Lambuth University (Tenn.) men's and women's basketball programs use the Champions of Character program in the Arlington community

Posted 12.10.07
Submitted by Joshua M. Pendergrass, Assistant Director of Athletic Media Relations, Lambuth University (Tenn.)

NAIA Champions of Character: Lambuth Lady Eagles Prepare Christmas Boxes for Active Duty Soldiers

Jackson, TN - The Lambuth Lady Eagle Basketball team took time out of their busy schedule today to take a moment to thank those serving our country in combat operations in Iraq.

In an effort spear-headed by Team Chaplain, Mrs. Lisa Clements, the Lady Eagles prepared two boxes filled with DVDs, candy, toiletries, games, and Lambuth Game DVDs, as well as a note with a picture of each player.

Although operations like this are often mentioned in the news media on a much larger scale, this sign of thanks has a special meaning for the Lady Eagles, especially for freshman Maegan Sanders.

The boxes, which were shipped earlier this afternoon, were sent to Kole and Kreig Jean, Maegan's brothers who are both currently serving in Iraq.

"The girls are excited about this and we feel very blessed to get to bring a small amount of Christmas to Kole and Kreig," commented Clements. "I have been working with Maegan's mother to get this accomplished and they are both very excited that our ladies would be willing to reach out in such a special way to those who put their lives on the line for us each day."

Along with our thanks to Kole and Kreig, the entire Lambuth University family, would like to thank all of our men and women who are currently serving in our armed forces. Their dedication and sacrifice are unmatched and we wish them and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

NAIA Champions of Character: Lambuth Eagles Share the Gift of Reading

Jackson, TN – We all remember our favorite stories from our childhood. Perhaps it was The Little Engine that Could, or the humorous adventures of the vicarious Curious George or even Dr. Seuss’s Cat in the Hat. No matter what the title of the book, we each remember the vivid colors, the eye catching pictures, and of course the story-lines. We remember being told that learning to read was very important and that doing it would open many doors for us in the future.

Some things have changed since our childhood, but what hasn’t changed is the importance of reading and childhood literacy. As an institution of higher learning, Lambuth is committed to ensuring that those in our community understand the value of education and are able to read and enjoy those same books for themselves.

On November 20, 2007, the Lambuth Eagle Men’s Basketball Team shared some of their favorite childhood books with the kindergartners at Arlington Elementary school which is just one block away from the Lambuth campus. Each member of the team took turns reading to the children and sharing with them the gift of stimulating one’s imagination by simply reading a book.

"Several of our young men have special attributes when it comes to helping others," commented Head Men’s Basketball Coach Kevin Burton. "We have always really enjoyed working with youth and we were glad to visit Arlington Elementary."

The visit by the Eagles to the school, is one of many partnership events which takes place every year between Lambuth and Arlington.

"We are very fortunate to have a wonderful school like Arlington right here in the Lambuth neighborhood," said Interim Athletic Director Dave McCulley. "Each year LU partners with Arlington to bring their high performing students to a baseball game, to honor their students’ achievements at basketball and football games, and to do as the Eagles have done and share with them our love of learning. Lambuth seeks to attract student-athletes who want to excel both on the court or playing field and in the classroom; the Eagles’ visit to Arlington is a testament to that and to Lambuth’s commitment to the Lambuth area."

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