Huntingdon athletics gives back to the community

By Chuck Tidmore

Sports Information Assistant 

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Huntingdon athletic department recently teamed up with the Salvation Army to provide Christmas presents to children in Montgomery.

Led by head baseball coach D.J. Conville, coaches and players from eight athletic programs purchased and donated presents for local children.

"This is the second year in a row we have done this," Conville said. "A year ago, only the baseball team participated from the athletic department and then we recognized a need and a want by our athletic department to want to grow this. We went from helping six or seven kids last year to now helping 20 kids. I feel like we did a significantly good thing.

"I believe it shows that around this time of year, we get a feeling that need is magnified," Conville said. "We talked about in church and how we need to have that heart all year long. I think it's something we're striving for with my program and with the athletic department and we are looking for more things to do."

Members from the baseball, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's basketball, women's golf, volleyball and wrestling programs were able to help grow the project from last year. Conville was thrilled to see the support brought on by his colleagues.

"We were excited when coach Conville presented the idea to us," assistant women's basketball coach Paige Huff said. "I put our seniors in charge of getting the gifts and they truly enjoyed this experience. It was more personal to buy gifts."

Men's soccer head coach Matt Cooper shared the same thoughts.

"The team was happy to be able to give back and grant Christmas wishes," Cooper said. "We are in a position to help those in need and the guys were extremely excited to do just that."

Visit www.salvationarmyusa.org to find where you can donate to your community.

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