UF swim and dive helps Habitat for Humanity

By: Olivia Wile
Twitter: o_wile
Email: wileo@findlay.edu

The grey skies and rain did not damper the service efforts of the University of Findlay men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams on Saturday, Sept. 8.

The team met at 8 a.m. to help build Habitat for Humanity’s new restore located at 1200 Commerce Pky.

Senior Colleen Hoke says the experience was a fun way to bond with her teammates while giving back to the community.

“It was fun, it was a lot different than what we usually do,” said Hoke. “Other people were doing smaller tasks, but the majority of us were painting.”

In addition to painting, the team helped with hanging lights and cleaning the new restore.

According to the Habitat for Humanity website, building this new store is necessary as the space they currently rent and operate in is being put up for sale. The new building will also better protect the organization from the reoccurring flood damage they have experienced.

As a returner, Hoke says this is not the first time her team has volunteered with Habitat.

“My freshman year, we helped build a house,” said Hoke. “The woman and daughter who were getting that house showed up the day we were there, so it was really cool to talk to them and see how great Habitat for Humanity helps people around here.”

Aside from giving back to the community, junior Andrew Gray says the experience helped him get to know his new teammates.

“It was nice to work with them and get to know them better,” said Gray. “Just being able to work with some of the freshman was nice because I don’t really get to interact all that much because I live off campus.”

Diego Santos, a graduate assistant coach for the Oilers, also helped out with the team on Saturday. He says it was great to see the group come together for the cause.

“It was good seeing all the upperclassman working with the new swimmers,” said Santos. “Overall, it was great to see everyone doing their part and helping the community.”

As for how much their efforts were appreciated, Santos says the Habitat for Humanity workers enjoyed working with his team.

“They said that we were the best group that they’ve had so far,” said Santos. “So they were really happy with us and excited to have us there.”

The Oilers will kick off their regular season Friday, Sept. 28 against Cleveland State.

 

                                                                  

 

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