HORNBECK, La. (KALB) - Hornbeck and Zwolle’s basketball programs were playing for more than a win in the standings on Tuesday night.Alan Austin, the husband of Hornbeck basketball coach Stacy Austin, was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer in September.“We all know him as Pappy because he’s like the grandpa,” Hornbeck Principal Charlotte Hooks said. “He always has a smile on his face, he is cheerful, he is jolly, he’s never angry, so he makes a good balance to Coach Stacy, who&...
HORNBECK, La. (KALB) - Hornbeck and Zwolle’s basketball programs were playing for more than a win in the standings on Tuesday night.
Alan Austin, the husband of Hornbeck basketball coach Stacy Austin, was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer in September.
“We all know him as Pappy because he’s like the grandpa,” Hornbeck Principal Charlotte Hooks said. “He always has a smile on his face, he is cheerful, he is jolly, he’s never angry, so he makes a good balance to Coach Stacy, who’s very stern.”
To support Alan and Stacy, the Hornets Basketball Program hosted a “Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Night” with all ticket, vendor, split-the-pot and t-shirt sales going to Alan’s treatments.
“To live in this community with these people, I would never want to live anywhere else. The support is undeniable. You will not find this in every community, large or small,” Austin said.
The sales of the t-shirts alone made up over $3,000, with even more demand after the deadline came.
“We are a very heartfelt community, and we love each other so much, and when one’s in need, we come together as much as we can to support them,” Hooks said.
The matchup with Zwolle was not by accident either, being that’s where part of Alan’s family resides.
“They were more than willing to do this, and a lot of other teams and a lot of other schools aren’t so willing because it does take a lot out of your kids,” Hooks said.
Austin has coached basketball in Louisiana for over three decades and feels all the appreciation of the area.
“It’s having faith that god-fearing are still around and still willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus,” Austin said.
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