Basketball players will be lining up to sink some baskets in a fundraiser today at Foothill High School for Coach Wardell Collins.

Collins, an assistant varsity basketball coach, who suffered from double kidney failure for most of 2012, received a kidney transplant donated by his aunt Yolanda Collins in December, Doctors say it's functioning well.

But getting the kidney surgery was a pricey operation and has left Collins with a significant financial burden.

To help out, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today, players will shoot free throws with donors paying for each basket they make. Straw Hat Pizza will serve lunch to those at the fundraising event.

"Wardell is an inspiration to us all, and I really want to make sure that he feels our support through this very difficult time for him," said Foothill Principal John Dwyer.

Cheryl Bates Rhoades was a parent volunteer when her son Jimmy was on the team from 2009 through 2011. She said Wardell gave the players the confidence that they could win against anyone.

"When we didn't win, it was a long ride home, but Coach Wardell was always positive," Rhoades said. "I don't think I ever saw him lose his temper at a game, which is quite an achievement if you've ever seen the local basketball games."

Pleasanton Weekly staff.

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