By Tyler Mayforth
Daily Record Sports
San Marcos —
For as long as Texas State center Steven Kenney can remember, volunteerism has been an important part of his life.
Good habits are cultivated at a young age and in Kenney’s case, this is no different.
“Growing up, we were always really active in the community with sports and that kind of stuff,” Kenney said. “My mom and dad kept me active and it just kind of rolled over as I got older.”
Once in high school, Kenney’s active ways continued as Pearland head football coach Tony Heath preached the benefits of community service. Kenney took Heath’s words to heart and sought different ways to help the community.
Through his search, Kenney joined Interact Club (a branch of Rotary International, the world’s first service club organization) and coached Special Olympic bowling, among others.
Never once, Kenney said, did he decide to help others to build his resume.
“I really am interested in volunteering,” Kenney said. “You can’t ever say ‘I do community service selfishly,’ because when it comes down to it, even if you are doing it selfishly, it’s helping others.”
Kenney has continued to help others once at Texas State, as he participates in numerous community service initiatives, including Bobcat Build, Sunshine Kids and the Travis Elementary School Reading Program, to name a few.
Through his relentless volunteering, Kenney was recently nominated for the American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team®.
Kenney is one of 112 student-athletes nominated for the award, which is in its 19th year of existence. He is among 16 other Division I FCS representatives, including Northwestern State’s Justin Aldredge.
“It’s always an honor to be recognized for the extra things you do, but I’m not going out thinking ‘I’m going to get an award’ for doing these things,” Kenney said. “It’s definitely humbling but at the same time, I feel it’s a good representation of this (Texas State) program. It’s not just me out there. There are a bunch of other guys on this team out there doing just as much.”
