Click here for a "Cardio for a Cause" PDF flyer 

Click here for a "Cardio for a Cause" printable gift form

216 riders…36 hours…4 causes…  Those numbers describe an inaugural special event fundraiser, "Cardio for a Cause," that is scheduled for Jan. 27-28, 2010. The Athletic Department officially announced this first-ever event today.

At halftime of the Detroit Titans' men's basketball game against Loyola on Thursday, Jan. 28, the stationary bike next to the court in Calihan Hall will come to a stop for the first time in 36 hours, and the Athletic Department will hope to have raised thousands of dollars for four causes, one being the UDM Strength & Conditioning program.

During “Cardio for a Cause,” 216 UDM student-athletes, coaches, staff and celebrity participants, such as former Red Wing Jason Woolley and Detroit Tiger Nate Roberston, will be asked to hop on the bike for 10-minute shifts and make their workout count for something more.

“We were trying to think of ways that we could raise money for the Titan weight room and for some great charities,” said UDM Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach Nick Wilson. “We wanted something that we could get as many student-athletes involved in as we could, and I think of a lot of our athletes are excited to be able to do something like this to help out.”

The pedals will start cranking at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 27, when head basketball coach Ray McCallum takes his turn, and the bike will keep going; all through the night, the next morning and the next day. During the final four hours, riders will be participating courtside to generate additional exposure with fans at the men's and women's basketball games, including Tiger lefty Robertson, who will be the event's final rider.

All money raised will go to benefit the Titan Strength and Conditioning program, Children's Hospital of Michigan, the V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund.  Anyone wishing to sponsor a student-athlete, coach, or athletics staff member can do so by calling Titan Athletics at (313) 993-1700, or by mailing the completed gift form at the top of this story to Calihan Hall, 4001 West McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI  48221.