Pomfret/Marianapolis raise 5K for Coaches vs Cancer

Tuesday, February 15th, 2022

Pomfret School and Marianapolis Prep took part in a Suits and Sneakers fundraiser last week as part of the NERR Coaches vs. Cancer series. 

Pomfret won the home game 62-49 behind 27 points from Ben Pearce and 19 from Evan Boyd. 

Far more important than the outcome though, was the collective fundraising efforts of both programs who combined to raise over $5,000 for the American Cancer Society. 

Every community has personal ties to the battle against cancer and Pomfret is no different. In January of 2021, one of their students, Zach Stolarek, lost his battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Right now, head of school Tim Richards is undergoing cancer treatment of his own. 

For the basketball program in particular, it has been the battle of former coach Joe Kremer that has resonated the most. He was diagnosed with glioblastoma in the summer of 2018, which is an aggressive form of brain cancer. Only 25% of people live a year past this diagnosis, and Coach Kremer is now in year three. 

He's spent the last two years on the sideline, providing knowledge and inspiration. This year, at the team's very first meeting, he climbed two flights of stiars to make it to the meeting on tmie, setting the tone for the year to come according to current head coach Rob Toste. 

Before Friday night's game, Julie Kremer, Joe'w wife, spoke about resilience and hope. She said fundraisers that raise money for cancer research give hope to people like her and her family. 

Many of the biggest donations in the Pomfret community came from former players and their families in order to honor Kremer, his family, their resiliency, and courage.