Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern Honoring Local Fallen Soldier This Season
11/11/2014 12:00:00 AM | 'Cats Give Back
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EDITORS NOTE: On this Veteran's Day, Northwestern gives thanks to all of those who have defended our country and still do so to this day. This is the story of our Wildcats' women's golf program and its partnership with the Folds of Honor Military Tribute Program to raise awareness of one local fallen soldier. To find our more about Folds of Honor, visit FoldsOfHonor.org
By Sara Romano
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern senior golfer and biomedical engineering major Katie Wooliver has a lot on her plate. But as the women's golf team wrapped up its fall season last month, the 21-year-old gained a greater appreciation for how lucky she is through her team's participation in the Folds of Honor Military Tribute Program.
At the Wildcat's home tournament on Oct. 6-7 at Westmoreland Country Club in Wilmette, Ill., Wooliver carried a golf bag bearing the name of Wesley R. Wells, an Army Specialist Private First Class who was killed in Afghanistan on Sept. 20, 2004. Wells died just one month shy of his 22nd birthday, making him the same age as the senior golfer.
"It's hard for me to wrap my mind around being here at Northwestern and all the privileges and opportunities I've been given, and thinking about him making that kind of sacrifice is just truly amazing," Wooliver said.
The Folds of Honor program, in conjunction with the Women's Golf Coaches Association, matches teams with a local fallen veteran who is honored and brought to public awareness with an embroidered golf bag bearing the fallen soldier's name.
"Our coaches association made us aware of the opportunity and my assistant, Beth [Miller], jumped on it," said Head Coach Emily Fletcher. "My dad served 30 years in the Army, so any chance to support our troops and their families is important to me personally."
At the Windy City Collegiate Classic hosted by the Wildcats last month, Wooliver proudly carried the embroidered bag in honor of Wells, a Libertyville, Ill., native. A recipient of the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbons, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medial, Wells died when his observation post was fired on by anti-coalition militia forces in Sept. 2004.
"You always hear these stories about these American heroes, but I never felt like I have given back," Wooliver said of the opportunity to honor Wells. "For me personally, this was a really great opportunity and a great experience to feel like I was contributing in some way."
The senior golfer was the obvious choice to carry the commemorative bag in Wells' honor, Fletcher said. "If there is anyone who embodies patriotism, it is Katie."
"I was really flattered when Emily asked me to carry the bag," Wooliver said. "I know that this program really means a lot to her."
The entire golf team embraced the opportunity to participate in the Folds of Honor program. "We are all very proud to have been a part of this," Wooliver said. "We are happy to have supported such a good cause."
The commemorative team bag bearing Wells' name will be auctioned off at the end of the season, with proceeds to benefit Folds of Honor.
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