“Dress Like Lavin”

For the majority of his time at St. John’s, Lavin has worn a white button-down shirt with an open collar along with white sneakers with his suit to raise awareness towards cancer. The coaching staff also participated in this practice, even in his absence last year.

The students now want to show their support of this idea as well.

In preparation for St. John’s November 6 Exhibition game against Concordia, the school’s student section is endorsing all fans to “Dress Like Lavin.” Through a statement via FaceBook, “STJ Redzone” is promoting the idea in order to raise awareness and gain support of prostate cancer.

Head coach Steve Lavin was diagnosed with cancer in the spring of 2011 following the team’s exit from the NCAA tournament. He immediately underwent treatment for the disease. His often publicized bout with cancer came to a head in October of the same year, when the coach had surgery to remove the tumor.

Lavin tried to return to the sidelines for the 2011-2012 season, but was unsuccessful after a hurried attempt to come back ended up hindering his recovery from surgery.

A fully healthy Lavin will lead his young Johnnies into their second and last exhibition game of the season Tuesday, trying to improve off of a 73-55 victory over Sonoma State.

The game will be played at Carnesecca Arena with tip-off set for 7:30 p.m. EST.