JU student-athletes participate in Daniel Memorial’s Rock N’ Ride

JU student-athletes participate in Daniel Memorial’s Rock N’ Ride

Originally launched in 2002 as the Bike to School Motorcycle Ride, this annual Daniel fundraiser has become one of the most anticipated events of Northeast Florida motorcycle enthusiasts. This year, Daniel extended the festivities with an afternoon concert by Big Al & The Kaholics following the bike ride. To kick off the upcoming academic semester at JU, the Dolphin squads helped with parking, registration, serving lunch and the event raffle.

Sophomore outfielder Chris Connelly (left) and junior pitcher Glenn Wikowski (right) direct traffic during the Daniel Rock N' Ride last weekend. The JU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has established a reputation as a strong supporter of the local community and this year will be no different as the JU baseball and softball teams started the 2008-09 season as volunteers for Daniel Memorial’s Rock N’ Ride.

"The Rock N’ Ride for Daniel kids was an awesome event and a great experience for the JU baseball team and SAAC members," said sophomore catcher and SAAC member Alex Swenson. "We not only got to meet a lot of caring people and see some cool bikes, but more importantly, we got to help raise money for the Daniel kids. We are looking forward to helping out next year for this great event."

Over the past three years, JU Athletics has chosen to work with Daniel Memorial, Florida’s oldest child-serving agency that assists troubled youth and their families. The Dolphins are also involved with the foundation’s annual back-to-school supply drive for children desperately in need of basic school items as the new school year arrives.

"At our first meeting of the academic year last week, the JU SAAC voted unanimously to continue our service relationship with the Daniel organization," said director of student-athlete development Stephanie Metz. "SAAC members and their teammates got the year off to a great start by showing up in full force to this special event. We look forward to continuing to work with Daniel throughout the year."