Feb. 28, 2007

LOGAN, Utah - Release by members of the USU journalism department

On Thursday March 1st, the USU basketball team will face the University of Nevada with a WAC conference winning 25-2 overall record, but the Aggie basketball team won't be the only USU athletes at the Spectrum. Among a sellout crowd from the community of Cache Valley, Aggie football team members will also be there to help our community tackle a challenge of their own.

USU's team joins other members of the community to help raise over $100,000 for memorial park in River Heights, Utah. Football players will pass around their helmets to crowds at the game so the Aggie fans can help fill them with donations for the park. The money will be counted, with the totals announced during half-time.

Businesses, individuals, families and organizations are coming together to support this cause, inspired by the loss of two-year-old Ryan Adams, of River Heights. The park, Ryan's Place, is the first community playground in Cache Valley built entirely by volunteers and totally funded by donations.

USU Head Coach, Brent Guy, said, "This is a way to honor the memory of Ryan. It is a small way to try to help the family and our community. Our football team is involved in a lot of community projects and this one is close to our hearts. It is a tragic loss of a Cache Valley resident and has affected a lot of people in our valley."

The park was designed by New York design team, Leathers & Associates, with the help of over 150 River Heights Elementary school students. The playground will be built at Heber Olson Park's current location on May 15-19.

For more information on how to donate, volunteer, and learn more about Ryan's Place Park, please visit: www.ryansplacepark.com