by Matt Cooke
There are very few students on the campus of any college or university who have a public microscope on them as much as that of a student-athlete.
These are students who wake up a 6 a.m. for morning workouts, go to class, eat lunch, go to practice, have team film sessions and then team study halls. All through that, these athletes must perform at a high level every time they step on the field or court as well as performing well every time they step into a classroom.
But while juggling this hefty schedule, student-athletes at the University of West Georgia also find time in their busy schedules to participate in multiple opportunities to help in the surrounding community in a program known as “Wolves Helping Others.”
Each year, many of these student-athletes are not just mandated to join along in helping in the community, but they look for these opportunities. Every year in March, dozens of Wolves head to local elementary schools to take an opportunity to read to children as a part of Read Across America on National Dr. Suess Day.
At last year’s Read Across America event, no less than 40 UWG athletes donned their red and blue and headed to seven different elementary schools across Carroll County. Once in the schools, the Wolves not only read books to the children, but they also talked to the kids about studying hard, staying in school and staying away from drugs and alcohol.
In addition, West Georgia athletes also participate every year in handing out food at the Carroll County Soup Kitchen to families in need as well as visiting the Pediatric Ward at Tanner Medical Center. Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams will do that again this holiday season to spread a little cheer and get some kids to howl along while brightening what might be otherwise a fairly tough day.
But those are just a few of the ways that the UWG Wolves are helping others. Many of the student-athletes participate in coaching recreation league teams in their sports and they continuously find ways to give back to the community.
No matter what the service is, UWG athletes are always striving to shine on the field, but more importantly, they look to make a difference off the field. And that is what the Wolves Helping Others program is all about.
Matt Cooke is the assistant sports information director and athletic events coordinator.
