NEW CASTLE, DE -- The Wilmington University softball team hosted their pen pals from Townsend Elementary School on Saturday, April 24, 2010 for a doubleheader against Bloomfied College.  The team has been corresponding with Mrs. Danielle Del Duco's second grade class since September, writing letters to the students twice a month. 

The class was invited to watch the Wildcats play a doubleheader against Bloomfied.  They received t-shirts, had the chance to have their picture taken with Wiley D. Wildcat (the school's mascot), had a pizza party, received t-shirts, met their pen pals for the first time, escorted them onto the field, and watched the 'Cats in action on the diamond.

Despite the threat of rain, the weather cooperated and a good time was had by all.  "We had a great turnout attend the game.  Many of our students were able to come out to the event and the children really enjoyed themselves.  It was great to see them get a chance to meet their pen pals and cheer them on during the games", stated Mrs. Del Duco. 

Head coach Erin Harvey, a Townsend resident, agreed.  "The event was wonderful.  My student-athletes were looking forward to this all week.  We enjoy receiving and writing our letters every month and it was nice to actually meet the children.  We hope they had a great time, and look forward to continuing this relationship in the future."

Wilmington's Athletic Director, Frank Aiello stated, "It has been a great experience to see our student-athletes give back and know that they can contribute on and off the playing field."