The NCAA News - News and Features

The NCAA News -- March 15, 1999

End Zone -- Christian Brothers shows a 'little' kindness in partner program

BY KAY HAWES
STAFF WRITER

Student-athletes at Christian Brothers University are making a big impact on their little brothers and sisters.

Affectionately known as "littles," these children have been "adopted" by the student-athletes at Christian Brothers who participate in Campus Pals, a nationwide pilot program.

Campus Pals is affiliated with the national Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America organization, and it's implemented by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA).

The littles at Christian Brothers -- who are ages 7 to 14 and from single-parent homes -- were matched with student-athletes through the Memphis Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization.

"It gives the students responsibility for a young life, even for a short time," said Brother Michael J. McGinnis, president of Christian Brothers.

With 50 matches, Christian Brothers has one of the highest percentages of student-athlete involvement.

Community involvement was a goal of Christian Brothers' athletics director Doreen McAfee when she initiated the program last November.

"I would have been very remiss if I did not jump at the opportunity to allow our student-athletes to be role models," McAfee said. "It allows the community to see what kind of students we have. It's helped our student-athletes to mature. It helps them to work with kids who are not so fortunate as they were growing up."

Christian Brothers' student-athletes dig into their own pockets to finance two or more monthly activities with their littles. In the past, activities have included excursions to hockey games, the movies, roller skating and the IMAX theater. On-campus activities have included attending athletics events and a scavenger hunt/pizza party.

Assistant basketball coach Kevin Kuwik, one of four Christian Brothers coaches who participate, said he and his little brother, Robert, talk three times a week. "Hanging out with him is a stress reliever," Kuwik said. "It's a reality check. It puts things into perspective."

Paula Prevette, mother to program participant Sara, age 10, calls her daughter's big sister an "answer to a prayer."

"My daughter's had a rough childhood. It's not easy learning to trust people again. (Her big sister) Paula Meadors is a positive influence," Prevette said. "When Paula says she's going to do something, she will. She never lets (Sara) down. She's helped my little girl gain confidence in herself. She's helped Sara realize she can grow up and be somebody."

Since Sara now wants to be a veterinarian, Meadors plans to take her to a veterinary clinic for a behind-the-scenes tour.

"It makes you feel so good donating your time to make another person happy," said Meadors, a student athletic trainer and former softball player. "If you show love and interest, you're going to make a big difference and impact somebody's life."

"We like the same stuff -- the same movies, the same animals," Sara said. "She encourages me in school.

"If I could have her as a real sister, I would."