CALDWELL, Idaho – The College of Idaho men's basketball team has been a true Champion of Character in the community for years – but the 2019-20 Coyotes are taking their community service to the next level.
Head coach
Colby Blaine has partnered with Idaho Central Credit Union and with the six elementary schools in the Caldwell School District for one-of-a-kind Legacy Program – its goal, to connect C of I student-athletes and the youth in the community, with the focus of becoming "Legacy Driven".
Through education and servant leadership, the Yotes will teach each elementary student that the most powerful tool we possess is time – and learning to invest that time through volunteer work will educate participants that happiness and success come with giving to others is vital in our quest to leave a legacy.
"We realize we only have 20 people on our College of Idaho basketball team," Blaine said. "We believe this is a great way to help grow our team and impact more people."
Blaine and his players held assemblies over the past week at Van Buren, Sacajawea, Washington, Wilson, Lincoln and Lewis & Clark Elementary Schools – outlining the Legacy Program. Students who complete volunteer hours corresponding to their grade level (first graders must complete one hour, fifth graders must complete five hours) will receive a Legacy Driven wristband – which will get that student free admission to a C of I basketball game. Students have an opportunity to complete extra volunteer hours for additional tickets to the game.
"If every student in completes the program, over 8,000 volunteer hours will have been accomplished in our community," Blaine said. "That truly is a staggering number and is an opportunity for our team and the next generation to make an impact in the City of Caldwell."
Students who complete the Legacy Program will be recognized on their school's designated night during a C of I game.
"It will be a really cool event where they'll get recognition for completing the program and it will be a packed house," Blaine said.
For more information on the Legacy Program, contact the C of I men's basketball office.
