Feb. 15, 2013
LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky divers John Fox and Sarah Chewning have had their fair share of success on the boards this season, but the pairs actions in the community has been every bit, if not more, important and impressive. The duo was honored as part of the 2013 Southeastern Conference Community Service Team.
The SEC Community Service Team honors athletes from member institutions who give back to their community in superior service efforts.
“Their character is outstanding,” said UK diving coach Ted Hautau. “I think it’s well deserved. They both work hard. Academically, they’re always on top of their stuff, they come in here and they train well, but they also put a lot of time into the community.
“I’m glad that they do that. That portion is probably more important long term than the diving is. The fact that they think about other people and put other people before themselves is a great attitude in this culture.”
Fox, a junior, who was voted as a team captain this season, has been a leader both in and out of the pool. He has spent roughly 80 hours serving the community in addition to countless hours of practice and fulfilling academic responsibilities.
Some of the activities Fox has been involved with include volunteering for the Pediatric Cancer Survivor Picnic, packing food for God’s Pantry, assisting Special Olympics Swimming, preparing meals at Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church and serving food to the homeless at Thursday Evening Meal among other endeavors.
Fox has been nominated as a member of the UK Society of Character because of all of his charitable works as well as his performance in the classroom. The junior has maintained a strong presence in the community while also keeping a 3.36 GPA, which has earned him SEC Honor Roll honors each year as a Wildcat while studying Political Science and Philosophy.
Chewning, a sophomore, has also been an outstanding figure in the Lexington area. The sophomore diver has joined Fox in several of their charitable efforts. Those include volunteering at the Special Olympics, serving meals at Maxwell Presbyterian Church as well as at Thursday Evening Meal. Chewning also spent time at the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge.
Academically, Chewning earned SEC First Year Honor Roll as a freshman and was named to the Athletic Director Honor Roll in her first two semesters. She is currently pursuing undergraduate studies.
For more information on the UK swimming and diving team visit UKathletics.com.
