On Friday, March 29th, Collinsville hosted the staff of Skiatook Public Schools in a friendly basketball game and fundraiser to help offset the medical expenses of Daniel Dillman, a Collinsville teacher with Skiatook roots, who is battling cancer.

Dillman grew up in Skiatook and graduated from Skiatook High School in 1989. Not only did he teach at Skiatook High School, but he also was an assistant basketball coach. In Skiatook, Dillman not only was a positive influence to the students he taught and coached, but he also left a big impression on the faculty he worked with as well.

Dillman has since moved on to teach just down Highway 20 to Collinsville High School, where he continues to uplift and inspire his students. This year his students are learning something from him that is even more math: they’are learning resilience, they’re learning strength, and they’re learning bravery.

The fundraiser was not only a staff basketball game pitting the two rival schools against each other, but there was also a silent auction, t-shirts for sale, and all proceeds of the ticket sales went to help support Dillman.

While Collinsville escaped with a narrow win, both teams were winners in that they managed to rally together behind Dillman and bring an incredible turnout for an evening of lots of fun.

Patrick Dinneen, a long-time friend of Dillman and an fellow coach at Skiatook, reflected on the night of playing in the game.

“I really enjoyed getting to play in a benefit ‘pick-up style’ basketball game because we played basketball together every Sunday night for years,” Dinneen said. “We’ve fought, cussed, loved, hugged, laughed and cried together. He’s a great friend that is real and honest. We’ve had so many good memories through the years, and it was great to be a part of this special night.”

Mickey Michalec, another close friend of Dillman who was called a “prayer warrior” during the fun evening, said both schools did a great job coming together for the cause.

“It was great to see two communities rally around Daniel last night. He has taught and coached so many students over his career and both of the communities showed how much he means to them. The Bulldogs and Cardinals really came together for a greater cause. Job well done.”

Since his February diagnosis, Dillman has not let the chemo treatment he’s undergoing slow him down at all. He’s been in the classroom almost every day he’s not at the doctor, and his strength and determination has been noticed at the school.

After the evening, Dillman was thankful for all the support.

“The night was not only amazing, but also very overwhelming,” he said. “I truly spent time after time fighting back tears and putting a smile on my face to show all those in attendance, I am standing strong through this battle with cancer. I know it is a fight against a long tough road but with everyone’s support it makes it feel easier.”
