University School Cornerback Mike Papouras Targets $5,000 for Cancer Fund at Playoff

Mike Papouras, a junior cornerback at University School in Warren, launched a childhood cancer fundraiser ahead of Friday's playoff game against Howland. The event, titled "Some Things are Bigger than Football," aims to collect $5,000 for the CK Foundation. Papouras stated the goal is to raise money to support families currently fighting the disease.

Players will participate in a Gold Out, wearing gold decals and laces to align with the official color for childhood cancer awareness. The fundraiser connects to a story from three years ago that touched the Mentor community. On October 20, 2023, Mentor High School named Jack Sawyer an honorary captain during a game against Euclid. Sawyer, then 17, was battling Ewing sarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer.

During that 2023 game, Euclid players presented Sawyer with a shirt reading "Some Things are Bigger than Football." Papouras was 13 at the time. His father served as the superintendent of Euclid City Schools, placing him near the event. Papouras recalled realizing that some children face hardships far greater than his own. He said he wanted to make the experience a little easier for them. Sawyer died shortly after the 2023 game.

This fall, Papouras wrote to Sawyer's mother, Dawn, asking for her blessing to continue the tradition. In the letter, Papouras noted that although he never met Sawyer, he thought often about a teen his age who loved football and lifted others up. Dawn described the letter as an amazing gesture. She said she is deeply touched and proud that Jack's legacy continues. She is expected to join Papouras on the field for Friday's game.

Sawyer's motto, PACE, which stands for Positive Attitude Changes Everything, was read by the stadium announcer during the 2023 game. Papouras hopes attendees will hear the motto and carry it with them. Support for the cause is also coming from Mentor High School. A Cardinals player contacted Dawn to say the team will wear yellow socks in Sawyer's honor during their Friday night game against Euclid.

The player told Dawn that the seniors made a point of finding a way to remember Sawyer. Dawn also credited Justin Hodge, a former Mentor student now playing at Miami University, with helping keep the memory alive. She expressed gratitude to the young people and everyone championing the PACE motto.