Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Swim and Dive recognized for volunteer work
11/13/2018 | 2:37:00 | Swimming & Diving
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Saluki swim and dive program was honored at mid-court of SIU Arena during the men's basketball home opener for their volunteer efforts in the NCAA Service Challenge. The program has volunteered over 1,000 hours since the start of the challenge in September.
SIU Athletics currently leads NCAA Division I in the challenge, with an impressive 2,778 combined hours of volunteer work by the 17 athletic teams. The University of Miami is close behind in second place. The challenge will conclude on November 30 and the winner of the competition will be presented with a championship trophy at an event of the schools choice.
With two weeks remaining in the challenge, the women's team has tacked on 602 hours, while the men's team has added an additional 431 hours.
You can find the Saluki swimmers and divers volunteering weekly at several areas including the local VA hospital, Boys and Girls Club, elementary schools and Saluki sporting events.
Additionally, the program recently helped with the annual Halloween Food Drive, where items were collected and donated for the Saluki Food Pantry.
Academic/SAAC coordinator Raluca Mita helps organize the volunteer opportunities for student-athletes and commended the swim and dive program for their constant service.
"The swimmers are very determined to win it," said Mita. "What is cool about this challenge is that you can win it in multiple ways. You can win as an institution, team and individual. In addition to the athletic department leading institution wise, the women's team already has more hours than what the winning team from last year totaled, so I think they have a great shot."
During last years challenge, the entire SIU athletics department recorded 1,000 volunteer hours. With that figure almost tripled already, volunteering has clearly became an emphasis and hobby at SIU.
"The student-athletes love it," Mita expressed. "I receive good responses from all of the teams and they always seem eager to help out."
