DEFIANCE, Ohio – The Defiance College men’s basketball team recently spent one week in Jamaica as part of a service project with Christian Service International. The experience resulted in fresh perspectives and lasting memories for those fortunate enough to have participated.

The group included 10 current players from the DC men’s hoops squad, former All-American Nick Sales and three coaches, while also consisting of several DC staff and administrative members.

The Yellow Jackets departed for Jamaica from Columbus, Ohio on May 14 and returned seven days later with a changed outlook on life. The impact did not come from the excitement of visiting a new country or the fun of relaxing on the beach, but from the relationships forged and the life lessons learned.

“I am really pleased with the way the trip went,” remarked head coach Kyle Brumett. “I am proud of how the players took advantage of this opportunity and embraced the experience. It is obvious to me that they have all grown tremendously from it.” Brumett added, “For me personally, this was an amazing week. I enjoyed spending the time with my players in a non-basketball setting but I also really came to appreciate the people of Jamaica. I feel we have all learned quite a bit and my hope is that we take this new outlook and apply it to our own lives.”

“My experience in Jamaica has been life changing,” said junior Logan Wolfrum. “The trip presented me with my first time flying, first time out of the United States and my first mission trip, but it was about the people of Jamaica and making connections. These kids changed my life forever and I will never forget about them.”

Senior Anthony Brown reflected on how taking the opportunity to serve allowed him to come back with a new outlook on his life by saying, “It is a very humbling experience to serve someone less fortunate than you and to try to make their life a little better. I learned to be thankful and appreciative for the blessings God has given me.”

The group’s service work took place primarily at St. Mary Technical High School, where members of the team painted the interior and exterior of a wing of the school and led physical education courses with the Jamaican students. The DC group taught the students how to play basketball and learned how to play cricket, while also playing several soccer matches with the students. DC staff and administrators also spent part of the week conducting projects at Belfield Basic School and Marymount High School.

“Going to Jamaica was an amazing experience that allowed us to strengthen relationships with each other, new friends and most importantly with God,” said senior Kyle Tietje. “Talking with the students of Jamaica brought to light the many similarities we have, while also highlighting some of the differences. One of the biggest differences was the lack of opportunities those students have compared to those in my life. It really made me appreciate everything much more and made me determined to take better advantage of all that is offered to me. This trip has made a lasting impact on the way that I will choose to live my life.”

Kyle’s twin brother and fellow senior Kevin echoed those sentiments by saying, “Seeing how the people of Jamaica live and the way that they appreciate every opportunity showed the rest of us how lucky we truly are. This trip put a lot of things into perspective for me.”

Kevin’s final thought was shared by the rest of the DC group, “I am very grateful for the opportunity to have done this.”

Team members making the trip included Justin Morris, Kevin Tietje, Kyle Tietje, Anthony Brown and Brandon Hoke of the senior class, Logan Wolfrum and David Wooldridge of the junior class and Brandon Ray, Ryan Hicks and Josh Francis of the sophomore class. The players were joined by head coach Kyle Brumett and assistant coaches Pat Sullivan and Nate Conley.

Other members of the Defiance College group included DC president Mark Gordon and his son Chris, DC alum Nick Sales, assistant athletics director for student-athlete engagement Craig Rutter, athletic trainers Kevin Tong and Kathleen Westfall, team physician Dr. Bill Finerty and director of public relations and marketing Kathy Punches.

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