Cougars Volunteer at 4th Annual Trash Bash
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - The SIUE track and field and cross country teams volunteered at the 4th Annual Confluence Trash Bash over the weekend.
The student-athletes helped pick up trash at various locations on the north side of St. Louis, starting at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.
"The teams provided a service in picking up trash, which helps the community and environment, but I think of equal importance is that many of the athletes were exposed to an environment they otherwise wouldn't see," said SIUE cross country Head Coach Eileen McAllister. "Many were shocked that people lived so close to places where trash was dumped."
Everyone involved got their hands dirty while helping to clean up along streams and in neighborhoods finding some interesting items on the way including laptops, shopping carts, a big doll leg, mattresses, and tires.
"They are now more aware of the world around them. Hopefully, this experience helps them see how important community service is, and they continue to make it a part of their life after college," added McAllister.
The Cougars open the outdoor track and field season Saturday in Oxford, Miss., at the Ole Miss Invite.
