OSHKOSH, Wis.- The UW-Oshkosh Athletics Department raised nearly 3,000 food items in its third annual Take Down Hunger Food Drive. The 21 intercollegiate programs raise items for the Oshkosh Area Community Pantry each fall.
 
As a department, Oshkosh intercollegiate athletics programs donated 2,893 food items, which is 1,000 more items than last year.
 
"We're really grateful with how much this food drive has grown over the past few years", said head men's wrestling coach Aaron Konitzer, who operates the food drive. "We make it fun competition amongst the teams, but I think it's awesome how our athletics department has stepped up to help those in need within our community during this time of year."
 
The program that is awarded the trophy each year is determined by items per student-athlete and not total items due to the large differences in roster sizes. This year, men's and women's swimming & diving's 40.5 food items per student-athlete won the trophy for the second time in three years. The teams combined for 1,742 items. Women's volleyball, the defending champion, brought in 810 items, averaging 36.82 items per student-athlete.
 
The swimming & diving programs were presented with the trophy before men's wrestling hosted UW-Eau Claire for a WIAC dual at Kolf Sports Center on Wednesday (Nov. 12).
 
"We always have a great time with the Take Down Hunger Food Drive", said head swimming & diving coach Christopher Culp. "Not only is it for a great cause, but it also becomes a great team-building opportunity for us. I think it's important to remind ourselves that there are many people who are less fortunate, and this time of year is a perfect opportunity to give back a little. We also really enjoy the friendly competition within the athletic department to see which team can bring in the most food. It's competition at its best! As a program, we will always do what we can to continue giving during the holiday season."
 
The annual food drive generates a friendly competition between the 21 intercollegiate athletic programs and promotes supporting the Fox Valley during the holiday season.