Panhandle Baseball Displays Positive Contributions in NAIA Champions of Character

Goodwell, Okla.—Panhandle State University is proud to be a productive member of the NAIA Champions of Character Program, encouraging all of Aggie Athletics to participate in various community service and outreach opportunities throughout the year.

Each sport has continued to make a different both on and off campus in the surrounding communities, and following their efforts in hosting a successful ‘Special Game Day,’ Panhandle Baseball has extended their outreach to some of the Guymon elementary schools. Each Friday, several members of the Aggie baseball visit a different elementary school, including Prarie, Salyer and Carrier, to partake in activities with the children such as arts and crafts, reading, playing at recess, joining them for lunch, and tutoring.

Salyer Elementary School Teacher and OPSU alum, Cassidy Livengood, has reached out with positive comments on the baseball team’s endeavors in the classrooms in accordance with the Champions of Character program. “I have had the privilege of having Connor Bachert in my classroom; he is always ready to give 100 percent and gives each and every kid attention. [He is a great example of the type of program being run at OPSU.] Thank you for sending such great [kids] to Salyer!”

Oklahoma Panhandle State President, Dr. Tim Faltyn, emboldens all Aggie athlete to be successful in the game of life as well as in their sport, and commends Head Coach Jason LaRocque for taking the initiative to set this great example and create constructive opportunities for his team off the field. Athletic Director Meghan Mulcahey concurred, “Our baseball team has done a great job buying into the NAIA Champions of Character mindset and becoming servant leaders in the community.”