Huskers Help out in the Community

While most of their student-athlete peers were enjoying the holiday break with family and friends back home, Coach Dan Kendig and the Husker women’s gymnastics team were not only vigorously training for the onset of the 2009 season, but were also making their mark in the community. A perennial contender and current front-runner for the prestigious Life Skills Award of Excellence, the gymnasts recently volunteered at St. Elizabeth’s Regional Medical Center and Milder Manor Retirement Center.

"We get great support from the community of Lincoln and with our team being in town training during the holidays, it was the right thing to do giving time to others by making a positive impact," Head Coach Dan Kendig said.

On Dec. 29 the entire team spent the morning at St. Elizabeth’s Regional Medical Center providing encouragement and cheer to a variety of patients. The Huskers made the rounds to the burn unit, pediatrics, oncology and the intensive care unit. They all agreed after seeing some of the challenges endured by many of the patients, the demands and rigor of college gymnastics were suddenly put in perspective.

"I have so much respect for the courage, determination and fight displayed by so many patients to overcome their setbacks that I was inspired to work harder and I’m sure my teammates felt much the same," sophomore Brittnee Habbib said.

The athletes were especially touched by a high school athlete battling cancer who is now no longer able to compete in sports.

"His attitude and outlook on life despite what he has lost and is currently going through was amazing and so incredibly positive," former Husker standout Emily Parsons said.

The Huskers also visited Milder Manor Retirement Center on Jan. 5, and it proved to be a very positive experience for the Huskers as they continued to prepare for their season opener on Jan. 10 at Denver. They got a chance to introduce themselves and mingle with the residents of the retirement center. The gymnasts handed out bracelets, signed autographs and took pictures. The residents were very excited about meeting the Huskers and were able to ask them questions. For many, it was a highlight of the afternoon to be visited by such a well-known team and get to know more about their sport.