Wake Forest Athletics
Wake Forest Participates in Baseball Bears Program
5/15/2007 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
May 15, 2007
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- The Wake Forest baseball team participated in its annual Baseball Bears community service project on Monday. Members of the Demon Deacon baseball team visited six local second grade classes around the Winston-Salem area.
The Deacons passed out 52 bears that had been donated earlier in the season by fans at Hooks Stadium. Students receiving bears were selected by their teachers based on hard work, leadership and academic excellence.
Deacon players and coaches spoke with the classes about working hard and staying in school in order to achieve their dreams. The team also encouraged the students to work with and learn from their teachers just like a baseball team works with its coach.
"It's always good to get out in the community and get in touch with the kids and the members of the Winston-Salem community," said sophomore Brad Kledzik. "Baseball Bears is a great opportunity for that. It gives us the ability to give special kids some gifts. The kids light up when we go into the classrooms, so it's always good to see their faces. It's really rewarding, not only for them, but especially for us."
The Deacs visited six elementary schools in the area, including Brunson, Griffith, Ibraham, Lewisville, North Hills and Vienna.
"Over the years, Baseball Bears has proven to be a great way for Wake Forest student-athletes to impact the youth of the community," said assistant director of marketing Mike Piscetelli, who coordinated this year's event. "Student-athletes are tremendous assets in terms of communicating to children the need to pursue education, as well as the importance of following through with their dreams. It sends a great message to local youth and is an amazing experience for all involved."
