ETHS is an institution that is entrenched in the Evanston community, and Wildkit athletics are a major part of this institution. The people of Evanston support the Kits through thick and thin, but this support isn’t one-sided.
ETHS sports have strived to also support Evanston, and giving back to the community is a priority across the athletic department.
“It’s actually one of our top core values that we talk about every season,” said Athletic Director Chris Livatino on community service. “I think it’s one of the most important qualities or characteristics of a person, is to be selfless”
The majority of teams at ETHS give back in some way to many different causes.
“We have a lot of programs that help out with the Race Against Hate, we have a lot of programs that help out with Girls Play Sports, and we have a lot of programs that help out with Kumba Evanston,” mentioned Livatino.
Another thing ETHS has done is theme nights for football games. ETHS has hosted several color-out games for causes such as breast cancer and Alzheimer’s awareness
Other programs also participate in a variety of events to help people out. One team that does a lot of community service is baseball, something that head coach Frank Consiglio has made a priority.
“When the athletic director or someone involved with the school or community feels like they need help, I want them to know the first program that should come to their mind is baseball because we’re always willing to be at the forefront,” said Consiglio.
Players in the baseball program are expected to have given back in at least two different ways, and supporting the community has become part of the program culture.
“It’s no different than you trying to get better at your sport. If you’re part of the Evanston baseball program, you’re going to try and be impactful in the community,” commented Consiglio.
The baseball program has done a wide variety of programs for a good cause, and while the causes supported may be different, the positive impact on the community is the same.
“We’ve done a diaper drive for a local facility here in Evanston, where we raised over 15,000 diapers for that fundraiser,” stated Consiglio.
“A lot of us did buddy baseball over the summer, which is we’d partner with a bunch of youth with special needs and play baseball with them, and that was a lot of fun,” said sophomore athlete Sam Kalil.
“We’ve done soup kitchens, where we made sandwiches and food for the homeless,” mentioned junior athlete Garrett Hagerty.
The newly founded Varsity Club and Student-Athlete Advisory Council have also made major contributions. Led by Eli Coustan and Olivia Ohlson, these clubs have done a lot to benefit the community.
“Eli and Olivia did this hygiene packet creation thing, and they were able to put together 750 hygiene packets for the homeless,” commented Livatino.
While participating in service is a great way to help the community, it also helps athletes grow as leaders off the field.
“I think it’s a lot bigger than just sports. You got to be a good player, but you also got to be a person outside of sports,” stated Hagerty.
“When you have that expectation, kids enjoy being impactful and giving back, and you start to build that culture. I think they really, really enjoy it and feel like it makes them whole,” said Consiglio.
While it is a lot of work and effort to give back to the community, it’s something people within ETHS sports not only feel is important to do, but it’s something they enjoy doing.
“Whatever you’re doing, you’re doing it for those in need, and it is definitely a rewarding feeling knowing that you’re helping people out,” said Kalil.
