University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Men’s Basketball Set to Begin Ski-U-Mah Strong Initiative on Feb. 8
2/2/2026 2:01:00 PM | Men's Basketball
The University of Minnesota men's basketball team is launching "Ski-U-Mah Strong," an initiative honoring designated warriors through M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital. This group will be recognized during the Sunday Feb. 8 game against Maryland.
The initiative is now in its seventh year under head coach Niko Medved, first beginning at Colorado State. Each player is connected with an individual warrior from M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital.
"When we started this my second year at Colorado State, I wanted to find a way to have a larger impact locally to college basketball's Coaches vs. Cancer initiative and a way to work together with our community," Medved said. "I'm looking forward to continuing that tradition here at Minnesota. We're really excited to build that relationship and learn about their individual journeys and the courage of these families."
The warriors will receive a full game day experience this week vs. Maryland. Individuals and their families are invited to a pre-game brunch and a special chalk talk with Coach Medved. The warriors will also be invited onto the court for the national anthem as they, the players, and coaches stand in solidarity. The group will also be recognized at halftime.
The Gophers will wear jerseys with the names of their designated warriors on the back, instead of their standard names, as part of the initiative.
Along with the game day recognition, a connection has been established between each player and their warrior through letters, a special Zoom call, a meet-and-greet at practice and a photo shoot.
The initiative is now in its seventh year under head coach Niko Medved, first beginning at Colorado State. Each player is connected with an individual warrior from M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital.
"When we started this my second year at Colorado State, I wanted to find a way to have a larger impact locally to college basketball's Coaches vs. Cancer initiative and a way to work together with our community," Medved said. "I'm looking forward to continuing that tradition here at Minnesota. We're really excited to build that relationship and learn about their individual journeys and the courage of these families."
The warriors will receive a full game day experience this week vs. Maryland. Individuals and their families are invited to a pre-game brunch and a special chalk talk with Coach Medved. The warriors will also be invited onto the court for the national anthem as they, the players, and coaches stand in solidarity. The group will also be recognized at halftime.
The Gophers will wear jerseys with the names of their designated warriors on the back, instead of their standard names, as part of the initiative.
Along with the game day recognition, a connection has been established between each player and their warrior through letters, a special Zoom call, a meet-and-greet at practice and a photo shoot.
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