(Peru, Neb.) – Recently, the Peru State College (PSC) softball and baseball teams united to provide a leaf raking and bagging community service project for residents of the city of Peru.  Unlike the previous year where Mother Nature wreaked havoc on their initial date, the two teams were able to do the work on a very nice Friday. 
 
Efforts resulted in helping seven different residences and the Peru Museum/Brownell House area become pretty much leaf-free, at least for the moment. 
 
Members of the teams were heard commenting that it was fun to work together on such a project as it gave them an opportunity to learn more about each other in a different setting other than school or athletics. 


 
Bobcat baseball senior Kyle Fredrickson (Omaha) stated, “We had a huge turnout of players and we were able to take care of more places than in previous years.  The community seemed to be very appreciative and welcomed us at each house.”  Fredrickson added, “It was nice to work with the softball team while giving back to the community.”
 
Long-time head softball coach, Mark Mathews, and second-year baseball coach, Wayne Albury, coordinated the project and were surprised with the number of initial calls stemming from an email that went to campus employees and staff.    Albury said, “It was shortly after the email went out that we were either getting calls or emails identifying families or individuals who could benefit from the service.”  Mathews added, “It turned out to be a good morning and our student-athletes worked hard and will gain some new levels of respect and accountability because of this work.”
 
Both teams will kick off their spring action in February, providing Mother Nature cooperates with them at that time.  To view their schedules, go to www.pscbobcats.com and find their respective links.