Feature photo by Jordan France
By Jordan France
On Sept. 22, WPU student-athletes participated in a “home run derby” sporting competition, where students could donate canned goods for a cause called “Cans Across the Conference.”
Every university in the USA South Conference donated canned goods in a competition to see who could gather the most overall. All the proceeds are donated to each respected university’s food pantry for students in need to access.
The afternoon was filled with laughs, “dingers”, and fellowship. The WPU softball team hosted the event, and many students from many different sports came out to participate. The objective was to get as many home run hits over the fence as possible in under 30 seconds. There was an elimination round as well as a championship round, and the atmosphere was lively.
“I had so much fun catching and hitting with my teammates is one of my favorite memories of this semester,” Sully Caruso, a WPU Sophomore, stated.
Below are some photo highlights of the event:
SAAC’s Vice President William English highlighted the purpose behind this event.
“The event was organized by SAAC, whose goal is to bring light to issues involving student athletes, as well as organizing events that allow both student athletes and non-student athletes to participate in things together to make the community feel more whole and not like students and divided or treated differently based on their participation in athletics,” said English. “This is also an opportunity for us to encourage others to show up to more sporting events because having fans at these events makes us feel like a community and shows athletes that they are playing for more than themselves but also playing under a unified name.”
The derby was more than just a fun afternoon with homeruns; it was a great show of unification between athletics and students in the Peace community and brought people together. It is a reminder that every swing can make a lasting impact.