By Tom Ganser
Correspondent
On Jan. 28, Warhawk Chris Nelson joined with more than 20 of his University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football teammates in spending a couple of hours working side-by-side with residents of Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater making almost 2,000 dog treats.
Nelson, who takes the field as quarterback for the Warhawks and is a 2012 graduate of Wilmot High School, is majoring in general management in the College of Business and Economics.
The dog treats are baked on location and donated to K-9 Hair Care in Whitewater, the Whitewater Veterinary Hospital, the Humane Society of Jefferson County and UWW “Helping Hands” students who visit with Fairhaven residents on Mondays for pet therapy.
Nelson, the former football standout from Twin Lakes and recipient of the 2012 Alan Ameche Award for Football Excellence, said the time spent visiting with the residents at Fairhaven was “another great experience for all of us.
“Coach Bullis has made this a team tradition and me and all the other guys on the team really look forward to it,” Nelson said. “It’s a great feeling to go there and see the smiles and hear the laughs from the residents.”
Brian Robinson, director of leisure services, introduced the activity to the Fairhaven community about a year ago and its been a mainstay ever since.
Head football coach Kevin Bullis and Tim Baldry, director of equipment and football operations, accompanied the football players on the special mission.
In the midst of making treats, Bullis took a moment to reflect briefly on last season for the Warhawks and share some insight into at least one duo he expects great things from this year.
“Marcus Hudson (wide receiver) and Chris established a great combination for us this past season. We are excited to see them take it to another level this spring and next fall. They have a great bond that is reflected by the confidence in each other and their leadership of the team.”
Spending time at Fairhaven gave Nelson the opportunity to team-build in a different environment but said he enjoyed connecting with some devoted fans.
“They are big Warhawk fans and it’s pretty special to be able to give back and hang with them for the day,” Nelson said.
