Mount Olive-Barton game to benefit family

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on April 15, 2012 1:52 AM

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Sports Information

The mid-week contest between No. 4-ranked Mount Olive College and Barton might be called "Battle of the East" at Scarborough Field on Tuesday, but the Conference Carolinas archrivals will come together to help an individual and family with ties to both baseball programs.

The game will be dedicated to Jake May, a 17-year-old senior at Eastern Wayne High School and a member of the baseball team. Jake was diagnosed with leukemia in January and has been undergoing chemotherapy treatments. He is currently in remission.

Admission is $6. In addition, the newly-renamed Highway 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries (formerly Andy's) will set up a stand to sell hamburgers, hot dogs and cheesesteaks at the game. All of the proceeds will be donated to Jake and his family.

Jake is the son of Roger May, who was a student at Mount Olive and a member of the baseball team in the early 1980s. Roger returned to MOC to serve as an assistant baseball coach under Carl Lancaster from 1987-95. He took over Barton's baseball program in 1995 and stayed until 1999.

"Jake is a strong young man who has had the misfortune of being afflicted with a terrible disease," MOC head baseball coach Carl Lancaster said. "He is a fighter and we are so happy for the progress that he has made. We are dedicating this game to Jake as recognition for him personally and also to help raise funds to assist the family with their expenses."

The Trojans beat the Bulldogs twice earlier this season.

"Barton College is pleased to partner with Mount Olive College on April 17 to help uplift Jake May and his family," Gary Hall, Barton athletics director, said. "Jake's father worked very hard for others during his time as our head baseball coach. We wish Jake and his family the best as they continue to work through his current physical challenges."

The game will count towards each team's overall record, but will not factor into the East Division standings in Conference Carolinas play.