Football | 12/1/2025 5:14:00 PM

Oberlin, Ohio – Earlier this year, the Oberlin College football team hosted a Nobody Fights Alone game and raised more than $6,000 in honor of the team's friends and family who are fighting cancer.
 
The funds go toward the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Patient and Family Support Services Fund, which "addresses the emotional, psycho-social, and financial needs of our patients. Patient Support Services are provided at no charge and made possible solely by way of philanthropic support."
 
The team also debuted a brand new black helmet honoring the recent cancer battles of Coach Roseanna Smith (breast cancer) and Oberlin College women's soccer player Averi Williams (leukemia). 
 
Smith - or "Coach Ro" to the team - was diagnosed with invasive hormone-negative, HER2-positive breast cancer after discovering a suspicious mass at the end of 2024. Last month, WKYC 3News Cleveland featured Smith's story of resilience and inspiration. Williams, a sophomore midfielder, discovered she had chronic myeloid leukemia after a routine checkup at the end of July this year.
 
"I had no idea they were doing that. In fact, I don't think anyone on my team had any idea they were putting stickers on their new helmets." Williams says.
 
The team wore the sticker, an orange circle with 'AW19 Strong' on it, on the back of their helmets. Orange represents the ribbon for leukemia, while 'AW19' stands for Averi Williams and her jersey number 19. For Coach Ro, the team put the pink breast cancer ribbon on the left side of the helmet.
 
"Coach John Pont just came to practice one day and showed us the helmet. It was incredibly emotional." Williams continues, "To be so supported by a team that isn't my own, it's hard to describe how special that is. That kind of reminder that the larger Oberlin Community cares is profound."
 
Additionally, more than 15 student-athletes took part in a special video campaign, writing letters to their loved ones battling cancer.

Among the top fundraisers on the Crimson and Gold were Jacob Epps, Joey Draper, Henry Behrens, Hunter Green, and Cameron Burke. For all Obies, the fight against cancer hits close to home. For Epps, two of his closest loved ones have battled the unrelenting disease.
 
"When my father was only 17, he lost my grandmother [Faye Bell Dixon] to breast cancer," Epps said. "Around three years ago, my father was diagnosed with colon cancer. I watched someone who looked strong and invincible my whole life get weaker for months, but never quit fighting. My father trucked through cancer as he did in his football glory days and stood victorious. These fundraisers we have every year give me an opportunity to help others battling similar scenarios, to bolster the fighting spirit of my father, and to honor my grandmother. The fight takes all of us." 
 
Since Oberlin football began hosting fundraisers for cancer in 2021, the team has raised nearly $30,000 to help people in the local Cleveland area battling cancer. 
 
"What makes Oberlin Football special isn't just what happens on the field– it's the heart behind everything we do," said Head Coach Pont. "Our team understands that being part of this program means serving something bigger than themselves. The way they've rallied for Coach Ro, for Averi, and for every family touched by cancer shows what true team culture looks like. This is what building a team of purpose is all about."
 
In previous years, the team has focused on raising funds for pediatric cancer. This year, with a focus on breast cancer close to home, Oberlin directed their efforts to raising funds that provide access to emergency resources for paying household expenses (such as electricity, groceries, rent/mortgages) as well as increased treatment-related costs, including gas for appointments and childcare. 
 
Beyond direct giving, the football squad sold limited-edition long-sleeve t-shirts to fill gas cards for patients at University Hospital in Avon. For each shirt sold, the Crimson and Gold writes letters of encouragement to other patients battling cancer. 
 
"The Oberlin family is truly special," Smith said. "Our team and community showed up for me time and again over this past year. I am blessed to have the opportunity to do what I love, with people I admire. This annual fundraiser showcases publicly the heart our team shows every day. We appreciate all those who joined us to help others who need support at one of the most difficult times a person can experience." 
 
The fight against cancer never ends, and Oberlin believes that nobody fights alone. Shirts are still available for purchase, and the fundraiser is open. Those interested in helping the Cleveland community fight cancer can visit the Nobody Fights Alone giving page or contact Coach Ro directly.
 
Keep up with the Crimson and Gold on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and watch every home game on the Oberlin Sports Network online or on Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV.