One-of-a-Kind Wildcat Shoes a Fundraiser for Coaches vs. Cancer Week

For Abilene Christian head men's basketball coach Brette Tanner, the annual Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers Weekis about more than sneakers — it's personal. Each year since taking over the program in 2021, Tanner and his staff have laced up customized shoes on the sideline and turned them into a meaningful fundraiser, auctioning them off to support cancer charities.
 
"Cancer is something that's touched every single one of us one way or another," Tanner said. "To be able to be a part of that and to do it during Coaches vs. Cancer Week is pretty special."
 
This year, the campaign takes on an added layer of ACU pride. The custom shoes were designed and created by former Wildcat standout Payten Ricks, who has turned sneaker art into a side business. The one-of-a-kind pairs will be worn during Thursday's game against Utah Tech, then displayed at Moody Coliseum during Saturday's matchup versus Southern Utah, before being auctioned off — with Tanner matching every winning bid up to $1,000.

 
A Former Wildcat's Touch
 
Ricks, who played at ACU from 2016-20 and now lives in Midland, brought a unique connection to the project. His designs feature the Wildcat head logo and ACU colors, making the shoes a true reflection of the program's identity — and a special point of pride for those bidding to own a piece of Wildcat history. In each pair, one shoe has 'Abilene' and the other has 'Wildcats' in ACU's script font.
 
"Many people don't know this, but [Payten] customizes shoes — it's kind of a little side gig for him," Tanner said. "So, I called him this year and said, 'Why don't you do them for us?'"
 
The collaboration highlights the bond between past and present players, a theme that's threaded through the program's charitable work. Over the past four years, ACU men's basketball has raised more than $30,000 for more than 10 different cancer charities through the annual auction.

 
A Community Effort
 
This year's auction expands beyond social media bids. Fans will be able to see the shoes up close on Saturday, with live bidding sheets available in addition to the traditional format of sending bids to Tanner via direct message on X. The program will announce winners on Sunday on its social media channels.
 
 "Anybody that can share and spread the word on that — we want to make as much money as we can," said Tanner.
 
The commitment to matching donations underscores the personal investment behind the campaign. For Tanner and his staff, it's about honoring those who have battled cancer and using their platform to make a tangible difference.
 
 

About Coaches vs. Cancer
 
Coaches vs. Cancer is a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). For over 30 years, this initiative has engaged coaches nationwide to leverage their leadership and influence to support the American Cancer Society's vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. More than $179 million has been raised to fund research, provide free rides and lodging for patients, and offer 24/7 support.