Tumwater Boys Soccer Matches Up Against Stadium in Relay for Life Fundraiser

relay for life fundraiser
Chris Miller is organizing a Relay for Life fundraiser during Thursday's game between Tumwater and Stadium High School.
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By Tom Rohrer

les schwabAlong with his desire to be a strong and loving father, husband and son, Chris Miller is driven by another belief.

“I strongly believe that in my lifetime, there will be a cure for cancer,” said Miller.  Along with his wife, Christy, he serves as the co-captain and creator of Lords of the Track Relay for Life Team. “That’s why I do this, why (Relay for Life participants) do this….We’re driven by this belief.”

relay for life thurston
During the 2013 Together We’re Kick’n Cancer Fundraiser between the girls soccer teams of Tumwater and Olympia High School, the two squads came together to make the shape of the cancer ribbon.

Miller, a board member for Relay for Life of Thurston County, helped organize the annual Together We’re Kick’n Cancer fundraiser hosted by the Tumwater High School boys soccer program.  This year’s fundraiser features a match between Tumwater and Stadium High School of Tacoma. The match will be held on Thursday, April 10, at Tumwater District Stadium beginning at 5:00 p.m.  Those in attendance can make a donation at the door or through an on-site bake sale.

Started by former T-Bird head coach Bryan Winkler, the fundraiser was taken over by Miller along with first year Tumwater head coach, Brett Bartlett, and Tumwater Athletic Director, Tim Graham.  Winkler is now in his first season as head coach of the boys team at Clover Park High School in Lakewood.

Miller and Lords of the Track also organized a similar same fundraiser by hosting a match between the Tumwater and Olympia High School girls soccer teams, last fall.

The husband of a leukemia survivor who lost his mother to kidney cancer seven years ago, Miller believes fundraisers involving athletics brings the community together and helps set a positive example of good health.

relay for life thurston
A moment of silence was held during the 2013 Together We’re Kick’n Cancer Fundraiser match between Tumwater and Olympia High School. Expect a similar scene during eh 2014 fundraiser, which will be held at the Tumwater vs. Stadium High boys soccer match on Thursday, April 10.

“A sport like soccer is all about the team.  It’s just like Relay for Life, where it’s essential you work as a team.  You have a team full of people striving towards a common, positive goal, so there are these parallels that make it very easy for the public to relate to,” said Miller, who continues to play in the Southwest Washington Soccer Association league. “It also promotes nutrition, exercise and healthy living.  We know that nutrition and exercise can have an effect on cancer, so again, you have these parallels,” adds  Miller.  “People see these kids participating in a healthy activity and that can be very inspiring.”

Miller was drawn to Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society due to the organization’s stance on working towards a cure for all cancers, not just one particular type.  Miller appreciates the emotional power of Relay for Life and sees the same positive aspects in the soccer fundraiser.

“At (Relay for Life) everyone has a similar story or set of circumstances.  We are there for a common cause.  You can go hug, pat on the back or talk to anyone and people will share their emotions with you,” said Miller. “With this game, Tumwater and Stadium will be opponents, but they’re in this journey together.  They have a common cause and know that together, they are having a positive effect on their communities.”

Earlier this season, Miller worked with Olympia High School senior soccer captain, Bryce Winkler, to create a similar fundraiser for a match between Olympia and his father’s Clover Park team.

“I’m great friends with Bryan and Bryce and to see that event come to life, it was pretty special.  I’m very proud to have helped Bryce and even more of him,” Miller added referencing Bryce’s commitment to the sport and completing his senior project.

Traditions started by the Winkler’s, such as the two opposing teams gathering arm-in-arm at midfield for a moment of silence, will take place at the Stadium vs. Tumwater match.  During halftime, the two teams will listen to a speech from an individual involved in Relay for Life that has been affected by cancer.

relay for life fundraiser
Chris Miller is organizing a Relay for Life fundraiser during Thursday’s game between Tumwater and Stadium High School.

“It’s a way for the kids to get another perspective and to hear someone else’s story,” Miller said. “This is about informing the public about the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life and how special those organization are.”

The Thurston County area has a rich history of supporting such fundraisers and so far, Miller has noticed that tradition continued.  Nearby school districts have also posted information about the fundraiser.

When he took over the job, Bartlett reached out to Miller about continuing the fundraiser.  According to Miller, the support from Bartlett and Graham both has helped keep the fundraiser going.

“They have both done so much and it’s really amazing seeing them go out of their way to make sure this happens,” Miller said. “The work they’ve done, it’s almost indescribable for me to talk about.  They’ve been very special.”

As a child playing youth soccer, Miller remembers playing his best when his parents were in the stands supporting him.  Miller now gets to carry that tradition on as his son Ryan Dow-Murrey, a junior, is the T-Birds back-up goalie.

“I can’t make the away games normally, but I’m at every home game and will support him there,” said Miller, who has another son in sixth grade. “I know how important it is to have your parents there because I was once in that same position.”

Working to set a positive example for his children to follow has always been a main objective for Miller.  Miller is hoping to continue setting that example by working towards another goal that will have a positive impact on their future.

“My goal is for them to live in a world without cancer, a world with more hope,” said Miller.  “I think we can get there.”

For more information on the Together We’re Kick’n Cancer Fundraiser, please click here.

 

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