As it turns out, the self-styled "Iceman" has a warm heart.

Hawai'i football player Dan Kelly, who earned the nickname because of his heroic placekicks, came through this past weekend, earning the most donations in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life.

Kelly secured $1,800 in donations for the event, which was held from 6 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday.

Doug Hussey, manager of the men's volleyball team and one of the event's coordinators, said the project raised $40,000 this year, and more than $150,000 the past four years. There were about 600 participants, including representatives from most of the UH athletic teams. The entire men's volleyball team entered.

Participants secured donations. The "race" was actually a symbolic walk on UH's Cooke Field track.

"This was for a good cause," Kelly said.

Kelly said his girlfriend's mother died of cancer, and his grandfather died of lung cancer.

"Even though it might not affect you, (cancer) is part of every day life," Kelly said. "You have to be aware of it."

Sean Carney, the volleyball team's starting setter, has watched his father battle the disease the past year.

In a letter to potential donors, Carney wrote about how his teammates have been supportive of his family.

"It was another show of how we are as a team," Carney said. "We're aware of (the disease) and how it can touch lives."

The Warriors managed to have a strong turnout despite having played a volleyball match Friday night. Many of the Warriors were suffering from head colds and flu-like symptoms.

Co-captain Jake Schkud endured a cold to walk a few laps.

"It was the right thing to do," Schkud said. "We'll do whatever we can to support each other and the millions of people who go through this every year. It's the least we can do."

Sam Morehouse, a setter who is a redshirt this season, made a fashion statement, dressing in drag — a result of a dare from volleyball teammates.

"He was an ugly girl," Schkud said, laughing.

Morehouse borrowed a cheetah-print dress from UH diver Raquel Bartlow. He wore a blond wig.

Unfortunately for Morehouse, one of the games was to go into the stands and ask for donations. The winner is declared Mr. Relay Race.

"I didn't know it was a Mr. Relay Race, so I dressed as a woman," said Morehouse, who earned $97 from spectators. "It was for a good cause."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.