Eastern Michigan Athletics
Photo by: Andrew Mascharka
Eagles Take Break from Bowl Celebration, Give Back to Bahamas Community
12/21/2016 5:08:00 PM | Football
The team met and played with local children around the area
Practice Photo Gallery.
Ranfurly Home for Children Photo Gallery.
Ranfurly Home for Children Video.
Children's Emergency Hostel Video.
Youth Clinic Video.
Youth Clinic Photo Gallery.
NASSAU, Bahamas (EMUEagles.com) - The Eastern Michigan University football team put the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl celebration on the back burner today, Dec. 21, as the student-athletes and staff went out around the local community to interact to with children. The teams split up into three groups to give their time at two hostels, as well as at a youth football clinic.
The EMU players interacted with the kids at the hostels, engaging in activities and getting to know the youths. The children at the local establishments came from troubled backgrounds, as the hostel served as a safe space where they can learn and grow in a protected environment. With the EMU players there, the kids instantly lit up as the opportunity to play games with the football players made their afternoons
"For us to be here and help these kids out, it's a blessing," redshirt junior Brandon Bossard (Eagleville, Pa.-Methacton) explained. "You feel grateful when you come here and you see how fortunate you are. To put a smile on these kids faces, it really makes a difference."
Ranfurly Homes for Children is an institution that works to ensure displaced children feel safe, comfortable and develop a sense of self-worth. The Popeyes Bahamas Bowl has worked closely with the organization since the bowl's inception in 2014, and the visit has become a staple of the week.
"The kids look forward not only to going to the bowl game, but getting an opportunity to interact with these talented athletes," Ranfurly Homes for Children administrator Alex Roberts said. "Just the opportunity to meet young people who are successful and on their way, it's a marvelous opportunity."
While on site, the teams took to the basketball court where they challenged the kids to a game of basketball.There was also soccer, swings, and other fun activities throughout the day.
"The great thing about sports is that none of these guys know each other, but you get a ball out there and immediately you can start being comfortable and interacting," EMU Head Coach Chris Creighton said. "That's the power of sport."
Elsewhere, the rest of the team went back to the practice facility to engage in a youth clinic with other local Bahamas children. Along with the coaches, the players put the kids through various drills and football activities to teach the kids some more about the sport we know well in America, but the kids might not know as well in the Caribbean.
The children at the clinic participated in several drills that were overseen by the players, but the highlight of the day always comes at the end when each child has the chance to score a touchdown and show off his/her unique celebratory dance. It was one final moment for the kids and the players, two groups who didn't know much about each other prior to Wednesday, to let loose together.
The Green and White will square off with Old Dominion University Friday, Dec. 23, at 1 p.m. in Nassau, Bahamas for the 2016 Popeyes Bahamas Bowl. The Eagles' second-ever NCAA Division I bowl game will air live on ESPN and will also be available on 89.1 FM WEMU. For more information regarding the bowl game go to EMUEagles.com/BowlBound.
Eastern Michigan Quotes - Dec. 21, 2016
Neal Neathery – Defensive Coordinator
On Practice:
"It's been great. It's been a good mix of having fun when we are supposed to have fun and going to work when it's time to go to work. We've had good practices. I think the guys are really enjoying themselves."
On how to install a game plan over a long period of time:
"We took a few extra days at the front end. It only takes X number of hours to plan for a game. So having more is a bit of a challenge in that you have to sustain where you are at for a week and a half after you have already prepared. You must be careful to not try to do too much."
DaQuan Pace – Defensive Back
On Practice:
"Our whole plan from the get-go was to go to the Bahamas and keep the focus that we have when we are at home. Being here is a great experience and it is a great opportunity to play here. The weather is beautiful."
On the progress of the program in the past 4 years:
"I would trade my experience (at EMU) for the world. I love our guys. Coming from where we were four years ago to where we are now has been a great transition. It's showing from all the hard work we have put in."
On the experience with the community service Wednesday afternoon:
"It means a lot to us. To be able to give the younger kids a great experience. To show them what we do and where we come from and how it's nice to help other people and being there for them is great to do."
Pat O'Connor – Defensive Line
On Practice:
"It's pretty difficult at first to transition from the cold to the heat. You need to pace yourself better, catch your wind and set a tone that you need to be successful in practice."
On balancing business and pleasure:
"You need to surround yourself with the guys. Keep a level head that everything we are doing is for a bigger purpose, to win a bowl game. We came here to have fun, but we are trying to set a good example for everyone."
On playing one final game with his senior defensive line teammates:
"It's bittersweet. I've been around for a while. It's about time for some other guys to start making a name for themselves and to step it up and put their stamp on the program. I've been here for five years and have done it at the highest level that I could and I'm grateful for every opportunity that I've had."
On the afternoon Community Service project:
"It's going to mean a lot. Giving back to people that aren't used to seeing football players will be fun. Making them happy and interacting with them is going to be something I'll never forget."
Ranfurly Home for Children Photo Gallery.
Ranfurly Home for Children Video.
Children's Emergency Hostel Video.
Youth Clinic Video.
Youth Clinic Photo Gallery.
NASSAU, Bahamas (EMUEagles.com) - The Eastern Michigan University football team put the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl celebration on the back burner today, Dec. 21, as the student-athletes and staff went out around the local community to interact to with children. The teams split up into three groups to give their time at two hostels, as well as at a youth football clinic.
The EMU players interacted with the kids at the hostels, engaging in activities and getting to know the youths. The children at the local establishments came from troubled backgrounds, as the hostel served as a safe space where they can learn and grow in a protected environment. With the EMU players there, the kids instantly lit up as the opportunity to play games with the football players made their afternoons
"For us to be here and help these kids out, it's a blessing," redshirt junior Brandon Bossard (Eagleville, Pa.-Methacton) explained. "You feel grateful when you come here and you see how fortunate you are. To put a smile on these kids faces, it really makes a difference."
Ranfurly Homes for Children is an institution that works to ensure displaced children feel safe, comfortable and develop a sense of self-worth. The Popeyes Bahamas Bowl has worked closely with the organization since the bowl's inception in 2014, and the visit has become a staple of the week.
"The kids look forward not only to going to the bowl game, but getting an opportunity to interact with these talented athletes," Ranfurly Homes for Children administrator Alex Roberts said. "Just the opportunity to meet young people who are successful and on their way, it's a marvelous opportunity."
While on site, the teams took to the basketball court where they challenged the kids to a game of basketball.There was also soccer, swings, and other fun activities throughout the day.
"The great thing about sports is that none of these guys know each other, but you get a ball out there and immediately you can start being comfortable and interacting," EMU Head Coach Chris Creighton said. "That's the power of sport."
Elsewhere, the rest of the team went back to the practice facility to engage in a youth clinic with other local Bahamas children. Along with the coaches, the players put the kids through various drills and football activities to teach the kids some more about the sport we know well in America, but the kids might not know as well in the Caribbean.
The children at the clinic participated in several drills that were overseen by the players, but the highlight of the day always comes at the end when each child has the chance to score a touchdown and show off his/her unique celebratory dance. It was one final moment for the kids and the players, two groups who didn't know much about each other prior to Wednesday, to let loose together.
The Green and White will square off with Old Dominion University Friday, Dec. 23, at 1 p.m. in Nassau, Bahamas for the 2016 Popeyes Bahamas Bowl. The Eagles' second-ever NCAA Division I bowl game will air live on ESPN and will also be available on 89.1 FM WEMU. For more information regarding the bowl game go to EMUEagles.com/BowlBound.
.@EMUFB visited a children's hostel in Nassau today, playing games with kids from around the area #EMUEagles #LetsRollLetsBowl pic.twitter.com/E3rYhh3UzG
— EMU Athletics (@EMUAthletics) December 21, 2016
Several @EMUFB players visited the Ranfurly Home in Nassau today, where they played with local youth #EMUEagles #LetsRollLetsBowl pic.twitter.com/yt7hgh9sa7
— EMU Athletics (@EMUAthletics) December 22, 2016
Part of the @TheBahamasBowl experience for @EMUFB was youth clinic with @usafootball in 1 of 3 community service projects today #EMUEagles pic.twitter.com/kA0zMg5RsJ
— EMU Athletics (@EMUAthletics) December 22, 2016
Caught up with senior @dpace1_ following today's practice. Listen to what he had to say about the @TheBahamasBowl #EMUEagles #LetsRoll pic.twitter.com/VpDpf7PFOj
— Greg Steiner (@GregSteinerEMU) December 21, 2016
After yesterday swimming with the dolphins, @TooPOC returned to his more comfortable environment of the gridiron #EMUFB #LetsRoll #EMUEagles pic.twitter.com/rsb8ORg6La
— Greg Steiner (@GregSteinerEMU) December 21, 2016
The Eagles remain focused as the @TheBahamasBowl nears... hear what @CoachNeathery had to say about the defense #EMUFB #EMUEagles pic.twitter.com/cJP9puEwYs
— Greg Steiner (@GregSteinerEMU) December 21, 2016
Eastern Michigan Quotes - Dec. 21, 2016
Neal Neathery – Defensive Coordinator
On Practice:
"It's been great. It's been a good mix of having fun when we are supposed to have fun and going to work when it's time to go to work. We've had good practices. I think the guys are really enjoying themselves."
On how to install a game plan over a long period of time:
"We took a few extra days at the front end. It only takes X number of hours to plan for a game. So having more is a bit of a challenge in that you have to sustain where you are at for a week and a half after you have already prepared. You must be careful to not try to do too much."
DaQuan Pace – Defensive Back
On Practice:
"Our whole plan from the get-go was to go to the Bahamas and keep the focus that we have when we are at home. Being here is a great experience and it is a great opportunity to play here. The weather is beautiful."
On the progress of the program in the past 4 years:
"I would trade my experience (at EMU) for the world. I love our guys. Coming from where we were four years ago to where we are now has been a great transition. It's showing from all the hard work we have put in."
On the experience with the community service Wednesday afternoon:
"It means a lot to us. To be able to give the younger kids a great experience. To show them what we do and where we come from and how it's nice to help other people and being there for them is great to do."
Pat O'Connor – Defensive Line
On Practice:
"It's pretty difficult at first to transition from the cold to the heat. You need to pace yourself better, catch your wind and set a tone that you need to be successful in practice."
On balancing business and pleasure:
"You need to surround yourself with the guys. Keep a level head that everything we are doing is for a bigger purpose, to win a bowl game. We came here to have fun, but we are trying to set a good example for everyone."
On playing one final game with his senior defensive line teammates:
"It's bittersweet. I've been around for a while. It's about time for some other guys to start making a name for themselves and to step it up and put their stamp on the program. I've been here for five years and have done it at the highest level that I could and I'm grateful for every opportunity that I've had."
On the afternoon Community Service project:
"It's going to mean a lot. Giving back to people that aren't used to seeing football players will be fun. Making them happy and interacting with them is going to be something I'll never forget."
Players Mentioned
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