In college, Christmas break is a time for everyone to just sit back and relax. Most kids go home to their families or take some time to unwind from the normal college life. As a student-athlete competing in a winter sport, the break is short lived, just long enough to go home and say hi to mom and dad.

For the University of Detroit Mercy men's basketball team, the squad had three days off, an eternity in today's world of collegiate athletics, but once they got back, the team visited the Children's Hospital of Michigan in Detroit. Just a few days after the Christmas holiday, the Titans did their best to put a smile on the faces of the children. In the end, the UDM student-athletes walked away with a better appreciation for their own situation. Senior Michael Harrington and sophomores Eli Holman and Chase Simon talked about their recent trip to the hospital.

Michael Harrington
“It was great to just hang around with the kids. They were excited to see us, especially some of the big guys like me and Jason. Coming back from break, and the win we had over Central Michigan, it shows you that it is all about working hard. Some of these kids are in a tough situation and all we heard was how hard they worked and that none of them would ever give up. It makes you really ask yourself about how hard you really work considering all the advantages we have.”

Eli Holman
“The visit was such an experience for the team and for me personally. It shows that no matter what we go through here in school or on the basketball court, we are still fortunate enough to be here and play. It is truly a blessing to be where I am. You have to sit back and appreciate everything you have because you look at these kids and they may not have the same opportunities that I have. The visit will definitely motivate me to work harder and appreciate everything that I have in my life. The kids were great and happy to see us and for some of those kids, who didn't have the chance to spend Christmas at home, it was great just to see them smile.”

Chase Simon
“It was real special to see the kids who are in that kind of situation. You never really think about those things in life, but it makes you work harder and just thank God for everything you have. These are just kids who are struggling with some disabilities or illness and I have been given a chance to play college basketball, so it really hits you emotionally and helps keep everything on a positive level knowing what they are going through.”