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South Euclid, Ohio. – The Notre Dame College softball team have not only been hitting for wins this spring but also for wishes. Prior to the season the team got friends and family to commit to donate money to Make-A-Wish for every hit they recorded. So far this season the Falcons have combined for 310 hits, including 49 double, seven triples and 26 home runs. This amounts to a donation of $784.50 to Make-A-Wish.

The softball team undertook this challenge as part of "40 Days of Lent 40 Days of Service," a community service program created by the Student Athlete Advisory Committe (SAAC). 

To celebrate Softballs fundraising achievement and also to celebrate Notre Dame College Athletics relationship with Make-A-Wish the team had Make-A-Wish child Tucker and his brother Kellen throw out the first pitch prior to their game against Wheeling Jesuit.

Tucker and Kellen are no strangers to NDC Athletics as they were the special guests of the SAAC in the fall for the Falcons football game against Concord. This time they were on campus to not only throw out first pitches but also attend the Falcons Make-A-Wish Blue & White Spring Game.

As an NCAA Division II institution Notre Dame College raises money for Make-A-Wish annually as part of NCAA Division II's alliance with Make-A-Wish which has existed since 2003. During this time Division II has raised more than $3 million toward granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. These wishes can serve as a game changer in children's fights against their illnesses, helping them feel better, and in some cases even get better.

The images below show Tucker and Kellen throwing out their first pitches with the assistance of NDC Falcon pitcher mackenzie Wallace.