Feb. 7, 2008

By LINDA BOUVET, LSSU Sports Information Director

The Lake Superior State University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee intensified its efforts three years ago in order to bridge the gaps between athletes participating in LSSU's 13 Division I and II sports and to get them more involved in community service.

Coaches weren't sure what kind of response they would get from their players, who already had packed daily schedules. Not only did every team eagerly send representatives, but they succeeded in uniting the student-athletes. When attending LSSU events, the Lakers' biggest and loudest cheering sections have been the student-athletes from other teams wearing "It's Game Day/Believe in Blue" t-shirts and supporting their peers.

From there, the SAAC embarked on other projects, supporting special events within the Sault Ste. Marie Community. The athletes were bell ringers for the Salvation Army, collected coins at hockey games for the United Way and sold nails for Habitat for Humanity.

One event in particular, the Chains of Love project, took on a life of its own and made a lasting impact on the LSSU athletes.

In December, the SAAC held a silent auction, and proceeds were split between women's athletics and a fund to sponsor two local families at Christmas. Although the auction was successful in raising $600 for charity, the athletes wanted to raise more money so they could sponsor more families. They decided to sell chain links for $1 each and string them along the North end of Bud Cooper Gymnasium. It didn't take long for fans to notice the paper chains and want to pitch in, and the teams raised an additional $800. They had enough money to sponsor six Chippewa County families.

"We had one group that went shopping and another group that wrapped presents," said junior Trisha Dutton of the volleyball team. "Each team adopted a family on their own. We had a list of names and ages, and the stuff they wanted and needed. Each team had a certain amount of money, and we spent that."

The children in one family asked for sleeping bags because they didn't have beds. Laker athletes briefly stepped out of their campus cocoons to make a difference for children whose day-to-day existence is consumed by poverty. The approaching final exams and big home hockey series were put into perspective.

"I didn't realize how many families in need were out there," Dutton said. "Kids who didn't have beds - it broke all of our hearts. There are so many things we take for granted. One little thing can help a person."

"This was a great opportunity for us as student-athletes to go out in the community and make a difference on a special occasion like Christmas," LSSU hockey captain Troy Schwab said. "We're very fortunate to be in the position we are. And anytime you can help someone, it's definitely worth it. It was nice to see all the Lake State teams come together for such a great thing."

"I had fun. It was another bonding experience with my teammates," Dutton added. "We were doing something good and doing something for our school. This year has been great. The Believe in Blue campaign and athletes going to each other's games - you can definitely tell when other teams are there."

Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., is a blue-collar community of 16,000 residents who dig deep into their pockets to support the University and public schools. LSSU hockey coach Jim Roque has said many times that coaching or playing for Michigan's smallest public school is not for everybody, but "this place gets into your soul."

Kris Dunbar, LSSU's all-time leader in basketball wins and now in her second year as director of athletics, grew up in Sault Ste. Marie. The house she grew up in is closer to Cooper Gym than the campus housing she lived in when she played basketball at LSSU from 1988-92.

"Being a native of Sault Ste. Marie, I know the importance of the University and town relationship," said Dunbar, who helped the SAAC members deliver packages to the Diane Peppler Shelter and Head Start program in time for Christmas. "Athletics can play a significant role bridging the two groups together. Our student-athletes appreciate the support given to them by the local community and try to give back by volunteering their time to local charities and organizations. I am very proud of the recent efforts our student-athletes have made to help make Sault Ste. Marie a great community to live in."

"Knowing that we are giving some little girl or boy the perfect Christmas made my Christmas," said junior Megan LaMothe of the women's tennis team. "The community helps the teams with anything they need, so it is nice to give back to the community as a way of saying thanks."