In order to be successful, great athletes must develop a work ethic that is superior and unique compared to their competitors. However, it is great individuals that allow that work ethic to carry over into their daily lives and incorporate it into everything else they do. University of the Cumberlands (UC) men's basketball standout Dustin Fothergill (Somerset, KY) is a perfect example of one of these athletes that works just as hard to better the life of others as he does to succeed as a Patriot on the hardwood.

Fothergill has competed in all of UC's 34 basketball games during the 2007-2008 season and helped lead his team to a 2008 NAIA National Tournament appearance, where they defeated Lewis-Clark State in the first round before falling to Lee University in the Sweet Sixteen. However, Fothergill also finds numerous ways off the court to contribute to the sport of basketball.

During the summer months, Fothergill volunteers his time to both the University of the Cumberlands and his former high school, Southwestern High in Somerset, as a summer camp instructor for both basketball programs. The camps are aimed at youth-aged children that are eager to improve their game during the off-season and prepare for the upcoming school year.

Fothergill also traveled overseas to work with young individuals and teach them the game of basketball. During the summer of 2004, Fothergill traveled to Sao Paulo, Brazil for roughly 10 days with Sports Reach, an organization that uses sports to witness for Jesus Christ in various countries around the world. Sports Reach attempts to go where traditional evangelism has not been effective in reaching the unsaved. In prisons, schools, churches and international competitions, personal testimonies and a clear Gospel message is presented and used successfully to share Christ with an unsaved world.

"We went to different high schools where we were able to witness to young individuals throughout the day," states Fothergill. "We also visited nearby club teams and played games against them, which was another great opportunity to share Christ with them"

Fothergill also participates in various other community service activities outside of basketball. One of these includes teaming up with the Northwest Builders Organization to help build a church for a community in Redmond, Oregon. Fothergill is also an active member of his hometown church, Grace Baptist Church, and the youth group, which completes numerous community service activities each year.

"I believe it is important to be involved in community service activities because you have an opportunity to help those individuals that may not be as fortunate as you are," comments Fothergill. "You truly understand how blessed you really are and realize that you have a lot more to give than you thought. The trip to Sao Paulo, Brazil humbled me a lot and made me understand how much I have been given and how grateful I should be for everything."

Acts such as these are true examples of what a Champion of Character really is. Fothergill has worked hard to become the basketball player he is today. Moreover, the character and values that he portrays off the court prove to set him apart as a great individual, as well.

Article Provided by Kim Hamby, University of the Cumberlands Sports Information Student Assistant