Feb. 3, 2014
Photo credit: C&G Newspapers
ROCHESTER, Mich. - Oakland's student-athletes spend much time practicing their sports and earning victories in the classroom, but also, they place importance on making a difference in the community. Whether individuals or teams, Golden Grizzlies are always on the lookout for ways they can lend their talents and time to help others. Even in the midst of a harsh winter, OU athletes have found ways to assist in the community and serve others.
Docs and Jocks - Oct. 18, Nov. 1 and Nov. 8, 2013
Golden Grizzlies paired with OU medical students and Avondale Schools to provide lessons to elementary students about health and well-being. Examples of categories that the students taught were nutrition, lifestyle and safety.
OU Day of Service - Nov. 13, 2013
A whopping 271 student-athletes volunteered in different service activities for various non-profit organizations. OU's American Red Cross Club, Student Veterans of Oakland University and The American Red Cross are just a few examples of organizations that were in attendance. Also, students were given the opportunity to write "words of encouragement" and/or "appreciation" letters for children who are in the hospital, Red Cross volunteers and our military personnel (in honor of Veterans Day).
Salvation Army Kick Off - Nov. 22, 2013
A percentage of the Oakland student-athletes were involved in the Salvation Army bell ringing activities that took place in the Village of Rochester in November. The bell ringers raise money annually for the Salvation Army to help those in need - a campaign that has been a strong tradition during the holiday season since 1891.
Teddy Bear Toss - Dec. 22, 2013
During halftime of the men's basketball game against Robert Morris on Dec. 22, members of the audience were invited by Oakland Athletics to bring new or gently used teddy bears to throw out on to the court for those in need. All donations went to benefit the Baldwin Center.
Mitten Toss - Jan. 25, 2014
Similar to the Teddy Bear Toss from December, Oakland joined forces with its fans once more for the Mitten Toss. Fans were asked to bring new or gently used mittens or gloves to the men's basketball game against UIC and throw them out on to the court. These donations also benefited the Baldwin Center.
Coach Kampe in the Community - Jan. 23, 2014
On Wednesday, Jan. 29, Greg Kampe traveled to the River Crest Banquet Facility to speak at the boy's basketball banquet for West Middle School. Coach Kampe was able to provide the young boys with a lesson on success both on and off the court. Having experienced much success himself in both of those venues, the boys of the West Middle School basketball teams were able to hear from a seasoned veteran about how participation in basketball is valuable in numerous facets of life.
"I think you can become the best at whatever you've been gifted to be good at," he said. "If you learn it in athletics as a youngster, you can use in something else. Just because you grow up loving basketball and it doesn't work out doesn't mean all your work isn't good work. What your building is the foundation for your life."
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