Student-athletes across the country were saddened by the tragic events of September 11, and many did whatever they could to help.

Student-athletes organized blood drives, distributed flags and collected money for September 11-related causes in practically every way imaginable. From co-ed hockey exhibition games to car washes, autograph signings and even buying tickets to their own games, student-athletes found creative ways to contribute.

"As with many Americans across the nation, our student-athletes wanted to demonstrate support in a personal way," said Mary Ellen Cloninger, senior associate athletics di-
rector at Utah State University.

Student-athletes at Utah State manned tables at soccer, softball and football games, collecting money for a group donation to the families of New York City's firefighters.

Student-athletes at Ohio Northern University bought tickets to their own games to help.

"We wanted to show our support of the Red Cross and the people who lost their lives in the September 11 terrorist attacks," said Tom Simmons, director of athletics at Ohio Northern. "Our players brought up the idea to purchase tickets to their own game, and I thought that was a wonderful gesture."