Sept. 29, 2004

WACO, Texas - Members of the Baylor men's basketball team helped Habitat for Humanity complete a house Saturday morning, which was then dedicated at 1:00 p.m. that afternoon.

The players' effort was part of a 12-day push by David Tatum, construction manager for Habitat for Humanity, to finish the house. The athletes painted the house along with a group from a local church. Jose and Maria Levya, future owners of the home, were also on site to help.

"We can always use the help and I look forward to working with Baylor athletes again," Tatum said.

Debra Montgomery, future owner of the Habitat for Humanity home being built next door to the Levyas', said, "I am so excited these boys are here to help finish this house and I am very grateful for what they are doing."

The team was divided into two groups to work on the house. The new members began at 9 a.m. and the upperclassmen began at 10:30 a.m.

The upperclassmen that participated were Turner Phipps, Tim Bush, Tommy Swanson, Thomas Holmes, Mark Shepherd and Ryan Pryor. Head coach Scott Drew and assistant coach Matthew Driscoll also participated.

For more information on Baylor Athletics community relations, please contact Liesl Rodenhaver at 710-3073.