The season is quickly approaching for the University soccer team.

But the service season kicked off on Halloween night for the Trojans.

University coach Mike Chapman annually schedules a barrage of community service projects for his players during the second half of the fall semester. The Trojans got started by delivering Halloween candy to children and other patients at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center and Providence Health Center.

“Our kids really enjoy doing it,” said Chapman, who had to limit Friday’s event to the first 25 University players who signed up. “It’s become a vital part of our program. We want them successful in the classroom, on the soccer field and in the community.”

Chapman said his program, which includes about 120 student-athletes, usually has between 50 and 60 participants in its community service projects. On Halloween, about 40 Trojans expressed an interest in participating, so the coaching staff selected a group of 25 on a first-come, truly first-serve basis.

Later in the holiday season, University will take all the help it can get as it delivers Thanksgiving dinner for Meals On Wheels on Thanksgiving morning, then partners again with Meals On Wheels on Christmas Eve and makes return trips to Hillcrest and Providence.

In the spring, the Trojans continue their service projects by participating in Jump Rope For Heart.

Chapman said the service opportunities are as important to him and his players as practice time during the season.

“We start practicing Dec. 1,” Chapman said. “Christmas Eve we won’t be practicing anyway, but the other times, we take a day or two during our practice time. The community service is important so we give up some practice.”

cconine@wacotrib.com

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