NACOGDOCHES, TX (KTRE) -
If you went to the Texas Pro Bowl in Nacogdoches Saturday, you probably couldn't help but notice the smiles on the kids faces as many of them bowled for their first time.
Johnny Cardenas, Lumberjack baseball head coach, said, "I'm hoping they feel a sense of enjoyment. Some of those kids have never bowled before and it's fun to see the look in their eyes. You know, to just have a little success on a small scale."
Coach Cardenas and his athletes met with at risk youth organizations Saturday for the second annual bowling bash.
"I think it's a very moving event and it can help a lot of people's self esteem," Jasmine scarbrough, Glory Gang youth member, said.
"It's a great feeling to know that somebody looks up to us and they respect us and what we do, and we're just out here to help them," Chase Greening, SFA baseball player, said.
"It's for a good cause and we all have fun with it and the kids are having fun as well so it's a great cause."
SFA athletes say the bowling bash is all about selfless giving and each of them take pride in being role models to these kids. Lizzie Arana, SFA softball player, said, "I take a lot of pride in it and that's why I try through all of my actions to be a positive role model for others because I've had that in my life and I know how important it is."
Baseball and softball athletes at SFA are active members in the Nacogdoches community, which is something that's very important to Cardenas. "As far as athletes are concerned a lot of times in today's society athletes kind of go the wrong way and they don't really give good examples to the youth of the community," Cardenas said. "We're just trying to do a good job of making sure those guys understand that they are part of the community and that they are role models and they deserve a need to give something back to the community."
SFA baseball and softball have begun a partnership with the United Way and youth organizations in Nacogdoches and will continue to host events with non-profit organizations.
