Racioppo and Coaches in Volleyball Against Cancer

PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – Joe Racioppo lost his wife Sandra to cancer in 2010 and he has doubled his efforts to fight the disease. The latest is a second annual volleyball tournament set for Thursday night at Pleasantville High School.

“We’ve been raising money for cancer research for the past 10 years, ever since my wife first contracted the disease,” said Racioppo, a teacher with Southern Westchester BOCES and a graduate of Pleasantville high. “This is our second volleyball event at Pleasantville and last year’s was a big success.”

Teachers and coaches from nearby school districts can join Racioppo and his partners in the event, Doug Crossett, owner of Michael's Tavern in Pleasantville, and Briarcliff volleyball coach A.J.Thau, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.

Each team entry will compete with several other teams, playing in a round-robin format, 10 minutes per game. The suggestion is to have enough players to go the distance. Teams will be seeded according to their round robin win-loss record.  In case of a tie, head-to-head results will be used first, then points scored against and then a coin toss. Winners of quarter and semi-finals will also compete in a timed format. Finals will be one 25 point game.

“Because of supporters like Michael’s Tavern and so many other friends, last year’s volleyball tournament netted $4,300,” Racioppo said. “Pleasantville, Briarcliff, Valhalla, Rye Neck, John Jay and BOCES have all answered the call to this year's tournament with more teams to follow. Last year, John Jay beat Greeley won the title. Let’s see if we can top that this year. I’m asking the volleyball community to take a moment to find the time to join in this endeavor.”

The tournament has an entry fee of $20 per person (checks payable to American Cancer Society) and will run from 4 to 7 p.m. at Pleasantville High with awards and prizes compliments of Michael’s.

“The referees are bringing a team,” Racioppo said. They saw how much fun it was last year and didn’t want to miss out.”

For more information or to submit a team, email Racioppo at josephracioppo@yahoo.com.

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