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Swish For Make-A-Wish

Tribune photo by MICHAEL SPOONEYBARGER

Science teacher Krista Brown tries for a rebound during the of Lennard High School faculty vs. students charity basketball game to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation May 15 in the school's gym.

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By JOHN CEBALLOS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 21, 2008

RUSKIN - A group of faculty members at Lennard High School stepped out of the classroom and onto the basketball court for a good cause.

On Thursday, the school hosted its second annual faculty/student basketball game. The contest pitted members of the school's boys and girls varsity basketball teams against a team that included Lennard's basketball, baseball and soccer coaches.

"I'm more tired than I thought I was going to be tonight," said Joe Willis, boys varsity basketball coach, at halftime. "I play in a league on Sundays where I don't sit out, and I'm more tired now."

That didn't stop the faculty from outlasting the students with a 46-40 victory after four eight-minute quarters.

Willis said last year's game was won by the faculty with a last-second shot.

The faculty jumped out to a 6-0 start before building a 21-14 lead at halftime.

They never trailed and led by as much as 16 points in the second half.

Girls track and field coach Dave Dubois led the faculty with 14 points, and Willis chipped in 12.

Besides proving they could keep up with their younger students, the purpose of the event was to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Terry D'acunto, social studies teacher and student government adviser, said the $919 raised at this year's game more than doubled last year's output. Tickets for the event were $3, and donations were accepted.

"We had a very good turnout this year," D'acunto said. "Everyone had a good time, and we raised some money for a good organization."

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555 or jceballos@tampatrib.com.

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