Andrew College Volleyball team receives proclamation
Columbus (GA) City Council honors team for help in rescue
Charlotte, NC – On September 4, the Andrew College volleyball team, head coach Donna Rountree, and assistant baseball coach Trevor Wren were honored by the Columbus (GA) City Council for their role in saving citizens after witnessing a vehicle accident on August 22.
The Andrew College volleyball team opened their season at Southern Union Community College in Wadley, AL on August 22. While traveling back to Andrew on I-185 outside of Columbus, with Wren driving, the team witnessed a vehicle accident. A car on the opposite side of the road crossed the median, colliding with a minivan in front of the Andrew van.
Wren immediately pulled over to see how they could be of assistance. While he was helping three passengers from the minivan, team members called 911 and began assisting first responders. Coach Rountree went to the other vehicle, helping a passenger escape from the car, while the front of the car began to catch on fire. Team members assisted medics by holding a passenger's head while being examined by a medic and shining their phones to provide light.
For the Andrew College volleyball team, jumping in to help was an immediate reaction. Sophomore outside hitter Maris Guzman is a member of the AndrewServes program, Andrew College's servant leader organization. AndrewServes provides students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills while serving the community. Once the accident occurred, Guzman said her first thought was, "we have to stop, we had to stop." AndrewServes has developed a sense of community within the school, with students who feel compelled to look out for one those around them. "We take care of each other and others. We don't question whether we should or not," expressed Coach Donna Rountree.
Coach Rountree explained that her team's close relationship is what aided in their efforts that night. "We were able to pull together to help that night because we are close. This group bonded quickly the first week together. They pulled together naturally and because they were needed. I was so proud watching the difference they made that night."
