When Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ Knights linebacker Mark Rucker takes the field at Saturday\u2019s AutoNation Cure Bowl, he will be playing for more than another win. Rucker is dedicating the game to his aunt who is battling breast cancer.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt affected me most when she lost her hair and saw her struggling a little bit, and so this game, I\u2019m pretty much dedicating it to her,\u201d Rucker said at a bowl game press conference Thursday.<\/p>\n
Now in its second year, the AutoNation Cure Bowl\u2019s proceeds go to breast-cancer research, specifically the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Some of the proceeds have already supported the work of College of Medicine cancer researcher Dr. Annette Khaled. She attended the press conference with Cure Bowl officials, Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ players and Coach Scott Frost.<\/p>\n
The game is equally significant for Rucker\u2019s teammate, linebacker Shaquem Griffin, who said he is inspired by a family member battling the disease.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeeing her keep fighting and keep pushing, it just reminds us that anytime there is a bad play or anytime something goes wrong, you know, why can\u2019t we keep fighting,\u201d said the AAC defensive player of the year.<\/p>\n
Griffin is looking forward to \u201ca great experience\u201d being able to play for such an important cause.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s more than just us when it comes to this game. Just like the name says, it\u2019s the Cure Bowl. We\u2019re fighting for a cause. We are playing more than just football, and that\u2019s the biggest thing \u2013 that\u2019s the biggest impact for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Knights will face Arkansas State University at Camping World Stadium in Orlando with kickoff set for 5:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
Khaled, chair of the medical school\u2019s Cancer Research Division, will join Dr. Deborah German, vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ College of Medicine, and others on the field during the game to receive a check of Cure Bowl proceeds going to breast cancer research.<\/p>\n