March 13, 2025

Wheeling University Basketball Player Helps Local Community

WHEELING, W.Va., March 13 – A member of the Wheeling University men’s basketball team has made a positive impact in the local community.

Curtis Harrison, IV, a junior forward for the Cardinals, is co-founder of Sole Bros of Cincinnati, Ohio, a non-profit that collects gently used shoes which it then distributes to organizations in the community. Harrison and a group of friends launched the charity in 2015.

During the basketball season, Harrison worked with Wheeling University officials to hold a shoe collection on February 19 when the basketball teams hosted Concord University.

Wheeling University Men’s Basketball Coach Chris Richardson said, “Our university strives to fulfill the mission of life, leadership and service with and among others. Curt’s willingness to organize the shoe drive certainly is a great example of that mission being carried out. The event was an absolute success.”

More than 80 pair of shoes were collected over the course of the night with fans bringing a wide array of footwear including sneakers, dress shoes, boots as well as children’s shoes. 

Once all the shoes were gathered and counted, Richardson asked Harrison where Sole Bros would like to donate the shoes. 

“Curt immediately asked that the shoes be given to a local organization in the Ohio Valley,” Richardson said. “Our Board of Trustees Chair, David Hendrickson donated several pairs of shoes as part of the drive.” 

Harrison and Richardson recently took all of the shoes the Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center in East Wheeling. 

“We’re so thankful for the support and love from the Wheeling area,” said Harrison. “We had a great turnout, and it is a real privilege to be able to help and serve this community.”

Director of Athletes Carrie Hanna said, “Anytime our students and community members can come together to bring Wheeling University’s mission to life is a Cardinal proud moment. He embodies our mission and what it means to be a person who serves others.  We are grateful for Curtis Harrison’s initiative, leadership, and vision to be so altruistic and driven to help others in need.”