Murray State University Athletics
Basketball Players Visit Local Schools to Talk About Achievement
1/12/2012 4:06:00 PM | Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball
Video: WPSD | Photo Gallery
While enjoying their last week off of school before classes resume at Murray State, six student athletes took time to visit with local 4th and 5th grade students from area schools to share with them the importance of achievement, both on the court and in the classroom. On Tuesday, Jan. 10, Donte Poole and Ivan Aska represented the men's basketball team at Murray Middle, while Isaiah Canaan and Jewuan Long visited Southwest Calloway Elementary on Jan. 11. Mariah Robinson and Candace Nevels visited both schools on behalf of the women's basketball team.
The Racer student athletes were candid about both their triumphs and struggles in the classroom. “It was important to tell kids to try your best and if it doesn't work, keep trying for something else” said junior Candace Nevels about the advice she gave on choosing the right major. Senior Donte Poole, who shared with the audience the academic challenges he faced as a freshman, felt the necessity to tell students about real situations that young people face in school. Poole was glad that he had an opportunity to reach the children, saying “It's good to be able to share with the people who look up to you.”
Dave Winder, Assistant AD for Media Relation, also spoke to the students about how he uses writing to do his job and about the importance of language and communications skills in being a good sportswriter. During the question-and-answer session that followed Winder's talk, Nevels was impressed by the questions the young students asked her and her fellow athletes, saying “The kids had amazing questions, even about education, just not sports.” Following the question-and-answer session, the Racer athletes got an opportunity to show off some of their basketball skills. Students from Murray Middle demanded a slam dunk, while cheers for Isaiah Canaan to recreate his half-court shot from the knee filled the gym at Southwest Calloway. Mariah Robinson tried to get the audience in on the action by bringing out one of the writing teachers from Southwest Calloway to take a jump-shot.
In addition to hearing talks from the players and Dave Winder, the 4th and 5th graders were challenged to enter an essay contest to share stories of their own personal achievements. Winners of the essay contest will have the chance to become guest writers at one of the Racer games in February and write a game story from press row.
When asked about his players involvement with this week's school visits, women's basketball head coach Rob Cross had this to say, “It is extremely important for our student athletes to learn the importance of serving others as part of their overall educational experience here at Murray State University…To see first-hand the influence they can have on a young person as that kid's eyes light up at meeting a Murray State Racer always has a lasting impact on our student athletes as well as the young people with whom they interact.”
While enjoying their last week off of school before classes resume at Murray State, six student athletes took time to visit with local 4th and 5th grade students from area schools to share with them the importance of achievement, both on the court and in the classroom. On Tuesday, Jan. 10, Donte Poole and Ivan Aska represented the men's basketball team at Murray Middle, while Isaiah Canaan and Jewuan Long visited Southwest Calloway Elementary on Jan. 11. Mariah Robinson and Candace Nevels visited both schools on behalf of the women's basketball team.
The Racer student athletes were candid about both their triumphs and struggles in the classroom. “It was important to tell kids to try your best and if it doesn't work, keep trying for something else” said junior Candace Nevels about the advice she gave on choosing the right major. Senior Donte Poole, who shared with the audience the academic challenges he faced as a freshman, felt the necessity to tell students about real situations that young people face in school. Poole was glad that he had an opportunity to reach the children, saying “It's good to be able to share with the people who look up to you.”
Dave Winder, Assistant AD for Media Relation, also spoke to the students about how he uses writing to do his job and about the importance of language and communications skills in being a good sportswriter. During the question-and-answer session that followed Winder's talk, Nevels was impressed by the questions the young students asked her and her fellow athletes, saying “The kids had amazing questions, even about education, just not sports.” Following the question-and-answer session, the Racer athletes got an opportunity to show off some of their basketball skills. Students from Murray Middle demanded a slam dunk, while cheers for Isaiah Canaan to recreate his half-court shot from the knee filled the gym at Southwest Calloway. Mariah Robinson tried to get the audience in on the action by bringing out one of the writing teachers from Southwest Calloway to take a jump-shot.
In addition to hearing talks from the players and Dave Winder, the 4th and 5th graders were challenged to enter an essay contest to share stories of their own personal achievements. Winners of the essay contest will have the chance to become guest writers at one of the Racer games in February and write a game story from press row.
When asked about his players involvement with this week's school visits, women's basketball head coach Rob Cross had this to say, “It is extremely important for our student athletes to learn the importance of serving others as part of their overall educational experience here at Murray State University…To see first-hand the influence they can have on a young person as that kid's eyes light up at meeting a Murray State Racer always has a lasting impact on our student athletes as well as the young people with whom they interact.”
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