Woodard Back to Handing Out Assists

NORMAN — One month after undergoing season-ending knee surgery, Jordan Woodard is already back to dishing out assists. While Woodard still requires months of rehab before returning to the court and pursuing his post-collegiate basketball goals, he is using his time away from the sport to give back to the Norman community.

The point guard spent his Wednesday morning with the Norman chapter of Meals on Wheels as part of its “big wheel” program. The big wheel initiative allows local community members to be paired with Meals on Wheels regular volunteers to deliver a set of meals and take part in a luncheon discussion on the program and its work in the Norman community. Woodard joined Kevin Henry, OU Athletics' director of community relations, who serves on the Meals on Wheels board of directors.

“We got to surprise Ms. Dee with a meal today,” said Woodard. “She was really excited and a huge OU fan. We were doing our part to help make sure she got fed.”

Woodard boasts a full list of accolades during his four seasons with the Sooners, including the fifth most points by a guard in program history. While he is cognizant of the impact he's made for OU on the court, Woodard knows the life of a Sooner goes far beyond the playing surface.

“I wanted to make it a priority that we're doing our jobs in the community,” said Woodard.

Meals on Wheels holds the philosophy of improving nutrition by providing meal service to the ill, disabled and senior residents within the Norman city limits. The organization also strives to improve the mental health of isolated recipients by providing visitation and to improve the wellbeing of senior citizens in the Norman area.

“I think it's great that Jordan was willing to give back a couple hours of his time to learn more about our often isolated population of the Norman, the seniors,” said Summer McGuire, associate director of Meals on Wheels of Norman. “Ms. Dee was so excited that he was going to come see her and deliver a meal. It's neat that the university is committed to the community as a whole.”

Since the conclusion of OU's season, Woodard has been spending time on campus and at home to work towards his degree and rehab his knee.

“Recovery has been going good,” said Woodard. “Just making sure I take my time and get back. This is just the start of the process. I plan on getting healthy real soon and just taking my time in the process and get back to playing.”

Players Mentioned

Jordan Woodard

Jordan Woodard

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