Former Elks support MACC Fund for all-star game
By Heather Ruenz
Staff Writer
Recent Elkhorn Area High School graduates Luke and Vince Umnus participated in the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association’s All-Star game. But the two are stars in more ways than one thanks to their efforts and the support of family, friends and the Elkhorn community.
For the WBCA games, each player is nominated by their high school coach and then selected by the Association. The WBCA is partnered with the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer) – which supports research for childhood cancers and related blood diseases – and each player is required to raise at least $500 to play in the game.
Luke and Vince raised more than $3,000 each to put them in the top 10 fund raisers for the boys selected for all of the divisions of the all-star games.
The two raised around $1,200 by hosting a youth basketball clinic at Elkhorn Area High School, with all the proceeds directly benefitting the MACC Fund. The camp was open to boys and girls in second through eighth grades at a cost of $25 per participant.
The remainder of the donations they raised came as a result of the generosity of family, friends, businesses and the Elkhorn community.
Luke and Vince played on the Division 2 White team in the WBCA All-Star game at Just A Game Fieldhouse in Wisconsin Dells.
“Their team overcame a 20-point deficit to win at the buzzer 96-94. It was a fun game to watch,” their dad, Andy Umnus, said.
The MACC Fund, in partnership with donors, participants and volunteers, has contributed more than $65 million to research. The partnership with the WBCA has resulted in nearly $3 million in donations.
Andy said his sons’ efforts were a success in large part thanks to the support they received.
“Thank you from our family to those who donated. We hope everyone knows how grateful we are for their generosity,” he said.
In their senior season at EAHS Luke and Vince played pivotal roles in leading the Elks to the WIAA Division 2 state tournament in March. The Elks lost 70-46 to Nicolet March 15 at the Kohl Center in Madison in the Division 2 title game.
The two will attend Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee in the fall and play basketball for the Warriors. Luke intends to study physical therapy and Vince is going to study special education.
For more information about the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association visit wisbca.org
To make a donation or for more information about the MACC Fund, 10000 W. Innovation Dr., Suite 135, Milwaukee, WI 53226, visit maccfund.org or call 414-955-5830.
