Number of Participants: 20
Hours Donated: 5
Value of Time Served: $845
Event Amount Raised: $3,000
Event Type: Civic & Community
Sport: Girls Basketball
School: Salamanca Jr/Sr High School
Date: January 2, 2024
Location:
Salamanca High School
Iroquois Drive, Salamanca
NY
About:
This marks the fourth year of the event, where all proceeds will be directed towards supporting the Roswell Cancer Institute and local food pantries. To raise funds, the event includes various activities such as an annual online store, basket raffles, bake sales, and a 50/50 draw. Lats years event help raise over $1800!
You can access the online store here: https://jamestowncycleshop.chipply.com/shsswishawy2023/
For digital donations, you can visit: https://paypal.me/salamancagbb
Brief Background and Importance:
The inaugural dedication of this event took place in 2020 in memory of Mr. Mark Chase, who served as the head coach of the JV girls basketball team and was a beloved member of our community. Sadly, since then, we have also lost two other influential individuals, Darren Ross and Robin Crouse, who have left a lasting impact on our program and community.
Although we mourn their loss, we are committed to preserving their memory within the Salamanca Warrior community. This event is dedicated to honoring their legacy.
Mark Chase (Aug. 22, 1971 – Dec. 16th, 2020):
Mr. Chase joined the Lady Warrior Basketball program in November 2017 and worked closely with Coach Wallin. He initially coached the modified team and later took on coaching duties for the JV squad. In March 2020, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cholangiocarcinoma, a rare bile duct cancer. Tragically, Mr. Chase passed away on December 16th, 2020. His absence has left a void in our hearts, as he was known for his kindness and generosity. In lieu of flowers, he requested donations to local food pantries, a wish we are honoring by directing donations to the food pantries of participating schools, along with contributions to the Roswell Cancer Institute in his name.
Darren Ross (May 9, 1980 – Sept. 13, 2023)
As a standout Salamanca Warrior athlete, Mr. Darren Ross coached, taught, and counseled many of the youth in our community. He worked at the ECLC/SALC for 16 years before entering the Salamanca City Central School district as the Native American Social Worker for over 4 years.
His love of sport carried on throughout the years, as he played football, basketball and baseball for Salamanca. He shared his knowledge and enjoyed coaching football, basketball, baseball, and lacrosse.
When he wasn’t on the sidelines coaching, he attended every sporting event he could. He was cheering on both his own children and the children he taught and assisted.
Mr. Ross was diagnosed with Grade IV Glioblastoma in July 2019. Most patients with this type of brain cancer usually have a life expectancy of 12-18 months. However, Mr. Ross defied the odds and fought as a true Warrior would. During his battle he had seven brain surgeries, over 20 rounds of chemotherapy, weeks of radiation and 2 gamma knife surgeries. He continued to fight up until this past September.
Mr. Ross will always be remembered as a true Salamanca Warrior. His love of the game, leadership, sportsmanship, and kindness will carry on though his own two children, Jaxson and Charli Mae, as well as all the student-athletes that knew him.
To honor Mr. Darren Ross, live with a Warrior Mentality. You can also donate to The Roswell Park Cancer Institute. #RossStrong
Robin Crouse (March 18, 1962 – Dec. 4, 2023)
Robin Crouse was a Salamanca High Alumni, Class of 1980. She raised 5 children in the Salamanca community who would grow to give her 12 grandchildren. She worked for the Seneca Nation Health Department for 38 years as a Health Educator. One of the highlights of her career was to work with prenatal patients to guide them on their new journey of parenthood. For 38 years she has helped to bring so many babies into the community, and she touched the lives of so many individual families.
Throughout the years, Robin was an avid Salamanca Warriors fan! Her grandchildren kept her busy by attending football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, and lacrosse games. She could be found in the stands cheering for the Warriors, and even calling out the refs for “bad calls”. Because of her strong support for the Warrior teams, she quickly became an important fan for the teams. The teams could always count on her to bring life to the crowd and shout out the words of encouragement that they needed.
The Lady Warriors basketball team was one of her favorite teams. She supported the Lady Warriors Parent Booster Club by volunteering to work in concessions or by selling 50/50 tickets. She has three granddaughters that play together on the team; Bella Wolfe #12, Karina Crouse #2, and Makenzie Crouse #3. However, her love for the team didn’t stop with her granddaughters. She loved the whole team and the impact she left on all the girls was a lasting memory of support and encouragement.
Robin was diagnosed suddenly in December 2023 with adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare form of cancer that affects the adrenal gland. By the time the cancer was discovered, it had already metastasized in different organs in her body. The cancer was aggressive and there was not much that doctors could do. Robin passed away peacefully surrounded by her 5 children, her sister, and aunt who loved her so deeply.
Her presence is missed by the Warrior community, but her legacy will continue within her own children who will continue to support the Warrior athletes and her grandchildren who will continue to play sports at a high level of competition. To honor Robin, look to where she would sit in the stands and smile as you know she would shout, “WARRIOR NATION”!
Nearly 20 athletes actively participate in the event, representing both our JV and Varsity girls basketball teams. These athletes contribute by contacting their families and encouraging them to donate baskets, provide monetary contributions, or purchase shirts, all of which benefit families affected by cancer.