Can you dig it?

WALLACE — There is just something about the athletic rivalry between the Kellogg and Wallace High Schools that will never grow old — but it becomes memorable when both communities come together for a good cause.

On Wednesday evening that good cause was the annual Dig Pink Night.

Dig Pink has been a banner event for the Wallace and Kellogg volleyball programs for the past few years and has acted as their way to give back to the local cancer community while bringing people together to celebrate their efforts and show off their talents.

With National Breast Cancer Awareness Month right around the corner and with both squads already in the throes of several very competitive conference matches, the game was played outside October for the first time.

“My favorite part of Dig Pink is the balance between competitiveness and community,” said WHS volleyball coach Katie Bauer. “We are able to have an exciting competition, yet still act as one community to support cancer patients.”

While Kellogg’s volleyball teams won the battle on the scoreboards, it was those in attendance and the Shoshone Cancer Resource Center (SCRC) who left Kirby Krulitz Court with a victory.

Between the JV and varsity matchups, Wallace Jr./Sr. High School Principal Don Almquist presented a check for $1,000 to the SCRC.

The students at WHS had been busy in the lead-up to Wednesday night, using a very creative fundraiser to raise funds for the SCRC.

“The $1,000 was raised by our students that participate in our Friday hat days,” Bauer said. “Students pay $1 every Friday if they want to wear a hat for the day (WHS does not regularly allow hats as part of their dress code).”

Over the past few seasons, volleyball matches, in particular, have become major school events complete with themes and costumes.

Wednesday night was no different, and the students turned out in pink droves for the game.

The dueling chants from the student sections highlighted just how competitive both student bodies are — as well as how badly each side wanted to see their team get the win.

“I think at Wallace the school spirit is influenced by our student organizations,” Bauer said. “Both our Student Council and W Club (pep club) plan and promote special themes and celebrations for our home matches. Our administrators and office staff also do a great job of promoting games in our community through our social media.”

It is nearly impossible to encounter a person who hasn't been impacted by breast cancer, and the Wildcat program specifically played in custom T-shirts bearing the initials of a beloved Kellogg School District employee who is currently battling the disease.

Wallace will play in another Dig Pink event next week, when they travel up to Mullan on Oct. 6, at 6 p.m. at the Mullan Pavilion. That game will also be Mullan’s senior night.

Anyone that brings a non-perishable food item to donate will receive free admission into the game — and any cash donations received at the gate will be donated to the fight against breast cancer.