University of Tennessee Athletics
TRACK VOLS VISIT CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
December 01, 2006 | Men's Track
Dec. 1, 2006
The Tennessee men's track and field team used a chilly and windy day to warm the hearts of families and patients at East Tennessee Children's Hospital Friday. The Vols spent time signing autographs, posing for pictures and talking with the children.
Andy Baksa, Jeff Day, Tyler DeVault, Samdi Frasier, Justin Hansen, Denton Jones, Chris Kane, Yarrick Kincaid, Ben Lukowski, Dusty Miller, Matt Piccarello, Chris Platt, Brent Smith and Rubin Williams all gave up part of their afternoon to join coach George Watts visiting rooms and spreading holiday-season cheer.
ETCH Public Relations Specialist Joanna Simeone noted that everyone in the hospital looks forward to the student-athletes' visit.
"The whole hospital was excited about the team's visit," Simeone said. "The bright orange colors lighten the babies' faces. These visits are the highlight of the kids' day, if not their week, and they allow the parents to forget about the monotony of the day.
Kane understands the importance of service to the community even though he is only a freshman. The Karns High School graduate has volunteered for six community service events during the fall semester.
"I enjoy making a small impact in people's lives," Kane said. "The hospital visit was challenging, but I'm glad I got a chance to brighten the kids' day a little bit.
Seven-time All-America Williams knows that community service is vital to the Tennessee student-athlete.
"It's a rewarding experience," Williams said. "The feeling I get inside from helping other people makes it all worthwhile.
Simeone also pointed out the good relationship the whole athletic department at Tennessee has with ETCH.
"UT has been extremely generous and thoughtful for sharing its athletes with our patients," Simeone said. "They not only lift the spirits of the kids and parents but the staff members as well. The younger kids feel like they are meeting celebrities with every trip, and the teenagers love having all these role models coming and visiting them.
A select group of Volunteers traveled to Clemson, S.C., Friday to compete in the Clemson Opener this weekend.
