North Carolina State University Athletics
Edrick Smith Making A Difference In Community
6/16/2000 12:00:00 AM | Pack Athletics
June 16, 2000
Chuck Amato, Football Coach
NC State Football
Box 8501
Raleigh, NC
Dear Coach Amato,
On Saturday, June 10th, The Raleigh Parks & Recreation Dept sponsored its 3rd annual Youth Football Clinic, featuring players from area colleges and from the Carolina Cobras Arena Football Team. The football camp, which saw strong attendance for the 3rd straight year, offered kids age 7-12 an opportunity to learn basic football skills and exposed them to positive role models in the sport.
Among our guest coaches was NC State's sophomore linebacker, Edrick Smith. Edrick had some big shoes to fill following camp appearances by two All-Americans, Torry Holt and Lloyd Harrison. I would say that he filled those shoes wonderfully. He was very enthhusiastic and very entertaining in the drills; and did a good job of illustrating safe, effective football techniques.
Along with Kory Bailey of UNC, Edrick spoke to the group in our final segment of the camp. In his message, he talked about some of the ups and downs that he had experienced in his own life. He talked about feeling the pressures of negative people and how he was able to turn his life around by surrounding himself with positive people and positive influences. Unlike the typical "Rah-Rah" speech, Edrick's talk was honest and from the heart. I was astonished that he was even able to hold the kids' attention after 4 hours of football camp. But, I believe his message had a real impact and a great lesson.
I'd like to congratulate you on having such a fine young man associated with your football program. And I encourage you to continue recruiting that type of person! Thanks for helping in our efforts to promote youth athletics!
Sincerely,
Darron R. Stover
Co-Director
Raleigh Youth Football Clinic
