Copyright 2015; Wilmington University. All rights reserved.
WILMINGTON, Del. - - Its rare to catch Wildcats and Peacocks interacting, but for two days this week that is exactly what was seen at Elbert-Palmer Elementary School as the Wilmington University men's and women's basketball teams took part in its book drive.
The first saying on Elbert-Palmer Elementary School's website is "Where Children Come First" and that was never less evident as the Wildcats joined the Peacocks in the school's library and assisted with the book drive. The men's team took part on Tuesday and Wednesday while the full cast of men and women's teams helped on Wednesday.
"The experience of helping with the book drive was impactful not only for the young people we served, but for our student athletes as well," men's head coach Dan Burke said. "It was humbling to see the admiration we received from the students and helped us remember our influence goes far beyond the basketball court."
Each student was asked to pick out three books from the library and the Wildcats were to assist them with stickers, writing their names, and even reading to the students.
"It is so important to have your players connect with their surrounding community off of the court," women's head coach Tiffany Silver added. "Being able to interact with the youth in the community and support them in ways to encourage the importance of education is an important piece. My players also win in this situation by learning that efficient leadership is built in service to others."
The women's team returns to the court on Saturday as they head to Bowie State for a nonconference matchup. The Wildcats return home for another nonconference match on Monday against Cheyney before both squads take on Chestnut Hill on Wednesday at the WU Athletics Complex.
