Student-athletes unite to serve

Cravings for crab were satisfied as hungry patrons gathered at the athletic department’s ninth annual Crab Feed in the Gymnasium on April 28.

In an effort to raise funds for uniforms and other equipment, guests were served a variety of dishes including salad, bread, spaghetti and all-you-can-eat crab.

“It was delicious. I ate salad and lots of crab. They made sure that you were well fed,” EOPS/CARE and CalWORKs office assistant Culoz Davis said. “We had excellent servers. It feels great to see (the student-athletes) really participate in the event that’ll benefit them.”

Men’s soccer coach Rudy Zeller said due to the state budget crisis, cuts were made in the athletic department’s funding. Money earned from the event and other fundraisers are ways for the program to support itself and help pay for its necessities.

“It’s a win-win situation. Players, students, alumni, parents and faculty come out to eat and support,” Zeller said. “People leave here happy and we receive funds for the event.”

Interim President Dan Henry enjoyed himself while giving his support by having a bib hang from his neck as he consumed seasoned crab.

“(The event) is a festive occasion. The crab was the real highlight. Athletic programs are expensive, but they’re important,” Henry said. “The coaches and athletes work hard with fundraising throughout the year to be part of the solution.”

While guests aimed to fulfill their appetites, student-athletes from several teams worked diligently to cater to the needs of more than 200 attendees.

“I feel really good. I like seeing people with a smile on their face. It lets me know they’re satisfied,” football line backer Derrick Hogan said. “We appreciate the people for giving us support with their donations and with that, we give back with our services.”

Men’s basketball point guard Daniel Rice said it is important for people to come to the event so they can get a chance to see the players, get to know them and understand that they are student-athletes who are trying to succeed.

By being involved with a sport, Rice is motivated to achieve academic excellence.

“School is the most important priority. In order to play, there’s a minimum requirement to have 2.0 or 3.0 GPA,” he said. “I love basketball and I want to see how far I can go, so I keep my grades up in order to play.”

As the student-athletes served, they proudly wore their jerseys so people could identify which team they were from.

Football safety and receiver Javian Battle said he felt important wearing his jersey because he knew he was representing his team.

Statistics major Edjayta Jones, who volunteered at the crab feed in previous years, was able to relax this year.

Jones said it was more entertaining to be able to sit and enjoy her meal instead of being a waitress trying to serve everyone’s demands.

“Every year, the school should support. Every department should hop on the bandwagon and come to the crab feed,” she said.

Athletic Director John Wade, who coordinated the event, was glad about the turnout.

Wade said people from other colleges, former president McKinley Williams and Bay Valley Conference Commissioner Shirley Baskin also attended to support the department.

“(The event) helps build camaraderie and students assist and serve the community,” he said.