A group of 16 North Central College Student-Athletes traveled to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina over spring break to participate in Habitat for Humanity’s “Alternative Spring Break” program. The group included eight members of the college’s wrestling team, five from the volleyball team, one from women’s soccer, one from men’s cross country, and one from cheerleading. Sarah Conrad, who serves as Assistant to the Athletic Director, Erin Spika, the women’s soccer graduate assistant coach, and Karl Bratland, the assistant wrestling coach, attended as well.

The students spent four days assisting in the building of two houses. Roofing, drywall, priming, painting and soffit installation were among the various tasks they performed over the course of the project.

“It was a great opportunity for us to help with a worthy cause while enjoying some physical work and gaining knowledge in home building,” said Bratland after the trip. “It was definitely a bonding experience for those that went. We were able to work together on the building site, enjoy some fun times and memories, and even found time to get a few workouts in.”

In addition to lending a large hand to the community of Horry County, South Carolina, the student-athletes also had plenty of down time to tour the popular vacation spot that is Myrtle Beach. “I had a blast,” commented Jamie Drozd, a member of the volleyball team, “I think because it was an athletics-sponsored service trip, we all had similar interests and we got along very well. We went on many fun adventures throughout the trip and never stopped having fun at the retreat center, either.”

While they weren’t out building houses and hitting tourist hot-spots, they took advantage of the beach that was just 300 yards from their retreat home.

 “We went to the beach almost every night and hung out,” Drozd continued. “I am glad I got to share such a rewarding experience with new and old friends.”

- Story submitted by Joe Norton