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JUST KICK-IT!

—Messenger photo by Britt Kudla South Central Calhoun’s Zane Neubaum kicks off against West Sioux in a Class 1A quarterfinal game in Lake City last Friday night.

LAKE CITY — The South Central Calhoun community has made sure they will never forget what Jacy McAlexander meant to them.

McAlexander, who would have been a Titan senior this year, passed away last spring after his courageous battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma.

For Zane Neubaum, helping those fight cancer like McAlexander did hit home hard. That’s why the South Central Calhoun junior started the Titan Kick-It! fundraiser this August.

Neubaum asked people to donate for every extra-point or field goal he made during the season, with all the money going to help find a cure for cancer. To date, he has raised $6,987, far surpassing the $1,000 goal he set for himself.

“Jacy was the most giving person I have ever met,” Neubaum said. “Even when he was battling cancer for a second time, he still gave to others. I am just trying to live in his footsteps.”

Neubaum finished the year with six made field goals, including a long of 37 yards, along with going 39-for-43 on extra-point attempts.

He made all three of his field goals and three more extra points in the postseason.

The fundraiser process started when Neubaum was in Wisconsin at a Kohl’s kicking camp. McAlexander helped raise money by collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House.

“I knew right when I heard about the campaign I had to do it,” he said. “This felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity to honor Jacy. I was just hoping to give back like he did.”

West Sioux, who South Central Calhoun played in the Class 1A state quarterfinals last week, donated $500 to Neubaum’s fundraiser.

“This is a season I will never forget,” Neubaum said. “We’ve played every game for Jacy. I think we’re all extremely proud of what we have been able to do.”

Donations may still be given until Nov. 17 through Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a foundation for childhood cancer.

“I would like to thank Kohl’s Kicking for introducing me to this idea,” Neubaum said. “I would also like to thank Gayla Freeman, who works with Alex’s Lemonade Stand to help us organize the website where all the donations and pledges are made. I am extremely thankful for my parents and family who supposed me through the whole process.

“They have helped update the website and given many words of encouragement. Lastly, I am thankful for my friends, coaches and teammates who have helped me reach where I am today. They have been nothing but helpful throughout all of this, especially my field goal team that allows me to do what I can do.”

Neubaum, who has kicked for the Titans for the past three years, is 9-for-13 on field goals and 105 of 117 on PATs in his career.

The website can be found at: https://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/1510502

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