North Carolina State University Athletics
Football Players Kickoff Essay Contest
9/16/2011 12:00:00 AM | Osad
Sept. 16, 2011
Raleigh, N.C. - Three members of the Wolfpack football squad took some time this afternoon to visit with fourth and fifth graders at Kingswood Elementary School in Cary. Audie Cole, Curtis Underwood and Wayne Crawford talked to the young people about the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork at an assembly in the school's gym.
Following the assembly, the students will write essays about what they learned. They will be judged on content, writing style, organization and creativity by representatives of the university's English Department.
Crawford and Underwood told the youngsters how they had to work together for the team to be successful. "He can't score a touchdown and get his name called out if I don't block for him," said Crawford, who also emphasized the importance of respect, trust and communication when it comes to being a successful team.
Cole recounted how important it was to work hard in school now and in any sports they were involved with. "Your parents will love it if you get your college paid for," he said. "And you don't have to play sports to earn a scholarship."
Following the talk, the students asked a variety of questions, including such queries as "Do you like pie?" "How many hours a day do you spend on football?" and "How much homework do you have?"
The essay contest winners from each grade will be "guest journalists" at the Clemson game on November 19. They will sit in the press box and write game stories that will be posted on GoPack.com.
