Men's Basketball Set to Host the Seventh Annual Tip-Off for Autism Tournament

Men's Basketball | 11/12/2015 1:38:00 PM

CHESTER, Pa. (Nov. 12, 2015) – The Widener University men's basketball team will open up its 2015-16 season when it hosts the Seventh Annual Tip-Off For Autism Awareness Torunament on Friday night at the Schwartz Athletic Center. The coaches and teams are ready to play, but the event is about more than just winning basketball games.

"I am looking forward to getting the season started this Friday and Saturday, and our players and coaches have been working hard during the offseason in preparation for this winter," said head coach Chris Carideo. "However, this tournament holds a bigger purpose than just playing a few basketball games."

The tournament serves a larger purpose than just a season opener for all the teams. The event brings a personable connection for Carideo and the Widener men's basketball program.

"One of my best friends, Rob Hummel, and his wife Simone, have a son, Robbie, who has autism. When we decided to run this tournament six years ago, we were not sure how much of an impact we could have on the Hummels and Robbie," said Carideo.

Over the past six years, the tournament has raised over $5,000 for Robbie and his family. The 2015 Widener Tip-Off for Autism Awareness Tournament will look to continue the fundraising efforts and increase contributions to the Hummel family. All proceeds from the tournament benefit the Robbie Hummel Special Needs Trust.

"Autism is affecting more and more families every day, and our goal this weekend is to help the Hummels while spreading awareness of this challenging disorder," Carideo added. "I would also like to thank Brett Whiltsey '97 and his law firm, Dilworth Paxson, for helping to support this year's Widener University Tip-Off for Autism Awareness {Tournament}."

According to Autism Speaks, the disorder affects one in 68 children and one in 42 boys. Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism. On average, autism costs a family $60,000 a year.

The first game of the tournament, between Rowan and Salisbury, is set to start at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, while the Pride are slated to tip off at 8:00 p.m. against Washington College. The consolation game will take place on Saturday at 2:00 p.m., while a champion will be crowned at a 4:00 p.m. game.

For more information about autism, visit the Autism Speaks website by clicking here.

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