Charleston, S.C. -- During its fall season, the CofC softball team has volunteered at the Charleston 9 Memorial 5K Run/Walk Sun., Sept. 9, and the Beach/River Sweep along the Cooper River Saturday, Sept. 15.

“Helping out with such an event like the Charleston 9 run was very emotional, but very fulfilling as well,” said Cougars head coach Shelly Hoerner.  “On a day like this it makes you realize that your worst days are nothing compared to what the families of this horrific tragedy have gone through.”

The team was given the duty of keeping the race participants traveling in the right direction on the course that stretched through Hampton Park and the Citadel campus. 

The team shares a special connection to firefighters and servicemen and women.  Sophomore Katie Pesature’s father is a retired New York City firefighter.  He was a responder after the Sept. 11, terrorist attacks. 

For the second year in a row, the softball team has taken part in the Beach/River Sweep at the salt water marsh along the Cooper River. 

“The city of Charleston is known for its beauty, “Hoerner said of the Beach Sweep.  “We are fortunate to be able to take advantage of living in such a wonderful place.  Helping in keeping the city clean and picturesque is the least we can do.”

The team collected more than 20 bags of trash and helped amass more then 100 total bags of trash and debris.