Even during run to playoffs, Kats give back
12/1/2017 2:51:00 PM | Football
HUNTSVILLE – The Sam Houston State Bearkat football team has always taken time to give back to the Huntsville community and even during this year's run into the FCS Playoffs, that effort has always stayed at the forefront.
Members of the Kats recently visited Huntsville Head Start where they read books to the kids, assisted with counting and enjoyed recess with them. Additionally, they helped the teachers organize their rooms and took time to serve snacks to over 100 kids during the visit.
“During the fall semester it is a little tougher to find time to do community service with our player's busy schedule, but whenever we can find opportunities to help out, we do,” Bearkat head coach K.C. Keeler said. “Giving back is one of our core beliefs. The community does such a great job supporting us, so we know it's important that we get out there and do the same.”
Coach Siddiq Haynes and members of the Bearkats also made a stop at Mance Park Middle School where they took time to directly mentor students there. Coach Haynes had the opportunity to speak to the students on the value of time management and accountability as part of the Men of Honor Summit.
“The main goal of the summit is to bring male community members into the school to build relationships and to give our 8th grade students an understanding that other people do care about them,” B.J. McMichael, the Minister of Small Groups at University Heights Baptist Church said. “We care about the struggles they face as they are trying to understand what it takes to be a man. Relationships are the key to learning these truths.”
Along with speaking to the students about accountability and time management, the Bearkat players in attendance were also able to speak to the students directly in smaller groups, answering any specific questions they might have while also providing encouragement in an individual setting.
“Having the football players from Sam come into the schools makes a big difference,” B.J. McMichael, the Minister of Small Groups at University Heights Baptist Church who helped partner with Mance Park said. “The platform of being a collegiate athlete brings a certain type of respect. Seeing men who have overcome and are overcoming some of the same struggles speaks volumes. As a SHSU alumni, it makes me proud to see the young men on our football team giving their time to our community. It is an investment that will not be wasted.”
“The guys do such a great job when we visit the kids,” Coach Haynes said. “Earlier in the fall we visited the Boys & Girls club and the guys thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Being able to go to Head Start and visit Mance Park was amazing. At the Middle school, they had the chance to influence the kids to make the right choices in life.”
