 
Afternoon of miracles
Taking time out of their day to help raise money for the Children's Miracle Network Telethon on Saturday afternoon was something each of the seven present UT football players could not have been happier to do. As they posed for pictures and created a contagious stir of smiles and laughter, the crowd on hand and the television audience at home saw just how big their hearts truly are, which was just slightly bigger than the dollar figure raised by the telethon's sign off -- almost $850,000. "It was a great experience that was for a good cause," said senior DE Tim Crowder. "It was a no-brainer decision for me because I would do anything for the kids." After a bite to eat and brief training session, the Longhorns, including Dallas Griffin, Thomas Marshall, Tim Crowder, Derek Lokey, Tony Hills, Nick Schroeder and Colt McCoy took calls and donations on live television, giving the public a chance to help the children of Central Texas while getting to speak to their football heroes. Thankfully, the extra weight of their National Championship rings did not seem to slow down their hands from picking up the phones, but they did receive their share of attention. "I think that having the UT football players here really makes the phones ring," beamed Kacy Covert, Children's Miracle Network Chair-Elect. "I know about their visits to the local hospitals before game days and I think it is so great to see their consistent involvement with it all over time. I really think it is neat how energetic they are when they come here. I always ask for three and I always end up getting about six, seven or eight guys. They love it. They hang around, laugh and end up making a few more friends." Colt McCoy, redshirt freshman quarterback, was sincerely excited to be able to make a difference in the kids' lives. After visiting children in the fall, he understands the importance of every donation accounted for. "We went and visited the Children's Hospital during football season and I know these kids need all the help they can get," McCoy said. "When we come out here and support them, raising money for a new hospital and just to help them, then that is one of the best things that we can do." According to Covert, the Children's Miracle Network Committee supports what will be Dell Children's Medical Center, which will open in June 2007 and serve the 46-county Central Texas region. All of the proceeds from the telethon and all other projects this year will go to the hospital. For more information on the Children's Miracle Network and the Children's Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas,visit http://www.childrensaustin.org/.
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