David Melms

Macalester cornerback David Melms ’13 is one of 22 players selected for the 2011 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. 

By Donovan Kavish ’13  

Macalester cornerback David Melms ’13 (Wauwatosa, Wis.) is one of 22 players selected nationally for the 2011 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The Good Works award is the one of the most prestigious awards honoring off-the-field character and leadership in college football. Nominees must be strong academically as well as actively involved and committed to working with a charitable organization, service group, or community service. 

Melms founded the Macalester chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), whose members have delivered meals to the homeless in St. Paul and volunteered at youth football camps. Melms’s own commitment to young people is evident. For the past three summers, he has volunteered at Camp GRACE, a weeklong camp that gives inner-city kids the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities.

In addition to his other service projects, Melms is starting a program for junior high and high school students called Stand Out, designed, he says, “to give youth a clear and honest perspective on drugs and alcohol and, importantly, to offer a wide array of opportunities for fun alternatives to drug- and alcohol-related activities.”

Melms is teaming up with families and local businesses to make his idea a reality. The kickoff event is scheduled to take place over winter break. Following this event, Stand Out will host smaller monthly events and youth members will eventually be able to use their “Stand Out Club Card” to receive discounts at local businesses for activities such as bowling, laser tag, and paintball.

Melms leads on the field as much as he does off it. Last season he tied for the team’s most interceptions and strongly contributed to its first winning season in 24 years. His favorite moment was when the team reclaimed the Paint Bucket Trophy when Macalester beat Hamline in early October.

Along with the other Good Works Team members, Melms will be honored for his character and commitment to community service at the 2012 Sugar Bowl, to be held Jan. 3 in New Orleans.

November 1 2011

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