In an effort to lend a hand to the campus community, the Hilltoppers instead spent the morning assisting incoming WKU freshmen who were moving into their dorms. The team helped first-year students at Bemis Lawrence, Hugh Poland, McCormack and Rodes Harlin Halls prior to lunch.
“It went well I thought. There were a ton of people out there, so we were busy,” senior offensive lineman Zach Thuney said. “We just made the freshmen players carry the heavy items up the steps, so it wasn’t too bad.”
Fellow senior Bo Smith, a defensive back, thought that the team’s efforts were appreciated by the families of WKU’s newest students. “I think it meant a lot to people to see football players helping out because they know we go through a lot during camp,” he said. “They knew it was Sunday morning and it was our day off. A lot of people were excited because what they could have done in five trips we were able to help them get it done in one, which helped free up the rest of their day.”
“A lot of people were stunned, but very grateful,” added Jared Holland, a senior tight end. “We chipped in quite a bit, so I think they were happy with the help they received.”
The idea to assist new students moving in was one to help the program build relationships, according to fifth-year head coach David Elson. “Our players wanted to show these incoming freshmen that they are important to our success. This gives us a chance to connect and build relationships with our student body, with the hopes of creating the most intimidating student section in all of college football.”
According to the players, the plan was a success. Holland claimed that many said they would come to games because of the help the program provided today, while Thuney was told by some of the families he aided that they would begin Saturdays of home games tailgating and be looking for the players afterwards.
Not only did players help draw interest in their games, but they were able to meet people that they night see again down the road.
“I ran into a couple of people I hope to see again in the next couple of months,” Smith said. “It’s always good to meet new people from different places who have a different perspective on life.”
Obviously, the effort put forth by the Toppers doesn’t compare to full-contact practices or two workouts in a day, but Thuney believed there were some similarities to the off-season conditioning and weight training programs the team participated in over the summer prior to preseason camp.
“It was almost comparable to the work we do in the weight room every day,” said Thuney. “It was enough for us to break a sweat and need to take a break between trips.”
Holland added that although it couldn’t be compared to a regular two-hour practice, the day’s work wasn’t a simple task either. “It’s a little different because you’re not in full pads hitting each other. I wouldn’t say it was easier, though.”
And, while aid similar to what the Hilltoppers provided today wasn’t available when they moved to Bowling Green as freshmen because preseason camp began well before classes started, it doesn’t mean that today’s players didn’t receive a helping hand. “There weren’t that many people on campus when I moved in,” laughed Smith. “The older guys on the team did help out, which made it a little easier.”
