Sidney TeamMates looking for volunteers

When TeamMates mentor Rhonda Douglas shoots hoops with Allie, a Sidney middle school student, the outcome is predictable.

"Allie usually wins," Douglas admits.

Fortunately for the mentor's self-esteem, the pair only occasionally take to the court. For the most part they meet for lunch, read books or look up information on the Internet.

TeamMates, a program started by the legendary coach Tom Osborne, pairs volunteer mentors with young people looking for someone willing to listen. They meet at least once a week during school hours to talk, play games, read or just share stories.

"We talk, play games-last year she taught me how to knit," said Andrea, a young Sidney student paired up with Mary Uhlir.

Currently the Sidney TeamMates program is looking for mentors for 37 students. But they are also staffed by a number of dedicated volunteers willing to spend an hour a week with kids looking to share their experiences.

Seven mentors just completed their second year volunteering.

"I was lucky enough to be a part of the program in junior high and high school here," said mentor Daniella Long. "It created lifelong friendships."

That's right-just an hour a week. Mentors must meet certain standards and pass a background check. But it pays off, as the students crave someone to communicate with honestly, outside of their circle of friends and family. The volunteers, meanwhile, are generally looking for a way to give back to the community.

"It's just fun to have an adult figure who isn't a parent to talk to," said Teagan, paired up with mentor Kahla Mathewson. "It makes the day a little better."