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March 29, 2012

PULLMAN, Wash. - When Washington State hosts USC for a three-game Pac-12 baseball series, March 30-April 1, it will be Team Gleason Weekend at Bailey-Brayton Field.

Steve Gleason, former Cougar baseball and football student-athlete who played in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints, is currently battling ALS.

The weekend will be dedicated to Steve as well as The Gleason Initiative Foundation (Team Gleason). The Gleason Initiative Foundation is a non-profit with a specific mission to: 1) Help provide individuals with muscular diseases or injuries with leading edge technology, equipment and services; 2) Raise public awareness toward amyotrophic lateral sclerosis "ALS" by providing and documenting extraordinary life adventures for individuals with muscular diseases or injuries. Team Gleason has also created the Gleason Family Trust. In addition to helping offset the incremental costs of living with ALS, contributions to the Gleason Family Trust go toward Steve's participation in advanced and experimental technology, equipment and treatments.

Steve was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and current members of ATO will be on hand to distribute baseball cards of Steve and sell Team Gleason T-shirts. The Evergreen ALS Chapter will also have information available for fans regarding research and resources available for patients and families dealing with ALS.

There will be a special in-game highlight video dedicated to Steve. His mother Gail will throw out the first pitch, Friday (5:30 p.m. game). Cougar Head Football Coach Mike Leach will throw out the first pitch, Saturday (2 p.m. game) and Steve's former teammates will take part in the first pitch ceremony, Sunday (11 a.m. game).