BOYS' PREP BASKETBALL: Central, E'town come together for good cause (01/04)

Central Hardin and Elizabethtown are rivals on the basketball court, but the schools came together for two good causes this winter.

Both schools had service projects, raising money for two charities – Central Hardin for the Addison Jo Blair Foundation and Elizabethtown for the Wounded Warrior Project. The schools will present a check to each charity tonight during the boys’ basketball game.

“The biggest thing is there’s a rivalry between Central Hardin and E’town, but people don’t always see the positives,” Central Hardin athletic director Chris Bauer said. “The positives don’t always come to the forefront. We want to do something positive. It’s about competition, but helping others.”

Bauer came up with the idea to do a service project and discussed it with Elizabethtown athletic director Doug Barnes, who liked the suggestion. The schools each began raising money for the charities in November.

“Chris and I have a good relationship,” Barnes said. “When he called and asked if we were interested, I thought it was a great idea. We’re rivals, but we’re constantly looking for ways to show sportsmanship and give back to the community. This was a way to do both.”

Central Hardin’s Science Honors Society, headed by Jon Fairbanks, took the lead. The students designed a T-shirt and began selling it to students and the public. Students also sold bracelets and other items.

Elizabethtown students designed T-shirts as well and students donated money in homeroom classes. Barnes said the elementary school and middle school also became involved. He said choosing the Wounded Warrior Project seemed like a natural fit “considering our military presence in the community.”

The schools hope to make this an annual event during the basketball season.

“It was a real good effort by the kids and the community,” Barnes said. “It was very successful.”

Central Hardin raised more than $3,500 for the Addison Jo Blair Foundation, while Elizabethtown generated more than $1,500 for the Wounded Warrior Project.

“I’m really proud of the students and the community,” Bauer said. “This was about good kids working for a good cause. This is a good thing for two worthy causes.”

Chuck Jones can be reached at (270) 505-1759 or cjones@thenewsenterprise.com.