TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Gary Ulrich and Logan Steward used to run up and down the basketball court together.
And when the court became too boring, they took their talents beyond the traditional setting.
“We did trick shots for fun. And when we reconnected after our college years, we said, how can we do trick shots again and make people care about it,” explained Ulrich. “How can we make it have a purpose?”
Now this childhood passion has become a community outreach project.
“We’re wanting to donate to all the charities in the Wabash Valley,” said Steward. “Normally, what we have been doing so far is we’ve had the athlete choose which charity they want to donate to.”
So far the dynamic duo has received videos from professional athletes like Danny Etling, a Terre Haute South graduate and Practice Squad Quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons.
“John Mascari, Jeremy Lucas, Tyler Wampler, A.J. Reed,” said Steward.
A.J. Reed, another South graduate and First Baseman for the Chicago White Sox, turned his trick shot into a grand slam.
On the Trick Shot for Charity website, videos of these professional athletes encourage viewers to donate to the charity of their choice.
“We give a whole video on the athlete’s progression in life and how their roots are in Terre Haute,” explained Ulrich. “And if you watch those videos they really are inspiring.”
Steward and Ulrich appreciate all the support the community gave them growing up, now they’re returning the favor.
“It feels great that Gary and I have been able to stay local and then give local,” said Steward. “We like seeing our community change for the good and we like the impact that we’re making.”
If you would like more information on Trick Shots for Charity, or to make a donation you can visit their
website
or their
Facebook
page.
“We’re trying to make Terre Haute a better place. And you know it’s something that’s intrinsic to us since we grew up here and walked these streets together,” explained Ulrich. “We went to school and walked the same hallways. It’s something that’s near and dear to our hearts and it’s just a mission that we have to make Terre Haute a better place.”
