Dedicated Basketball Games Promote Athlete Mental Health Awareness

By: Cassidy Ward and Alexia LaTourette 

February 5, 2025

   As Colgan hosted their first home basketball game, colors of teal, purple and orange filled the stands. These colors represent the student athlete mental health club Morgan’s Message.    

   The club Morgan’s Message focuses on promoting athletes' mental health, and to show the community it has fostered for the athletes, the club organized two basketball games dedicated to their cause.  

   On December 6, the first game was held, and it was the girls' varsity Basketball team against Patriot. Posters were seen around the school encouraging students to come support the cause and wear the clubs' colors, teal, purple and orange. The basketball team was seen with ribbons of these colors in their hair and shoes, as well as warm up shirts featuring the club’s logo, a butterfly.  

   “During the game the environment was very uplifting and exciting because we had a bigger crowd than usual and we [the team] were playing for a good cause,” Varsity Basketball player and Morgan’s Message ambassador Quinn Ray ‘25 said. “The purpose for this game was to bring awareness to the stigma around mental health in athletes and bring attention to our club here at Colgan.” 

   The boy’s dedication game was held December 13 against Forest Park. Although the game ended in a tight loss, the team was seen supporting the cause by wearing warm-up shirts with the club's butterfly logo prior to the game. There was also a table promoting Morgan’s message as you walked into the gym. 

  “I was happy we got the win to honor the special event, and I would say we gained confidence to go on and beat more teams continuing our winning streak,” Varsity player 26’ Orion Dummars said.