Demorest, GA - After a year of success on the playing field and court, Piedmont College student-athletes gave back to the place they call home on Monday afternoon as Lions and Lady Lions alike gathered to complete clean-up projects throughout the campus.  More than 150 student-athletes participated in the department's first campus-wide clean-up project sponsored by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee as part of a continued community service effort in 2013-14. 

Each of the 15 intercollegiate sports sponsored by Piedmont College were represented in the effort as student-athletes gathered in a day of service to complete several beautification projects across campus.  The volunteers collected and disposed of trash picked up campus-wide while several walls and spots in the fitness center in need of a painting received a fresh coat courtesy of the Lions and Lady Lions working to keep their campus clean. 

Flowers were planted outside of the fitness center located across campus while volunteers packed the academic quad to tidy up several areas throughout the iconic location on the Demorest-based college.  Handrails outside of the Johnny Mize Athletic Center as well as spots around Loudermilk Field were also touched up with a fresh coat of paint as the day also helped prepare Walker Athletic Complex for the hosting of the 2014 NCAA South Regional in baseball set to take place in mid-May. 

Rocks along the outside walkways leading into the Mize Center were also redone and replaced as part of the project spearheaded by the Piedmont SAAC.  The idea was the genesis of one of the staff leaders of the organization, Assistant Athletic Trainer Andrew Johnson who is his in first year operating with the student-led organization.

"Piedmont student-athletes have long had a commitment to giving back to their community," said Assistant Athletic Trainer Andrew Johnson about the campus-wide clean-up day.  "This was a wonderful opportunity to display that commitment by giving back to the very place our Lions and Lady Lions call home.  It was really impressive to see the entire collection of student-athletes work together as a team, not just in groups from their own squads as well."

According to NCAA.org, a student-athlete advisory committee (SAAC) is a committee made up of student-athletes assembled to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. The SAAC also offers input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect student-athletes' lives on NCAA member institution campuses.

"I am grateful to our student athletes led by our SAAC group for their efforts on Monday," said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics John Dzik. "The group effort, organized by Assistant Athletic Trainer, Andrew Johnson, once again demonstrates the commitment our student athletes display for Piedmont College.  They are tremendous ambassadors for the entire college community and we are all thankful for their efforts."