Football players and cheerleaders spoke to the next generation of aspiring athletes at Caprock Academy, sharing inspiring messages about hard work and diligence.
“One of the tenets of our education and our philosophy is that we like to talk to students about different characteristics. The virtue of the month that we're looking at is diligence,” said K-6 Assistant Dean of Caprock Academy Tracy Arledge. “I know that CMU has some football players that really understand diligence. And they would be very good at speaking to our kids.”
The day started with players and coaches from the Colorado Mesa University Football Team meeting students on the field, playing catch. The Mavericks taught the elementary students how to throw a football and spent time getting to know them.
“It was just really fun to come see all the smiling faces and all of the energy,” freshman defensive lineman Jack Francis said.
After playing on the field, students joined the Mavericks in the gym for an interactive dance. The cheer team led a few popular line dances before students were seated.
The cheer team spoke to the elementary school students about what it takes to be part of a good team.
“I feel like it's important to talk to kids about it because then they can carry those lessons with them throughout life,” said CMU cheerleader Taylor Walker. “And teamwork is a really important skill that can be really hard, especially for children. I know from experience I was not the best team player, but I learned how to be a better one.”
The football team talked about work ethic, perseverance and doing the right thing even when nobody is watching.
“I thought it was really important to learn from a young age for myself about hard work and diligence. And so I chose it because I thought it's a really important message for these kids as well,” Francis said.
In addition to diligence, the day was also focused on creating community relationships.
“Partnerships could lead to possible job opportunities at Caprock or some of our students coming to CMU events,” Arledge said. “And then for our kids to be able to go to football games and feel like they're part of that community because they met a CMU Maverick. I think it will just increase the connection.”
After the speeches, the athletes interacted with the students during a Q&A session. The college athletes enjoyed answering the children's questions and seeing what they were interested in.
“I love it when they ask questions and how excited they are to see you,” Walker said. “It just makes you feel like you leave an impact with them.”
If the students took away one thing from the presentation, Francis hopes it was that they need to work hard and be persistent.
“Stay encouraged and to just keep going no matter the obstacle or the difficulty.”