(STILLWATER, Oklahoma, March 12, 2022) — The Oklahoma State University Coaches vs. Cancer organization today announced the establishment of the Eddie Sutton Foundation to help raise funds for those battling cancer. 

 

The foundation will focus on research, with a special emphasis on pediatric cancer, and will also seek to make a difference in the lives of those battling the disease. The foundation honors the life and legacy of former OSU men’s basketball coach Eddie Sutton, who entered the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020. 

 

“The Sutton family is honored and humbled by the creation of the Eddie Sutton Foundation, which will make it their mission to continue the fight against cancer,” said Kim Sutton, wife of Scott Sutton and daughter-in-law of the late Eddie Sutton. “Coach Sutton was instrumental in bringing Coaches versus Cancer to the OSU campus. He cherished the opportunity to help people and considered the people of Oklahoma State his family, so bringing the two entities together is the perfect way to honor him. He would be so proud to know that he is a part of such a wonderful cause.”

 

With the announcement of the foundation, Coaches vs. Cancer will now become Cowboys vs. Cancer to better reflect the mission and character of the organization at OSU. Coaches vs. Cancer is a national partnership between the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the American Cancer Society. The newly named Cowboys vs. Cancer program will operate under the foundation, encompass all sports at OSU and will align with a variety of reputable cancer research foundations in addition to the American Cancer Society.

“Starting during Eddie Sutton’s time as our basketball coach, OSU Cowboys vs. Cancer has grown into one of the very best things we do at OSU Athletics,” said OSU Athletic Director Chad Weiberg. “Our student-athletes have embraced their unique and special platform to support those fighting cancer, especially the kids. While most programs across the country focus on only men’s basketball, we at OSU have expanded to include all sports. Coaches, staff and former players from all our sports are devoted to raising funds to support cancer research and families going through the fight. The creation of the Eddie Sutton Foundation makes that expansion official. We look forward to growing our support of local and OSU families in the fight against cancer.”

Current OSU men’s basketball coach Mike Boynton echoed Weiberg’s excitement about the announcement, which was made on what would have been Sutton’s 86th birthday. 

“I am thrilled about the announcement of the Eddie Sutton Foundation,” Boynton said. “Coach Sutton, along with his good friend Norm Stewart, are a few of the pioneers for the existence of the Coaches vs. Cancer initiative. Coach Sutton’s early efforts have led directly to the involvement of many coaches across the country. That involvement has triggered several other initiatives where money for cancer research and treatment is being raised. 

 

“Coach is also clearly the reason that we at OSU have worked to make a major impact. It is fitting that, on his birthday, we are making this announcement because ‘Coach’ deserves to be celebrated forever. I look forward to being heavily involved in the efforts to make this foundation one of the linchpins of the fight against the terrible disease.” 

 

“The establishment of the Eddie Sutton Foundation ensures that coach Sutton’s legacy of helping those in need will continue for decades to come,” said Dave Hunziker, Cowboys vs. Cancer spokesman and radio voice for Cowboy football and basketball. “Coach Sutton was committed to the fight against cancer and that fight will continue at Oklahoma State University through this new foundation in his name.”

The Eddie Sutton Foundation’s mission is fueled by championing coach Sutton’s three principles of defense, dedication and discipline. Research is the best defense against cancer. The foundation embraces unwavering dedication to the cause and to the families that will be served. Discipline is a must for this new team to stay the course and implement a full-court press that will lead to a cure.

 

The Cowboys vs. Cancer Cowboy Classic will be the first major fundraiser for the new foundation. Team spots and sponsorships are currently available for the event, which will be May 9 at Stillwater Country Club. The CvC Cowboy Classic features an elite list of celebrity golfers and will include a visit from a special group of cancer survivors. These celebrities will be auctioned off to join your team as you play the beautiful Stillwater Country Club course. Whether you are a fan of the game, a fan of the university or playing in honor/memory of someone, the CvC Cowboy Classic is a great event with a great cause.

 

For more information about the foundation and how to donate, visit TheEddieSuttonFoundation.com