Second-Annual Student-Faculty Game Brings LWC Community Together
Story by LWC Student Intern Kia Milam
Pictures by LWC News writer and Photographer Mariah Beasley
COLUMBIA, KY. -- Lindsey Wilson College students, faculty and college administrators hit the court for a little friendly competition, fun and a good cause on Thursday evening.
The second-annual Lindsey Wilson student-faculty & staff basketball game was held in Biggers Sports Center in front of an energetic crowd of nearly 400 students and onlookers.
Human services and counseling and Christian ministries senior Sam Kiger from Elizabethtown, Ky., who organized the event said the student-faculty game has quickly become one of the most anticipated events for the campus community.
“Everyone was excited for the the game this year -- especially now that they know what is going on -- and it turned out to be much more competitive than last year,” said Kiger. “All the support from the students, staff, Bonner Scholars, SGA and many others truly helped to make the event amazing.”
More than 25 students, faculty and staff from the LWC community participated in the event either as players, coaches or officials.
LWC Director of Career Services Laura Burwash said she enjoys the spirited atmosphere surrounding the game and the time spent with students outside of the day-to-day grind.
“Playing against students reminds me once again why I love Lindsey Wilson College,” said Burwash. “Even with the competitiveness and the desire to win -- the contagious atmosphere filled with laughter, support, smiles and cheers is truly a one of a kind experience. LWC touches lives whether it be my own life, student's lives or the community. Participating in this event gives me the opportunity to help others and be thankful for this special place.”
Fans were encouraged to bring canned food items to donate to LWC Campus Kitchen, a student-run organization that relies on food donations from businesses and the community to serve more than 60 people in Columbia-Adair County each week.
“We had a great turnout with the food drive, so it was definitely a success as well,” said Kiger. “From all of the canned foods we received, we will be able to provide many families with food over the holiday season.”
Human services and counseling and Christian ministries senior Gabby Pyles from Campbellsville, Ky., who played in the 2017 and 2018 student-faculty games says she enjoys the time spent with the LWC community outside of the classroom.
“I had the best time running around on the court trying not to get run over by the experienced players, cheering on my team members, and I even attempted a few granny shots during the game, it was so much fun,” Pyles said about her involvement. “What a wonderful event to have fun with our LWC family and benefit a worthy cause!”
It was a close game from beginning to end but the students edged out the faculty team on a stunning last second, three-point shot, winning 54-53.
Photo -- Standing from left: John Meece from Jamestown, Ky.; women’s basketball Head Coach John Wethington; Men’s Resident Director Luke Westmoreland; women’s basketball assistant coach Trevor Goodson; Admissions Counselor Joe McKinley; Director of Public Safety Mike Staten; Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management Dean Adams; Admissions Counselor McKenzie Martin; senior Patrick Adkins from Glasgow, Ky.; Alumni Director Hannah Peck; senior Sam Kiger from Elizabethtown, Ky.; senior Macey Johnson from Jamestown, Ky.; freshman Morgan Johnson from Jamestown, Ky.; junior Jacob Pooler from Columbia, Ky.; junior Ben Duncan from Monticello, Ky.; senior Ethan Hennis from Nashville, Tenn.; and senior Austin Sparrow from Harrodsburg, Ky.
Front row, kneeling from left: Assistant Housekeeping Supervisor Jon Conover; senior Luke Shaffer from Sacramento, Ky.; Director of Career Services Laura Burwash; Assistant Track Coach Anthony Thompson; junior Scott Kirby from Laura, Oh.; senior Gabby Pyles from Campbellsville, Ky.; senior Airada Bricker from Elizabethtown, Ky.; and sophomore Kylee Thornton from Louisville, Ky.
Not Pictured: Associate Professor of Music Gerald Chafin & Dean of Admissions Traci Pooler
• Enjoy a photo scrapbook of the Second-Annual Student-Faculty Game To Benefit LWC Campus Kitchen
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