Bowtie nation

The University of Toledo will attempt to break its own world record this year at the fifth annual Tie One On basketball game on Jan. 24 against the Bowling Green State University Falcons.

The UT community broke the Guinness World Record last year for most tied bow ties with over 500 participants. Vice President of External Affairs Larry Burns said he expects a crowd of 800 for Saturday’s game.

During the awareness-raising event, men’s basketball head coach Tod Kowalczyk and the coaching staff will wear special pink-and-blue bowties to support prostate cancer research. Students and community members can also participate by purchasing the special Tie One On bowtie.

All of the proceeds will benefit the Dana Cancer Center on the health science campus.

“Coach Kowalczyk was very eager to assist with this cancer awareness event,” Burns said. “He made it happen.”

According to the event website, Tie One On has raised over $70,000 for prostate cancer care, awareness and outreach since it started in 2011.

“I think it’s great to show some recognition for that type of cancer,” said Kayla Owczarzak, a fourth-year special education major. “I feel like it’s not one that people generally hear about.”

The event has branched out into the university community, helping to draw the attention of the general public.

“To see the growth of the Tie One On has truly been amazing as it has become a very important community event,” said athletic director Mike O’Brien. “Also, raising money to fight cancer is a cause that we can all rally behind.”

Burns, a prostate cancer survivor, founded the event in 2011 to increase prostate cancer awareness and early detection.

“The Dana Cancer Center sponsors several events designed to inform people about prostate cancer,” Burns said. “We also sponsor free prostate cancer testing.”

The event has recently developed a professional basketball partnership.

“We now have an exciting partnership with the Cleveland Cavaliers called Bow Tie Challenge which will be announced at Tie One On and continue until March 3,” Burns said. “The game is March 3 in Cleveland. UT students will be involved in the 50-50 raffle and UT will be the focus of the event.”

Burns said this event is one of many which helps to increase awareness and raises money to help fight cancer.

“Cancer is real,” Burns said. “Cancer is serious. We can have fun to help the cause.”

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men other than skin cancer. The ACS also estimated that there were nearly 3 million men with a history of prostate cancer living in the U.S. as of Jan. 1 and an additional 233,000 men will be diagnosed in 2015.

Those interested in joining the event can register for tickets and donations at utoledo.edu/tieoneon. Students will be able to get a bowtie for the event with a $20 donation. Non-students may also participate with a $100 donation.