University of Minnesota Athletics
MAGIC Visits Target Field for Gala
11/20/2014 12:00:00 AM | Student-Athlete Development
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Written by Tyson Peters
Athletic Communications Intern
The University of Minnesota student-athletes were bringing smiles to young faces at the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Muscle Team Gala on Tuesday, November 18 at the Target Center.
Among the 10 Golden Gophers in attendance were Seth Ambroz and Christian Isackson of men's hockey, Anna Cruse and Abigail Hauser of the rowing team, soccer's Olivia Schultz, Derek Wiebke from men's cross country, women's golf's Carmen Laguna, Celia Kuenster and Emie Peronnin, and Abigail Demuse from women's gymnastics.
The 13 Muscle Team children were mingling with Gopher student-athletes, as well as Minnesota Viking Kyle Rudolph, WWE Hall-of-Famer Sgt. Slaughter, Minnesota Timberwolves Corey Brewer and Ronny Turiaf, among many other current and former professional Minnesota athletes. Each of the children made fantastic art projects that were up for auction, and bid on by not only the guests in attendance, but also many of the professional athletes.
Gopher alum Kaela Anderson, now in a full-time role with student-athlete affairs, loves to see all the volunteering the athletes get involved in. "The Gophers give back all the time, but it was very cool to see all the pro athletes coming back," she said. "It just really shows that Minnesota athletes love this community and we're really happy to be a part of it."
"It was really fun to talk to some of these kids about their favorite things and have them seem to forget about everything else that is going on," said Celia Kuenster from women's golf. "To have them be the stars of the night was really cool."
Women's golf's Carmen Laguna was blown away by the event. "Sometimes we really get so caught up in sports and how the season is going, but then you get to meet these kids and they're just so happy with what they have," she said. "This experience is so cool. To be involved and watch them interact with other athletes really makes me see how lucky I am to be healthy and to be able to play sports I love."
Players Mentioned
