Team Effort

Scholar-athletes band together to assist social justice work in Worcester and internationally



This year, more than 50 Holy Cross student-athletes are working together to make a difference in the Worcester community, and to support global causes. The student group’s efforts will be very visible this year during Family Weekend.

The Holy Cross Student Athlete Advisory Committee, an NCAA-mandated group at all Division I, II and III colleges and universities, is now in its 19th year. Through the committee, student athletes become involved in the campus and Worcester communities, promote their sports, and improve communication between the athletic department and athletes.

The group will be selling purple carnations at the Holy Cross-Lehigh football game, which is taking place during Family Weekend on Oct. 25. The proceeds will go toward the Haitian Relief Fund, which assists those affected by the devastation of Hurricane Ike. The fund was suggested by defensive soccer player Peter Siclari ’10, who had his native Haitian teammate, Wesley Laine ‘10, in mind. Holy Cross alumna Kathleen Lynch Moynihan ’80, who works for St. Boniface Haiti Foundation, an aid organization in Haiti, helped arrange the fund.

At least two students from each athletic team are on the committee. Executive board members are cross country and track captain Elizabeth Alizzi ’09, track captain Lauren Tallon ’09, softball captain Mandy Correale ’10 and football offensive lineman Luke Botting ’09.

Ann Zelesky, associate athletic director, and Jen Kagno, manager of home events and promotions, oversee the committee, and several coaches attend the meetings. Baseball coach Gregory DiCenzo and women’s volleyball coach Marritt Cafarchia have greatly contributed to SAAC by attending meetings, sharing ideas on publicity and fundraising, says Zelesky.

“We have more events coming up; we are starting small,” says Alizzi. “We will be running our third annual food drive during the Nov. 8 football game against Fordham, from which all proceeds will go to Worcester food banks. Non-perishable items, such as canned foods, boxed mixes like brownies, mashed potatoes, and rice will be collected at the gates around the football stadium. Contributions from all are greatly appreciated.”

The group will also hold a “Launch-A-Ball” contest on Nov. 8, an in-game promotion where SAAC plans to sell 200 tennis balls to fans for $1 each. Upon purchase, the fan’s name is recorded, and at half time there will be a target on the 50 yard line, and everyone who purchased a ball will throw it onto the field. The fan who throws the ball closest to the target wins. The winner will receive a prize.

The carnation sale on Oct. 25 is one of several new additions to the slate of Family Weekend events. Also new is a two mile fun run/walk which will take place on Oct. 25.

The weekend will also feature music on the Holy Cross campus for families to enjoy. The College Choir will perform from 8 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 24, followed by the Jazz Ensemble Concert at 10. After Saturday’s athletic events, the Chamber Orchestra Concert performs at 3 p.m. and the Dance Ensemble at 3:30 p.m. Finally, the College’s a capella groups Fools on the Hill, Delilahs and Off the Record will entertain at 9 on Saturday night.

Visit the Family Weekend Web site for a complete schedule of events.

By Claire Luke ’10