Security Systems and Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, is scheduled for Oct. 6 at Owen Pavilion at Clemson’s Conference Center & Inn.

“We’re once again looking forward to our fundraising event to help in the fight against cancer,” Purnell said. “Vicky and I are just trying to continue to be involved with the fight against cancer, and one of our goals is to help wipe out this disease in our lifetimes.”

The 2008 fundraiser was a tremendous success, as Purnell presented a check to Coaches vs. Cancer for $100,000 prior to last season’s home game against Wake Forest on Jan. 17.

“We were just overwhelmed last year in our inaugural event with the support of the extended Clemson family,” he said. “I haven’t had a prouder moment in my coaching career than standing at midcourt and presenting a check for $100,000 to Coaches vs. Cancer for this effort.”

For both Purnell and his wife, the cause hits close to home.

“Both Vicky and I have lost significant members of our family to cancer — in my case, my two grandparents that raised me, and in Vicky’s case, her mother’s sister,” he said.

The event will run from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. and will feature live entertainment from the band Groove Planet, men’s basketball team introductions, food and beverages, and for the second straight year, a silent auction will be held. A live auction is also slated for this year’s event, with all proceeds benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer.

All tickets to the event will be pre-sold for a $100 donation. Keshana Ham (864-656-2217) of the men’s basketball office will be the contact person for ticket information. Other questions regarding the event can be directed to clemsontigerfest@gmail.com.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) that empowers coaches to make a difference in the fight against cancer. Since the concept was adopted in 1993, more than 500 coaches are involved in the program and nearly $50 million has been raised to increase cancer awareness.