Pitt Student-Athletes Make Annual Trip to Haiti
5/25/2018 2:05:00 PM | Football, General, Men's Soccer, Women's Basketball, Women's Gymnastics, Wrestling, Panther Club
Fifteen Panthers Attended Mission Trip.
PITTSBURGH – Earlier this month, 15 student-athletes from the University of Pittsburgh traveled to Haiti for a mission trip organized by the school's Coalition of Christian Outreach April 30 to May 5.
Led by campus minister Mark Steffy and his colleague, Kelly Cook, the group traveled to the city of Cap Haitien, located on the north coast of the country with a population of around 200,000. Over the last seven years, CCO has made the trip with over 100 student-athletes from the University of Pittsburgh.
Eight members from the group made return trips, including football's Brian Popp (fourth), Connor Dintino (third), Kellen McAlone (second) and Quintin Wirginis (second), as well as gymnastics' Taylor Laymon (fourth), Megan Tripp (second), Charli Spivey (second) and woman's basketball's Cassidy Walsh (second).
Those members making their first trip includes Darrin Hall, Qadree Ollison and Dennis Briggs of football, Alex Murray and Eli Seipel of wrestling, Chad Stout of soccer and Dale Clish of cheer.
"My time in Haiti was extremely humbling," said Murray. "The Haitien people live day to day and simply worry about surviving. The trip helped me realize that the 'problems' that I have back in the states are great problems to have. I look at my current situation and see that I have unbelievable opportunities. I am very grateful for these opportunities and hope to continue to help others on my journey."
The group departed from Pittsburgh Monday, April 30. Once arriving in the country, they worked at EBAC orphanage and school, as well as Idadee orphanage.
While at EBAC, the group assisted with putting together bible lessons for the younger children, while leading arts and crafts to help them learn more about the bible. The student-athletes also helped the older children fill out a personality test packet to discover what skills they possess and what career paths they may be interested in.
Off site, the group climbed to the top of a nearby mountain to help with the construction of a new church. They helped level some of the land the church is to be built on so that construction could begin.
At Idadee orphanage, student-athletes put together a field day that featured track and field events, including sprints, long jump and throwing. They also gave the winners medals and awards on the last day of competition. The group also took the children for a day at the beach.
"Each time I travel to Haiti, I am blown away by the love and acceptance our group receives," said Spivey. "The children we spend time with have a sense of selflessness that continues to inspire and challenge me in my own life. They also are an incredible example on what it looks like to choose joy and to choose love each and every day. I am in awe and excited to go back next year."
#H2P | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Led by campus minister Mark Steffy and his colleague, Kelly Cook, the group traveled to the city of Cap Haitien, located on the north coast of the country with a population of around 200,000. Over the last seven years, CCO has made the trip with over 100 student-athletes from the University of Pittsburgh.
Eight members from the group made return trips, including football's Brian Popp (fourth), Connor Dintino (third), Kellen McAlone (second) and Quintin Wirginis (second), as well as gymnastics' Taylor Laymon (fourth), Megan Tripp (second), Charli Spivey (second) and woman's basketball's Cassidy Walsh (second).
Those members making their first trip includes Darrin Hall, Qadree Ollison and Dennis Briggs of football, Alex Murray and Eli Seipel of wrestling, Chad Stout of soccer and Dale Clish of cheer.
"My time in Haiti was extremely humbling," said Murray. "The Haitien people live day to day and simply worry about surviving. The trip helped me realize that the 'problems' that I have back in the states are great problems to have. I look at my current situation and see that I have unbelievable opportunities. I am very grateful for these opportunities and hope to continue to help others on my journey."
The group departed from Pittsburgh Monday, April 30. Once arriving in the country, they worked at EBAC orphanage and school, as well as Idadee orphanage.
While at EBAC, the group assisted with putting together bible lessons for the younger children, while leading arts and crafts to help them learn more about the bible. The student-athletes also helped the older children fill out a personality test packet to discover what skills they possess and what career paths they may be interested in.
Off site, the group climbed to the top of a nearby mountain to help with the construction of a new church. They helped level some of the land the church is to be built on so that construction could begin.
At Idadee orphanage, student-athletes put together a field day that featured track and field events, including sprints, long jump and throwing. They also gave the winners medals and awards on the last day of competition. The group also took the children for a day at the beach.
"Each time I travel to Haiti, I am blown away by the love and acceptance our group receives," said Spivey. "The children we spend time with have a sense of selflessness that continues to inspire and challenge me in my own life. They also are an incredible example on what it looks like to choose joy and to choose love each and every day. I am in awe and excited to go back next year."
#H2P | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Players Mentioned
DB
/ Football
OL
/ Football
RB
/ Football
UB, BB, FX
/ Women's Gymnastics
WR
/ Football
/ Wrestling
RB
/ Football
LB
/ Football
/ Wrestling
V, BB, FX
/ Women's Gymnastics
M
/ Men's Soccer
AA
/ Women's Gymnastics
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
LB
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