Feed the Dogs Creates Community
by Abigail Wisniewski
While the majority of Concordia students and staff rejuvenated between semesters, the Bulldog basketball teams spent much of their Christmas break on campus continuing their seasons. Because Janzow cafeteria was closed during break, the players instead got their meals through a program called “Feed the Dogs.”
“Feed the Dogs” allowed the athletes to eat without buying food. Volunteers from the staff, coaches and Seward community members provided meals, often hosting the teams in their homes. Some parents of players also contributed by sponsoring dining-out meals in Lincoln.
The program is headed by Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach Marty Kohlwey. Though it has not always been called “Feed the Dogs,” Kohlwey said the program has been provided since he was a Bulldog basketball player. He recalled staying at friends’ and faculty and community members’ houses over break as a student.
Concordia President Brian Friedrich has been hosting meals for the program with his wife, Laurie, for several years.
“We hope it’s a time for them just to relax and have some fun with one another,” he said. “Selfishly, we love to get to know the student-athletes better.”
Besides providing food for the athletes and coaches, the meals allowed the hosts to interact with and get to know the athletes.
“My strongest first impression was just how interesting it was to see all these players who I normally see on the basketball floor inside my kitchen and dining room,” Dr. Brent Royuk said in an email interview. “I love watching all these athletes play so I felt a little star-struck to have them in our home.”
The meals also allow the athletes to connect with the community outside of a game setting.
“The guys get to meet people in the community,” Men’s Basketball Coach, Ben Limback said. “They get to see the support out there and the things people are willing to do for them.”
“Concordia is a family and I hope that the visits to people’s homes reinforce the sense of Christian community that the players have,” Royuk said. “We have great students at Concordia and it was a great privilege to be able to feed and welcome these two teams.”
