Student-Athletes Help Girls on the Run Program

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - On Saturday, November 21, 15 Northern Arizona student-athletes volunteered their time to set up and cheer on the local community in the New Balance Girls on the Run 5K race, which was held at Buffalo Park.

The Girls on the Run program of Coconino County focuses on character building, while maintaining a healthy, positive, and active lifestyle. The student-athletes helped cheer on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders of various elementary schools around Flagstaff, as well hand out water and refreshments to the girls and coaches during the race.

In partnership with the Girls on the Run staff, members from NAU’s women’s soccer, golf, and track and field teams helped make this day a huge success.

The Lumberjack student-athletes also spoke with many of the young girls about the importance of resisting negative peer pressure, and how their experiences in sport and life have aided them in personal growth and a high sense of self confidence. Many of these student-athletes, as well as other Lumberjack teams and the Academic Services staff will be participating with the program in the spring.

The NAU Athletics Department completed more than 3,800 community service hours during the 2008-09 academic year.