GRANVILLE, Ohio (October 16, 2023) – Head Coach Jack Hatem and the Denison University football team have announced that they will host their annual Mental Health Awareness Game, in support of Denison's Mission 34 group, when they take the field against the College of Wooster in the Battle of the Old Red Lantern at 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 21.

The Big Red players are accenting in green to show their support for the mission, and you can show your support as well. Fans are encouraged to wear green to show their support for Mission 34. Additionally, there will be a donation box located inside Piper Stadium.

Mission 34 is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness through awareness, education, and communication. It aims to do this by providing speakers and education to high school and college aged students about the signs of depression, increasing awareness for suicide prevention and overall mental wellness.

Mission 34 has been organized in honor and loving memory of Sean P Bonner, Jr., #34 on Denison's Baseball team, who died by suicide at age 20 on November 7, 2018. Sean was an intelligent, loving, and caring friend to so many people. He was big and strong, but unbeknownst to his friends and family, Sean suffered from mental illness. His death was a total shock to everyone.

By telling Sean's story and hearing from others, Mission 34 hopes to equip those listening with what to look for and how to respond to those suspected with mental illness. They want to give those who are struggling the courage to share their story and ask for help. It shows strength to ask for help, not weakness.

Mission 34 Website