Connections - An Alumni and Friends Magazine by Holy Cross College, Notre Dame, IN
Basketball Players Visit Children in Hospital
"It's great for the everyone, the players and coaches alike, to get out in the community and do
something that's brightening someone's day."
— Head Coach Steve Baumgartner
As part of the Holy Cross curriculum and the NAIA "Champions of Character" program, Saint's athletes often take time for acts of service. On a trip to the pediatrics unit at South Bend Memorial Hospital, the basketball players read aloud, hung around and talked with the kids. While there, they also handed out posters that had been signed by the team.
"It's great for the everyone, the players and coaches alike, to get out in the community and do something that's brightening someone's day," said Head Coach Steve Baumgartner. "We love seeing the smiles on the kids when they see the players walk in. Not only do the kids like it, but the parents are appreciative that we have taken time to visit with them and their children."
Lessons are learned, friendships are made but, most of all, the players learn what it truly means to be a student-athlete. There are a lot of memories and stories that will not soon be forgotten by the children, players and coaches. Assistant coach, Ed Baumgartner, had this to say about his visits to the hospital; "The little boy, who according to his mom, had never sat through an entire storybook before, the little girl who was so tired but wouldn't let her eyes close while she was being read to, the smiles, the high fives, these are things the kids, their families, and the players won't soon forget."
In accordance with the NAIA Champions of Character Program, the Saints Athletic Department encourages the development of its athletes through the experience of serving the community.