Xplorers players visit Crenshaw
Published on June 23, 2004 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Memphis Xplorers News Release
CRENSHAW, Miss.-Memphis Xplorers players Nate Grace and Roy Olson visited Sam Lapidus Library in Crenshaw, Mississippi on Wednesday as part of the library's summer reading program.
The players read the book "Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon," and then asked five questions about the book. The children who answered correctly were allowed to come to the front and pick out Xplorers prizes.
The players brought out their game equipment and pads. The children were allowed to come up and try on gear if they asked the players a question. Olsen took on the task of helping the children get in and out of the gear while Grace fielded questions.
"This is my first year with the Xplorers," Grace said. "I play offensive line/defensive line. I protect the quarterback or I chase the quarterback. I do both. It's what I love and hopefully I'll get to do it my whole life."
Grace and Olsen both emphasized the importance of education in the process of playing professional football, highlighting the N.F.L.'s requirement that every player have at least two years of college. In addition, the players added, you have to look toward the future and what happens after football is over.
"I went to college at University of Southern Mississippi, where I got my teaching degree," Grace said. "Maybe one day when I'm a teacher, some of y'all can be in my class, and I'll read you some other books."
"How do you get drafted?" one child asked.
"We don't get drafted," Grace said. "We have a tryout, where you come and do drills and the coach measures how fast you are and how well you do. If they like you, they'll call you and ask you to come play."
Olson said afterward he really enjoyed interacting with the children and their families.
"It was fun-I like working with kids," said Olson, who worked at a day camp for four years during college at Frostburg State University. "It's important for athletes to participate in community activities. Kids look up to athletes. If they see someone who stayed in school and has accomplished something, they want to do the same thing so they can have the same results or better."
arenafootball2 Stories from June 23, 2004
- Xplorers players visit Crenshaw - Memphis Xplorers
- Pioneers Retain Top Spot in Latest af2 Coaches' Poll - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers
- Riptide Crack af2 Coaches' Poll - San Diego Riptide
- The deuce scoop - af2
- Pioneers break the curse, hold top spot in week 13 poll - af2
- Players & Dance Team Have Appearances Planned This Week - Manchester Wolves
- Old face returns to the Fire - Louisville Fire
- Albany Conquest to hold team jersey auction to benefit The Arthritis Foundation - Albany Firebirds
- Steamwheelers Make Numerous Roster Moves - Quad City Steamwheelers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
