UT Permian ‘We Back Pat’ game to raise funds for battle against Alzheimer’s

Here’s an opportunity to back the UT Permian Basin men’s basketball team while simultaneously supporting the battle against Alzheimer’s disease.

On Thursday, Jan. 26, UT Permian’s home game against the Western New Mexico Mustangs will also be a “We Back Pat” game to raise awareness and funds for the Pat Summitt Foundation, which aims to fund research to find effective treatements, prevention strategies and ultimately a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, according to a report by UTPB Sports Information Director Tom Perpetua.

The Falcons (10-11 overall, 4-5 conference) and Mustangs (10-8 overall, 4-8 conference) will face off at 7:30 p.m. at the Falcon Dome.

“Pat’s influence on my life cannot be overstated..I am extremely grateful I knew Pat on and off the court.” — Todd Dooley, VP for UTPB Athletics

Pat Summitt was the legendary University of Tennessee women’s basketball head coach who, at the time of her retirement, won more games than anyone in college basketball history. She died at age 64 on June 28, 2016, five years after being diagnosed with early onset dementia in the form of Alzheimer’s.

For Todd Dooley, VP for Athletics, this game will be personal. Dooley spent 15 years working in the athletics department for the University of Tennessee, his alma mater, starting there as a manager under Summitt, winning two national championships during his time.

“Pat’s influence on my life cannot be overstated,” said Dooley. “The life lessons I learned working with the women’s basketball program at Tennessee shaped the person I am today. I am extremely grateful I knew Pat on and off the court.”

To donate to the Pat Summitt Foundation, visit: www.patsummitt.org.