The St. Cloud Rox play 72 games in 76 days.

But as the Northwoods League baseball team made of college athletes showed Saturday morning, they still find plenty of time to reach out to the community.

The Rox, which completed more than 700 volunteer hours last season, organized a clinic at Whitney Recreation Center for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota. The team played a home game later in the night.

"The athletes a lot of times are role models for these young kids," said Scott Schreiner, Rox co-owner and vice president. "And we are Central Minnesota's team — we have to be part of the community."

Multiple members of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota also got tickets to Sunday's game.

The events were part of a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota initiative launched this year called "Sports Buddies" that aims to have mentors and mentees bond over athletics.

The idea came from local college athletes who volunteered in the program.

"It's one way to generate more interest," said Ann Matvick, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota program director. "There's a common interest in sports, and this is an opportunity to share it.

"And the games are a blast. They do activities that are family friendly and hold the kids' attention."

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota has a list of more than 100 children waiting to be paired with mentors.

"Whether it be talking about stats or throwing a ball with them or watching a game, we want to give an outlet to share a common interest," said Rachel Bogenrief, a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota recruiter.

"People always feel more comfortable talking about things they enjoy."

The program offers free tickets to various sporting events throughout the year.

The Rox donate seats for every game — there's a monthly drawing for members of the program. The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota also partners with the Granite City Renegades, St. Cloud State University and the Minnesota Twins.

The Renegades will offer a football clinic, similar to the Rox's baseball clinic, in September.

"Our team vision is to make sure the community is a better place for youth," said Renegades owner Brett Weaver.

Weaver was a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor for seven years.

"It was a really eye-opening experience," said Weaver, who tried to meet with his mentee once a week.

The Sports Buddies program is also planning on expanding outside of organized sports. The group has contacted outdoors organizations for future events.

"We are focused on offering a variety of experiences," Matvick said. "Whatever we can do help kids and keep them occupied."

Sports Buddies

For more information on joining the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota Sports Buddies program, call 258-4535 or visit http://bbbscentralmn.org.

Follow Jake Laxen on Twitter @jacoblaxen

Here is the link to the original article;  http://www.sctimes.com/story/news/local/2014/06/09/big-brothers-big-sisters-initiative-adds-fun-athletes/10261591/