Basketball Returns from "Life Changing" Trip

While most college students are working summer jobs, internships or making up classes, the Wright State men's basketball team traveled to the Dominican Republic in early August. Their time was not spent on the beach nor the basketball court, but on putting shoes on the feet of children from the Caribbean country located on the island of Hispaniola. Players and coaches figured beforehand they were going to make an impact on the lives of local kids. What they didn't realize was the magnitude of impact those kids and others would have on them.

The mission trip, funded privately with the help of Samaritan's Feet, began August 4 and saw the Raiders visit various towns and villages over a five-day period. The trip was the second time WSU head coach Scott Nagy has taken a team to the Island after his team from South Dakota State made the visit to Haiti in 2013. The original plans called for a trip to Haiti for the Raiders, but civil unrest in that nation resulted in a last-minute change in plans.

22955

While home base for the team was in the capital city of Santo Domingo, days were spent traveling to areas outside of town to visit churches and centers to wash feet and distribute shoes. The team's excursions included places like Orphanage Vanessa Taveras, Villa Consuelo Sto Dgo Oeste, Batey Boca de Soco San Pedro and Batey Santa Fe. In all, the Raiders distributed almost 900 pairs of shoes.

On a typical day - if there is such a thing on a trip like this - the staff and players rose around 8 am, had a quick breakfast, and then loaded into a van, along with the shoes and supplies needed for the day. After picking up a translator in downtown Santo Domingo, they would drive about an hour and a half to get to one of the bateys, which is a settlement located near a sugarcane plantation.

When they arrived at each location, they would set up for the distribution at the local church or community center. Each distribution would typically last a few hours. During that time, they would bring in children, wash their feet, and give them a brand-new pair of shoes and some candy. Once the shoe distributions ended, they would play basketball, baseball, soccer, tag, duck-duck-goose, and other games with the children. Evenings were spent reflecting on the day and resting in preparation for the following day.

Nagy hopes this isn't the last trip taking a team to serve a humanitarian role. "It's such a great opportunity for our guys to get out of their comfort zone. It's something they'll remember for the rest of their lives."

Player and Coach Testimonials from the Trip

"It was a good trip for the players. It gave them a good sense of perspective. The fact that they are reaching out to little kids, and those with a lot of need, I think it impacted them in a positive way. We talked about what they will see, but you can't be prepared until you go there and experience. Our players learned from it, and I think they will remember for the rest of their lives. – Head Coach Scott Nagy

"It was an amazing trip. We faced some challenges with the last second change of countries, but everyone was willing to make it happen and far exceeded anyone's expectations. The people who received the shoes, and other gifts were thankful but the gift of their time became far more important than the material gifts. I think everyone left a piece of their heart there. I am excited to see the seeds we planted grow in many ways." -- Samaritan's Feet Regional Director Denise Blomberg

"I have been there so I kind of knew what I was getting into, but it is mind-blowing to experience it. Many days they don't know what they will eat day to day or sleep each night. Just the attention is what they appreciate so much. Many don't receive that type of attention each day so it becomes important to spend time with them."

"We try to recruit and develop young men to be leaders on the court and in the classroom to graduate and become a complete person, not just a basketball player. This experience went to that end." – Assistant Coach Brian Cooley

"It was an awesome experience, and it was great to see the players interact with the kids. It really resonated with me because I have one child and another one on the way so it allowed me to broaden my horizons as well. There will be times during the season that we think things are tough, but we can think about this trip, and the people met to bring balance." – Assistant Coach Sharif Chambliss

"I feel really blessed to take a trip like this. I didn't know what to expect, and I hope the kids we visited got half of the experience from our trip there than I did. I have been humbled, and I realize what I have. I will not take it for granted." – Senior Alan Vest

"I had a similar experience when I went to Brazil with Athletes in Action but this more special to me because of my teammates. We had a lot of kids without shoes, but they didn't care the colors or sizes. They were grateful for us to be there and play with them and interact. I know they appreciated the shoes and gifts, but I think they appreciated our time even more. I think we appreciated their time even more." – Junior Bill Wampler

"With a little boy named Alfredo, I tried to fit his shoes but his feet were too big. He stayed with us when everyone else left and helped us clean up, count shoes and hang out. If he were a little bigger, I would have given him my shoes. He wanted to help us and the community. He's a special kid." – Sophomore Loudon Love

Players Mentioned

Loudon Love

Alan Vest

Bill Wampler

Footer