UH Student-Athletes Serve Local Residents in Need

Student-athletes, coaches and administrators recently joined with residents from Houston’s Star of Hope Mission during a two-hour picnic at the tailgating pavilions at Robertson Stadium.

The University of Houston Athletics Department student-athletes served hamburgers and hot dogs to approximately 350 women and children. The group also played games, passed out toys and mingled with shelter residents.

The program, which also celebrated the Star of Hope Mission's 100 years of service to Houston, featured inflatable toys and face-painting for children with performances by the Cougar Band, cheerleaders and Cougar Dolls.

The event served as the kickoff for a unique partnership between the UH Athletics Department and the Star of Hope Mission during the 2007 football season. Fans are encouraged to bring canned and non-perishable food items to Robertson Stadium on Cougar Football game days throughout the 2007 season.

During the annual Homecoming game against Conference USA rival Marshall on Nov. 17, all the collected food will be presented to the Star of Hope Mission. Fans who drop off canned and non-perishable food items at home football games at Robertson Stadium during the 2007 season will receive a voucher good for discounted tickets or Cougar Authentic merchandise.

The Star of Hope Mission ministers to more than 900 people every day with food, clothing, shelter and structured recovery programs. The organization touches the lives of more than 7,000 homeless people each year, including more than 1,600 children.

Freshman Finishes Second at Pan Am Junior Championships

Competing with the USA Junior Team at the 2007 Pan American Junior Athletics Championships, July 6-8, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, UH Freshman Jason Perez raced to a runner-up finish of 51.22 in the 400 meter hurdles.

Perez was chosen for the team after finishing third in the 400 meter hurdles at the USATF Outdoor Championships on June 22 with a time of 50.92. The Houston native was named a 2007 Junior All-American at the meet.

During his first season at UH, Perez competed in the 400 meters during the indoor season earning an eighth place finish at the C-USA Championships. He also was a member of the winning 4x400 relay team at the Dan DeHart Invitational, and he set a personal best in the 400 meters with a time of 49.24. Perez did not compete during the outdoor season.

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