NATCHEZ — When Cathedral head coach Ron Rushing asked his players if any of them had family members affected by breast cancer, more than a few raised their hands.

That’s why the Green Wave players have worn a pink article of clothing since the beginning of October, Rushing said.

“We’re not just doing it to wear pink. It’s for a reason,” Rushing said.

“We bought them some tape and shoelaces, and I told them they could wear it this month. Some have pink wristbands or gloves, and some have pink mouthpieces and shoestrings.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and several local schools are wearing pink to show support. Ferriday head coach Chad Harkins said his players are wearing pink after school principal Michelle Bethea brought up the idea.

“She’s had her own personal dealings with it a while back, and it’s something she recommended. Our kids asked about it, and we thought it would be a good gesture,” Harkins said.

Natchez High School head coach Lance Reed said his team wore pink at homecoming last Friday against Jim Hill High School.

Reed said all of the players donated money to the school’s booster club, which will give the money to a cancer fund of its choosing.

“Of course, there have been many guys (on our team) that have family members who have been affected by it. Personally, my sister-in-law was affected, so this definitely hits home to many of us.”

Depending on whether or not his players reach a certain fundraising goal, Reed said he may or may not let them wear pink for the remaining games this month.

“Right now we’re making a decision on that. If we reach our proper goals, we’ll continue to wear pink.”

Rushing said the Green Wave players realize they’re taking part in something much bigger than themselves every time they wear pink.

“You see it on TV, and you just want to get involved,” Rushing said.

Harkins said wearing pink could also bring awareness to all forms of cancer, not just breast cancer.

“There aren’t very many people that don’t have someone affected by cancer in general,” Harkins said.

“I know I’ve had several people affected by cancer, and most everyone has a relative who has, so it’s definitely something everyone’s aware of.”

And that awareness will hopefully lead to future breakthroughs in medicine when dealing with breast cancer, Reed said.

“This month is for people to band together on an issue that’s important to the country today,” Reed said.

“Hopefully, in the future, we can find some cures that change our future when it comes to health.”

In the meantime, Harkins said it’s good that his team is concerned about more than just winning football games.

“It lets kids know that we teach more than just football. The kids know about what’s going on and that there’s good and bad out there,” Harkins said.

“Anything we can do to show our support and help out, that’s what we want to do.”