Worcester, MA --- Over the past month, members of the Worcester State cross country and track & field team have gotten involved in several projects in an effort help out around campus and the Greater Worcester community.

The first project was the result of a team fundraising imitative as the men's track & field and cross country squad held a yard sale on October 13 to benefit the program. All leftover items were then donated to Goodwill and several other charity organizations.

Two weeks later on October 27, the cross country team helped out with the annual Homecoming Alumni Road Race, which is held in conjunction with the weekly Central Mass Striders Road Race, which starts and ends at the Worcester State campus.

The last effort was held on December 2 at the 5k Rick Buxton '75 Memorial Scholarship Road Race in West Boylston. The race was held in memory of Ric Buxton, who had been heavily involved in the local running community prior to his untimely passing.

The scholarship fund benefits a deserving Worcester State student who has exhibited academic excellence. The Central Mass Striders, Ric's former running club and organizer of the race, concurrently raised money for the event to match the money raised at the race each year.

In addition to the meet on October 27 on Homecoming, the men's cross country team helped direct the Ric Buxton 5k participants on the course during the race and at the finish line to help the race run smoothly.