Cattle Classic Provides Outreach for Community
by Abigail Wisniewski
The Bulldogs won off and on the basketball court at the 16th annual Cattle Classic Tournament on Nov. 6-8. In addition to an undefeated weekend of basketball for both the men’s and women’s teams, the Bulldogs collected over 5,500 cans for the local food pantry.
Spectators gained admission through either an admission fee or a donation of non-perishables to the food pantry. The number of cans collected was matched by Pac ‘N’ Save.
The tournament is a partnership between Concordia and the Cattle National Bank & Trust Co.
Ryne Seaman, who is the president and CEO of Cattle National Bank as well as one of the founders of the Cattle Classic, said the tournament has received “outstanding support” from the community.
To date, the tournament has collected over 50,000 cans of food over the years. All proceeds from the tournament go to the local food pantry.
Students at Seward elementary and middle schools were challenged to raise collections of non-perishables within their classrooms. The class that collected the most cans will receive a pizza party sponsored by the Cattle National Bank.
Youth in the community were able to contribute to the tournament by participating in a clinic held by Concordia coaches and players and displaying their skills during halftime of the Friday night game. About 50 kids participated in the clinic.
The tournament gives Concordia coaches the opportunity to address the importance of service, a value encouraged by Concordia.
When asked how the tournament is beneficial to the team in learning about service, men’s basketball coach Benjamin Limback said, “I think just making our team and college kids in general aware of just the things that we have, how blessed that we are to have food on a daily basis… Right here in our own community, [there are] people who don’t have the means to provide food on a daily basis.”
The women’s basketball coach, Drew Olson also emphasized the importance of service with his team.
“It gives our kids a different perspective of other people, and God calls us to serve,” Olson said. “We are to follow in His footsteps of servant leadership.”
