For Immediate Release:

WAPAKONETA (8-29-25) — The Wapakoneta High School Octagon Club is proud to kick off its annual Pink Out T-Shirt Fundraiser, supporting the 2025 Pink Out Game and raising vital funds for local families impacted by cancer.

This year’s Pink Out Game will take place on Friday, October 10th, when the Wapakoneta Redskins host the Kenton Wildcats at Wapak VFW/Mercy Health Field. The event, a beloved tradition in the Wapakoneta community, has been raising awareness and donations for over 25 years, originally launched by the Wapakoneta Athletic Boosters.


Photo 1: Wapakoneta High School 2024-25 Octagon Club members pose next to the run-through banner signed with names of cancer patients.
Photo 2: Anja Walters, 2024-25 Wapakoneta High School Octagon Club President, along with club officers and representatives from Auglaize Embroidery present Cancer Association of Auglaize County Director April Grimm a check for $2,170 during the 2024 Pink Out Game. 

Since 2013, the WHS Octagon Club, a student-led service organization, has taken the lead on organizing the fundraiser. Through the sale of custom-designed pink t-shirts and spirited school-wide activities, the club helps rally the entire community around a cause that touches countless lives.

Drew Niekamp, current President of the WHS Octagon Club

“The Pink Out Fundraiser is more than a football game. It’s a night where students, families, and the entire Wapakoneta community come together for something bigger than ourselves. We wear pink to support our loved ones, honor those we’ve lost, and keep fighting for a cure.”

This year, the Octagon Club is aiming to sell $2,500 worth of shirts, with all proceeds donated to the Cancer Association of Auglaize County, which supports local cancer patients and their families.

club advisor Jackie Martell

“With the help of Auglaize Embroidery, the Octagon Club has raised over $20,000 to date. Every single shirt sold contributes to real, meaningful support for people right here in our community.”

One of the most touching traditions of the Pink Out Game is the pregame banner. Each year, students write the names of cancer warriors — family members, friends, or loved ones — on a large banner that the football team runs through as they take the field.

Martell added-

“A meaningful tradition for students is to write the name of cancer warriors in their lives on the banner that the football players run through prior to the game. It’s a powerful reminder of why we do this.”

The Octagon Club is active throughout the school year with community service projects including stadium cleanups, visits to the Gardens Nursing Home, teacher appreciation events, and local fundraisers. The Pink Out is one of its most visible and impactful events, bringing together service, school spirit, and community compassion.

Martell said-

“The Octagon Club does the Pink Out fundraiser every year because it’s a way to bring the community together for a shared cause — raising funds for those who are fighting cancer locally, while also bringing attention to the universal effort of cancer research.”

T-shirts are available to students, staff, families, and the general public. Orders can be placed online at wapakpinkout2025.itemorder.com or by scanning the QR code posted on school and community flyers. The deadline to order is September 28th, and T-Shirts will be available for pickup the week of the game. 

Join Wapakoneta High School in going pink this October —  your support, spread awareness, and help make a difference in the lives of those battling all types of cancer in Auglaize County and beyond.