{"id":7346,"date":"2016-11-14T22:14:40","date_gmt":"2016-11-14T22:14:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/now\/?p=7346"},"modified":"2023-01-24T19:06:33","modified_gmt":"2023-01-24T19:06:33","slug":"play-with-purpose","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/now\/2016\/11\/14\/play-with-purpose\/","title":{"rendered":"Play with purpose"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The winner of each Augsburg-Hamline Unified Rivalry competition\u2014such as the basketball game pictured\u2014earns the \u201cUnified Hammer,\u201d a trophy similar to the ceremonial sledge hammer passed since 2005 between the schools each time their varsity football teams square off.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hundreds of fans line sturdy oak bleachers. All eyes are on a group of athletes in college basketball jerseys. There are short ones, tall ones, fast ones, and slow ones\u2014some having good days and others feeling off their game.<\/p>\n

An athlete flies through the air, dunking a ball. High-fives, cheers, and clapping echo through the rafters. Moments later, voices rise.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, the other way,\u201d shouts an encouraging spectator trying to prompt an athlete dribbling with authority toward the wrong basket. A foul, some underhand throws, and then a pause for a player with a medical issue. Play resumes.<\/p>\n

More commotion. Sneakers skid across the gym floor as the spectrum of abilities and disabilities blurs.<\/p>\n

Then, the buzzer sounds, but the final score isn\u2019t the focus given the diversions of smiling, sweaty faces and celebratory exchanges among athletes.<\/p>\n

The February game brought together teams comprising athletes from Augsburg College, Hamline University, and Special Olympics Minnesota\u2014the first in a series of ongoing Unified Sports competitions that pair individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. Auggie participation reflects the Augsburg Athletic Department\u2019s broader effort\u2014spearheaded by its Student-Athlete Advisory Committee\u2014to engage student-athletes in meaningful, life-changing community service.<\/p>\n

And in this game, everyone wins: dozens of student-athletes such as Sean Adams \u201917<\/strong> are building lasting bonds and gaining a more sophisticated understanding of ability; Minnesota\u2019s more than 8,000 Special Olympics athletes such as Alec Kelsey<\/strong> <\/em>are gaining confidence, training, and lifelong friends; and Augsburg alumni such as Steele Krause \u201916,<\/strong> are leading informed, engaged lives after graduation.<\/p>\n

Krause said volunteerism through Augsburg transformed his idea of service from \u201cchecking a box\u201d to a way of life.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt Augsburg, my idea of service evolved from logging hours to serving with purpose and gaining a true understanding of each organization,\u201d said the former men\u2019s basketball player now living in Denver. \u201cLast week, I stopped by the Colorado Special Olympics office to learn more about ways to get involved.\u201d<\/p>\n

Augsburg\u2019s embrace of unified competition in the past year has intensified personal connections and impact, said Adams, a captain of Augsburg\u2019s men\u2019s cross country and men\u2019s track and field teams.<\/p>\n

\u201cOut there on the court, it didn\u2019t matter whether someone had a disability or not; we were all working toward a common goal and all had strengths to contribute to the team,\u201d he said, reflecting on a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Special Olympics D-III Week Unified Basketball Tournament held in April at Macalester College. \u201cPlaying alongside others\u2014next to their pure love for the game and\u00a0competition\u2014reminds me why I love sports.\u201d<\/p>\n

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A champion school<\/h2>\n

Augsburg has partnered with Special Olympics since 2011, when NCAA Division III formally began supporting the organization\u2019s efforts to provide year-round training and competition for more than 5.3 million children and adults in 170 countries. But Augsburg upped its game in 2016 by committing to pair with Special Olympics Minnesota each month of the academic year. SOMN named Augsburg a Champion School, one of only five institutions in the state recognized for student leadership and advocacy, campus involvement, and participation in Unified Sports.<\/p>\n

Michael Kane<\/strong>, vice president of SOMN\u2019s area programs and initiatives, said the organization is eager to strengthen existing collaborations, including regional bowling championships, hockey tournaments, and the organization\u2019s most popular fundraiser, the Polar Plunge\u2014during which Auggies, along with thousands of Minnesotans, jump into icy lakes.<\/p>\n

Augsburg\u2019s passionate drive to advance understanding, acceptance, and healthy living is elevating SOMN\u2019s reach and reputation, particularly among the next generation.<\/p>\n

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\u201cAugsburg College is a great example of an institution striving to make inclusion a reality,\u201d Kane said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\u201cStudents and staff have fully embraced Special Olympics Minnesota by volunteering at competitions and planning to host a wide variety of events and activities. Hundreds of Augsburg students have stood up to make these events and activities possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Student-led committee advances commitment<\/h2>\n

Guiding Augsburg\u2019s increased involvement is the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, a group of about 50 student-athlete volunteers committed to enriching the student experience through a range of relevant service opportunities. Jane Becker<\/strong> is Augsburg\u2019s head volleyball coach and athletic community service coordinator, and Jennifer Jacobs<\/strong> is an assistant athletic director, assistant volleyball coach and advisor for SAAC, overseeing the student-run organization with representation from all of Augsburg\u2019s 21 teams.<\/p>\n

The pair talk at length about the importance of student-athletes connecting with the community. Augsburg student-athletes and teams host clinics and open gyms for neighboring schools, help area churches renovate, and build partnerships\u2014like the Unified Rivalry with Hamline\u2014to foster lasting friendships and healthy competition.<\/p>\n

Becker and Jacobs lift up the committee\u2019s work with Special Olympics because it advances the lessons of\u00a0determination, teamwork, and heart that coaches promote on the court and in the field. They hear of perceptions changed and career paths adjusted because of these meaningful experiences.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur student-athletes are putting in long hours of competition, making grades, and then giving themselves to others,\u201d said Jacobs. \u201cThe amount of time and energy our student-athletes dedicate to Special Olympics and other volunteer opportunities is inspiring. They are committed to making an impact, relationship building, and experiential learning.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Augsburg as a champion school<\/h2>\n

Augsburg is one of only five Special Olympics Champion Schools in Minnesota. The designation is granted to institutions that excel in three areas: Unified Sports, student leadership and advocacy, and campus involvement.<\/p>\n

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  • Unified Sports:<\/strong> Augsburg student-athletes participate alongside Special Olympics Minnesota athletes in clinics and competitions. In partnership with Hamline University, Auggies cofounded the first Unified Rivalry in Minnesota. Special Olympics Minnesota created the Unified Hammer trophy given to the winner of these competitions throughout the year.<\/li>\n
  • Student Leadership and Advocacy:<\/strong> The more than 50 student-athlete leaders on Augsburg\u2019s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee work with SOMN to activate students, engage faculty, and promote communities of acceptance.<\/li>\n
  • Campus Involvement:<\/strong> Augsburg student-athletes have enthusiastically recruited students to create teams for the Polar Plunge and other key SOMN events held throughout the year. The campus also has held Respect Campaigns, including Spread the Word to End the Word, which discourages people from using demeaning, offensive, or inaccurate terms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    \u201cOur events are volunteer driven, and I\u2019m just not sure what we would do without Augsburg student-athletes volunteering at every turn,\u201d said Devin Kaasa, the college partnership and competition manager for SOMN. \u201cTheir work fosters respect and dignity for people with intellectual disabilities and changes actions and attitudes among their peers without intellectual disabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

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    Rachel Frantz \u201917<\/strong>, co-president of SAAC, said she and her peers are energized by the heart and competitiveness of Special Olympics athletes. She has friends such as Tom, who competes in speed walking and swimming. Non-verbal, Tom communicates through sign and body language.<\/p>\n

    \u201cHis favorite gesture,\u201d Frantz said, \u201cis his signature hug that last about three minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

    It\u2019s hard to let go of those types of connections.<\/p>\n

    \u201cSpecial Olympics athletes teach me how to come as I am and do my best. They support one another and foster a positive environment where each athlete can grow,\u201d said the biology major, who has participated for the past six years in Special Olympics events, including jumping in an icy lake during the Polar Plunge, competing in a unified basketball game, and volunteering at basketball, swimming, and track and field events, which happen to be her favorite.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThe athletes are always congratulating all of their competitors, regardless of their finish,\u201d Frantz said. \u201cI love cheering them on as they achieve a new personal record or finish a difficult race.\u201d<\/p>\n

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    Members of the Augsburg football team volunteer at the 2016 Fall Games organized by Special Olympics Minnesota.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Lasting bonds among peers, in community<\/h2>\n

    Beyond friendships and lasting memories within the community, these experiences inspire bonds among Augsburg student-athletes as well as the general student body, many of whom also serve Special Olympics. Frantz, a competitor in lacrosse, cross country, and track, who likes snorkeling, rock climbing, and choir, might not have gotten to know Adams, who plays guitar and acts in his roommate\u2019s short films. But, through SAAC, the two have volunteered together, growing closer with every project.<\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s been a privilege to build upon the good work of those who led the committee before us,\u201d said Adams, who serves as co-chair of SAAC\u2019s volunteering committee. \u201cThe evolution to unified competitions and partnerships\u00a0with other colleges in the area is expanding our reach and feels more authentic and influential than cheering from the sidelines.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Friends across the river, Hamline\u2019s SAAC advisor and women\u2019s volleyball coach Becky Egan<\/strong> and senior softball player Mary-Clare Couillard,<\/strong> said they, too, have big hopes to grow from several rivalry games to multiple contests and volunteer efforts throughout the year.<\/p>\n

    \u201cOur campuses can have such a positive impact for Special Olympics athletes, and I hope to see us doing all that we can to help out,\u201d said Couillard, who has interned with Special Olympics since June.<\/p>\n

    Egan echoed her sentiments.<\/p>\n

    \u201cSince our campuses are so close, it is easy for our student-athletes to travel and stay excited about volunteering,\u201d Egan said. \u201cThe more inclusive we become with other schools in our conference, the healthier the competitions become across our other sports, and it broadens connections among all our student-athletes.\u201d<\/p>\n

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    The Augsburg-Hamline Unified Rivalry series began with basketball games and has grown to include several activities. The schools hosted a flag football game in October and will sponsor a softball game this spring.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Diverse, expansive efforts<\/h2>\n

    Devin Kaasa<\/strong>, the college partnership and competition manager for SOMN, is the main contact for schools in the MIAC as they build and strengthen their relationship with the nonprofit. Kaasa, whose brother has participated in Special Olympics for 20 years, said he has been showcasing positive Augsburg-Hamline outcomes to promote similar interactions among the conference\u2019s 13 schools.<\/p>\n

    \u201cOur athletes look up to student-athletes because of their abilities and energy. To some, these college students are like professionals, and playing alongside them is such a thrill,\u201d Kaasa said. \u201cI love Augsburg because they are always up for trying a new idea, and I can always count on them to serve.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Augsburg\u2019s involvement with SOMN has been diverse and expansive, growing in size and scope with each passing year. During a January 2016 game against Saint Mary\u2019s University, the Augsburg College women\u2019s hockey team recognized more than 100 Special Olympics athletes in attendance with a ceremonial puck drop prior to the game. Proceeds from puck purchases for a halftime \u201cChuck-A-Puck\u201d competition benefitted SOMN. The following weekend, the hockey players volunteered at the Special Olympics Minnesota State Poly Hockey Tournament.<\/p>\n

    In early March, Auggies raised more than $1,000 for the 19th annual Polar Plunge event at Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis. The 2016 plunge season raised more than $3.9 million for Special Olympics\u2019 athletic, health, and leadership programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.<\/p>\n

    Just this September, members of the Augsburg football team helped out with SOMN\u2019s Fall Games where athletes competed in equestrian, softball, bocce,\u00a0and golf events.<\/p>\n

    Each month, the NCAA Division III features a Special Olympics Spotlight Poll, asking fans to vote on one of three compelling stories highlighting efforts at various institutions and conferences. With 1,300 votes, the MIAC won the July spotlight (and $500 toward its next Special Olympics event) for hosting the first-ever conference-wide unified tournament.<\/p>\n

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    Athletes take a break from the action during a MIAC conference-wide unified basketball tournament held in April at Macalester College.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Mark Kelsey\u2019s<\/strong> son, Alec, was among the 50 Special Olympics athletes who competed alongside student-athletes from Augsburg, Carleton, Hamline, Macalester, St. Catherine, and St. Thomas in an eight-team, double-elimination tournament held during the fifth annual NCAA Division III Week in April.<\/p>\n

    At 6-foot-2, 25-year-old Alec loves basketball, lives for the moment, and never looks for an excuse to quit, even after a seizure on the court.<\/p>\n

    \u201cSpecial Olympics athletes represent the best of what sports has to offer\u2014no fear, no nerves, no hate, all heart,\u201d said Kelsey, who started the West Metro Warriors Special Olympics delegation in the Twin Cities 10 years ago.<\/p>\n

    \u201cAlec rarely gets through a game without a seizure, but I cannot tell you how excited and proud he and his fellow athletes are to play with college student-athletes. We were particularly impressed with Augsburg\u2019s showing at the tournament \u2026 while one team played, the other team cheered with Special Olympics athletes. It was magical, and I can only hope those Auggies were so moved in such a deep and positive way that they become forever advocates for inclusion and acceptance.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Experience ‘sticks with you’<\/h2>\n

    As a recent graduate, Krause regularly reflects on the intersection of athletic, religious, and academic experiences he enjoyed at Augsburg. His time learning to live with purpose \u201csparked a craving for personal and communal excellence\u201d and a desire to create a stable, nourishing, and joyful environment for his community.<\/p>\n

    \u201cBeing involved with SOMN was humbling and gratifying \u2026 and being able to use my knowledge and skills within various sports is empowering,\u201d said Krause, a former SAAC co-president who works as an account manager for Pacific Office Automation. \u201cI am extremely proud to be an Auggie, and I will always refer myself as such. Augsburg\u2019s commitment to community is astounding, and it keeps getting better every year.\u201d<\/p>\n

    At Augsburg, Krause said, he learned that volunteering is as much about self-reflection after the experience as it is about the outcome of the service. Only then can people begin to understand more about the world around them and assess (and possibly adjust) their attitudes and actions.<\/p>\n

    \u201cI no longer just show up to volunteer and then leave when the job is done,\u201d he said. \u201cIt sticks with me, urging me to think about how my involvement and experiences shape my life, and how I can continue to make a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n