Ottumwa Schools will host “Gold for the Bold” to tackle childhood cancer on Friday, October 10, 2025, during the football game versus Norwalk at Schafer Stadium. Across the country, high schools host “Gold Games” to raise awareness and show support for families affected by childhood cancer. Ottumwa held its first Gold Game a few years ago to support the family of an alumnus facing this battle.

For the second year, Ottumwa iJAG students are leading the initiative to raise both awareness and funds for children fighting cancer. In 2024, the event raised more than $5,000 for the University of Iowa’s Pediatric Oncology Department to support pediatric cancer care.

This year’s “Gold for the Bold” event is dedicated to the family of Tryce Hugen, the four-year-old son of Zach and Madelyn Hugen, and big brother to Tatum. In April 2024, doctors discovered a golf ball-sized tumor on the left side of Tryce’s cerebellum. While most of the tumor was removed through surgery, its location has allowed it to continue growing. Since then, Tryce has undergone chemotherapy at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City and received follow-up care at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Despite these challenges, Tryce remains the toughest, happiest, and most energetic little boy you’ll ever meet! You can follow his journey on Facebook at Tryce Tough: Tryce Tough Facebook Page.

To support the Hugens, an apparel and accessories fundraiser is available online at Gold Out Game Apparel. In addition, iJAG students are selling cardstock ribbons to create a display of support, with 100% of proceeds benefiting families fighting cancer. Ribbons can be purchased through this Google Form.

Fans are encouraged to wear gold in support of the cause at the Bulldogs’ final scheduled home game on October 10. Varsity kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. at Schafer Stadium.