Murray State University Athletics
Racer Athletics Shatters Community Service Record in 2025-26
5/7/2026 8:36:00 AM | General
Department sees 95 percent increase in community engagement over last year
Murray State Athletics notched a record-breaking year in the Murray-Calloway County area and throughout the region, shattering the department's previous community service record with 2,340 hours served.
A key pillar of the Dennis Jackson Racers Leadership Program, powered by Swift & Staley, and one of the department's key objectives as part of its strategic plan, the Racers saw a 95 percent increase in community engagement this year.
"Our student-athletes put in so much work between their respective sport and their academics, so to be able to achieve this community service record is simply outstanding," Murray State University President Dr. Ron Patterson said. "I want to commend each of our incredible student-athletes, along with our coaches and staff, for their hard work making a difference throughout our community."
In total, the Racers supported 43 organizations, including local elementary schools through the department's Classroom of the Month initiative, Journey Bags, the Murray-Calloway County Animal Shelter, Murray-Calloway County Need Line, the United Way and many more.
"We are incredibly proud of each of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff for giving their time back to our community throughout the year," Director of Athletics Nico Yantko said. "What we have been able to accomplish this year in competition, in the classroom, and in the community, is a testament to the passion that our student-athletes have for giving back. We look forward to future opportunities to break this important service goal and to give back to our community and region for many years to come."
Murray State Athletics had participation from nearly every student-athlete in the department, with every team represented.
The Dennis Jackson Leadership Program, which was announced in January 2023, provides the needed tools to Murray State student-athletes in the areas of personal growth, life skills and professional development. From recruitment through retirement, the program is a guide for student-athletes to be successful people both with their families and in their careers.
The program is named after Racer great Dennis Jackson, who became the first African American student-athlete at Murray State in 1960 and excelled to All-Ohio Valley Conference status in two sports. Jackson went on to graduate from Murray State with degrees in history and physical education.
For more information on the program, click HERE.
Follow the Racers on X (@MSURacers), Instagram (@RacersAthletics) and Facebook to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Murray State Athletics.
A key pillar of the Dennis Jackson Racers Leadership Program, powered by Swift & Staley, and one of the department's key objectives as part of its strategic plan, the Racers saw a 95 percent increase in community engagement this year.
"Our student-athletes put in so much work between their respective sport and their academics, so to be able to achieve this community service record is simply outstanding," Murray State University President Dr. Ron Patterson said. "I want to commend each of our incredible student-athletes, along with our coaches and staff, for their hard work making a difference throughout our community."
In total, the Racers supported 43 organizations, including local elementary schools through the department's Classroom of the Month initiative, Journey Bags, the Murray-Calloway County Animal Shelter, Murray-Calloway County Need Line, the United Way and many more.
"We are incredibly proud of each of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff for giving their time back to our community throughout the year," Director of Athletics Nico Yantko said. "What we have been able to accomplish this year in competition, in the classroom, and in the community, is a testament to the passion that our student-athletes have for giving back. We look forward to future opportunities to break this important service goal and to give back to our community and region for many years to come."
Murray State Athletics had participation from nearly every student-athlete in the department, with every team represented.
The Dennis Jackson Leadership Program, which was announced in January 2023, provides the needed tools to Murray State student-athletes in the areas of personal growth, life skills and professional development. From recruitment through retirement, the program is a guide for student-athletes to be successful people both with their families and in their careers.
The program is named after Racer great Dennis Jackson, who became the first African American student-athlete at Murray State in 1960 and excelled to All-Ohio Valley Conference status in two sports. Jackson went on to graduate from Murray State with degrees in history and physical education.
For more information on the program, click HERE.
Follow the Racers on X (@MSURacers), Instagram (@RacersAthletics) and Facebook to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Murray State Athletics.
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