BALTIMORE, Md. – The Coppin State women’s track and field program enjoyed a busy day of serving the community.

Some members of the cross-country team competing at Saturday’s Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championship race participated in the Breast Cancer community event in Dover Friday afternoon, while others spent time interacting and reliving their childhoods with elementary school kids at Federal Hill Prep School.

“It was a great opportunity giving back to kids who are much like us when we were younger,” Coppin State sophomore Randi Bohler said. “It just feels good knowing that just spending that small amount of time with them could make them so happy. I look forward to doing much more community service.”

The ladies who didn’t attend the MEAC championships attended Federal Hill Prep School’s fall festival and offered a long jump clinic. They even poured sand and made a makeshift long jump pit on the grass. The kids had smiles on their races as they zoomed through the sand. There was also face painting and game stations manned by the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Baltimore employees.

In addition to Bohler, also participating in the school activities were Natasha Patterson, Danielle Baker, Randi Bohler, Kiersten Bond, Khemani Roberts, Deandra Daniel, Breana Hagwood, Tanaya Yarde and Kristen Deacon.  They quizzed the kids, who came to the long jump area in groups of 15 by naming the various types of jumps.

“We were amazed by their talent,” Roberts said. “The boys were quite competitive and they enjoyed the encouragement given to them by my teammates, their teachers and classmates. I enjoyed the company of the kids and loved watching them jump. It made me feel like a potential coach. I would definitely like to do this again.”

Meanwhile, the Lady Eagles competing in the MEAC championship meet (Shawdae Frederick, Alexis Marsh, Lunnise Gibson, Kadeem Curtis, Jazmyn Johnson and Miriam Ekwuru) assisted with the Power of the Pink 5K Run/Walk Friday afternoon at Delaware State.

The event was aimed at highlighting and showing support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Participants wore pink bibs during the run/walk. All proceeds went to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

“I am proud of my ladies for being active and making a difference in the lives of others,” Coppin State women’s track and field coach Alecia Shields-Gadson said. “Service is always important and it’s something we pride ourselves on here at Coppin State.”