KEENE, N.H. 11/6/09 - When Keene State College swimmers dive into the Spaulding Gym pool on Tuesday, Nov., 10, they will be doing more than just getting ready for their next meet.  The  Owls will be joining approximately 5,900 athletes from 119 college, high school, and club teams across the nation - as well as student-abroad teams­ - participating in the fourth annual Ted Mullin  "Leave it in the Pool" Hour of Power Relay for Pediatric Sarcoma Research, sponsored by the Carleton (Minn.) College swimming and diving teams.

                The "Hour of Power" relay is in honor of Carleton College swimmer Ted Mullin, whom died in the fall of 2006 from sarcoma, a rare soft-tissue cancer.  Funds raised through this event support research at the University of Chicago into the causes and treatment of sarcoma in young people. 

                KSC Coach Jack Fabian found out about the event while attending last year's NCAA championship.  "I thought it would be a great idea for us to get involved in such a worthwhile cause, he said.   "The athletes are generally very active and in good shape.  They need to remember that even healthy people can get sick."

                Fabian said the team will raise funds by asking each swimmer to pay an entry fee.

                Senior captain Kristine Trutor says the teams are excited about taking part in the event.  "I'm really excited about the "hour of power," she said.  "It's a perfect opportunity to get a lot of people together and have fun and raise money for a good cause. I also believe it will be a good bonding experience for the team because we have to do continuous relays and make sure everyone stays together. I am really glad we are going to be a part of this event because I couldn't imagine losing a teammate to cancer. I really hope that all the teams involve raise enough money to help find a cure."

               The event, which begins simultaneously at 4 p.m. Central Standard Time,  is a hour, all-out, leave-it-in-the- pool practice consisting of continuous relays, using any stroke.  Thousands of swimmers will be in the water at the same time in support of the battle against cancer.

                Since the event began three years ago, participants raised more than $112,000 for the Ted Mullin Fund for Pediatric Sarcoma Research at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital where Ted received treatment. 

                A community conscious team, the Owls also are involved in numerous outreach projects throughout the year.  They will once again be mentors students in the "Big-Feet, Little Feet" program at the Symonds School as well as help out at the Community Kitchen.