Huskers Show that Mondays Matter

There is an undeniable buzz in the air in the fall on Saturdays with college football in full force. Saturdays are a big deal to Husker fans and players alike, but a new Nebraska athletic outreach venture highlights the caring side of Husker football players on Mondays.

Mondays Matter, coordinated through Nebraska’s comprehensive Life Skills program, takes football student-athlete role models in and around Lincoln on select Mondays during the academic year to promote the importance of volunteerism. Senior kicker Jake Wesch and four of his Husker teammates participated in the inaugural Mondays Matter at the Ridgewood Retirement Center in Seward on Sept. 22.

"Sometimes with the spectacle of college football and all that goes with it, the focus on what really matters can be lost," Wesch said. "It is great for us to redirect people and let them know that first and foremost we appreciate their passion for our teams, but most importantly we want to be connected with the community and give back."

Joining Wesch at the Ridgewood Retirement Center was Latravis Washington, Justin Baumgartner, Adi Kunalic and Blake Lawrence. Lawrence, a member of the Brook Berringer Citizenship Team in 2008 and frequent community volunteer, told the residents that their loyalty and support drives the Huskers to give back.

"Each of you help make our Nebraska experience special," Lawrence said. "Coming out to interact with you is a small way to express our thanks."

The next Mondays Matter event will take place on Oct. 20, when a group of Huskers visit St. Elizabeth’s Regional Medical Center. Remaining Mondays Matter fall events will take place at City Impact on Nov. 3, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital on Nov. 17, and with the Charlie Brown’s Kids Good Grief Support Group on Dec. 1.

Mondays Matter Schedule of Events
Sept. 22 - Ridgewood Retirement Center (Seward)
Oct. 20 - St. Elizabeth's Regional Medical Center
Nov. 3 - City Impact
Nov. 17 - Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital
Dec. 1 - Charlie Brown's Kids Good Grief Support Group