April 29, 2010
CHICAGO - Ten UIC student-athletes made their way to St. Ann School and the name of the game was education, sports and fun during the "Hangin' with the Flames" event in the nearby Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.
It was the fourth-straight year the Crusaders and Flames have teamed up.
"Once again, the UIC student-athletes had a positive impact on the students at Saint Ann School during their annual visit on `Hangin' with the Flames Day'" said St. Ann principal Benny Morten.
A group of the Flames, including volleyball players Jacqueline Lang and Kelsey Safranek; basketball players Anthony Kelley and Kristin Petrinec; and gymnasts Dave Mohr and Christine Girard, conducted the fun and fitness-filled clinic inside the St. Ann gymnasium to the delight of the sixth, seventh and eighth-grade students.
Visiting the classrooms of the Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth-Grade sections was a quartet of Flames: volleyball's Epiphany Davis and Casie Sullivan; the tennis team's Jenna Reisch; and swimming & diving's Lillian Cabel.
Following the sports activities and during the classroom visits, the Flames sent a strong message about the importance of education, listening to their teachers and requesting assistance when they need it. Giveaways included autographs, Flames water bottles and UIC rally towels.
One student, Guillermo, said, "I really liked that they showed us how to do things that we had never seen before like a hand stand push-up."
His brother, Luis, was in one of the classrooms where UIC student-athletes talked about working hard in school and balancing a student-athlete's schedule. He said, "They told us that if you want to have a good life, go to college and study. It's very important if you want a good education and a better life."
"I want to thank Mr. Morten, the St. Ann staff and the great students at St. Ann for welcoming us into their school once again," said Shawn Sullivan, assistant athletic director and co-liaison to the UIC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. "We appreciate our student-athletes volunteering their time, too. It's truly a fun and educational program for everyone."
Principal Morten stated, "We hope that this partnership continues well into the future so that our students are always reminded how far they can go with a solid education."
Teachers or students wishing to have UIC student-athletes, coaches and staff visit their school and host a "Hangin' with the Flames" event should call (312) 355-1330 for more information.
About St. Ann Catholic School, please visit http://www.stanncrusaders.org/
Fans can listen to podcasts featuring exclusive interviews with UIC head coaches, staff and student-athletes for free on iTunes by searching "UIC Flames."
Fans wishing to learn more about affordable and flexible UIC ticket plans are encouraged to call 312-413-UIC1 or visit www.uicflames.com and click on the "Tickets" tab on the Flames home page.
