Athletics is now participating in a partnership with Taylor Telecom to recognize hard work in rural schools.

The partnership is a way for students to be recognized for their academic prowess. Students in these rural schools will get VIP access and transportation to an ACU game. In addition, schools will have an ACU student-athlete travel to them.

The ACU students who will act as the faces for the program are Colter Lynch, junior offensive lineman from Lubbock, and Riley Grohman in women’s basketball. They will visit one school a month and participate in activities with the students.

“The goal is to get our student athletes out to them, and then have some of those students from the schools in the area come to ACU,” said Evan Nemec, Assistant AD for Media Relations.

Taylor Telecom is an internet provider that has connections with a lot of the local rural schools. The company sees the need for students to have their role model student athletes come to their schools, said Nemec.

Nemec said that Marcus Dunn, general manager for ACU sports and properties, comes from a small town and would have loved to see a college athlete come to his school.

Ghroman is from the Big Country area outside Abilene, so the program is important to her. “I wish I had that growing up.” Grohman said, “But I’m just glad I get to be a part of it.”

The program will start this month with the athletes visiting Holly ISD first. The student-athletes will spend time with the grade school students reading, eating and just talking.