SEMO ATHLETES HELP SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER

A number of Southeast Missouri State University athletes are proving to be just as adept at spreading cheer as they are on their playing fields and courts.

For the first time this year, Southeast has instituted a good-will program that features various athletes from all the school's intercollegiate sports programs.

Last week several athletes went Christmas caroling to various area residents. This week some athletes are going to the children's ward at Southeast Missouri Hospital bearing toys that were donated by Southeast coaches and other athletic department members.

Other activities also will be planned for the remainder of the school year.

The program was instituted by Alicia Scott, Southeast's assistant athletic director for compliance and student services. Andy Lynch and Jodi Davis, two graduate assistants working under Scott, are helping coordinate the program.

"This is the first year for us to have a program like this," said Lynch. "There's no catchy name for it; we just thought it would be a good thing to start.

"We've had a lot of good response from our athletes. A lot of people are eager to help out. With the busy class and practice schedule, and road trips, for the sports that are currently playing it's hard to find the time. We want to spread this out during the year so everybody can get involved."

"These activities are to give a little bit back to the community. It lets people know that our athletes are part of the community, that they're not just here four years to play sports and that's it."

Lynch said that among other plans in the works are for athletes to visit nursing homes and senior-citizen centers.

"Hopefully this is something we can get going and continue on an annual basis," he said. "We feel like it's a good thing for our athletes. They enjoy it and the community benefits."