A number of our student-athletes helped out in area schools this week as part of CHAMPS, Athletics' "Challenging Athletes' Minds for Personal Success" life skills program.

The Ohio Valley Conference has asked member institutions to lend schools a hand this week as part of the league's "Back To School" program.

Barrett Steakley works with young golf hopefuls.

On Wednesday, members of the men's and women's golf teams gave instructions to third grade students at Northeast Elementary School, while members of the football team were at Algood Elementary School to read stories to second graders.

On Thursday, members of the women's track and field team were scheduled to teach at Park View Elementary, and softball was scheduled to visit a local school today, but unexpected snow days affected those plans.

Throughout the year, our student-athletes have participated in a wide variety of community service projects.

* The Golden Eagle baseball team adopted students at Capshaw Elementary School in a "big brother" type of program, which took place the entire fall semester.

* The Golden Eagle and Golden Eaglette basketball teams were at Avery Trace Middle School in October to interact with students.

* The football team had members in both Capshaw and Dodson Branch schools during the fall, reading and giving tips on the game.

* The Tech soccer team held a clinic in October for structured athletes.

* The softball team has been involved in several activities, including "Bark In The Park" in Algood, helping to build a Habitat for Humanity home, reading at two schools, and "Operation Christmas Child" to collect gifts for children around the world.

* The volleyball squad worked with the Student Athlete Advisory Committee to conduct a food drive at the Nov. 21 women's basketball game.

CHAMPS offers a variety of programs geared toward allowing each student-athlete to excel in academics, athletics, personal development, service and career development. The program is an important aspect of student-athletes' experience on campus because it provides them with the necessary tools to succeed in their sport, as well as other areas of life, such as the classroom, the community and the workplace. Carolyn Dudney of Athletics works with the head coaches of each sport to coordinate many of the activities.