All the training for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater wrestling team doesn't take place on the mat or in the weight room. Some teaching takes place away from the UW-W campus.
"I just like to help people", UW-W wrestler James Gordon said. "I can always go home and get a good meal, but for some of these people this is their good meal. My parents always told me, if you can help somebody in need then take the time to lend them a hand."
And that was the attitude of the fifteen Warhawk wrestlers that served Thanksgiving lunch at the Salvation Army in Janesville, Wisconsin.
The idea originated with UW-W head coach Tim Fader, who found an agency that wanted help, then presented the plan to his team. Some of the Whitewater team members were able to change their Thanksgiving plans to be part of the community service.
"It makes you thankful," sophomore Matt Shuck said. "We don't have to worry if we're going to get a meal, but some people do even on Thanksgiving. Where I'm from, and even here at school, you don't see the need as much, and it really makes you think."
"This was another part of bringing our team closer together," Gordon added. "It shows that you have teammates you can depend on, people that are willing to help you out."
"We realize that we are lucky. Not only do most of us have family, but we have a team for support," Shuck said.