While much of student athletes’ time is spent practicing and competing in their sport, they also spend time volunteering.

One aspect of being a part of a team is community service.

Gregory Isaac, assistant director of Student-Athlete Services, explained the importance of athletic teams participating in charity work.

“It is important to take care of the people that are taking care of us [those who donate to the athletic program],” he said.

Student athletes clock in a total of 1,921 community service hours, according to a monthly athlete newsletter from Student Athlete Services. The women’s cross country and track team was in the lead with 560 hours.

Isaac is also an adviser for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. This committee consists of student-athletes who represent all 18 University sports teams on campus.

University senior and tennis player Nikki Chiricosta recently participated in Dance Marathon for service hours.

“Dance Marathon was probably my favorite activity from the year because we got to work hands-on with the miracle kids. It was so fulfilling to actually be able to see where the money is going and how appreciative the kids are of life,” Chiricosta said.

Other activities Chiricosta has participated in include move-in day for freshmen and The Blessings Bag Campaign, which is a program designed to collect travel size items to donate to the Toledo Food Bank.

“I’m really proud of the things we’re doing in the athletics services program,” Isaac said.

Ryland Ward, University senior and football player, reflected on his service throughout his time at the University and how much it meant to him.

“It’s awesome to see the smile you put on someone’s face after being of service to them. It’s very rewarding and makes you want to go out there and keep helping the community,” he said.

Chiricosta and Ward both agree charity work within athletic teams are important because students, faculty and the community look up to athletes. Their service is used to set an example to adolescents.

The football team has a running total of 41.5 hours for the year, but Ward and the rest of the players are looking forward to gathering more hours soon.

Isaac has been amazed at how well the athletes balance their time.

“These guys are finding the time to do this despite their busy schedules,” Isaac said. “Sometimes I wonder how they do it, but they get it done.”