WINFIELD, W.Va. — Anytime Hurricane and Winfield meet in an athletic competition there is an instant rivalry between the two Putnam County communities, but Friday’s basketball game at Hurricane High School will rise above that rivalry.
The game has been designated as a “purple out” in support of Winfield Middle School student Katie Cobb. Katie is battling leukemia and purple is the color designated for the fight against the disease. Winfield coach Bryan England and other members of the community wanted to use the game as a way to show support for Katie’s family.
“Through some members of the community and the coaching staff at Winfield and Hurricane, we’ve decided to try and raise awareness of the disease and help Katie’s family,” England said.
T-shirts which read “Team Katie” and “No one fights alone” will be sold at the game. Student sections for both schools will wear purple in support of Katie and a 50/50 drawing will be staged with proceeds going to the Cobb family in their time of need. England and his staff additionally is hosting a basketball camp next Tuesday at the Winfield High School gym for students from 3rd to 5th grade. The camp is free, but donations will be taken to give to the Cobb family.
“It is a game of basketball and we want to win and yes, it is a rivalry game,” said England. “But what’s important is life and the relationships we have. Our hope is that this community, both Winfield and Hurricane, can rally around the Cobb family and make them feel loved and supported.”
The game Friday night can be heard on MetroNews affiliate 580-WCHS.