Baseball | 8/2/2023 1:05:00 PM
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – For the second consecutive year the Kentucky Wesleyan College Student Athletic Advisory Committee has taken home the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Community Engagement Award. Wesleyan is the lone school in the G-MAC to hold the distinguished Community Engagement Award, the league announced on Wednesday.
The Community Engagement Award, presented by the G-MAC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), recognizes the top institution within the conference for their service and engagement within both their community and campus. During the G-MAC's annual SAAC Meetings last Saturday, the Panthers accepted their award in front of the league's entire leadership group.
This year was a record-breaking year for the Kentucky Wesleyan SAAC. In total, the Panthers accumulated over 4,000 community service hours from 96% of its student-athletes. During this incredible year, the Panthers also saw records set for economic impact ($125,369).
"To say I am proud of our student-athletes would be an understatement," said
Corina Conley, current Kentucky Wesleyan SAAC President and last year's Community Engagement Chair for the Panthers. "To receive the G-MAC Community Engagement Award two years in a row is a true testament to our athletes and commitment to our community, campus, and each other. Raising $10,000 for Make-a-Wish, over 4,000 community service hours, and outstanding attendance at competitions supporting our peers is unheard at other institutions."
A total of 10 athletic programs ranked nationally in the top-10, including wrestling leading Division II in service hours. Wrestling led the way with 528 hours. Softball was awarded with the SAAC Community Engagement Award at the WESPYS due to their efforts throughout the year. Despite only have a 12-person roster, the Softball team still finished ranked third in the department in total hours (390).
"We have a unique group of athletes that compete at the highest level, but understand how important it is to give back to those who support us and need support themselves," Conley continued. "The sky is the limit and we are not stopping here. I am so excited for the growth and accomplishments this year has in store."
The Panther's top initiatives were Build-A-Bed (Campus Ministries), Wendall Foster, working with elementary schools, and individual sport practice/camps. An unprecedented 51 organizations were impacted thanks to the Panther's efforts this year.
Stay up to date on all your Panther news by following @KWCpanthers on Twitter and Instagram and by liking the "Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletics" Facebook page.
