May 14, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt junior Rob Whiting was named to the 2008 Southeastern Conference Men’s Track and Field Community Service Team.
“Wow. This is a huge honor to be in such elite company,” Whiting said. “Vanderbilt athletics has been instrumental in helping me and Students for Students mature. I particularly want to thank my coach and teammates. Coach Keith has been very understanding and flexible, and always there to support our cause.”
“After less than two years, what was once a small idea is really starting to make tangible differences, and I believe we are really touching lives. I cannot thank everyone enough for helping us get to this point, but there is still much progress to be made.”
Whiting created Vanderbilt Students for Students (VSS). He, along with several teammates and friends, founded the campus organization directed to help students at Pearl-Cohn High School in Nashville meet the financial requirements that go along with making college a reality. The organization does this through two primary mediums: first, by helping students find and apply for college scholarships and financial aid; second, by raising funds to create their own scholarship–a scholarship raised by students, for students. One of the ways that VSS raises funds is through a charity race called the “Vanderbilt Mile Bonanza.” Held in early April, the Mile Bonanza is a Nashville-wide running event with prizes, awards, food, and music.
“Rob is an excellent representative of Vanderbilt and our program. We appreciate his sincere interest in giving back to the community,” Vanderbilt cross country head coach Steve Keith commented. “It takes a special person to balance a rigorous academic load with athletics and community service and to Rob’s credit he has handled this very well.”
The SEC sponsors Community Service Teams for all 20 league sponsored sports. The Community Service Team looks to highlight an athlete from each school who gives back to his community in superior service efforts.
2008 SEC Men’s Track and Field Community Service Team
Michael Cooley, Alabama
Tyler Hill, Arkansas
Luke Robinson, Auburn
Eric Alberter, Florida
Nate Rolfe, Georgia
John Richardson, Kentucky
Brett Borne, LSU
James Maloney, Ole Miss
Joseph Queen, Mississippi State
Michael Zajac, South Carolina
Chris Kane, Tennessee
Rob Whiting, Vanderbilt