Athletes help Paintfest

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POCATELLO - Ruth Myers can't quit smiling with all the activity around her.

Myers refuses to live in a shabby-looking house in such a nice neighborhood. She needs a new coat of paint, but, as her health fades, she can't do the job herself. So she got a paint crew to do it for her. But it's not any old paint crew, it's Idaho State athletes.

''It's so wonderful to have all these young people,'' Myers said. ''There is so much energy.''

Nearly 30 football, volleyball, track and field and soccer athletes are painting Myers' house this week as part of Paintfest. Every summer PAWS (Proud Athletes Working and Serving) volunteers to paint a house for the community-wide service project.

''A lot of us aren't from around here, but it's good for us to get out and help,'' said volleyball player Katie Edgson.

Four football players - George Yarno, Dan Ziedman, Terrence Calloway and Jon Winn - were designated as captains of the project and have recruited their fellow athletes to help paint. They began painting the house, located at 121 S. 16th Ave., on Monday and finished it Thursday. PAWS Director Susan Bereris said the athletes worked in shifts in the morning and evening.

''Because of their schedules with jobs and workouts, we have a different schedule,'' she said.

Paintfest is the main project PAWS is involved with in the summer, but, when school is in session, the group participates in a number of community projects. Athletes read in public schools, speak at DARE graduations, contribute to Homelessness Awareness and help with other various projects when needed. Last year, the group completed 1,900 hours of service, a 700-hour increase from most years.

''We feel like it's something important to get kids involved in the community in which they live,'' Beseris said. ''When they realize it's OK to help somebody else out, it can't help but make you feel like a better person.''

Serving in the community is an important part of Bengal athletics, and most students don't mind giving a few hours.

''Basically, I think there are people in the community that one, need help and two, need to know student athletes are willing to help,'' said Winn, a soon-to-be senior. ''We have a strong desire to help people. ... I think it shows that we are about more than just sports or about ourselves.''

Sterling Mennear, a Bengals football player, said community service is a way to give back to their fans.

''I think things like this humble you, and you forget how big of a star you are,'' he said.

And to see Myer's smile is reward enough.

''I think it's cool because she wouldn't be able to do this by herself,'' Winn said. ''We are more than willing to help.''

By Heather Mangan

hmangan@journalnet.com

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