From Case Western Reserve University Athletics

Service to the community and others has long been a practice of the Case Western Reserve University men's basketball program. This past weekend was no different for Head Coach Sean McDonnell's Spartans.  

On Friday, the entire program volunteered at the nearby Hitchcock Center for Women during the university's annual Case for Community Day. The team has participated each year during the campus-wide community service endeavor, and on Friday, the players and coaches painted 10 bedrooms for the residents at Hitchcock. 

"I am extremely proud of the enthusiasm and effort our players demonstrate each year during Case for Community Day," said McDonnell. "The guys were exceptional at Hitchcock on Friday."

Then on Sunday, the Spartans participated for the second straight year in the Walk to Defeat ALS in support of CWRU alumnus, David Stuczynski '85.  In addition to participating in the walk, the team arrived at Progressive Field at the crack of dawn to assist with event set-up and registration. 

"Stu is such a great friend to our program," said McDonnell. "Whether it's supporting a player's professional interests or passionately following our team each season, I can't express what he means to me."  

Stuczynski, a 2009 inductee of the university's Spartan Club Hall of Fame, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in the spring of 2012. Stuczynski's supporters once again formed Team "STU MAN Group" and raised more than $50,000 for ALS research, helping the Cleveland event eclipse its goal of $500,000.

Known by many as "Stu", Stuczynski played tight end/wide receiver for the Case Western Reserve football team during the mid-1980s – one of the winningest eras in school history. Stuczynski was an Associated Press All-American his junior year and an AP and Pizza Hut All-American during his senior season. He also played for the Spartan basketball team and remains one of its most involved alumni.

"I can either hide from ALS and pretend it's not happening, or I can embrace the fight and try to do whatever I can to help raise awareness," said Stuczynski.

Last fall, the Spartans joined the initial Team "STU MAN Group" as Stuczynski's family, friends and former teammates broke the state fundraising record for the Walk to Defeat ALS. 

"As coaches at Case Western Reserve, we're all incredibly proud of what our student-athletes achieve on the court and in the classroom," said McDonnell. "That pride hits another level when our guys work to serve others with such enthusiasm."

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