CALIFORNIA (Nov. 9) – The California University of Pennsylvania men's and women's cross country teams recently raised over $2,650 during their annual “Sponsor My Week” fundraising drive to help the tornado victims of Joplin, Mo.

The Vulcans are one of many cross country programs from across NCAA Division II that have raised money this fall for the victims of the tornado that devastated the town of Joplin in May 2011.

At the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches of America (USTFCCCA) Convention in 2011, the organization developed an initiative to raise nearly $150,00 to be divided between the Joplin School District Fund and the Missouri Southern Tornado Relief Fund. The 2012 NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships, which will be held on Nov. 17, are being hosted Missouri Southern University in Joplin, Mo.

The tornado caused so much damage that over 8,000 schools, homes and businesses were leveled, and 160 lives were also claimed.

If you are interested in contributing to future “Sponsor My Week” fundraising drives, please contact Cal U cross country head coach Daniel Caulfield at caulfield@calu.edu or 724.938.5864.