Zane Trace plays for cancer awareness

KINNIKINNICK — The focus of the Friday night lights was on more than just football this week at Zane Trace.

In this week's cancer awareness game, players donned brightly colored socks, sleeves, armbands and any other pink equipment they can get their hands on to show their support for the cause.

Head coach Dwane Hall said the game, and the message, are something the players can excited about.

"The kids really get into things like that and get really involved in the stories behind it. ... It's a great thing to be a part of," Hall said.

Tabitha Durst, along with a group of other women with sons on the team, wanted this game to make a difference, and they began planning what they could do to support that idea. Throughout the week, the group worked long hours to prepare 1,000 balloons and other cancer awareness gear to sell at the game; they also organized a bake sale and a silent auction.

"The support in the community has been awesome," Durst said. "Everyone has chipped in."

While the awareness was an important aspect of the night's game, to senior free safety Alex Wolff, the game that was ahead was equally important.

"I just want to win." Wolff said.

"The kid doesn't make a mistake," Hall said. "Anyone that knows the game and and watches the game can tell. ... On our defense, he plays with the most responsibility. ... He's right in middle of everything, every decision, and it speaks volumes of him."

Despite being in the midst of many big moments on the field, his name is not one spectators will hear called over the loudspeakers often. But Wolff says he isn't playing for the recognition.

"It's good to be able to do the work and get everything done. ... Someone has to fill that role," Wolff said. "I just go to every practice and workout and try to work hard and stay healthy so I can play as much as I can."

His strong work ethic does not stop after the practice is over. Staring down the last half of his senior football season, Wolff is preparing to play every game like it is his last.

"You won't be able to get anything back. You have to leave it all on the field," Wolff said.

But the fun of sporting the colorful new gear this week while supporting a good cause was not lost on him.

"It's probably one of my favorite things to do, to wear pink stuff," Wolff said.

He broke out the first round of pink gear last week, and he plans to continue to wear it throughout the rest of October, which is recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Although he said cancer has affected him personally, and he is thankful for the time and effort put into getting the game together, it is not the most important factor in Wolff's Friday night.

"You still have to go out and get the job done," Wolff said.