The rival programs of IWU and Taylor men’s and women’s basketball put aside their differences and came together to bring awareness for World Hope International.
Through the love of basketball, the teams were able to use their gifts to give back so
people in Africa could have the same opportunities as them.
They partnered with World Hope International to make this mission come to life. Amie Ott, an IWU women’s basketball alum had done work with World Hope International, and through Amie’s connection, the project began. World Hope International works to give opportunity and hope to those in need all over the world, serving the global church.
The partnership with Taylor University was an extra boost to the fundraiser.
“We partnered with Taylor coaches because they’re great,” IWU women’s basketball assistant coach Anne Secrest said.
The teams have a good relationship, respecting each other on and off the court. They brought awareness by carrying jugs of water with them throughout their day around campus to invite questions from others and to feel the need for support to people in Africa who do not have access to clean water.
The lack of clean water demands the people in those environments to carry large jugs for miles, “just to survive,” IWU sophomore guard Chloey Graham said.
The teams’ mission was to carry the 5-gallon jugs for three miles just to replicate what the women do, according to Graham.
“It was cool to see our team buying into the impact they were making,” Secrest said.
With these efforts, the group raised more than $15,000 for World Hope International. This money was raised through the proceeds of the doubleheader rivalry game on Jan. 28, where they sold t-shirts and had a contest for jerry cans that were painted.
This contest consisted of two jugs for each school, one for each men’s and women’s team. The fans at the game voted for their favorite, and whoever won got the money that was donated toward the team. The Taylor women’s team won the vote.
Taylor’s women’s basketball senior forward Kendall Sietsema said the team went to their coach’s house to paint their jug.
“Being able to compete with their biggest rival for something bigger than basketball made the experience even more special,” Sietsema said.
Despite the loss in the competition off the court, the Wildcats took care of business on the court. The women’s team defeated the Lady Trojans 81-65, while the men’s team took down Taylor by a score of 72-63.
