March 11 update. (graphic courtesy of Tom Hughes)
Over 450 friends of A.J. Raebel, fans of Warhawk football, and supportive members of the community came to Kachel Gym in Williams Center for the CURE 33 benefit Wednesday, March 10. The benefit, to help the former UW-W all-American linebacker and member of the 2007 national championship team, raised money to help in his battle against cancer. As part of the evening's entertainment, and support for the event, the UW-Whitewater wheelchair basketball team played an exhibition, members of the 2007 and 2009 NCAA III championship football team faced off on the court, the UW-W cheerleaders performed, and the Milwaukee Bucks Rim Rockers put on a show.
“The event was a huge success as Warhawk alumni and fans from all over came back to support AJ in his fight against cancer,” said UW-W director of athletics Paul Plinske. “While AJ's prognosis is very good, he still has an inordinate amount of expenses that insurance won't cover. It is a testimony to the Warhawk family that we were able to generate over $12,000 for AJ”.
Photo Gallery from the AJ Raebel Benefit Night
Royal Purple article about the benefit written by RP sports editor Chris Kuhagen (will take you to RP site)
March 2 update. The AJ Raebel Benefit Night is on March 10 at 7 pm. Tickets are $5 ahead of time and $6 at the door. They can be purchased at room 112 in the Williams Center. The Milwaukee Bucks dunk team will be preforming for the event. There will also be a March Madness basketball event that will feature the wheelchair teams, football alumni, current players, coaches and administrative staff.
Late January Original Release.
Maybe the preparation of watching game film and learning everything possible about an opponent, concentrating on improving every day, honing the competitive instincts and, most important, relying on teammates for overall success, will serve former UW-Whitewater linebacker A.J. Raebel well. Raebel, who earned All-American honors for the 2007 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III champions, has been diagnosed with cancer.
"A.J" is arguably one of the best linebackers in school history," UW-W director of athletics Dr. Paul Plinske said. "As a testicular cancer survivor myself I can relate to the treatment A.J. is about to undergo. Chemotherapy is going to be tougher than any opponent A.J. has ever faced. He needs our support, thoughts and prayers while he fights this battle. I can think of no better way than to help A.J. in his fight by contributing to the
Cure 33 Fund."
Donations to help A.J. in the
Cure 33 Fund can be sent to:
Commercial Bank Commercial Bank
c/o AJ Raebel Cure 33 c/o AJ Raebel Cure 33
200 S. Fremont 1400 Blackbridge Road
Whitewater, Wisconsin Janesville, Wisconsin 53545
(262) 47301111 (608) 756-1111
Suggested amounts are any denomination with 33 in it, as in $33, $133, $333 and others.
Raebel's former teammate Justin Beaver, the Gagliardi Trophy winner as the top player in Division III in 2007, is a driving force behind the support effort.
"
Cure 33 will be a success because A.J. knows how to battle, and he has surrounded himself with great people that will fight for him." Beaver noted. "A.J. brought laughs, high fives and joy to Warhawk fans for years, including some hits that will be remembered forever. This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to A.J. for giving us those memories."
"The group of twenty-three seniors that won the first ever national football championship in 2007 will always be family." Beaver added. "We showed then what coming together for each other could do. What better way to show it again than by helping A.J. and his family fight this battle."
Raebel played for the Warhawks form 2004 through 2007. He earned All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors three years, and was a D3football.com Second Team All-American in 2006 and 2007.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with A.J. and his family as he takes on this fight," said UW-W head coach
Lance Leipold. "We all know the competitor A.J. was on the field and he will be the same in this fight. We take great pride in our tradition of Warhawk football here at UW-W. Our recent success is for everyone who ever played at Whitewater to enjoy. Now we need everyone to come together to help one of our own. No matter when you played, A.J. is our teammate and needs our support. Please give to
Cure 33."
Raebel is UW-W's all-time leading tackler, ranking first in career total tackles (359) and first in career solo tackles (193). He is also seventh in career assisted tackles (166). On the single season list Raebel's 2007 total of 61 solo tackles is fourth, and the 56 in 2006 is tied for seventh. He is also ninth on the single season list for total tackles with 111 in 2007.
Raebel helped the Warhawks go 49-6 in his four years, winning three WIAC titles, earning three NCAA III championship tournament berths, and advancing to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl for the Division III championship in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
For additional information: UW-Whitewater football office, 262-472-1453
