
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, September 27, 1995                   TAG: 9509270025
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-8   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: CHRIS KING
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SLAVINS TO YOUTHS OF RADFORD: "I'M AT YOUR SERVICE'

Rick Slavins may be relatively anonymous to the world at large, but not to those whom he once coached who are now in medical or dentistry school or the assortment of others who still update their former coach or scout leader on their progress in life.

Old-fashioned values still apply to Slavins. The good of the community is his goal when he volunteers. The 40-year-old executive director of research planning and assessment at Radford University contributes countless hours each year to the youth of Radford as a coach and the leader of Boy Scout Troop 244.

``One of the reasons I do it is to give the kids something constructive to do,'' Slavins said. ``When the kids call you when they are adults, to let you know how they are doing, you know how important it is. Sometimes when you are doing it, you don't know if you are making a difference.''

Slavins began working with kids at the age of 20, when he joined the Army and hasn't stopped. He coaches baseball and basketball teams in Radford in addition to his work with the Boy Scouts.

This past summer, he helped lead five scouts on a trip to the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base. It was a two-week trip that allowed the scouts to serve as the crew on the 50-foot sailboat that went from Islamorada to Key West.

But don't believe for a moment that Slavins allowed his charges to be overworked on the trip. The scouts went snorkeling, lobstering and deep sea fishing in the crystal clear water off of the Florida Coast.

Slavins, who has a doctorate from the University of Missouri, donates both time and money. He has helped pay for everything from unbudgeted equipment for the Recreation Department to helping an underprivileged child take a trip.

``Priceless,'' said Greg Holbrook, the Radford Parks and Recreations director, of Slavins contributions. ``You just don't see that anymore. He has gone above the call of duty. The parents and the kids respect him.''

Chris King covers racing and community sports for The Roanoke Times' New River Valley bureau.

by CNB