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

SOMERS, Wis. (Jan. 31, 2013)-- The University of Wisconsin-Parkside track & field teams participated in its second community service event of the academic year on January 30, volunteering at the Shalom Center.

The Shalom Center, established in 1982, is a social service organization that provides a safe and supportive environment for those less fortunate in the Kenosha community, offering emergency food, shelter, and housing.

“It felt very rewarding giving back to the community,” said senior distance runner Jessica Watychowicz.

The track and field teams tackled multiple projects at the center from general cleaning and maintenance to unloading new donations and stocking food on the shelves. Student-athletes additionally assisted in separating bulk goods into smaller portions for families.

“The opportunity to help others, especially those who are less fortunate, is something the Ranger track & field teams do not take lightly,” said senior distance runner Philip Simac. “It was a great cause and was a great opportunity for team building and establishing camaraderie.”

This is the second volunteer opportunity undertaken by the track & field squads this year. The men and women participated in Make A Difference Day on Oct. 27 at the Root River Environmental Education Community Center in Racine.

The Rangers return to competition on Saturday, hosting the Parkside Classic at the Petretti Fieldhouse. Action is slated to begin at 10 a.m. with the field events with running events getting underway at 11 a.m.