BOWIE, MD -- Before classes officially started for the Bowie State men's and women's cross country/track and field programs, the Bulldogs took time to serve in the community this weekend at the Back to School event hosted by the Baltimore City Public Schools at Robert Marshall Community Center Saturday afternoon.

"It was great to see teamwork, team bonding, and seeing how the athletes engage with the youth," said Assistant Coach Ishakeema Swain. "Community service is very important and teaching as well as showing the student-athletes how to give back and be in the community. Our student-athletes had a great time and that's what its all about being able to serve our community as well as represent Bowie State."

The event was sponsored by Amazon, Foot Locker, and other community groups. Members of the Bulldogs cross country and track and field teams helped give away 10,000 backpacks and supplies to students in the metro Baltimore area.

"Amazon is committed to investing in the communities where its employees live and work", said Haley Davis, Amazon Director of Operations. "We believe it's meaningful and impactful to give back locally, and we'll continue to look for ways to be good neighbors in the metro Baltimore community."

Free haircuts and manicures, face painting, food trucks, community and health resources, and live entertainment were also included in the event.

Bowie State men's and women's cross country will begin their 2023 campaign this weekend at the Spider Alumni Open hosted by the University of Richmond on Saturday, Sept. 2 in Mechanicsville, Va.

For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 13 varsity sport teams, visit BSBulldogs.com.