Titans Amplify Generosity: A Record-Breaking Donation Drive for Oshkosh Area Community Pantry

OSHKOSH, Wis.- The UW-Oshkosh athletics department gathered over 1,900 items in its second annual Take Down Hunger Food Drive. Each fall, the 20 intercollegiate programs collect items for the Oshkosh Area Community Pantry.
 
“I am incredibly thankful that our drive has expanded in its second year,” stated head men’s wrestling coach Aaron Konitzer, who oversees the food drive. “During this season, it is crucial for us to give back to the community and assist those who might require additional support as the holidays approach. I am thankful for UW-Oshkosh Athletics’ involvement and contributions and look forward to seeing it grow each year!”
 

The program that receives the trophy each year is based on items per student-athlete, not total items, due to the significant variations in roster sizes. This year, women’s volleyball with 38.6 items per student-athlete secured the trophy. The winner of 2023, swimming & diving, contributed a record 986 items.
 
Women’s volleyball was awarded the trophy upon returning from the NCAA Division III Elite Eight in Salem, Va., marking the team’s second consecutive appearance in the national quarterfinals.
 
Jon Ellmann, the head women’s volleyball coach, emphasized the importance of Titan Athletics supporting a community that does so much for student-athletes. “The Takedown Hunger Food Drive is both a meaningful and enjoyable initiative to be part of. From a departmental perspective, we are all competitive and aiming for the annual award.” He further commented, “While winning the prize is enjoyable and gives us bragging rights for the upcoming year, the true achievement lies in our department making a difference in our community. We receive tremendous backing from the Fox Valley; many of our alumni begin their post-collegiate lives here, and being able to offer any level of assistance for our friends and neighbors is more gratifying than anything we could achieve on the court!”
 
The annual food drive fosters a friendly competition among the 20 intercollegiate athletic programs and encourages support for the Fox Valley during the holiday timeframe.