University of Minnesota Athletics
MAGIC In Full Swing This Summer
6/24/2015 12:00:00 AM | Student-Athlete Development
June 24, 2015
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Although we're in the midst of summer and a break from athletic competition, the University of Minnesota student-athletes and MAGIC (Maroon and Gold Impacting the Community) never stop making a difference within the community.As a part of the Eat Smart, Play Hard and promoting a Tobacco Free lifestyle, Gopher student-athletes visited Weaver Lake Elementary (Maple Grove, Minn.) and their Kidstop program. Speaking to kindergarten-third graders, the MAGIC program spoke to group about living healthy lifestyles (eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains) as well as living an active lifestyle. The student-athletes then spoke to 4-6 graders about the importance of living a tobacco free lifestyle. Participating at the event was Milicia McMillen and Lee Stecklin from women's hockey, Nicolle Murphy, Angela Guenther and Alexandra Heifort from women's track, Vanessa Johnston from rowing and Tereza Brichacova and Jessika Mozia from women's tennis.
"I think it is really important to connect with the kids through various topics and this program does a great job of doing it," Brichacova said. "I think the kids are interested in hearing about this from different people and a different perspective, not just their parents or teachers. I personally really enjoyed the afternoon with the kids and the rest of the student-athletes."
"I think it is really important to connect with the kids through various topics and this program does a great job of doing it," Brichacova said. "I think the kids are interested in hearing about this from different people and a different perspective, not just their parents or teachers. I personally really enjoyed the afternoon with the kids and the rest of the student-athletes."
Later that same week, Gopher student-athletes and staff visited Feed My Starving. During their time there, MAGIC partnered with other volunteers to pack 145 boxes to make 31,320 meals. With their contribution, the Gophers will help feed 86 children in the upcoming year. Participating in the event were football's Shannon Brooks, Ray Buford, Zo Craighton, Demry Croft. Mose Hall and Dior Johnson, men's hockey player Jack Sadek, men's basketball's Kevin Dorsey, Jarvis Johnson and Dupree McBrayer, wrestling's Dalton Clark. Larry Early and Robert Steveson and rowing's Vanessa Johnston.
"Having our student-athletes involved in community service is essential in our expectations of being ambassadors of the Maroon and Gold," Assistant Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Development Peyton Owens III said. "Our student-athletes giving of their time over the summer through Feed My Starving Children, speaks volumes to their belief in our greater vision and values, fostering excellence both inside and outside the lines of play."
"Having our student-athletes involved in community service is essential in our expectations of being ambassadors of the Maroon and Gold," Assistant Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Development Peyton Owens III said. "Our student-athletes giving of their time over the summer through Feed My Starving Children, speaks volumes to their belief in our greater vision and values, fostering excellence both inside and outside the lines of play."
The Gophers continue making a difference in their community in the next few weeks by volunteering at local elementary schools and their kidstop programs and helping at the National Senior Games.
Players Mentioned
/ Tennis
RB
/ Football
DB
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DB
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QB
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DB
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/ Women's Hockey
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