DAHLONEGA – The University of North Georgia Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted its sixth Make-A-Wish child
on Tuesday as Gainesville’s Chandler Holcomb was signed to join the UNG baseball team prior to the Nighthawks’ 9-8 win over No. 20 West Florida.
Chandler and his family arrived at Coleman Field House courtesy of a three-car blue light escort compliments of UNG Public Safety. Following a personal tour of the clubhouse by head coach Tom Cantrell, he formally signed on as a Nighthawk during a press conference in front of an overflow crowd of Nighthawk student-athletes and staff. During the press conference, UNG Director of Athletics Lindsay Reeves surprised Chandler by informing that he and his family have had their Make-A-Wish granted with a Disney cruise to the Caribbean in July.
“Today is an extra special day for us because of Chandler’s addition to the Nighthawk Nation as he and his family will forever be a part of our extended family,” stated Reeves. “Being able to see the impact of the work of our SAAC and the permanent smile on Chandler’s face is what this initiative is all about.”
Throughout the day, the new recruit was showered with gifts including a package from visiting the West Florida baseball program and an autographed shirt and photo from his favorite celebrity, professional wrestler A.J. Styles.
Following a pizza party, Chandler signed baseball cards his new fans and capped the evening by tossing a perfect strike in the game’s ceremonial first pitch. In a special pregame ceremony, the SAAC held a large American flag on the field as the Hawkapellas sang the National Anthem.
Despite unseasonably cold temperatures on Monday, the SAAC’s 3rd Annual Nigel’s Run With Superheroes helped punctuate a department-wide fundraising effort that resulted in over $20,000 for Make-A-Wish.
Since 2010, UNG has raised over $133,000 for Make-A-Wish, having raised at least $10,000 in every year since 2010-2011, meaning more than 13 wishes have been granted from the efforts of the Nighthawk Nation.
North Georgia has finished in the top five NCAA Division II Make-A-Wish donors for seven consecutive years, including being the top donor on five different occasions.
Chandler is the sixth Make-A-Wish child hosted on campus by the UNG athletic department.
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