On Wednesday February 8^th, University of the Cumberlands Head Women's Basketball Coach Melissa Irvin and several members from her women's basketball team visited Whitley County Central Primary (WCCP) School and Mrs. Michelle Shelley's 2^ndgrade class. 

The Patriot ladies basketball team, along with some select students from one of Dr. Anita Bowman's health and exercise science classes at UC, went to speak with the primary school students about taking care of their heart, eating healthy, and how important it is to do well in school and work together as a team.    

Corey Chaffin (Reynoldsburg, OH) and Nick Jones (Ft. Myers, FL) went on behalf of Dr. Bowman's class to speak about heart health and what you can do throughout your daily lives to ensure that you keep on a healthy path.  The students loved Chaffin's example of the sound of the heart as they opened and closed their hands shouting, "lub-dub, lub-dub, lub-dub!" 

Along with Chaffin and Jones, members of the Patriot ladies basketball team including Lauren Wombes (London, Ky.), Jade Howard (Salyersville, Ky.), Stephanie Salyers (Somerset, Ky.), Haley Ratliff (Pikeville, Ky.), Vernisha Moss (Bahamas), and Dace Bicane (Latvia) spoke with the students about how heart health can affect your life including staying healthy to play sports.  The players also spoke with the students on how being a team player and utilizing teamwork can help them now and throughout their life.  They also discussed maintaining good grades letting the students know that good grades can help them get into college and participate in athletics as well.   

The UC Patriots spoke to the students on the day before their annual "Think Pink" or "Shoot for the Cure" game.  The ladies discussed with the students how they wanted to work as a team to help others as they battle against cancer.  The students in Mrs. Shelley's class wanted to help as well and had collected $57 to donate to the cause.  The proceeds were given to Connie Howard, a professor at UC who is currently battling cancer.

Sydnee Floyd, daughter of UC Multimedia and Athletic Services Director Jennifer Wake-Floyd, helped the team that day by asking her classmates questions in a special video tribute for the visit.  When asked what they had learned, many students responded with, "Always stick with your team."  They are getting an early start on what it takes to be successful in life. 

Before leaving, the players gave the students a free ticket to come and see the Patriots take on the University of Rio Grande for their "Think Pink" game.  At the game, Ms. Howard was honored as the "6^thMan" for the women's game as the Patriots defeated the Red Storm 67-46.  Howard has since received a generous donation from the basketball program along with the students from Whitley Central Primary to help with her transportation for radiation treatments. 

The Patriot family thanks Mrs. Shelley's 2^ndgrade class for participating and helping out such a great cause.  It is because of the relationships between the University and the community that make helping others worthwhile. 

To learn more about the women's basketball team and Patriot athletics visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com.  To watch the YouTube video of the visit at WCCP visit http://youtu.be/Ht9jW8rIVjM.