ERIE, Pa. -- Mercyhurst Athletics completed a very successful inaugural Hurst vs Hunger Food Drive collecting enough food and monetary donations for 22,893 meals. 

Over the course of two weeks, Laker athletic teams, the campus community as well a generous group of alumni, family and friends collected non-perishable food and monetary donations for the Second Harvest Food Bank in Erie.  

"We are proud of our student-athletes for stepping up and living the University Mission serving our community in a very tangible way and being a part of something bigger than themselves," said Sue Sweeney Assistant Athletic Director for Health and Wellness. "The impact of projects like this stretch beyond those that receive meals as a result. Our student-athletes also benefit, gaining a gratitude for what they have and a better grasp of the larger community around them." 

In conjunction with Hurst vs Hunger, Mercyhurst Athletics awarded the first Baggot Street Award. This award, named in honor of the location of the founding of the Sisters of Mercy, is given to the team that made the biggest contribution relative to roster size. The Laker women's golf team contributed the equivalent of 340 meals per athlete on the roster to earn the inaugural award.