Sadie Gallaher throws out the first pitch as Lee coach Emily Russell looks on.
photo by Lee University
The Lee University softball team kicked off their 10th annual Strike Out Cancer benefit tournament with a very special opening ceremony on Friday afternoon at Butler Field.
Prior to Lee's game with Wallace State the team took a moment to remember the life of Willie Mae Howard who is the inspiration behind the tournament.
Howard's daughter Hollie played for the Lady Flames from 1999-2003. She, along with her husband Jackie, attend all but one road trip during Hollie's four-year career.
The ceremony would also highlight the incredible story of Betty Klaudt, cancer survivor and grandmother of current Lee outfielder Annabeth Pruett.
Klaudt teamed up with Sadie Gallaher, the granddaughter of Howard, to throw out the ceremonial first pitch which followed a moment of silence to honor the memory of a few special people close to the hearts of the Lee program.
All proceeds raise from the weekend event will go to help support cancer patients and the American Cancer Society. Joining the Lady Flames for the event will be local schools Bryan College, Chattanooga State Community College, Tennessee Temple University and Wallace State Community College.
"We have had great community support this year while putting this tournament together," noted coach Emily Russell. "This community support has helped us be able to donate 100% of our proceeds raised over the weekend. Thank you for your support and for helping us move one step closer to finding a cure for cancer."