Melissa Hanson  Asst. News Editor

On Tuesday, Oct. 23 athletic teams and student groups gathered in the Ridgeway gym to don pink t-shirts and listen to Suffolk faculty speak. It was the 11th annual huge human pink ribbon photo, taken as a part of Suffolk’s breast cancer awareness events.

Jim Nelson, Suffolk’s athletic director, quickly welcomed everyone and then introduced Athletic Director of Student Affairs, Ann Coyne.

“I’m thrilled to see so many members if the Suffolk community here today,” said Coyne, “Its great to see so many pink tee-shirts.”  She thanked the professors who helped with the event, the Suffolk SUPERS for their breast cancer awareness events, and the S.O.U.L.S. for participating in the breast cancer walk.

Commissioner of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference, Joe Walsh then took the stand to speak about Suffolk’s athletic teams and their dedication to campus activities like these.

Nelson returned to the podium to announce the Pink Tie Award winners.  The award is presented to Suffolk faculty members who have worked in breast cancer awareness.  Adam Nelson, the men’s basketball coach, and Ed Leyden, the women’s basketball coach, won awards this year.  Team members presented both awards and the coaches received pink nautical brand ties.

Then it was time for the human pink ribbon.  All the students put on their shirts and formed the shape of a ribbon.  A photographer took pictures from the balcony above.  After the photos were taken a few of the athletes threw t-shirts and wrist bands from the balcony.

Students were happy to be part of the event.

“It’s nice that we collaborate as one cause,” said Adrianna Garrett.  She explained that this event is one of the only times Suffolk’s athletic teams come together.  She is a part of the tennis team, and stood with teammate Elizabeth Arkins, who was excited to be a part of the event.

“It’s a good feeling, I guess, to come out here and support the cause.  It definitely means a lot to the hockey team,” said sophomore Dan Mazzei.

Jhonneris Mendez, a member of the basketball team, said, “it’s a great event…it’s always fun to come out and see people support breast cancer [awareness].”

The baseball team was enthusiastic throughout the event, as they played a quick game of baseball with a pink bat and sat to eat cupcakes and drink pink lemonade together.

“Student athletes are such a big part of the student community, it influences the rest of the school,” said baseball team member Francis Tierney.