Huskers Give Extra Effort in the Community

Lincoln -- Just like on the court and in the classroom, members of the Nebraska men's basketball team give it their full effort while giving back to the community. Husker student-athletes routinely take time out of their busy schedules to provide service to the Lincoln community and state of Nebraska. Over the past few years, the players have participated in such programs as I've Got Heart, Team Spirit and the Tour of Excellence, as well as visiting hospitals and working with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes away from the public eye.

Earlier this summer, members of the men's basketball team, along with student-athletes from the football, volleyball and swimming teams, donated their time at Camp Ashland at the first of the three-stop Nebraska United program sponsored by the Governor's office, supporting the families of military troops from the state.

More recently, all returning Husker men's basketball players have taken time out of their personal schedules between summer classes, work and weightlifting to spend time reading and playing games with children in the Belmont Recreation Center's Summer Day Camp program. The camp has 40 to 60 children from kindergarten through sixth grade attending daily, giving each a chance to spend some time once a week with the Huskers. Every returning player will join the group before the summer is over, providing a little entertainment by reading to the kids, playing basketball or games, and signing autographs for the kids.

"Having the student-athletes join us helps inspire and motivate the kids to get up and play, and being sports-related helps them to get outside instead of staying indoors playing games," said Day Camp Director Vera Branch. "It helps keep them active, and when the athletes read to them, it motivates the kids to check out a book during the week in our summer library program. The kids are excited when any of the athletes come to visit because they just see stars."

The players enjoy working with the kids, as it provides a little relief from a normal day's activities during the summer.

"I think all of us enjoy interacting with kids and doing this kind of service," said junior guard Jake Muhleisen. "A lot of us have busy schedules, but we know it's important to take time out and give back to the community whenever you can because of the support all Nebraska sports receive during the year. And it's interesting and fun for us as well as the kids."