Many area teams have been raising funds to help the fight against cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All are to be commended.

Four schools reported the results of their efforts, with coaches for all teams voicing their surprise and regard for the work put in by their teams to reach beyond their goals.

The Archbishop Spalding and Seton Keough field hockey teams raised more than $4,000, more than double what was raised in past years, for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, while the Bel Air and Patterson Mill varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams raised $4,096 for breast cancer awareness and research at their "Dig Pink" event.

"Our original goal was to raise $2000 so we far exceeded our goal," said Bel Air girls varsity coach Tim Markland. "Our sources of income included online donations at www.side-out.org, corporate sponsors, selling of pink t-shirts and pink wrist bands, raffle of door prizes from local businesses and Chili's pre-game dinner night."

Spalding, Seton Keough, Bel Air and Patterson Mill coaches all stressed their thanks to the JV and varsity programs at the schools, parents, volunteers and all those individuals and businesses who donated to make such successful events.