Spirit of Giving Permeates Principia Teams During Pre-Season

ELSAH, Ill. - The Principia College volleyball and cross country teams came back to the campus a little early this summer to bond as a group while giving back to the community.

First they started out by visiting the Peace Haven Association, a Christian Science nursing facility. They started with a big group hymn sing and then some students helped with yard work outside while others gave manicures to some of the residents. Head volleyball coach Mary Ann Sprague comments, "I can't think of a better way for a collegiate team to start the season than to think outside themselves and to meet the needs of others. Sitting beside the residents of Peace Haven and helping them in the tiniest way brought such joy to everyone."

Then the group went to the Center for American Archeology (CAA) in Kampsville, Illinois, where they cleaned a barn, painted old chairs and brought the sparkle back to the MacDougall Dormitory. Sprague again comments, "It was very gratifying to be of true service to the CAA. After a summer full of CAA sponsored programs, their facilities were in great need of cleaning and painting." Mary Pirkl Crawford, director of Education at the center remarked, "I am truly moved by your group's willingness to brave dirt, spiders, soap suds, green paint (and a decided lack of glamour) in support of our program and facility. Your work was of tremendous help as we prepare for our fall school field trips."

This week of giving gave the two teams a chance to come together as one unit to bond as student athletes. Sophomore volleyball player Savanna says, "I think it's cool how two sports who train in opposite ways can finally come and work together to help out in a fun week of giving."

Courtesy Principia College sports information