STILLWATER, Okla., Sept. 19, 2024 - The American Heart Association, the world's leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health for all, will be the beneficiary of donations from a charity men's basketball scrimmage between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and Southern Methodist University Mustangs on Saturday, Oct. 26, at Gallagher-Iba Arena. The game time will be announced soon.
As many as 23,000 youth under the age of 18 suffer sudden cardiac arrest annually in the United States with 40% of these incidents occurring during athletic activities. This makes sudden cardiac arrest the leading cause of sudden death among young athletes.
"I've been directly impacted by sudden cardiac arrest, both within my family and with a previous player," said Steve Lutz, first-year Oklahoma State head coach. "Our own Oklahoma State manager, DeShawn Caldwell, suffered sudden cardiac arrest as a high school athlete and was saved by CPR. He has become a fierce advocate for the American Heart Association and its work to save lives. I'm excited for our fans to hear his story at the scrimmage."
Caldwell was among American Heart Association advocates who successfully pushed for a state law requiring all public schools and school athletic facilities to adopt cardiac emergency response plans, also known as CERPs. Last year marked the launch of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, a collaboration between the American Heart Association, NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, NHL, NCAA and others to stress the importance of CPR education and AED placement in schools for athletes throughout the United States.
At the Oct. 26 game, volunteers from the Eddie Sutton Foundation will be on hand to collect donations on behalf of the Association. Funds will to towards saving lives though groundbreaking research, increased access to care and training millions of people in CPR. Learn more at heart.org.
Admission and parking are otherwise free, and all seating is general admission. The arena's east doors will open one hour before tipoff.
With a new dozen transfers and an aggressive, up-tempo attack, Cowboy Basketball will have a radically different look in 2024-25. This scrimmage will be fans' only opportunity to see the team in action before their Nov. 4 season opener against Green Bay.
"We're excited to give fans an early look at Cowboy Basketball while providing awareness and support for an important cause," said Coach Lutz.
SMU is beginning a new era of its own in the ACC under former USC coach Andy Enfield.
The schools haven't met publicly since 2011 when OSU edged SMU in double overtime at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The Mustangs last played a regular season game in Stillwater back in 2005.
Fans can secure seats for all 15 regular season home games at a discounted rate by purchasing 2024-25 Cowboy Basketball season tickets. For more information, visit okstate.com/tickets or call the OSU Ticket Office at 877-255-4678.
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public's health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.