Whether it’s hosting food drives or volunteering to help train the next generation of athletes, Northwestern State University of Louisiana athletics supports the Natchitoches community. During the holiday season, the men’s and women’s basketball teams will hold their annual toy drive during home games in December.
Both teams use this opportunity to give back to the community that has supported them for years. Rick Cabrera, men’s head basketball coach, explained how the toy drive allows the players to become involved in the community.
“It may not always be direct contact, but the fact that we can be part of something that makes our community more connected and a bit happier connects us on a deeper level,” Cabrera said.
Addison Patterson, junior liberal arts major and forward, shared the team’s excitement to give back to those who supported the men’s team.
“People that have given back from what I have benefited from,” Patterson said. “It is only right that we give back to the ones who have supported us and came to watch us play.”
Jon Sanders, senior business and administration major and guard, discussed the importance of giving back to the younger fans during the holidays.
“It is a big event, you know, ever since I have been here we have done stuff like this and it is always nice to give back, especially for the holidays and making sure people are having a great time during the holidays,” Sanders said.
Although this is not an official tradition of the NSU men’s basketball team, Cabrera explained how he would like to make it a yearly and seasonal thing.
“As far as I know, this is only my second year here, but whether it is an established tradition or not, we are all for doing it and establishing it or continuing it either way,” Cabrera said.
NSU athletics’ bond with the local community goes far beyond the game. Cabrera explained the importance of building a relationship with the community and how the relationship can help build a driving force on and off the court.
“The support of the community makes for a great atmosphere in Prather Coliseum, but the relationship is a two-way street,” Cabrera said.
This is why fundraising for the local youth in Natchitoches is vital for fostering this connection. Cabrera said, “In college towns like Natchitoches, the relationship between the university and community is a driving force — one we do not take lightly.”
The men’s team will hold their toy drive as they face off against the Southern University at New Orleans Knights on Friday, Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. in Prather Coliseum. The women’s team will hold their toy drive as they face off against the University of Central Arkansas Bears on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. in Prather Coliseum.
