June 8, 2004

Louisville, Ky. - The University of Louisville athletic department made a huge difference in the coummunity last week in Marengo, Ind., after tornadoes devastated that area about two weeks ago.

Members of the U of L baseball, softball, women's basketball, women's soccer teams along with U of L athletic staff worked to help remove debris caused by the tornadoes that touched down in Indiana on May 29.

Mike Smith at Lowes at Preston Crossing donated 35 rakes, 35 brooms and 100 pairs of gloves on behalf of U of L athletics.

Jason Buckner, Lesley Prather, Adam Mallette (intern, baseball player) and Devon Thomas organized a group over 30 athletes and staff to help out last Thursday and Saturday

"After reading about the tornado and viewing the images on TV our staff decided we needed to find a way to help out. It was amazing and a true testament to the character of our athletes and staff that so many people took the time to help out in the 4 hours we had to organize the effort," said Buckner.

Student-athletes and staff moved debris from fallen homes and helped clean up the city of Marengo in an attempt to restore a bit of normalcy to this devastated area.

"We wanted to do something to try and help the people of Marengo," said Thomas, a former football player and current U of L employee. " It's sad what happened to the fine people of Marengo and we just wanted to assist them in getting their lives back to normal."