Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information
DILLON, Mont. - The Montana Western Athletic Department announced Tuesday morning that Thursday's home Frontier Conference basketball games against the University of Providence will be Hoops for a Cause Night to fundraise for this year's beneficiary, the Isakson family.
Thursday night's games will feature numerous ways to donate to the family. There will be a raffle throughout the evening and halftime pop a shot. In addition, both teams will be wearing ClayStrong t-shirts as warm-up shirts. There will be a limited number of t-shirts for sale with proceeds going to the family.
Clay Isakson's Story
Providence men's basketball coach J.C. Isakson is facing the unthinkable a his seven-month-old son, Clay, is experiencing health complications due to neonatal Marfan syndrome.
Clay Kobe Isakson was born June 6, 2023, the twin to Crue, and little brother of BlaykLinn. He suffered immediate and difficult complications after birth and spent 22 days in the NICU.
Neonatal Marfan syndrome affects the development of connective tissue in the heart, lungs, eyes, and muscular skeletal system. Clay is one of only 35 patients with this syndrome in the United States, and has dealt with respiratory issues since birth.
He suffered immediate and difficult complications after birth and spent 22 days in the NICU. Clay will need to visit hospitals in both California and Colorado at least twice a year for the foreseeable future.
J.C. is in his first season with the University of Providence Men's Basketball program. The Augusta, Mont. native played at Montana Western on the men's basketball program under head coach Steve Keller. During his time at Montana Western, the Bulldogs qualified for three NAIA National Tournaments, making the "Sweet 16" twice. They were also the 2012 Frontier Conference Co-Champions. As a player and a coach, Isakson has qualified for the NAIA National Tournament five times, and was part of two Frontier Conference Championships.
