Sept. 6, 2005

SAN MARCOS - Whether it's lending a helping hand in framing a home for Habitat for Humanity, speaking to elementary school students during a citizenship rally or just having fun with kids on the football field, the Texas State Bobcats are truly citizens who enjoy giving back to their community.

The `Cats took time out during preseason camp to help families move in their sons and daughters into campus residence halls. They were also out beating the streets this summer not just drumming up support for the season but also taking the opportunity to get to know the residents and the business leaders in the community.

"This is a community that is very prideful of its university," said Texas State football coach David Bailiff. "We have to do a good job representing not only Texas State University but also representing San Marcos and Central Texas. By giving back, we want the people of San Marcos to know we want to try to do more for them and this community than they do for us."

The Bobcats' involvement in San Marcos and Central Texas has been diverse and primarily centers around being involved with youngsters as well as helping their fellow students.

The Bobcats have inspired students at numerous elementary school citizenship rallies as guest speakers who always bring an unbridled enthusiasm. And this fall, San Marcos' elementary students will be guests of the `Cats at selected games.

Tonight students from Bowie Elementary will be in the Kid Zone while next week Crockett Elementary students will be watching the Bobcats. Students from Dezavala Elementary will be on hand for the Oct. 22nd game while Travis Elementary students will be attending the Nov. 5th game.

Texas State's free clinics at Bobcat Stadium have also become bigger and better and given the `Cats an opportunity to interact with kids on a one-on-one basis.

"We're going to continue to have our football team in the elementary schools," Bailiff said. "We're going to participate with Habitat for Humanity. We are going to be at Bobcat Build. As a team, we are going to do everything we can to give back to this community."

An education at Texas State University is not just about learning in a classroom. Through various programs and opportunities, the `Cats have learned giving back can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life.