In Between Winning and Losing, Badgers Give Back
December 25, 2003 | General News
"The hand was open, generous, and true; the heart brave, warm, and tender."--Charles Dickens
The Wisconsin Badgers have heard the words of Dickens during this holiday season and also honor them all throughout the year. While most people see the Badgers gearing up to hammer the Hawkeyes, grind the Gophers or smash the Spartans, UW's Big Red NCAA Champs/Life Skills program allows student-athletes to show their warm and tender side and connect with the community.
"It was the season of hospitality, merriment, and open-heartedness."
Last week, junior Beth Redfearn, a captain on the women's crew, and several teammates volunteered at the Toys for Tots Salvation Army program at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. The Badgers helped load cars with goodies, food and toys.
According to the NCAA, CHAMPS/Life Skills Program was created to support the student development initiatives of its member institutions and to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience within the university setting.
"Now, I return to this young fellow. And the communication I have got to make is, that he has great expectations."
While the Life Skills program enhances the student-athlete's experience, it also provides a great opportunity for the community to see a athlete's leadership qualities off the field.
Stephanie Rich, a junior on the women's basketball squad, along with women's basketball assistant coach Denise Ianello recently spoke at the Sauk Prairie District Leadership seminar. Nick Cochart, a senior on the football team, spoke at the St. Dennis Youth Athletic League dinner and Patrick Ellestad, a junior on the football team, and Lyle Maiava, a sophomore on the football squad, spoke at the Lodi Fifth Grade Youth football banquet.
".. . . for it is good to be children sometimes"
One of the most rewarding iniatives in which many Badgers participate is interactions with children. The student-athlete is a great, positive role model for children to meet and talk with. The student-athlete can demonstrate a good work ethic and well-rounded outlook to winning and losing.
Visits to the UW Children's Hospital are a regular occurrence for student-athletes. Various Badgers talk, visit, listen and play with the children at the hospital. Members of the football team, women's basketball team and women's soccer team recently stopped by the hospital. The women's soccer players also made two stops at the Ronald McDonald House.
Junior Ebba Gebisa and freshman Kandace Evans, both members of the women's basketball team, recently read to children at Abundant Life. Numerous football players and other Badgers spent a day with youngsters at Kids Day at the Kohl in October. Last month, members of the women's hockey team visited a YMCA afterschool program at Kennedy elementary and spent two hours with the children playing football, hockey, and board games and making crafts.
"My meaning simply is, that whatever I have tried to do in life, I have tried with all my heart to do well; that whatever I have devoted myself to, I have devoted myself to completely."
As anyone who attends a Badger event in any sport can tell, UW's student-athletes are a committed bunch. Teamwork and hustle are staples of any contest at the Field House, Kohl Center, McClimon Track/Soccer Complex or Natatorium.
The Badgers are just as committed to community service and the Big Red Life Skills program. Throughout the year, student-athletes will be in the community, interacting with children, adults and you. Watch for more reports about how "Badgers Give Back" found at UWBADGERS.COM.
