Competing for championships is a yearly expectation for Grand Valley State University’s athletic program, but what Laker fans do not often realize is being an athlete at GVSU involves more than just game play.

Each year Laker athletes spend countless hours away from sports to participate in community service projects.

On Saturday, the GVSU men’s and women’s cross country and track and field teams hosted a car wash and donated the proceeds to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“When we do events like this, it shows everyone that we’re not just all about sports, we’re involved the community too,” said Jocelyn Kuksa, senior pole vaulter.

The two teams are comprised of 188 athletes, with 150 of them taking part in the community fundraiser. The car wash took place at four different locations, including McDonald’s in Allendale, Arby’s in Standale, Advanced Auto Parts in Jenison and Walgreen’s in Grandville.

The athletes raised about $1,300 for charity.

“We used to do a car wash as a fundraiser for our team, but two years ago we decided to give back to Make-a-Wish Foundation,” said GVSU assistant coach Steve Jones. “Overall, it was a very successful day. You can’t always judge an event like this by its monetary outcome because it’s something that our athletes embrace and love doing together.”

Jones said community service is integral to Division II athletics, because it helps with character building.

“It’s not just [the cross country and track] teams, all the teams do something,” he said. “[Women’s] basketball went down to Alabama to help with tornado relief and football volunteers at a camp.”

Aside from benefiting the Make-a Wish Foundation, the car wash helps GVSU athletes improve team chemistry, build character and prepare for life after their playing days are over.

“We are a big group, so an event like this allows us the chance to bond and get the chance to [know] each other a little bit better,” said Tyler Emmorey, senior distance runner. “I like doing things like this because I actually get to see it pay off in the community.”

For some student athletes, giving back to organizations means helping out a cause near to their hearts.

“I have some family and friends who are sick, so to take time out of my day to give back to people who need it is good,” Kuska said.

At the same time, Kuksa knows that giving back to the Make-a-Wish Foundation and the team bonding are the two main goals, but they also gain new fans and bring positive publicity to GVSU by working in the community.

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