Greenville College Athletes Lend Hands and Hearts to Serving Local Community

Published: April 13, 2021

Each season, Greenville College athletes and coaches dedicate their time and energy toward achieving athletic success. Long hours spent on fields and courts running drills, practicing plays, rehearsing moves and training their muscles and minds to move with the power and skill needed to be successful in their sport. In addition to their dedication to succeed on the court and on the field, GC athletes and coaches also devote time and energy toward helping others succeed by lending their hands and hearts to people in Bond and Madison Counties.

KICKS FOR KIDS GC volleyball players kicked off the school year by hosting a shoe fair that provided new back to school shoes for needy children in Bond County. The team raised $2,000 and outfitted 50 children, ages 5-11, with footwear. Service is essential to GC volleyball, according to Coach Tom Ackerman (Class of 99). We want players to become better in every aspect of their lives. Coach Ackerman registered his 200th career win this season and was named conference Coach of the Year.

OFF COURT SERVICE In September, more than 400 teens and their families enjoyed The Silver Ring Thing, thanks in part to the Greenville College mens tennis team. GCs players served up an ace for Relevant Pregnancy Options Center in Highland, IL by assisting with set up and tear down of the fast-paced, nationally acclaimed production. The Silver Ring Thing incorporates music, lasers, lights, video, drama and comedy to promote teen abstinence. On the courts, GCs 2013 mens tennis team set a record with 12 regular season victories under the leadership of Coach Brett Brannon (Class of 97).

TIME OUT Each Friday before a home game, nearly 100 football players and coaches put servant-leadership theory to practice by visiting nursing home residents, teaching kids football skills, helping local residents with yard work and washing windows. In order to he a leader in the community, you must serve, says Head Football Coach Robbie Schomaker.We hope that after four years, our players will take this servants heart with them to wherever they put down roots. The Panthers posted a 9-1 season this fall and registered the second-longest winning streak in NCAA history.

These articles were originally published in The RECORD Winter 2013- President's Report.