AZUSA, Calif. -- As part of the NAIA’s Champion of Character initiative, Azusa Pacific’s baseball program participated in numerous youth baseball clinics in the San Gabriel Valley throughout the 2003 season.

During this past season, the Cougars performed 7 “individual” clinics with 7 different individual Little League teams that came to Cougar Field on the Azusa Pacific campus from the surrounding areas of Claremont, Upland as well as Orange County.

“These clinics were great for the kids that we were reaching out to,” said Azusa Pacific head coach Paul Svagdis. “But they were also great for our players to see that they have something of value that they can pass on to others. It is important to sacrifice some of our baseball time to give back to the community.”

Azusa Pacific also participated in the City of Azusa Park and Recreation Mighty Mites program where more than 100 participants in the city’s Little League came to the Azusa campus for a time of instruction.

In addition to Azusa's Mighty Mites program, the Cougars helped Upland Little League with their “Opening Day” ceremonies by performing an instructional clinic for more than 95 participants.

“Our guys were phenomenal,” said Svagdis. “They had such a selflessness about them that it made these times that much more enjoyable. They had such a giving attitude that made me proud to be their coach.”

Azusa Pacific baseball plans to continue the program next season as well, while adding additional Little League teams from the area, including teams from the La Verne Little League.