(WILMINGTON, Ohio) - Wilmington College student-athletes have volunteered at Clinton-Massie Elementary School over the course of the semester.
Jalen Goodwin, the Director of the Scheve Athletic Center, spoke about initiating the support for Clinton-Massie. "For a community to be successful in the future, we must pour into and inspire the youth. My high school basketball coach, a Wilmington High School alum, would always emphasizes the important of having a relationship with the youth basketball programs in the school district because those are the same kids who will one day be in the high school program," says Goodwin. "Sometimes, all it takes is one interaction with a college athlete or a professional to spark a young kid's willingness to learn about something they never knew they had a passion about."
Goodwin's past experience helped encourage him to start this program. "Before I arrived here at Wilmington, I was a youth sports director for a year, and I loved every aspect of leading a camp, class, or training. I wanted to make sure I brought a piece of what I experience at Ronnie Grandison Sports Academy to the Wilmington and Clinton County Community," says Goodwin. "I thought this would be a great opportunity for our students to get some real-life experience when it comes to planning and executing a plan. I believe if you can lead a group of children, you can just about lead anyone," Goodwin adds.
The practicum students can combine their sports experience into real world scenarios with the youth. "Our practicum students are learning on the fly how to deal with conflict resolution, how to be assertive, and how to bring energy and enthusiasm to each of these classes," explains Goodwin.
Athletes and practicum students such as senior outfielder J.C. Calhoun, junior fullback and long snapper Tyler Barth, and linebacker Gavan Hunter are some of the students who have worked with the kids. Forward Andria Pollazek, midfielder Avery Minteer, and second baseman Jocelyn Franz have also volunteered with the kids.
"It is fun to see them competitive," exclaims Barth. "The kids smile, I love to see them have fun," adds Calhoun.
Franz reflected on her time with the kids. "My experience there was amazing! I loved getting to help the kids make sure they were getting the same experience I got as an elementary kid," says Franz. "I loved interacting and playing the games with the kids and just hearing all of the laughter in the room."
Hunter, a Clinton-Massie graduate, expressed how the significance to giving back to his childhood school. "The Clinton-Massie community is a caring one and I thought it to be my duty to give back to ensure the kids have some sort of gym class. I could not imagine being a kid growing up and not having a gym class, so to give an experience for those kids that could be similar to what I was blessed with having when I was their age means the world to me," expresses Hunter. "The joy and friendships made during my time at Clinton-Massie is something that every kid deserves and I am blessed to get the opportunity to try and foster that same environment, if not a better one for these kids."
The appreciation extends to the Clinton-Massie teachers as well. Ms. Turner, a 4th grade teacher at Clinton-Massie Elementary expressed her appreciation for the Wilmington students. "We appreciate the community reaching out to help support. Not having PE or gym every day, they look forward to seeing the college kids," she says. "The kids think it is the best gym class ever."
For Goodwin, the overall message has been astounding. "The students and teachers have said they love having us help with running the gym classes. When I have gone up there, the energy levels are through the roof," says Goodwin. "Students respond well to our student-athletes, and our student-athletes get an opportunity to be a kid again. Our student-athletes have even taken their own initiative to create their own groups to go up there daily. Some have completed all their practicum hours but still decided that they want to go help run the gym classes!"
