Wingate, N.C.----As a freshman on the Wingate University women’s soccer team, I wasn’t sure what to expect going into the United Way Day of Caring project on Saturday, August 27. Our assignment for the day: assist a lovely lady named Patsy in cleaning her house, inside and out. We were ready to provide assistance where needed.
 
Recently injured in a car accident, Patsy was unable to do outdoor chores on her own. This is where we stepped in. When we arrived, she welcomed our 12 ladies with open arms. She introduced us to her cat Morris, invited us in to watch the news and told us stories about the past few years of her life. After the introduction, the team split up to complete different tasks. Fellow freshman Jade Montgomery and I took the windows.
 
As we reached the back of the house, we hit a road block. We were two average-height teenage girls with no chance of reaching the highly-placed glass. Naturally, using our new found collegiate brain power, we decided to create a mega-person. Once Jade was on my shoulders it was time to get to work. With staggering steps, a little assistance from our teammates and one embarrassingly dangerous crash, we left those windows with nothing short of a shine.
 
After we cleaned the windows, I went to check on the rest of the group. Together, we had everything covered. Cars were being washed, sticks and branches were being gathered, the gutters were being cleaned, weeds were being pulled, the grass was being mowed, Patsy was in great company and all of this was taking place under the watchful eye of our very own assistant coach Sarah Rahko.
 
I am so thankful we had Patsy’s house for our United Way Day of Caring project site. From the minute we arrived, she was the most gracious and upbeat woman. She told us we could do whatever we wanted, however we pleased…and thanked us every step of the way for being there. I can honestly say that when I am older and in need of help, I hope I am able to make people laugh and enjoy spending time with me as much as we enjoyed spending our time with her.
 
When it was time to leave we talked for a few minutes and went to say our goodbyes. It’s rare that you find college students who would voluntarily wake up early on their Saturday morning. While we were driving away, we were all talking about how much fun we had…and how if Patsy ever called, we would do it all again.
 
ASHLYN HARDIE
 
Ashlyn Hardie is freshman women’s soccer student-athlete at Wingate University. She joins the Bulldogs after a distinguished career at Northern Guilford High School. A four-year varsity starter, Hardie was all-conference, all-area, all-county and all-state her final two seasons. She was a member of the National Honor Society and the National Beta Club at NGHS. The daughter of Robert and Paula Hardie, Ashlyn has been an active player in the N.C. Olympic Development program since 2006.

UNITED WAY DAY OF CARING

On August 27, approximately 1,200 volunteers – making up 97 teams assigned to 110 project sites, including the homes of 85 seniors and disabled residents in Union County – performed service projects throughout Union County. Numerous companies and organizations provided volunteers for this annual event.
 
Wingate University had more than 340 faculty, staff and students participate, including 192 student-athletes and coaches. United Way’s Day of Caring illustrates the power of bringing together volunteers, organizations and resources to make a difference in the Union County community.
 
WINGATE UNIVERSITY
 
Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a comprehensive university with more than 2,500 students on three campuses in Wingate, Matthews and Hendersonville, N.C. The university offers 34 undergraduate majors, 37 minors and career concentrations, numerous pre-professional programs, graduate degrees in business, accounting, physician assistant studies and sports administration and doctorates in pharmacy and education.
 
Wingate students gain the tools and support they need to excel in academics and apply that learning toward an extraordinary career and life. The campus community offers in-class learning, out-of-class experiences, strong mentors, a competitive yet caring environment and rewarding community service opportunities for a complete educational experience.
 
Bulldog student-athletes compete in 19 NCAA Division II sports. Wingate University has won the South Atlantic Conference Echols Athletic Excellence Award for the past five years.
 
Wingate University is ranked number three among NCAA Division II Academic All-America® producing schools in the 2000’s with 39 honorees during this millennium. Only Pittsburg State (Kan.) University and Truman State (Mo.) University have produced more Academic All-America® honorees during this time period. Wingate’s 48 Academic All-America® honorees (lifetime) is tops among all SAC schools.
 
WINGATE SPORTS WEEKLY

The Wingate University Bulldog Club sponsors Wingate Sports Weekly each Wednesday at Hill Top Bistro in Monroe (602 E. Roosevelt Blvd.). The Dutch treat lunch begins at 12 noon. The gatherings will give Bulldog fans an opportunity to interact with Wingate coaches and student-athletes. Wingate Sports Weekly replaces Wake Up with Wingate for the 2011-12 academic year.
 
BULLDOG CLUB CLAM BAKE SLATED FOR NOV. 4

The Wingate University Bulldog Club is hosting its inaugural Clam Bake at the University Lake Friday, Nov. 4 at 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome as the University celebrates Homecoming weekend. On the same day, the 36th annual Bill Connell Memorial Golf Tournament will be contested at Eagle Chase Golf Club. The shotgun start is slated for 9 a.m. Both the Clam Bake and the BCMGT benefit deserving student-athletes.