As a teacher at Carson High School, Gary Lenshyn typically makes an effort to build the students' self-esteem. But he's sending a new message to a group of them.
"You better watch out," he warned. "We're not pulling any punches."
He's hoping his trash talk will intimidate students who signed up to take the teachers on in a basketball game Wednesday to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
But 16-year-old John Gradert, a forward on the varsity boys basketball team, plans to make him eat his words.
"They don't stand a chance," Gradert countered. "They're old and out of shape. They may get lucky, but they're still going to lose."
As co-chairwomen of the committee to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Erica Eng and Danielle Hollenbeck-Pringle, organized the benefit game.
"It's going to be entertaining," Eng said. "It will be interesting because we have a mix of people who are really good and then some underclassmen.
"Then we have the teachers, and who knows how good they'll play?"
The students have raised more than $3,000 so far this year to benefit the foundation, which grants the wishes of terminally ill children. Their goal is to raise $10,000.
World history teacher Fred Steinle helped with fund-raising efforts last year and will suit up to help again this year.
"I shaved my head for Make-A-Wish last year," he said. "Playing basketball is nothing compared to that."
He admits the students may have more skills on the court, but he's not ruling out dirty play.
"The students better duck," he joked. "When they have the ball, they better just run."
The teams will be a combination of male and female players and all grade levels.
"I've never played on a co-ed team before and it'll be weird to play against my teachers," said Ciarra Christian, 17, a guard on the girls varsity team.
The game will begin at 6 p.m. in the Carson High School gymnasium. It is $2 to enter, and donations will also be accepted.
Donations may also be made by calling the student leadership organization at 283-1770.
Contact Teri Vance at tvance@nevadaappeal.com or at 881-1272.
