Wisconsin basketball coach announces exhibition, cancer benefit with UW-La Crosse

University of Wisconsin men’s basketball coach Greg Gard knows cancer all too well.

His father died of an aggressive form of brain cancer just months before he was named interim coach following Bo Ryan’s retirement.

The foundation he created, Garding Against Cancer, works with research and raises money that stays in local communities.

Gard was in La Crosse on Tuesday afternoon to formally invite the public to his foundation’s event on Sept. 12, at the UW-La Crosse student union.

The coach said the foundation tries to partner with local organizations to create initiatives designed to treat cancer patients more effectively.

“The money we raise will help patients and families right here in the La Crosse area,” Gard said. “We’re happy to work with Gundersen, Mayo, La Crosse County Health Department, and Sparta Cancer Support Group.”

That action, of keeping money local, as opposed to sending all of it to Madison or Milwaukee for research, is something his dad embodied.

“He was a guy that shopped locally whenever he could and understood how impactful helping local community was,” Gard said. “We took that attitude and partnered it with what we experienced.”

As part of the partnership with UW-L, the Badgers will be playing the Eagles Nov. 1.

Gard spent years at UW-Platteville as a player, assistant coach and head coach.

At Tuesday’s press conference he looked back fondly on his days in Division 3 and the WIAC

“There’s a lot of talented players and coaches in the D3 game,” Gard said. “You also have a pure aspect where student athletes are playing for the love of the game, since they aren’t on scholarship.”

Garding Against Cancer has brought in more than $4 million for research and patient care since it began 29 months ago

For tickets, visit https://www.gardingagainstcancer.org/