The Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) sponsored a Food Drive competition from Nov. 8 through Nov. 22 pitting the various Benedictine athletic programs against each other for bragging rights on which team could contribute the most non-perishable goods to the cause.

The Athletic Department was able to collect a total of 630 non-perishable food items.

"I think the food drive has been a great way to involve BC students, not only athletes, with the community of Atchison," said volleyball player Chelsea Matous. "It has been a wonderful way to build community between the different athletic teams and get our classmates involved as well."

While it was set up as a competition, it was a case of great teamwork for the whole Athletic Department to collect such an overwhelming number of food items to give back to the community of Atchison.  

The competition aspect of the food drive allowed the athletes to do what they do best: compete, but in this case it was for something greater then themselves.

"For as much support as these student-athletes receive from this community it’s wonderful to see them find a way to return the support, especially during the holiday season," said SAAC advisor and assistant women's basketball coach Andi Wilder.

The women's basketball team led the donation effort with 219 items winning the coveted Raven Trophy and year-long bragging rights.

"It’s exciting for all the athletic teams to work together within the Benedictine community and use our competitive nature to put on this food drive to benefit the broader community of Atchison," said football player Alex Boyd.

All food was donated to Atchison Salvation Army prior to the Thanksgiving holiday break.