Dave Bauer did not want this story to be about him.

Then again, that’s just the type of person he is on and off the field. It’s always about something more important than just him.

Bauer is a midfielder for No. 5 Georgetown, but the junior is better known for his work off the field. Bauer organized a trip for 40 members of the lacrosse team to the Concentrated Care Center of the Georgetown University Hospital on Friday.

The Concentrated Care Center offers highly specialized intensive care and extensive patient monitoring systems. The players gave children at the hospital a chance to enjoy the Easter holiday weekend with activities like making cookies, face painting and arts and crafts.

Bauer continued a tradition started by Kyle Sweeney, a former Hoya. Sweeney began a relationship with the University Hospital in 2001, and the Hoyas have worked with the hospital to plan events every year since then.

‘We give the kids 30 minutes just to make them smile and make their day,’ Bauer said. ‘It really goes beyond words for our whole team.’

Some players spent up to two hours at the hospital. Other than helping out with the activities, many players spent time with children who were unable to leave their rooms.

Bauer said the team enjoyed the experience and everyone involved would be interested in participating in another activity. He said the team is trying to organize ways for players to become more involved in community service.

Bauer wants to set up a system where players can go to the hospital more freely to meet with the children individually. He thinks if players have the chance to give back to their community, they will almost certainly do it.

‘Everyone is really willing to participate (in community service),’ Bauer said. ‘We just have to get opportunities to do it.’

Bauer’s community service is not limited by his status as a lacrosse player. He finds time to be involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and volunteers at Washington, D.C., schools every week.

When Bauer is on the field he is just as selfless as he is when he performs community service. Georgetown head coach Dave Urick said Bauer is a true team player because he knows his role on the team.

‘He’s one of those guys you have to have to be successful,’ Urick said. ‘He comes to practice every day and works his butt off.’

Bauer played in just five games in his three years at Georgetown and tallied two assists in that time. Though Bauer does not see regular playing time, Urick said the junior midfielder helps the team by running the opponent’s plays every week in practice.

If Bauer measures his success as a lacrosse player by his team’s success, he has to be satisfied. Georgetown has a 7-2 record this season and that is all that matters to Bauer.

‘I’m kind of a role player,’ Bauer said. ‘I just love the team atmosphere.’

Bauer plays many roles in the Georgetown community thanks to his community service. He believes he has the responsibility to help people because of his position as a lacrosse player and a Georgetown student.

‘I just feel like I’ve had a lot of opportunities in my life, and there is no reason why I shouldn’t give back,’ Bauer said.

Duke Arrests

Two Duke men’s lacrosse players were arrested on Tuesday in connection with an alleged sexual assault on March 13, according to the Raleigh News and Observer. Collin Finnerty and Reade Seligmann were charged with first-degree sexual offense, first-degree forcible rape and first-degree kidnapping.

Authorities plan to charge a third player in the alleged incident, but have been unable to confirm the player’s identity. Both players posted a $400,000 bond to be released on Tuesday, according to the News and Observer.

Senior Day

North Carolina senior Drew Habeck scored seven goals in the first half in the Tar Heels’ 18-9 victory against Fairfield on Saturday. Habeck had not scored a goal in his career before Saturday, but was allowed to start in his final game at Chapel Hill.

His seven goals set a record for most scored in one half by a Tar Heel and was just one shy of the school record for goals in a game.

Power Five

1. Virginia – There is only one word to describe the Cavaliers this season: unstoppable. Not only is Virginia 11-0 this season, but the Cavs have beaten every team except Princeton by at least five goals.

2. Hofstra – The Pride’s 11-game winning streak ties Virginia for the longest in the nation. Don’t knock Hofstra for playing in the Colonial Athletic Conference because the Pride has played five ranked teams in the Inside Lacrosse Media Poll this season.

3. Navy – The Midshipmen did not suffer an emotional hangover after beating Maryland on April 8. How could they, when they had to travel to West Point to face rival Army? The 11-10 victory should give Navy the confidence it needs to take on Johns Hopkins Saturday.

4. Maryland – The Terrapins were tumbling last week, but this week Maryland is on fire. The Terps bounced back from two consecutive losses to win their next two games by a combined score of 29-6.

5. Georgetown – The Hoyas were ranked second in the Media Poll last week after extending their winning streak to seven games. But Georgetown fell asleep on Saturday, allowing nine second half goals against Loyola in a 14-10 loss.

Published on April 19, 2006 at 12:00 pm