University School Cornerback Targets $5,000 for Cancer Fund at Warren Playoff

Lake County football fans are preparing for a Friday night matchup that doubles as a fundraising event. University School will play Howland in a playoff game in Warren, with the proceeds directed toward a childhood cancer charity.

Mike Papouras, a junior cornerback for University School, organized the initiative. He is working with the CK Foundation to raise $5,000. Papouras stated that the goal is to raise money to support families currently fighting the disease. The event is branded as a Gold Out, utilizing gold as the official color for childhood cancer awareness. Players on the field will wear decals and gold laces to mark the occasion.

The fundraiser honors Jack Sawyer, a 17-year-old from Mentor who died of Ewing sarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer. The project draws from a 2023 game in Mentor where Sawyer was named honorary captain of the Cardinals while he was still battling the illness. That night, the stadium announcer introduced him to the crowd. Players from the opposing team, Euclid, presented him with a shirt that read "Some Things are Bigger than Football."

Papouras was 13 years old during the 2023 event. His father served as the superintendent of Euclid City Schools at the time. Papouras recalled realizing that many young people face challenges far greater than his own. He said he wanted to make the situation a little easier for those kids. Sawyer passed away shortly after that 2023 game.

This fall, Papouras contacted Jack's mother, Dawn, to ask for her permission to use his son's story. In a letter, he noted that he had never met Jack but remembered a kid his own age who loved football and lifting others up. Dawn described the gesture as amazing. She said she is deeply touched and proud that Jack's legacy is continuing. She plans to join Papouras on the field for the game in Warren.

Sawyer's own words from 2023 are central to the campaign. The announcer at his last home game read a note from him that included his motto, PACE, which stands for Positive Attitude Changes Everything. Papouras hopes that attendees will hear the motto and carry it with them.

Support is also coming from Mentor High School. Dawn said a player from the Cardinals recently contacted her to announce that the entire team will wear yellow socks in Jack's honor Friday night. The game is scheduled for Friday night in Warren.