U of G expands its mission to improve life through football, connecting student-athletes to the cause
What began as a fundraising initiative to support breast cancer research has now evolved into a University of Guelph tradition, turning student-athletes into campus leaders and driving meaningful progress for local health care providers by reaching a milestone of more than $100,000.
When Gryphon Football Advancement asked its players to Think Pink, it was not only about raising money, says Bill Brown of the Lang Innovation Team (LIT) and Friends of Gryphon Football.
“It was intentionally focused on women’s health in a male-dominated sport to broaden perspectives,” he explains. “It was about compassion, empathy, generosity and respect; the values Gryphon Football strives to instil in its student-athletes, and using their platform to step up and improve life in our own community.”
Think Pink raises $100K, makes local impact
Since 2010, Think Pink has raised funds through community outreach, specially branded pink merchandise, a charity poker tournament, corporate partners and the annual Think Pink football game.
Together, LIT and Gryphon Football have established a collaborative partnership that brings together innovation, philanthropy, student-athlete development, and community engagement.
At the heart of Think Pink is the notion that community service is not simply about collecting donations but understanding the people and the needs behind the cause.
One in eight Canadian women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. In Guelph-Wellington, the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer is similar to the national average, something players reflected on while visiting Guelph General Hospital’s Diagnostic Imagery Centre.
In 2024, Think Pink pivoted to focus its fundraising on the centre, improving access to breast imaging services. The centre, which opened in March 2026, offers mammograms, the X-ray imaging method that detects the early signs of breast cancer.
Being a Gryphon means being part of something greater than ourselves, says head coach Mark Surya. This program is built on the foundation of those who came before us, those who wear the jersey today, and those who will carry our traditions forward.
“We have always believed that we are more than just a football team,” Surya says. “For us, Think Pink reminds us that our greatest accomplishments aren’t measured by wins and losses, but by our ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”
Taking Think Pink to the field
Growing up playing football, Gavin Speers was aware of initiatives to wear pink in October, but the second-year offensive lineman says Think Pink is the first time he’s felt he could do more than wear a pink uniform.
“I’m truly grateful to have the ability to promote such a meaningful initiative and participate in helping raise funds to further research,” Speers says. “Part of Think Pink is about spreading awareness so that others can look into screening opportunities. Any chance I have as an athlete to help people with their health, I am happy to be part of that positive impact.”
In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Think Pink took over Alumni Stadium Oct. 24 as the Gryphons hit the field donning pink socks. Honorary co-captain Carolyn Weeks (pictured below), a Guelph resident and four-time cancer survivor, performed the coin toss and shared her journey with the disease while fans traded their red, gold and black for a day of pink, complete with a Think Pink tailgate.
Initiatives like Think Pink embody the same spirit of teamwork that defines football: bringing people together to work toward a common goal, says Nathaniel Slawter, a fourth-year defensive back. Leadership is about serving others, rather than simply leading them, he says.
“As student-athletes, we’re privileged to have a platform that allows us to make an impact beyond the football field,” he says. “I have always believed in leaving things better than you found them. I hope the people who come after me continue to build on what we have done. I think that’s a reflection of what it means to be a Gryphon and the culture we’re continuing to build.”