Springfield, Ohio — Wittenberg University's football coaches will be wearing special patches on their shirts during the Tigers' game against Ohio Wesleyan University on Saturday, Sept. 26, as they take part in a national charity project orchestrated by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) called Coach to Cure MD.

Throughout the weekend, thousands of football coaches nationwide at all levels of collegiate football will come together to raise awareness and research funding for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the most prolific genetic killer diagnosed in childhood. The disease primarily affects boys across all races and cultures – those afflicted develop progressive muscle weakness that eventually causes loss of mobility, wheelchair dependency and a decline in respiratory and cardiac function. Currently, there is no cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and limited therapeutic options exist.

Head Coach Joe Fincham and members of his staff will wear a Coach to Cure MD logo patch on the sidelines and college football fans will be asked to donate to research projects supported by Parent Project Muscular, the largest nonprofit organization in the United States focused entirely on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Fans can donate to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research by either going online or by texting the word “CURE” to 90999 (a $5 donation will automatically be added to your next phone bill and standard text message rates apply).

The AFCA was founded in 1922 and is considered the primary professional association for football coaches at all levels of competition. The 10,000-member organization includes more than 90 percent of head coaches at the 700-plus schools that sponsor football at the collegiate level. Members include coaches from Europe, Canada, Australia, Japan and Mexico.

Written by: Ryan Maurer

Related Links: Wittenberg Football Home Page