Oct. 28, 2003
By Carri Long, assistant track and field coach
The Purdue men's and women's track & field teams went out and 'Made A Difference' last Saturday; a day set aside for giving back to members of the Lafayette - West Lafayette community, which has continued to support both teams for many years.
Due to the large rosters of both teams, the student-athletes were divided among four locations and interacted with individuals and couples residing in assisted living, retirement and nursing homes.
Activities at George Davis Manor, an assisted living residence, included people bingo, which was a highly-interactive game involving student-athletes and residents. Each participant was given a bingo grid with statements/activities written in each box, and then had to find someone who had accomplished that activity at some point in their life.
The age gap was evident, as residents found it amusing that a large number of student-athletes had never used an outhouse. However, the student-athletes were shocked at how some residents were unfamiliar with the Internet.
Igor Kirin and his new friend are all smiles after winning their game of people bingo. |
There were also commonalities among these merged groups as Vistal, a long time resident, told stories of his career as a miler. The athletes listened as he told them of running a 4:30 mile on a cinder half-mile track and showed them his room full of medals dating back to 1923.
At Rosewalk Village, student-athletes assisted those playing their weekly game of bingo. Some served as eyes, some as ears, and some as a helping hand. This game became quite competitive as each table had their own athlete representative. Residents and those serving were anxious to win the ten cents awarded to the winner of each game.
Team co-captain and six-time high jump All American, Shaun Guice, while facing a streak of bad luck on his table's boards frequently gave his group pep talks amidst the calls of other tables bingos. Although there were no bingo calls from his team, the connection between the individuals was worth far more to him than the prize.
Fifteen student-athletes ventured to the Indiana Veteran's Home. While there, they too assisted those who wished to play bingo, but were normally unable to participate due to difficulties. The student-athletes were allowed to go to the rooms and bring the residents down to the playing area and work with them in going for a 'big win'.
A newcomer to Purdue's track program, Brian Hoying, happened to be matched up with a gentleman who served in the French Invasion, that of which Brian's grandfather served as well. The two swapped war stories as they traveled the halls to and from the activities. Many other stories were swapped between the student-athletes and residents while they played bingo. At the end of the day, an invitation was left for the residents to attend an indoor track meet.
Meghan Darraugh shares some common interests with her friend at the George Davis Manor. |
The fourth location was Westminster Village Health Care, where student-athletes joined residents at a tailgate party to cheer on the Purdue football team. Although the cheers were not enough to bring the Boilermakers a victory, there was still excitement as friendships were made among those present.
The majority of the residents had been students or staff members at Purdue in some point in their lives. Talk was made about the many changes on campus that had occurred in the span of years between the residents time in school to those now attending. One resident spoke of how she was the only female in her class studying science in the early 1930s. Another resident was the oldest living Purdue coach. At 96, he had much experience and knowledge to pass to the student-athletes on what it took to be successful in college sports.
All in all, it was a wonderful experience for both residents and student-athletes. They are all looking forward to the reunion at the February 21st indoor track meet.