Over the past few months several members of the Wabash football team have been working in the community sharing their talents and their time. Jared "Bubba" Lange, a junior defensive lineman, shares his thoughts and experiences

 I have never really been the one to involve myself in a lot of community service. I guess was the more of the "keep to your self" type of guy.

For me the change began all the way back to last year's trip to Panama. After seeing the impact we had made in Panama I had more courage to do things I have never done before.

Recently, I received a letter from coach that was the questionnaire we filled out on the way back home from Panama. One of the highlighted responses I stated was that when I get back to the States I was going to do more community service. Little did I know that this year I wanted to become and know serve as the football team's Community Service Chairman. I have participated in almost all of the things we have done, except for the retirement home visit.

I had no clue all the work Coach House does in preparing these community service visits. If anyone is to thank it would be him. He almost single handily puts together all the events.

Now, to the events of this year. Saturday a handful of us went to the New Market Elementary School to do some volunteer work at a fair. The school was trying to raise money for some new playground equipment. Being the hottest day of the year, lasting for four-plus hours, and doing this during the busiest time of the year for students I was really proud of all the players that came out to assist. We helped from the booths like tic-tac-toe, pinko, etc.. to running the obstacle course for little kids. It seems several people in the community†have heard how much experience we have with obstacle courses, ha ha.

The best thing was after everyone had left, including most of the volunteers and the community we were still there. Our time was already up and we decided to stay and help clean up all the tables and trash and etc... Many people came up to us to thank us and I just told them all you have to do is go to our games. I just loved knowing that after people think all the work is done there were Wabash players still around to actually finish everything.

Then there was the Boys/Girls Club visit. If you are ever having a down day I would suggest going to there. The smiles and energy those kids have can bring up anyone. We started by playing a dodge ball game, almost 50 kids versus about eight football players. Once again people most of heard of our dodge ball experience, ha ha. One kid really became attached to Denver Wade --- literally. He would hold on to his leg and be dragged across the floor to hanging on his back while Denver tried hitting other kids with dodge balls. From there we went to playing basketball, pool table, volleyball , etc.. with the kids.

The most memorable trip was the Riley Hospital visit. I have never been there, but heard stories from a former player and good friend, Josh Foster, who spent some time there when he was young. I was amazed at the courage and strength many of the young children had. One little girl, whom we made about four bird cages, was an avid Elvis fan. She was constantly playing Elvis songs on the jukebox to barely missing my hand while hammering nails. From there we went door to door to kids just to chat with them and their guardian.

I can not say enough how envious I am of their strength. Not just them but their parents, they must be strong for their kids. I looked into that little girl's dad's eyes and saw SO much love it was unbelievable. From there we also went to the local elementary school to celebrate the Colt's big Super Bowl game. Personally, I could care less for the Colts and thought the Broncos should have been there but they will be next year. Anyway, we had the kids participate in various drills including, running bags, kicking footballs, and trying on equipment. it was so funny seeing this little kids try on pads and run around.

One girl ran at me as if she was going to tackle me, but instead she gave me a huge hug. In the end it is always the same thing. People always come up to us to thank us, but it we who want to THANK YOU.

Photos - (top right) David Mann and one of the residents of the Ben Hur Nursing Home.

(bottom left) Several Wabash players spent time at the Riley Hospital for Children.