Completed Event: Track & Field at Sun Belt Conference Outdoor Championship on May 15, 2026 , , T-13th of 13
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Final
James Madison
at Sun Belt Conference Outdoor Championship
T-13th of 13
James Madison University | Official Athletics Site
Cal Ripken Sr Foundation Visits JMU Baseball
10/20/2017 3:13:00 PM | Baseball, Civic Engagement
On Saturday, October 14, James Madison Athletics and members of the baseball team combined with the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation and regional Boys and Girls Clubs to host a College Day event for elementary and middle school children.Â
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Tim Bancells, Program Coordinator for the Ripken Foundation, discussed the impact that the program makes on local youth. He said, "The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation helps to build character and teach critical life lessons to young people interested in attending college. With the College Day experience, the Ripken Foundation works with colleges and universities to bring at-risk youth on their campuses to experience what college is like. A lot of these kids haven't thought about college or may not know what college is. In partnering with a college like JMU and the baseball team, we provide some of the local area's youth the opportunity to be on a college campus, learn about what it means to go to college, hear from and interact with student-athletes, and attend a college sporting event. We can't thank Kevin Schafer, Coach Alex Guerra and the baseball team enough for all of their help. The impact that they had on the kids that attended will last them a life time."
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After enjoying lunch at the campus dining hall, the Boys and Girls Club youth had the opportunity to connect with members of the JMU baseball team to discuss what attending college is like, why it's important to work hard in school, relationships and sports, as well as what it means to be humble and grateful for what we have.
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Speaking to the group about his experiences during his childhood and his hard work and dedication to get where he is today, senior pitcher Matt Colon emphasized the importance of pursuing goals and dreams despite the challenges that may arise. Similarly, freshman outfielder Dallas Jackson emphasized the importance of humility and perseverance to achieve goals despite challenges.
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After the Q&A session, JMU baseball players led tour groups around campus facilities and ended the day by attending the JMU football game against Villanova, the first football game that some of the children have attended.
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JMU Assistant Coach Alex Guerra said, "We had a great time with the kids from the Boys and Girls Club. JMU baseball believes in setting a great example for the Harrisonburg community. Our guys did a great job of interacting and influencing the kids from the Boys and Girls Club through their own personal experiences. Our hope is the impact they made on them will last a lifetime!"
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Tim Bancells, Program Coordinator for the Ripken Foundation, discussed the impact that the program makes on local youth. He said, "The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation helps to build character and teach critical life lessons to young people interested in attending college. With the College Day experience, the Ripken Foundation works with colleges and universities to bring at-risk youth on their campuses to experience what college is like. A lot of these kids haven't thought about college or may not know what college is. In partnering with a college like JMU and the baseball team, we provide some of the local area's youth the opportunity to be on a college campus, learn about what it means to go to college, hear from and interact with student-athletes, and attend a college sporting event. We can't thank Kevin Schafer, Coach Alex Guerra and the baseball team enough for all of their help. The impact that they had on the kids that attended will last them a life time."
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A great day at @JMU for our College Day event. Thanks to @JMUBaseball for sharing their stories with our youth!! @CalRipkenSrFdn pic.twitter.com/qn5AJvTZLn
— Tim (@Tim_CRSF) October 14, 2017
After enjoying lunch at the campus dining hall, the Boys and Girls Club youth had the opportunity to connect with members of the JMU baseball team to discuss what attending college is like, why it's important to work hard in school, relationships and sports, as well as what it means to be humble and grateful for what we have.
Â
Speaking to the group about his experiences during his childhood and his hard work and dedication to get where he is today, senior pitcher Matt Colon emphasized the importance of pursuing goals and dreams despite the challenges that may arise. Similarly, freshman outfielder Dallas Jackson emphasized the importance of humility and perseverance to achieve goals despite challenges.
Â
Thanks @JMU for making our youth part of an amazing @CollegeGameDay during our College Day Experience! #GameDayJMU #GoDukes #DefendTheCrown pic.twitter.com/qnxegyBVGi
— Cal Ripken Sr Fdn (@CalRipkenSrFdn) October 14, 2017
After the Q&A session, JMU baseball players led tour groups around campus facilities and ended the day by attending the JMU football game against Villanova, the first football game that some of the children have attended.
Â
JMU Assistant Coach Alex Guerra said, "We had a great time with the kids from the Boys and Girls Club. JMU baseball believes in setting a great example for the Harrisonburg community. Our guys did a great job of interacting and influencing the kids from the Boys and Girls Club through their own personal experiences. Our hope is the impact they made on them will last a lifetime!"
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Players Mentioned
RHP
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