CHEERLEADING AND DANCE TEAM
Ashland University's cheerleading and dance teams recently went to nearby Crestview Elementary School to read with students as part of the 2nd and 7 Foundation, which promotes reading by providing free books and positive role models to kids in need while encouraging youth athletes of the community to pay it forward.
CHEERLEADING AND DANCE TEAM
Ashland University's cheerleading and dance teams recently read to second-graders at Ashland's St. Edward Elementary School.
This was part of the 2nd and 7 Foundation, which promotes reading by providing free books and positive role models to kids in need while encouraging youth athletes of the community to pay it forward.
"We absolutely love this organization and all that they do for our communities," said Ashland head coach Denise Farnsworth. "Not only do they provide free books for all of the classrooms that we read to during the course of the year, but they also grant us this amazing avenue for our student-athletes to serve our youth, and teach about the value and importance of education and reading."
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
On Jan. 22, members of the Ashland University women's basketball team represented AU's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) in an event at Reagan Elementary School. The team played basketball with students at the event, which also featured yoga, free haircuts, ice cream, cookies, hot chocolate, gym games and more.
MEN'S BASKETBALL
Ashland University's men's basketball team had a busy weekend in the community prior to the Christmas/New Year's break.
On the morning of Dec. 15, the men's team served breakfast to kids at the United Way Rotary Breakfast - and did so with Santa Claus on hand. On Dec. 16, the Eagles played basketball with the Ashland County Special Olympics Dragons, as they prepare for their upcoming season.
COSTUME CAPERS
On Oct. 23, Ashland University's men's basketball, women's basketball and cheerleading teams all took part in Tuffy's Trick or Treat, as part of Ashland's downtown Costume Capers.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
The Ashland University women's basketball team recently went to Brethren Care Village in Ashland to play with residents during their game night.
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SAAC
Members of Ashland University's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee went to Reagan Elementary School on the morning of Oct. 5, welcoming students to school, sitting with students as they ate breakfast, and spoke to them about the importance of self-discipline.
WOMEN'S TENNIS
The Ashland University women's tennis team recently did a free clinic for a local Girl Scout troop. Eleven girls were at the clinic to help them achieve their get-fit badge.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Members of the Ashland University women's basketball team spent part of Friday (Feb. 23) shooting hoops with the students at Edison Elementary School.
TRACK AND FIELD
The Eagles were supposed to compete in the Findlay Border Battle on Jan. 12, but inclement weather forced a cancellation.
Ashland's men and women had 87 box lunches set to go for the trip. They didn't make it to Findlay, either, but instead, that food was donated to the Ashland Salvation Army Kroc Center, which is a United Way partner agency (75 lunches), and Safe Haven (12) to provide for those in need.
Pictured below, left to right, are Ashland head coach Jud Logan, Randy Kemp, Allen Fawley and Ashland head cross country coach Jacob Sussman.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL AND CHEERLEADERS
On the afternoon of Dec. 15, 2017, the Ashland University women's basketball and cheerleading teams went to Reagan Elementary School in Ashland to spend time with the kids and teach the youngsters about their respective sports (photo credits Ashland Times-Gazette).
WOMEN'S TENNIS
The Ashland University women's tennis team recently read to students at Reagan and Edison Elementary Schools in Ashland.
SWIMMING AND DIVING
The Ashland University swimming and diving program recently hosted the Ashland County Special Olympians for a swim at Messerly Natatorium.
MEN'S BASKETBALL/CHEERLEADERS
The Ashland University men's basketball team and cheerleaders were on hand for Tuffy's Trick or Treat, as part of Ashland's downtown Costume Capers, on Oct. 24. The men's basketball team and cheerleaders handed out candy and passes to future home games, and there was a basketball hoop in the street for kids to play with.
MEN'S BASKETBALL
The Ashland University men's basketball team recently spent time with the boys at the Mohican Youth Academy. Included in the visit was a slam dunk contest, 3-point shootout and knockout contest with the boys, as well as sharing Christian fellowship and mentorship.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Ashland University's women's basketball team played host to a Kids' Clinic on Sept. 17 in Kates Gymnasium.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Senior forwards, left to right, Andi Daugherty, Julie Worley and Laina Snyder, and head coach Robyn Fralick, helped serve and clean during the 2017 Ashland University freshman dinner.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL AND TRACK AND FIELD
Members of the Ashland University women's basketball and men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field teams helped work the Hospice of North Central Ohio 8th Annual Community Corn Roast on Aug. 19 at the Ashland County Fairgrounds.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
The Ashland University women’s soccer team took part in a 13-week programs where the student-athletes connected with their respective students at Taft Intermediate School in Ashland. The players helped with their homework, played games, worked on projects, and, most importantly, mentored the Taft students.
Nicole Brodie, Taft assistant principal, answered a few questions about the team’s involvement at the school:
1. How was this program beneficial to the students at Taft?
The collaboration between the AU women’s soccer team and Taft Intermediate to implement a mentoring opportunity has had a lasting impact on all who were involved. The students who were a part of the mentoring program have built positive connections with great role models. The AU women’s soccer players were caring and provided Taft students with a listening ear, support, friendship and advice. Taft teachers have noticed that the students in this program have developed and modeled similar characteristics in the classroom with their peers. This opportunity aligns perfectly with our building citizenship curriculum, because it has modeled positive citizenship to our students. At the conclusion of the spring semester, it is evident that Taft students have built lasting relationships with the AU women’s soccer players. We are pleased with the outcome of our first year of developing a mentor program, and are hoping to continue this opportunity for the fourth-grade students who were involved, as well as, incoming Taft students.
2. What is the importance of a program like this?
Mentoring programs create positive, lasting impacts on the mentors and mentored students. Mentoring programs guarantee the mentored students that there is someone that cares about them and will listen when they feel overwhelmed with their day-to-day experiences. Opportunities like these allow students to experience and develop positive self-esteem, confidence and skills they need to be successful in school and their community. Mentoring on a one-on-one basis has allowed for the mentored students to learn how to develop strong and healthy relationships. After just a few meetings, students begin to display a positive attitude, increased motivation and an increased sense of belonging.
Taft is grateful for coach (Danny) Krispinsky presenting this mentor program opportunity. He has instilled passion and dedication into his team and players. These positive character traits were vital to the success of our mentor program.
FOOTBALL
On April 27, Ashland University football players delivered books for kids and moved book cases at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ashland.
SOFTBALL
On Jan. 9, the Ashland University softball team went to nearby Crestview Elementary - the first of four weeks the Eagles are teaming with the Second & Seven Foundation to tackle illiteracy.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
The No. 1-ranked Ashland University women's basketball team recently spent time with students from Ashland Montessori School.
SOFTBALL
For the second year in a row (Nov. 6), the Ashland University softball team volunteered to clean up the kids park at the nearby Savannah ball fields.
"I feel it's a great way for the girls to take pride in your community, and a reminder to keep the passion for the game through a young girl's eyes," said Ashland assistant coach Shannon Schaub.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
The Ashland University women's soccer team assisted with the United Way breakfast on Sept. 22.
FOOTBALL
It's another year for the 2nd & Seven reading program, and the Eagles went to Mapleton Elementary on the morning of Sept. 9.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
From left to right, Ashland seniors Alex Henning, Rachelle Morrison and Kelsey Peare, and AU head coach Robyn Fralick, helped work the Ashland freshman cook-in prior to the start of the 2016-17 school year.
SOFTBALL
The Ashland University softball team took time to read to a second-grade class during its annual Florida trip.
MEN'S BASKETBALL
Ashland University's men's basketball team hosted a group from DR Services in Ashland for an hour-long shoot-around on Monday, Feb. 22.
SWIMMING AND DIVING/ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
The Ashland University athletic department and Ashland community collected more than 400 cans for Associated Charities and the Ashland County Food Bank.
http://goashlandeagles.com/sports/swimdive/2015-16/releases/20151211lz22xu
MEN'S BASKETBALL
Ashland University's men's basketball team volunteered at the Ashland Salvation Army Center for Thanksgiving dinner on Monday, Nov. 23.
One group set up during the day and another group came back at 6 p.m. to help serve food, do dishes and clean up tables/chairs.
SOFTBALL
The Ashland University softball team read to second-graders at Crestview Elementary School on Friday, Nov. 6.
MEN'S AND WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
The annual Tuffy's Trick or Treat, sponsored by the Ashland University men's and women's basketball teams, took place on Tuesday (Oct. 27) from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Founders School of Continuing Education, 121 W. Main Street in Ashland.
This year, Tuffy's Trick or Treat was part of Costume Capers in Downtown Ashland. Both teams handed out candy to those in attendance, signed autographs and played basketball in the middle of Main Street.
SOFTBALL
The Ashland University softball team spent Sunday, Oct. 11, giving back to the Savannah Youth Ball fields by cleaning up the kids park.
"Unfortunately, like Savannah Youth fields, many small-town fields are ran by volunteers, and, sometimes the park just gets the bare minimum upkeep," said AU assistant coach Shannon Schaub. "I thought it was important to have the girls give back to a park that has given so much to me and other local boys and girls in the area. I grew up at that park - before I was born, then watching my dad and even brother playing. The girls did an excellent job removing weeds, small saplings and even replacing trim pieces that have been moved over time. It was a great team effort, and another reason to remind me of how great Ashland University is to this community."
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Eighty kids turned out for Ashland University women's basketball's free clinic for girls and boys in grades 1-8 on Sunday, Oct. 11.
FOOTBALL
Eagle football players went to Ashland's Reagan Elementary School on Friday, Oct. 2, to read to and with second-graders.
SOFTBALL
For the last six years, Ashland University's softball team has "adopted" Mariah Thomas through the Friends of Jaclyn Program (friendsofjaclyn.org). The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation aims to improve the quality of life for children battling pediatric brain tumors and other childhood cancers by pairing them with local high school and college sports teams.
On Sept. 30, the Eagles had a kickball game at Brookside West with Mariah and her twin sister, Shaniah, to celebrate their 16th birthday. Afterward, everyone went to AU's Convocation Center for a birthday dinner.
"It was great having Mariah and Shaniah come out to our practice and meet our new team," said Ashland head softball coach Sheilah Gulas, "and to celebrate their 16th birthday. It's such a special time to not only be with her, but to remember all of the birthday celebrations we've had over the years, including the first time that we met her and how much she's grown and how much she's been through over the years, batting this.
"It's even extra special knowing that her family (mother Andrea Fogleman and grandmother Nancy Smith) works with student dining here at AU."
MEN'S BASKETBALL
On Sunday, Sept. 27, Ashland University's men's basketball team joined Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) leader Joe Maggelet for its annual trip to the Richland County Correctional Institution (RiCI). While there, the team helped spread the word of Jesus Christ through prayer and open discussion.
"As a program, we are always thankful to have the opportunity to spread the word of Christ, especially with those that are in less fortunate situations," said Ashland University head men's basketball coach John Ellenwood. "Our players grow from situations like these, making them better men and leaders in our community."
FOOTBALL
Members of the Ashland University football team spent their morning on Sept. 18 reading to second-graders at Hillsdale Elementary School.
Members of the Ashland University football team spent their morning on Sept. 11 reading to second-graders at Mapleton Elementary School.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Before the 2015-16 school year began, Ashland University’s women’s basketball team resumed its community service efforts by cleaning up following the Hospice of North Central Ohio’s 6th Annual Corn Roast on Aug. 22.
The night before, on Aug. 21, the AU women volunteered at the freshman orientation “cook-in” at the Convocation Center. All monies earned from the service were donated to the Ashland County United Way.
“We think of being able to give back and serve the community as a privilege,” said Eagle head coach Robyn Fralick. “A focus of our program is the holistic development of our student-athletes, and these sorts of opportunities lend well to that development.
“We are grateful that we can serve.”