South, Sweet Home among ECIC schools helping Brian Dux
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

The Williamsville South and Sweet Home boys basketball teams are two of several ECIC boys basketball teams who raised funds for Brian Dux.

Dux, a former player at Orchard Park and Canisius College, was seriously injured in a one-car accident in England on Nov. 10, 2007. Dux is recuperating from his injuries in Buffalo.

South coach Al Monaco and Lake Shore coach Dan Gerkun have spearheaded the drive with the backing of ECIC basketball and the Basketball Coaches Association of New York.

The drive kicked off last week at several ECIC games under the slogan "The 3s will be Flyin' for Brian," implying that a pledge will be made for every three. The South varsity boys team alone raised an ECIC-high $1400 for its game against Clarence last Wednesday. The Billies hit eight threes.

Sweet Home opted to wave the admission for its game last Wednesday with Orchard Park and had a box that said "in lieu of admission, give donations to the Brian Dux fund." Sweet Home coach Paul Schintzius said $491 was raised.

All told, by the time other ECIC schools had donated money, $3,000 was given to the Dux family at a ceremony at Lake Shore on Saturday. Another $2,500 was raised on top of that, Monaco said.

Monaco said other ECIC teams will be trying to do their part.

"This was just a kickoff," said Monaco. "We're thrilled with the response."