Alvernia University is an institution based on the Franciscan core values, to Learn, to Love, to Serve. Two members of the Alvernia Men’s Lacrosse Team have taken these values to a different level.
Sophomores, Ryan Przyborowski (Booton Township, N.J. / Mountain Lakes) and Richard Tawney (Reistertown, Md. / Franklin) are members of Cumru Township Fire Fighting Companies. Przyborowski has been part of Station 70 in the Village of Grill, Cumru Township’s fire fighting company for two years while Tawney has been part of the same station for about six months. Both student-athletes have always been interested in fire fighting because they enjoy helping their community as well as the adrenaline rush from saving lives. While Ryan and Richard are both from out of state, they have found a way to embrace their new community in Reading, Pa., by volunteering their services.
In addition to its many rewards, being a student-athlete and a volunteer fire fighter has its hardships and responsibilities. “Being a student athlete and a firefighter made time management a difficult hurdle,” commented Przyborowski. “From getting work done, going to practice and also getting the training I needed to stay an active fireman. Some of my favorite aspects of fire fighting are the adrenaline rush you get when responding to calls and dealing with different situations.”
Tawney noted that “time management and keeping up with everything are the hardest parts of being a student-athlete-firefighter. A lot goes on; from midnight fire calls to the drills and training for the fire departments after lacrosse practices.”
Both of these student athletes are defensive players for the Crusaders and have high expectations for the team this season as well as managing their outside duties to the community with diligent efforts. When asked as a spring athlete how will you manage or prioritize all of your responsibilities Przyborowski responded, “Managing my school work will come first of course, then my athletic and volunteer firefighting career. The spring semester will be the toughest semester because I have so much on my plate, but taking one task at a time will be my game plan.”
Watch these fire-fighting Crusaders in action on their home turf, Schlager Memorial Field, March 13, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. versus Saint Vincent College.