The Big South Champions took time away from their preparations for the 2011 NCAA Men's Tennis Championship to help with Tornado relief efforts in nearby Washington County Tuesday.

Upon arriving early the morning of May 10, the student-athletes divided their time assisting with debris cleanup, fence repairs as well as boxing clothing and supplies.

The area most affected by the recent storms was within miles of Radford freshman Randall Carter's (Abingdon, Va. / Abingdon) home.

"This was a devastated area with loss of life and property,” commented Highlander head coach Mike Anderson. “We are a southwest Virginia school and these are our southwest Virginia neighbors, so I felt it was the least we could do to lend a hand."

The service work was coordinated with the The Washington County Sheriff's Office Support Auxiliary and Elaine Smythe, the county's Vice President of Public Relations.

“Not the best preparation for the players in their meeting with the No. 3 Tennessee in three days, but good preparation for the players for life outside the courts,” Anderson said.

Making its fourth NCAA appearance in five years, No. 64 Radford will take on the host Volunteers in the Knoxville Regional Friday afternoon at 1 p.m.