Sept. 12, 2003

The award-winning Lehigh University C.O.A.C.H. program (Community Outreach by Athletes who Care About Helping) began its 2003-04 community service by appearing at Donegan Elementary School on Thursday morning.

Lehigh student-athletes from a variety of teams were on hand to talk to the kindergarten through fifth grade students about the importance of "giving back" each day.

The program centered around the tragedy of September 11, 2001, with a focus on "helping those around you," including family members and friends. Eleven student-athletes were present for the assembly, which included songs and an interactive question-and-answer session about the importantance of helping others.

"How can you give back right here at school," asked sophomore basketball player Mitch Gilfillan. "Your classmate has a problem? Help him out; that's caring. Helping Mom and Dad with chores, that's giving back."

Junior Khayla Lowe, a captain on the track and field team wowed the youngsters by singing three songs, including a rousing rendition of the National Anthem.

Sophomore swimmer Linda Hendrixson shared a personal story, explaining how her friends helped her out when they found out she was deaf. "Help your friends when they need you," Hendrixson advised. "It is important to give back to your community because there are a lot of people that need assistance."

Before wrapping up the assembly, the Lehigh student-athletes "gave back" by giving each student at Donegan a free ticket to the Lehigh-Fordham football game on September 13.

Lehigh's C.O.A.C.H. program is comprised of numerous student-athletes and is represented by at least one athlete from all of Lehigh's varsity sports teams. Last year, the program was honored for the second consecutive year by the National Consortium for Academics and Sports for its outstanding outreach and community service program during the 2001-2002 academic year.