FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Albanese, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Media Relations

SOMERS, Wis. (Nov. 8, 2012)-- Eight members of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside men's and women's track & field teams participated in Make A Difference Day on Oct. 27th, volunteering at the Root River Environmental Education Community Center in Racine.

Under the supervision of assistant coach Ray Varner the seven student-athletes were Brendan Bailey, Michael Karwowski, Justin Armstrong, Jeremy Troup, Charlotte Smith, Rachel Bullis, Curshonne Johnson.

The Rangers assisted in fall cleaning of the Center. Student-athletes helped clean and organize equipment while taking inventory of canoes, paddles and fishing rods. The track team additionally cleaned and removed the dock while removing invasive plants from the nearby hillside.

"It was a good opportunity to bond with my teammates and at the same time help out the community," said Karwowski.

The outing was organized by UW-Parkside volunteer and experiential program coordinator Casey Jones in conjunction with the 22nd annual Make A Difference Day, the nation's largest single day of community service.

"I did think it was really cool we have a place to rent canoes and kayaks for free so close to home. I had no idea that learning center was even there and next summer I plan on utilizing the resources," commented Bullis.

The Root River Environmental Education Community Center, created through a partnership between the City of Racine Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services and UW-Parkside with support from the Wisconsin Coastal Management Grant program and UW-Extension, opened in May 2008. Located west of downtown Racine, the REC was constructed in an attempt to increase appreciation of the Lake Michigan watershed. The REC offers the community opportunities for interaction with the natural world through recreation and education, in an urban setting.

The volunteer opportunity continues a Ranger tradition of service to the local community. The men's and women's cross country squads assisted in brush removal and clean-up at River Bend Nature Preserve on Aug. 25 while the volleyball squad volunteered for the annual Relay For Life event on Aug. 3-4.

The men's and women's track & field squads open up the indoor season on Saturday, Jan. 12, making the short drive down the street to Carthage College for the Private College Invitational.