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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

G-Prep students to ‘paint bleachers’ with Steve Gleason’s number Friday

Gonzaga Prep plans to figuratively paint the bleachers with the retired number of Bullpup alum Steve Gleason.

Gleason, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011, has inspired countless Bullpups over the years, especially in the last four years. G-Prep defensive coordinator H.T. Higgins, one of Gleason’s former coaches, wants to return the inspiration Friday when the Bullpups entertain Lewis and Clark.

Higgins said the first 340 G-Prep students in the stands will receive a sponge helmet with ’34 No White Flags’ printed on one side and GPrep on the other side. The 340 is a play off his retired G-Prep number, 34.

“We are going to ‘Paint the Stands 34’ that night to inspire 34,” Higgins shared in an email to school boosters.

Higgins has asked supporters to raise $1,700 or more. He said people can donate $34, $340 or $3,400 by visiting gprep.com/34 to make a donation.

He said funds raised will be split 50-50 to Team Gleason, which benefits those with ALS, and to the Steve Gleason Scholarship, established by the Gleason Initiative Fund to assist students attending G-Prep whose immediate family has been affected by a neurological condition. Higgins said Gleason and the initiative have contributed more than $100,000 to the scholarship fund.