The Pack Gives Back

The Pack Gives Back

Jordan Nelson, a defensive end from Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ) football squeezed into the small cafeteria seat next to a group of students at Mountain View School in Waddell to introduce himself, help with lunch duty and visit with the students as part of a community service effort. Jordan, along with a dozen other athletes from Ottawa volunteered for the day as part of the Urban Maneuvers boot camp training and initiative. Urban Maneuvers is a rigorous training, culture building, and service competition in which all Ottawa football players participate in. The boys begin practice early with an intensive workout at 5:30am. A team leader motivates the group and keeps the athletes accountable. Points are given based on effort, timeliness, and initiative. Jordan serves as the team captain of the group, the Knuckleheads. This is the second group of Ottawa students that have given their time to the school. Earlier in the month the Breadwinners, led by Andy Simek, OUAZ offensive lineman, helped with lunch duty, played with students on the playground, and assisted students with selecting books at the book fair.

The Urban Maneuvers challenge started five years ago. As Ottawa University in Surprise was being built and athletic facilities were being completed, OUAZ football utilized practice fields, weight rooms, and venues throughout the city of Surprise. “We would be at Valley Vista using the gym, working out at the parking garage at City Hall, running drills at the basketball courts at the Surprise Community Park,” shared Ottawa Football Head Coach Mike Nesbitt.

“The challenge was created as a way to give back to the community that supported us and our athletes in those early years,” said Nesbitt. “It was also a way to introduce our school to the community in Surprise, increase fan support and the knowledge about the university as an overall academic option in the area.”

“I am happy to volunteer and help the kids out and do whatever I can to help the community,” shared Nelson.

The cafeteria at Mountain View was abuzz with excitement. The players got to know the students, cleaned the cafeteria, shared a bit about Ottawa University in Surprise, and what it is like to play college football as they visited with the students. “It is really cool that these guys came to visit us,” shared a third grade student at Mountain View. “I got a high-five from the team captain!”

“It is very important to have a variety of partnerships to support our school community. We appreciate the partnership we have with the Ottawa Football team,” said Gail Miller, Mountain View School Principal. “They have supported several school events like our Fall Festival and the Scholastic Book Fair. This team consists of outstanding citizens that volunteer not just in these events but also during the students’ lunch and recess time. By providing these civic duties, they are remarkable role models for our young scholars.”

“The opportunity to give back to our community is one of the foundations of OUAZ Football,” Simek said. “The fact that our volunteer work led us to one of our great neighborhood schools, made this an even more fun opportunity.”

“The challenge is an opportunity for our athletes to get closer, get out of their comfort zone, build each other up, and hold one another accountable,” said Angel Ortiz, OUAZ offensive receiver coach. In addition to the school visits, the teams volunteered at the homeless shelters, food banks, did yard work for retired senior citizens, and gleaned orange orchards in locations across the West Valley. “My hope is that the athletes get to see the impact of what they are doing, the impact beyond the field,” said Nesbitt. “A lot of these guys come from other places and I hope we are instilling the spirit of service, whether it’s with OUAZ or in something that they do after they leave the school.” OUAZ Football begins Spring practice in March and the public is welcome to attend at the Spirit Field on Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings at 5:15pm and Saturdays from 8:00am-11:00am.