ST. JOSEPH, Minn. — Almost everyone knows someone who has been impacted by cancer.
And those personal connections are a big part of why College of Saint Benedict athletes are once again joining in the fight against the disease.
The CSB Student-Athlete Advisory Committee has mounted a cancer awareness initiative this fall, encouraging all Bennie athletic teams and their families – as well as all CSB and SJU faculty, staff and fans – to purchase and wear a specially designed cancer awareness t-shirt as a way of showing their support for those battling all types of the illness.
Proceeds raised go to the CentraCare-Coborn Cancer Center in St. Cloud.
“My mom has had breast cancer, and a number of other SAAC members have had family members who’ve battled cancer of some type too,” Bennie senior lacrosse standout Ella Steinke said. “So this is an issue that hits home for a lot of us. We thought doing something like this was a good way to support people we care about and also hopefully raise money for a good cause.”
The t-shirts – which were designed on campus – are available in red, white and blue. Their design features a number of ribbons representing the many different types of cancer.
Already, 54 were sold when the shirts went on sale online in October, raising a total of $270. But they will be available for purchase again Wednesday, when the College of Saint Benedict volleyball team plays host to Bethel at 7 p.m. at Claire Lynch Hall.
The game has been designated as All-Cancer Awareness Night and everyone in attendance is encouraged to purchase and wear the shirts while cheering on the Bennies.
“We really got SAAC kick-started again last year, and there’s been a great energy from our members about trying to use our platform as student-athletes to make a difference in the community,” CSB senior basketball standout Megan Morgan said. “We have a unique opportunity because we have higher visibility on campus and we want to use that platform to give back in St. Joe and Central Minnesota.
“This seemed like a good way to do that.”
The effort continues to build on the breast cancer awareness initiative spearheaded by former CSB swimmer Liz Hansen the past two years. In 2024, sales of a t-shirt featuring a pink ribbon with the words Bennies and Johnnies intersecting at the CSB and SJU logo raised well over $1,000.
“The drive Liz started was so successful that we wanted to expand it to support all types of cancer,” Morgan said. “There are so many people just on this campus who’ve had to deal with cancer in some way or another. It really affects a broad audience.”
“If you have a big voice in multiple places on campus, it’s important that you use it in a positive way,” Steinke added. “That’s what we’re trying to do.”
Nestled in the heart of beautiful St. Joseph, Minnesota, the College of Saint Benedict (CSB) Swimming program has proudly celebrated over 50 years of competitive excellence. The Bennies have built a tradition rooted in Courage, Strength, and Boldness (CSB) —values that guide them in the pool, the classroom, and throughout our community. What sets CSB Swimming apart is its unique collaboration with Saint John’s University: Bennie swimmers train together on the CSB campus, yet compete alongside the Johnnies, creating a dynamic and supportive environment that’s both competitive and community-driven. Throughout its history, CSB Swimming has produced 12 NCAA Division III All-Americans, a testament to the team’s relentless pursuit of excellence. Equally impressive is the Bennies’ academic success—achieving 18 consecutive years as a CSCAA Scholar All-America Team. This dual commitment to athletics and academics reflects the high-achieving nature of the student-athletes who wear the Bennie cap. With a strong legacy and an even stronger future, Bennies continue to inspire, lead, and push the limits.