Ohio Dominican Student-Athletes Step Up to 'Make-a-Difference'

Ohio Dominican Student-Athletes Step Up to 'Make-a-Difference'

Release courtesy of the ODU Sports Information Department

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Several of Ohio Dominican’s athletic teams exchanged their bats, balls, cleats and spikes for rakes, shears and gloves this past Saturday morning for some fall cleaning as part of ODU’s annual Make-a-Difference Day in the neighboring Teakwood community.

For a photo gallery of Saturday morning, click here.

“We’re proud that our athletic teams come together like this for such a wonderful cause,” said Jeff Blair, ODU’s Athletic Director. “Our student-athletes not only excel in their respective athletic venues, but participating in events like Make-a-Difference Day gives people around the community a chance to see the true character of our student-athletes.”

Members of the track and field, softball and men’s and women’s soccer teams joined forces to assist the neighborhood citizens with various projects around their homes, including raking leaves, disposing of yard waste, trimming bushes and trees and loading wood. 

“It was really great to be part of the community and get to spend time with the Teakwood residents,” said senior Erin Sutter, centerfielder on the Panthers softball squad. “I had a fun time making a difference with the team and to see such a large turnout was definitely exciting.”

ODU’s athletes will continue their efforts off the courts this weekend as the ODU volleyball team will host its annual “Dig Pink” night in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month at 7 p.m. this Friday against Grand Valley State (Mich.). The Panther volleyball team will also host a canned food drive with Campus Ministry on its Senior Day against Saginaw Valley State (Mich.) at 2 p.m. on Sunday.