New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz men's soccer team wanted to stay connected throughout the offseason, so as a team the Hawks, led by seniors Schuyler Mann and Ryan Martinez, decided to take on the 24-Mile Challenge, running four miles every four hours for 24 miles starting Saturday, June 6. But with recent events going on in the country, the team thought it was a great way to not only bond as a team, but give back as well.
 
For every dollar raised Saturday during their 24-Mile Challenge, the men's soccer team will donate to Feed the Frontlines NYC and the Brooklyn Community Bail Fund. Feed the Frontlines NYC has delivered more than 105,000 free meals to hundreds of New Yorkers, while helping bring more than 100 restaurant employees back to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Brooklyn Community Bail Fund is an organization that challenges racism, inequality and injustice. They are committed to helping protect the presumption of innocence in the criminal legal system and fight back against legal systems that target and harm low-income communities of color. 
 
"New York City has been one of the hardest hit areas for the Coronavirus in the US and around the world," said Hawks senior James Hennessy, who also helped spearhead the 24-Mile Challenge. "Many frontline workers in the city have been working tirelessly to help people in need. We want to give back to them and try and provide meals that can help keep them energized and show we are grateful for everything they are doing. In addition, by donating to FTF NYC, restaurants who have been hit hard by the pandemic will also be generating business from the donations. It may not be much, but these donations could help keep restaurants who have been devastated by the pandemic open for a little while longer."
 
"The Brooklyn Community Bail Fund is committed to challenging the racism, inequality, and injustice of a criminal legal system and immigration and deportation regime that disproportionately target and harm low-income communities of color," said Jonathan and Paul Tola, rising juniors on SUNY New Paltz men's soccer team. "[We] chose this organization because it fights for those who don't have the means to fight for themselves. The criminal legal system and immigration often take advantage of vulnerable people who lack the knowledge and financial means to fight back. Lives fall through the cracks due to these systems because no one can help them through it. This organization acts as an advocate for these people."
 
The Hawks hope to have all of their teammates participate in the cause, including returning student-athletes as well as incoming freshmen and transfers, and are inviting whoever else who would like to join them. Some team members will meet in New Paltz to run — social-distantly — together, while others will join virtually, using an app to track their mileage.
 
The challenge originated from the 48-Hour Challenge by David Goggins, who wrote "Living with a Seal." Goggins developed the challenge, which tests physical and mental toughness. The team will share updates through their Instagram account (newpaltzsoccer), encouraging their followers to donate to Feed the Frontlines NYC and The Brooklyn Community Bail Fund. The Hawks hope to generate at least $1,000 in proceeds, and reach as many people as they can for the cause.
 
"When Coach [Kyle] Clancy worked with our team to create the NPMS Player Standard, the first core tenant we implemented is "Be a Good Person." I believe being a good person starts with putting others ahead of your own during difficult times," Hennessy said.
 
Hennessy enters his final season with SUNY New Paltz this fall, and during his time as a Hawk has given back to the community in different ways. As a member of SUNY New Paltz and SUNYAC SAAC he participated in the annual community leaf rake, Special Olympic events, Yards for Yeardly, among several other community service projects. He believes in helping others whenever he can, and he and his teammates hope their efforts Saturday will give assistance to those in need of their support.
 
"Personally it is an extremely important aspect of my life to give back and help others. I believe I speak on behalf of my entire team in saying so as well," Hennessy said. "This is an extremely difficult time for many people around the world and in our area. We want to use the challenge as a way to bring awareness or inspire others to donate to people who may be most affected."
 
Follow newpaltzsoccer on Instagram for live updates Saturday on their 24-Mile Challenge, and to donate to Feed the Frontlines NYC and Brooklyn Community Bail Fund click on the links below.
 
Feed the Frontlines NYC: https://www.feedthefrontlinesnyc.org/
 
Brooklyn Community Bail Fund: https://brooklynbailfund.org/donate

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