University of Massachusets Athletics
Giving Back to the Community
 |  Senior tri-captain Kristen Schmidt of the field hockey team was one of many student-athletes who recently visited Shriner's Hospital in Springfield, Mass. |
By Michael Coyne & Seth Gerard
The Maroon & White
Part of being a successful student-athlete is the ability to handle oneself in potentially uncomfortable situations. On a recent trip to the Shriners Hospital in Springfield, Mass., members of UMass Student-Athlete Action Committee (S.A.A.C.) were truly put to the test. The Springfield location is part of the 22-hospital family which specializes in orthopedic care and rehabilitation to children with congenital orthopedic deformities, problems resulting from orthopaedic injuries, and diseases of the muscular skeletal system.
Shriner's is a world-wide association which treats children in a family-centered environment, recognizing that while medicine might heal the child's body, tending to the child's sense of well-being is equally important. The family is involved in the child's treatment, and each patient finds special support in meeting the challenges of his or her particular problem.
One of the families staying at Shriner's the day UMass visited were Jeff and Lisa Gousse of Lewiston, Maine. Their 10-month-old daughter Jaedyn was in the hospital with fibular hemimelia.
"It's really nice to see people take the time out their day," Jeff replied about the athletes' visit. "It's pretty awesome." They were in the middle of a week-long stay and were happy to report that Jaedyn's recovery was going along great.
Though she is too young to realize her current situation, her reaction to the new Danielle Henderson Beanie Baby touched the heart of Minutewoman infielder Cherra "Scooter" Wheeler. "Kids are the greatest thing," said the third basewoman who currently ranks second on the all-time home run list in UMass history. "Even though they [the kids] have their difficulties, they are enthusiastic and take it all in stride."
The same sediment was echoed by many others present including senior forward Kristen Schmidt of the field hockey team. "I enjoy coming, it really puts things into perspective and teaches you to not take things for granted. We are able to leave here with a good feeling." There are even some Minutemen who left with more than great satisfaction. "It was great fun and I even made a new friend," said senior Seth Lilburn referring to Addison- a 10-year-old who took a liking to the senior on the men's soccer team.
"It's not just the patients who appreciate the athletes coming down," said Director and Childlife Therapist Jesie Hagerman. "A week or more after the players have left, that is all the kids want to wear," she said referring to the t-shirts and hats given out. "It is good for students to see what these kids go through, and in the end it is a rewarding experience for everyone." Hagerman also pointed out that when the kids see UMass on television they immediately recognize the logo and feel a sense of assimilation.
UMass student-athlete services director Mike Jenkins says these are exactly the events SAAC should be involved in. "The SAAC group is key for creating a flow of information between student-athletes and the athletic department. It is also a way for them (the students) to get involved, not only in the community, but also in the administrative process."
It is great that the current SAAC body has strong leadership behind it. Current SAAC president Tamra Geryk, "understands the importance of SAAC," said Jenkins. "The fact that she can juggle the committee meetings, along with her academics and field hockey is examplary of the kind of student-athletes we have here."
The senior field hockey player, who had her name spelled out by the boisterous bunch as they left, would like to see the UMass chapter expand its horizons. Next semester, Geryk is calling for more visits to not only the Springfield hospitals but other regional locals as well. "We are trying to get more student-athletes involved and increase awareness of the program. It made me feel good that we had such a healthy turnout, but there is always room for growth," said Geryk. "The kids' energy is contagious and going there takes being a student-athlete to another level. It makes your athletic experience complete." Geryk said her ultimate goal is to start another winning tradition here at UMass.
The UMass visit to Shriner's is just one of many example of athletes reaching out to the community. This season, members of the football team will have made three trips to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. In addition, in early August, Joe Ferrer and Rob Williams of the UMass football team participated in the Community Sickle Cell Support Group's Sickle Cell Awareness and Support Walk-A-Thon held in Roxbury Mass.
While these kids do not realize the majority of these athletes are not likely to end up on the cover of a Wheaties box, it does not diminish the fact that they love having the athletes come and visit. UMass' god-like status in their eyes is what makes the whole experience possible. And while the kids may believe these guys are the greatest thing since sliced-bread, it's really the kids who are the true champions, and have a more profound impact on the athletes.