This past “Movember,” The Robert Morris University men’s hockey and lacrosse teams joined together to raise money for men’s cancer research on Movember.com.

Men’s hockey senior, Zach Hervato is glad the two teams joined together.

“Working with the lacrosse team was great.  It brought together two sports teams and created a culture of Movember spirit,” said Hervato.  “We all get along and know each other so it was awesome working with guys that believed in the same thing and loved to take part in Movember.”

Together, they were able to raise a total of $14,402.

“I would like to say I’m stunned and shocked but I knew with the team we had this year we would raise a huge amount,” said Hervato. “I’m very excited, and I’m proud to see our hard work pay off.”

Men’s lacrosse senior, Jake Hayes, was impressed not only with the amount of money raised, but also the quality of the mustaches that both teams were able to grow.

“We were able to quadruple the amount of money that both teams made last year, mustache wise, it was alright,” said Hayes.  “There were a couple of guys that can’t grow mustaches on both teams, but everyone gave their best effort.”

Movember.com also keeps track of the amount of money that individuals have donated to their “MoSpace,” and this year Hervato had $2,826 donated to his page.

“Raising over 2,000 personally was amazing.  I’m so thankful and honored people cared that much to donate that money to my page,” said Hervato.  “All the people back home were amazing in helping me.”

With the success of Movember, the teams were not only able to raise over $14,000 for a great cause, but they were also able to make new friends and become closer with one another.

“Obviously you saw the change in numbers with donations and whatnot, but I think it’s important to team up with another team, and both teams really worked well together, so I think that was great to see,” said Hayes. “None of the teams really used to hang out, but now we’re friends with everyone and this brought us closer together.”

This year, Hervato and the rest of the Colonials had extra motivation to raise funds for Movember.  The men’s hockey team is still working to raise money for former captain Chris Kushneriuk, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer over the summer.

“It was amazing to raise that much in honor of Kush because he wanted us to fight for a cause and not just for him, even though we were really keeping him in mind always throughout the whole thing,” said Hervato.  “It was amazing because I think we shed light on what Movember is and how young men like Kush can go through these things.”

According to Hervato, this effort to raise money for Movember.com also helped show the student athletes in a different light.

“It made people realize that tough athletes care and have a softer side,” said Hervato. “Also, they care for people and will fight for bigger more important things in life such as health and men’s cancer initiatives.”

If the trend keeps catching on with more and more people, the teams will only continue to raise more money for a cause that they all support.