AUSTIN, Texas – The University of Texas football program was not only busy on the field and in the classroom this spring, but the Longhorns were active in the community, volunteering more than 575 hours between January and May.



"I think it's critical that everyone in our program realizes the importance of giving back in the community," head coach Charlie Strong said. "We constantly encourage them to do that and have required community service hours for every player each semester. It's just something that we want to be part of their experience at Texas. They're fortunate to be where they are and have what they have, so they need to understand the value in sharing that with others."



The Longhorns volunteered at Texas Thon in March, as nearly half the roster participated in the Dance Marathon that became the first in Texas to raise over $175,000, doing so for the Children's Miracle Network. Several Texas football players also helped put on a free football clinic with Hill Country Pop Warner, designed to increase participation in sport in youth.



UT also hosted a group from Texas Special Olympics on campus in April. The group received a tour of the Moncrief Athletics Complex and took to Joe Jamail Field for photos prior to heading to Denius Field for a Longhorns' spring practice. Following practice, the entire team, along with Charlie Strong and the staff, took photos and signed autographs for the group.



At various times throughout the semester, members of the football program additionally volunteered their time at Explore UT, Dell Children's Hospital, church groups, charity events and more.