Emporia State athlete Tyler Eckenrode participates in Golden Ball

2011 May 5

When Tyler Eckenrode committed to play football at Emporia State University, he didn't realize that dance lessons were in his future. But when ESU student-athletes decided to reach out to their local supporters with a dance, lessons became necessary.

Eckenrode of Houston, Texas, participated in the fifth annual Golden Ball, a dance for those 55 and older, on April 14. The dance featured music from the 1950s and '60s. ESU student-athletes participating in the ball learned dances from that era at Sherry's Dance Workshop in Emporia.

"It's really awesome just getting to know folks around the community who come to our games and support us," said Kirsten Ford, president of Student Athlete Advisory Committee. "It's a way to give back."

"This event continues to grow each year," said Carmen Leeds, associate director of athletics advisor for SAAC, which sponsors the event. "We are grateful to the community for their help in putting on a special evening for the seniors in the Lyon County area."