by John Cusick

For Colorado Mesa athletics it is more than just sports when it comes to a fellow Maverick.

On Wednesday night the CMU Softball team put together an event that benefitted the baseball team’s Ryan Teixeira, who is battling cancer for the second time in his life.

The crisp night did not stop participants from coming out, as many people took their shots at hitting home runs.

“We really loved the idea of the Zumbathon they did to support Ryan so we kind came up with this for a last minute extra help that we could send him,” softball outfielder Brooke Hodgson said. “I think CMU athletics is a huge family and we all come out and support each other as much as possible.”

The baseball team came out and set up a table near the entrance of the softball field and were selling “17 Strong” t-shirts along with slices of pizza. In order to participate in the home run derby, it was $5 and in turn it gave the batter five swings.

Along with the home run derby there was a fastest pitch competition. Student Ryan Ruark was the winner of that competition as he threw a baseball right around 75 miles per hour.

“I used to play baseball so I know it’s a tough game and what Ryan is going through its an even tougher challenge. I just thought I would come out here and show my support.” Ruark said. “I don’t personally know him but I felt like I should help him.”

Coach Ben Garcia knew there was a way to help and knows that every bit will do its part. With somewhere just under $1,000 raised for Teixeira’s procedures.

“We were trying to think of something we can do to help out. We had talked to baseball and said ‘hey is there anything you need some help on?” Garcia said. “We had an individual that came today who actually wanted to come out and hit but couldn’t so he said ‘just let me make a donation’ that was for $500.”

Teixeira is continuing to fight his battle against leukemia. For more information on him and his battle like the Facebook page Ryan Teixeira #17 Strong.