The focus of PennWest’s commitment to service and community was evident Halloween weekend as 45 PennWest Clarion student-athletes volunteered at the Fourth Annual Haunted Corn Maze at Zacherl’s Farm Market & Greenhouse in Shippenville.

Representing a variety of athletic teams, the Golden Eagles dedicated their time over two nights to help operate one of the region’s most popular seasonal events. Balancing academic responsibilities, practices and competition schedules, they stepped up to support the event in a variety of roles, from ticket sales and guest check-in to parking assistance and portraying characters throughout the haunted maze.

Their involvement did not end when the event concluded. Several student-athletes returned Sunday morning to assist with cleanup, demonstrating the teamwork, work ethic and sense of responsibility they bring to their athletic programs and the communities they serve.

The volunteer effort also supports a cause that is important to Clarion student-athletes. A portion of the Haunted Corn Maze proceeds will benefit the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee’s fundraising efforts for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, helping grant life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses.

For the Golden Eagles athletes, the event provided an opportunity to make an impact beyond competition while supporting a local family-owned business and giving back to the community.

“Putting on an event of this size takes an incredible amount of time, planning and manpower,” the Zacherl family said. “Having 45 student-athletes willing to jump in wherever they were needed made such a difference. Whether they were parking cars, checking tickets, scaring guests or helping us clean up Sunday morning, they showed up ready to work. We couldn’t be more appreciative of their enthusiasm and willingness to help.”

The Haunted Corn Maze also brought together volunteers from the Shippenville Volunteer Fire Department, family members, friends and community supporters, creating a successful end to the farm’s season while strengthening connections between PennWest and the local community.

“We are incredibly proud to have partnered with these PennWest Clarion student-athletes and hope this is just the beginning of opportunities to work together,” the Zacherl family added. “Their hard work helped make our event successful, and we’re excited that together, we can help make wishes come true.”