KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan men's basketball coaching staff will take part in the annual Suits and Sneakers Week as part of the Coaches vs. Cancer program beginning on Saturday, Jan. 18 at home against Kent State.

Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers Week is a nationwide event when basketball coaches across the country unite for a common cause – saving lives from cancer. Coaches and their staff across the nation wear sneakers with their suits during games to raise awareness and help save lives from cancer by raising funds and encouraging people to educate themselves about cancer prevention, screening and early detection.

Western Michigan men's basketball will also wear sneakers as part of Suits and Sneakers Week (Jan. 20 – 26) on the road next week at Buffalo (Jan. 21) and at Northern Illinois (Jan. 25).

Since 1993, coaches have raised over $100 million for the American Cancer Society. Former in 1998, the Coaches vs. Cancer Council includes many of the best-known and most successful men's basketball coaches nationwide. Over the year, the council has helped guide, enhance and expand the program.