Over the past several weeks the Columbia College student-athletes have reached out to participate in various community activities. The men’s basketball team spent time with children at the local Boy’s and Girl’s Club. 

Submitted by Cindy Fotti, Columbia College, Assistant Director of Athletics/Media Relations

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Over the past several weeks the Columbia College student-athletes have reached out to participate in various community activities. The men’s basketball team spent time with children at the local Boy’s and Girl’s Club. Members of the softball and men’s basketball teams helped out at the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon and just this past week the whole athletic department hosted its ninth annual Field School Day with Eugene Field Elementary School.

This is the first time the Cougars have visited the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Columbia to help with their Dream Outside the Box program. Players visited with 40 youngsters to talk about academics, athletics and life.  Columbia helped answer phones at the Children’s Miracle Network for the second year in a row. 

“Our student-athletes love to work with and help out kids whenever time allows,” men’s basketball assistant coach Sean Dooley said.  “The team had a lot of fun and felt good about being able to help out two great local charities”

The Cougars typically host Field Elementary School in the spring for a field day, but with the school moving locations in January it was decided to move the day up to this semester so the event could take place. Cougar coaching staff members and student-athletes lead approximately 250 students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade through basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball and intramural sessions from 9:00 a.m. till noon.

Students were divided into their respective classes and spent approximately 20 minutes working with Columbia College student-athletes and coaches in each sport or activity. Students were taught fundamentals and basic skills as well the importance of sportsmanship and academics.  

“We always enjoy being a part of this event,” stated Columbia College Director of Athletics Bob Burchard. “Having our student-athletes interact with the students from Field Elementary is really special because they get a chance to pass on something about the sport they love. And the Field students seem to have a great time each year learning about all the sports we offer.”

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