Mississippi University for Women athletics continues to rack up a series of firsts on the field in just its third season of NCAA Division III competition. But, last week, The W’s entire athletic department earned a first-time honor.
MUW was presented the St. Louis Intercollegitate Athletic Conference’s SAAC Service Challenge award at the league’s annual meeting, jumping up from last year’s second-place finish to earn the top spot with 53,087.5 points.
“I am very proud of our SAAC leadership, our student-athletes, coaches and staff for their efforts,” director of athletics Buddy Foster said. “The large amount of time spent and the number of events in which we participate is no accident. Our department expects that we all embrace the idea of ‘giving back’ in some meaningful manner. It is a way of recognizing that it is a privilege, not a right, to wear The W’s name across our chest and be ambassadors for the city of Columbus.”
Over the span of a year the Owls visited local elementary schools, assisted at shelters, volunteered on campus and even worked with the community through civic events, like at the Columbus Lowndes County Humane Society adoption event during the spring.
Among other efforts for community outreach, MUW hosted its annual Hoot & Hoops trick-or-treating/Meet the Basketball Teams night, hosted a community Easter egg hunt, made donations to local food pantries and also participated in a walk to promote diabetes awareness.
Blackburn College finished second in the race for the award with 37,418 points, Westminster College was third with 9,350 and Lyon College finished fourth with 7,810 points.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
