April 2005
Little Brothers help WPI basketball team grow
Chris Bartley, WPI men’s basketball coach, Ryan Cain and his Little Brother, Kevin
Volunteering as Big Brothers in the School Based Mentor program helped WPI basketball players gain maturity and boosted the team’s morale, according to coach Chris Bartley. To show their appreciation, the team earmarked a portion of the proceeds of a fundraising shoot-a-thon for BBBS.
Last year when Coach Bartley proposed that the basketball team become Big Brothers, his goal was for them was community service. He asked team members to commit to being matched with youngsters at Worcester’s Elm Park Community School and meet with their Little Brothers once a week.
“Every member of the team responded,” Bartley said, “and while my goal was for the team to give back to the community, they all have gotten a lot from being Big Brothers.”
“I see a different side of the guys with their Little Brothers,” he continued. “Guys who seem really tough show a sensitive side when they’re with the kids. I’ve seen a lot of maturity develop in team members since they’ve been Big Brothers. They understand how they’re role models for the younger boys.”
WPI men’s basketball team member Kevin Reidy shows off the team’s district championship trophy to his Little Brother Joe
The coach realized the impact the Little Brothers had on his players last year when the team experienced its first loss after a 12-game winning streak.
“The whole team was devastated,” he said, “but the next day, when we arrived at the school to meet with the Little Brothers, they were all happy and excited to see us. It brought the team around and was a good lesson in putting things in perspective.”
“I wish more people would realize how doable this is,” Bartley continued. “One hour a week isn’t much to ask. and it really does make a difference for the kids.”