Triton College Softball Team Swings a Big Hit for Susan

In recent years, Triton College and the College of Lake County have developed quite a rivalry on the softball field.  But those differences were put aside April 27 in River Grove as both teams united for one common goal, breast cancer awareness.

Triton hosted its first ever “Swings for Susan” event, honoring breast cancer survivors and raised $1,000.00 for the Susan G. Komen For the Cure Foundation.

During the doubleheader, the Lady Trojans wore pink jerseys with white trim. The visiting Lancers wore white jerseys with pink trim.  The baselines and bases were painted pink and the phrase “Swings 4 Susan” draped the outfield fence.

A poignant moment was prior to the game when both teams took a group photo together.

“The camaraderie was there between both teams,” Triton head coach Art Kasak said.  “When we shook hands (with Lake County) it had a much different feeling.  There was a common goal and that was breast cancer awareness.”

After the teams were introduced, AnnaMae Labiak, a breast cancer survivor and grandmother of Triton softball player Breann Schuh tossed the opening pitch. 

The estimated crowd of 200, including Triton College President, Dr. Patricia Granados, Associate Vice President, Doug Olson and Dean of Students, Quincy Martin witnessed an exciting first game. 

Lake County’s Alex Vikartofsky hit a three-run home run to tie the game at three in the top of the sixth. But the Lady Trojans Heather Schaefer drove in three runs including a game-winning RBI double in the seventh to give Triton a dramatic 4-3 victory.  The Lancers took the second game 10-2.

In between games, three cancer survivors were honored during a special ceremony.  Labiak and Paula Hootman, breast cancer survivors were honored along with MaryJo Ebstein, an ovarian cancer survivor.  The three women were presented pink carnations donated by the Triton Floral Shop and a pink softball signed by all of the Lady Trojans.

“It was a special moment,” Kasak said.  To see the smiles on the faces of those three women, our players and Lake County was wonderful.  The game took a back seat and the day was all about honoring those three ladies for winning a courageous battle.” 

A “split the pot” raffle was held during both games and donations were taken.  Funds were also raised through a concession stand run by the parents of the players on the Triton Softball team.  

“We could not have done this if it wasn’t for the parents and the make up of the kids,”
Kasak said.  “They were out there in centerfield selling concessions and still watching the
game.  You cannot ask for anything more than that.”

It is too early to tell if the team will make “Swings for Susan” an annual event.  But based
on this year’s results, it’s a very good possibility.

“We’ll look into doing this again next year or maybe something else,” Kasak said. “You
could feel the emotion here today and it was an experience we will never forget!”