ORANGE, Calif.—  This meet was about far more than the times in the water or the points scored. Occidental College Swim and Dive was slated to host Chapman on Saturday, Jan. 11. But, the Occidental campus was evacuated amid the Los Angeles wild fires possibly posing threats to the area. The two universities came together quickly, and Chapman stepped up to host the meet instead. 

In the background of the heartbreaking time, Occidental was also supposed to celebrate senior day at home. 

In response to ongoing need for support in the greater Los Angeles area, the Panther swim team and the Chapman Student Athlete Advisory Committee organized initiatives to collect clothing, non-perishable food, toiletry donations and more necessary goods at Saturday's meet. The team then donated most goods to the Orange City Fire Department which they will distribute directly to the wildfire relief efforts. 

In support of Occidental's senior day, the Panthers organized a space for the ceremonies to still take place, just at a different venue. Parents, guardians and supporters joined their Oxy seniors on the pool deck. Chapman's Bella Ortiz, Sydney Snider and the rest of swim team organized and funded dozens of bouquets of flowers which they distributed to Oxy seniors to help make celebrate the special moment. 

This weekend's efforts were a catalyst inspiring the rest of Chapman Athletic to get involved. First, the softball and football teams banded together to run their own donation drive. Additionally, the athletics department will be accepting donations from January 14-16. Those goods will be distributed to Chapman student athletes in need and the Orange City Fire Department. 

For additional information, please visit @ChapmanSports and @Impact_CU on Instagram.