Hawks, Cops and Kids A Huge Success

Oct. 4, 2005

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

More than 85 University of Kansas student-athletes took part in a camp for children from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program this past Saturday. The camp, hosted by the KU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) in the athletics facilities, was an ambitious community service event to benefit some deserving children from Lawrence and six surrounding counties.

“Many of the children in our programs come from families who might not have had members who attended college,” commented Becky Carl Stutz, affiliate director of the Lawrence Big Brothers Big Sisters program. “Hawks, Cops and Kids was a good way for kids to gain exposure to a college campus and hang out with some of the students.”

Hawks, Cops and Kids provided an exciting opportunity for youth in grades 3-8 to meet and interact with law enforcement professionals and KU student-athletes. The students were divided into groups and escorted to stations where they learned about personal safety/stranger danger, internet safety, anti-drug awareness, and health and nutrition. Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning Andrea Hudy led the health and nutrition station. The kids also had the chance to participate in basketball, track and field, rowing, and football stations led by student-athletes from those respective sports. Additionally, student-athletes from a wide range of teams escorted and cheered on the kids as they participated in the activities. Trena Anderson, Director of Women’s Basketball Operations, and Ronnie Chalmers, Director of Men’s Basketball Operations, also stopped by to thank all the kids for participating and stressed the importance of working hard toward their goals.

“We really appreciate the student-athletes giving up their Saturday morning and leading the kids,” Carl Stutz added. “They were great role-models and I know the kids had a ball. It was also a great opportunity for the kids to develop a positive relationship with the local law enforcement personnel.”