Goodrich- Matt Flotemersch has worn many jerseys in more than 12 years of soccer.
During the fall the 16 year-old GHS junior proudly sports the number ?5? Martian jersey’a symbol of pride for the accomplished varsity player.
But on Sept. 19, Flotemersch, along with his teammates, shed the traditional Martian blue and gold for pink, joining a battle that reaches beyond the bright green turf of the Roy Stacey Athletic Complex.
The Martian kickers expressed their ‘Pink Pride? to beat cancer and bring attention to the friends and family impacted by the disease.
‘It’s a big challenge,? said Flotemersch, after the Martians? 8-0 victory over Mt. Morris. ‘I’m glad we put the spotlight on cancer today’it definitely ramps up the intensity of how we play the game today.?
Flotemersch was one of several athletes that participated in the Pink Pride games. The Goodrich fall sports teams host benefit games each year to raise money to fund the Touchdown Foundation and to help community members fight devastating diseases. The teams also play ‘Red Out? games for heart disease. In addition to varsity soccer, volleyball, tennis and football teams also participated in the Pink Pride on Friday. All proceeds raised at the annual fall benefit games stay in the Goodrich community. Current and former members of the community are eligible to receive funds from the foundation.
Like his teammates’Flotemersch’s pink jersey represented more than his high school.
‘I played this game for my grandparents Kathleen and Gary June,? he said. ‘They both have survived cancer and continue to support me along with our family.?
Kathleen retired in June 2013 after 50 years as a registered nurse at Goodrich’s Wheelock Medical Facility? including about 16 years working with hospice. She was diagnosed with breast cancer about 21 years ago. Gary was diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer.
‘Grama was a nurse for many years and cared for so many people,? he said. ‘Not to mention she’s a great cook’especially her pies. She may not realize this but the grand kids race to her house when we think there may a pie there. It’s magnificent. She has been such a great impact on the family.?
‘Grandpa has works on his farm and sells hay,? he said. ‘He’s very supportive of his kids and continues to help us when we need it’he loves us all. I’ve watched how he treats everyone with respect. He’s a gentleman to all people that he comes in contact with.?
‘Neither grandparent want to bring up their battle with cancer,? he added. ‘They just don’t want to make a big deal out of it.?
Goodrich Varsity Soccer Coach Evan Huizenga was proud of the team.
“I really enjoy the opportunity to have our team be involved in such a great event that benefits our community,” he said. “It lets us do our thing while representing loved and others that have been influenced by Cancer. I am proud of our players for their maturity and sportsmanship for all that they do for this event. Tom Alward and our football program, along with tennis, soccer and volleyball have really done some nice things with this event.”