MU player gives back through United Way

By Caleb Whisenant

Ryan Tillman, offensive lineman for the Marshall University football team, decided to give back to the community off the football field.

Tillman, 21, volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters, an affiliated partner of the United Way of the River Cities, as part of a class assignment. He told United Way of the River Cities he wanted to get involved because his father was always supportive and he wanted to be a male role model for a boy without one. He said the class assignment offered him the perfect opportunity for this.

Tillman, of Centreville, Va., was matched with Corey, 9, a fourth grade student at Peyton Elementary School.

Tillman said being a big brother to Corey has taught him many things about himself and has allowed him to establish a bond with a child that he thinks will last a long time.

“Corey and I developed a great relationship,” Tillman said. “Being a big brother to Corey became a natural fit, and I too was learning from him and having a lot of fun.”

Tillman said the class assignment is over but his involvement in Corey’s life is not. He said the two of them still get together once a week to play basketball, pass football, read or just talk.

Mark Snyder, head football coach for the Marshall University team, said Tillman’s work with Big Brothers, Big Sisters is commendable.

“I encourage all of our players to give back to the community through service,” Snyder said. “I am very proud of the time our young people put in throughout the year to help others.”