The Illinois Tech Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving teams participated in the 12th Annual Ted Mullin “Leave It in the Pool” Hour of Power Relay for Sarcoma Research for the fourth consecutive year on November 14. The event, which is coordinated by the Ted Mullin Fund and Carleton College, raises money to spread awareness and find a cure for sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that affects bone, muscle, fat, peripheral nerves and soft tissues.

“The swimming community comes together every year for the Hour of Power, and Illinois Tech is proud to be part of that tradition,” said Illinois Tech’s Head Men’s Swimming and Diving Coach Kyllian Griffin. “The team looks forward to participating every year and using their sport as a way to build awareness and funding for cancer research.”

The Hour of Power began after former Carleton College swimmer Edward H. “Ted” Mullin contracted and eventually passed from sarcoma his senior year of 2006. Mullin’s family and the University of Chicago Medicine partnered together and began the Fund to increase research on treating sarcoma and other under-investigated forms of cancer. In its 11 years of existence, the Ted Mullin Fund has raised a total of over $1 million for research, while the Hour of Power provides close to 70% of that fundraising effort annually.

Nearly 8,200 athletes and 170 teams participate in the Hour of Power, growing from just 15 teams in 2006. The “Leave It in the Pool” Hour of Power has athletes continually swim relay laps of any stroke for the full hour in order to build teamwork and participate in Ted Mullin’s favorite practice set. All teams are welcome to participate whether or not they fundraise.

The Illinois Tech Swimming and Diving teams have raised money through donations from parents, family, and friends, as well as collecting donations and selling team apparel. More information and direct donations to the Ted Mullin Fund can be accessed here.