Nov. 12, 2009
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Caitlin Mangum, UT Media Relations
Fridays before every home game, members of the Longhorn squad have journeyed to Dell Children’s Medical Center to visit with patients. This Friday, however, was different, as many children and their families traveled to the Forty Acres not only to meet their favorite players, but also to catch a glimpse of what it is like to be a member of the team.
The patients and their families had the opportunity to hang out in the players’ lounge, as well as take a tour of the state-of-the-art Moncrief-Neuhaus Athletics Center. Players were on site to meet the children, show them around, have their picture taken and sign autographs.
“It is just exciting to see the faces of the kids light up,” said sophomore RB Fozzy Whittaker. “We get as much enjoyment out of it as they do. It is just exciting to give back in any way that I can.”
Whittaker, who visits the children’s hospital regularly, also noted his excitement to have the group come visit The University.
“It is great that we can go there and that they can come here and travel to us,” Whittaker said. “It is a great feeling that they can get in the atmosphere that we are in all the time, and we can also go to them if they need us too. It is just fun.”
Brady Beals was one of the dozens of kids who came out for the event. He was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet the Longhorns, especially Jordan Shipley, his favorite player. He also enjoyed seeing the players’ lounge and hopes he will be able to hang out there a lot in the future.
“It’s cool to be here because when I get older I hope to play for the Longhorns,” Beals said.
Ashley Davis, special events coordinator for Dell Children's Medical Center, expressed her gratitude to the players for volunteering their time and presented the team with a commemorative football. The football, which was decorated by the patients themselves, was covered in handprints and signed by all of the kids in attendance.
Davis also revealed to the players the immeasurable effect they have had on these children.
“One day, it was right after the team had left, I was working with a patient in the playroom, and I think she said it the best,” Davis said. “She goes, ‘You know what the best part about the guys coming to visit us is? When the guys are here, I don’t hurt. All of my pain goes away.’ That really is what it is about, and I just want to say thank you so much. You truly make a big difference.”
Junior DE Sam Acho, who also regularly visits the hospital, was touched by Davis’ story.
“That really means a lot to us because just the little that we do to help does actually help people,” Acho said. “It is good to see that we can actually make a difference in people’s lives more than just what we do on the football field."
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