Ashford (Iowa) University Saints Give Back to the San Diego Community

Submitted by Sly Grimm, Sports Information Director, Ashford University

December 22, 2008 – The Ashford University men’s and women’s basketball teams recently traveled to San Diego, California to compete against a pair of west coast teams, but ended up making a much larger impact on a group of elementary students.

                 
While on the trip the Saints were concentrating on their opponents, but took time out to visit Creekside Elementary School. There the teams gave a presentation on what it takes to be a good student-athlete. Members spoke of time management, integrity, sportsmanship, leadership and community service. Then team members allowed the elementary student to ask questions. After the typical questions about who is the fastest and who could dunk, some students asked about what it takes to get a scholarship and who helped the Saints get to where they are today. Then Ashford head coaches Andy Eberhart and Chris Powers gave a speech on having good character in every situation, not being afraid to fail and how to be a good student. At the conclusion of the presentation the entire group played the basketball version of “Simon Says” called “Coach Says.”

One class that was particularly interested in the teams was a fifth grade classroom. At the beginning of the year, the team had adopted Purdue University to learn more about the school, follow its sports teams and cheer for throughout the year. After Ashford’s visit, this classroom instantly changed allegiances and picked the Saints. A project for the students to start an email pen pal program is also in the works. 

“I thought both the men’s and women’s teams had a great time speaking about the NAIA’s Champions of Character program with the kids,” said Eberhart. “It was a learning experience for all parties involved. We look forward to being able to do more character building activities in the future.”

“On this day the members of the Ashford University men’s and women’s basketball teams gave back something that couldn’t be accomplished on the floor. They helped teach students what it takes to be one of the few who are lucky enough to play college basketball, what it takes to be a successful student-athlete, but most of all, the Saints taught the children of Creekside Elementary School what it takes to be a good person,” Eberhart said.

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