University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
Bruins Visit Local Middle School
June 17, 2002
Photo Gallery
On Tuesday, June 4th, members of the UCLA football team, and UCLA Spirit Squad visited Team Prime Time at Daniel Webster Middle School. Team Prime Time is a non-profit after school program that strives to educate students about the importance of education and the lessons and achievements that can be learned from the athletic arena.
Members of the UCLA football team, Quarterback Cory Paus, Cornerback Keith Short, and Tight End Blaine Kezirian, and UCLA Dance Team members, junior Nicole Rush and senior Tara Osbrink addressed the entire class before splitting into smaller groups.
The players and the spirit squad members stressed the importance of education and maintaining good grades in the pursuit of future career plans. They spoke about their own hard work and dedication necessary to participate on a team at UCLA. The children listened intently and asked several questions about following their dreams in a variety of fields including sports, music, acting, medicine, and law enforcement.
"I really love dancing, and the dance team answered all of my questions. I want to want to be on the UCLA dance team someday," said seventh grader Chynna Stallworth.
After a discussion about goals and future education, the day culminated with a football clinic during which players instructed the children on passing, footwork and field goal kicking. Andrew Phillips, a participant in Team Prime Time, was enthusiastic about the visit, "The football players were really nice. It's cool that they wanted to play ball with us. I learned a lot."
"Cory Paus can throw it real far, but I caught it," commented Jamar Rembert.
After signing a few autographs, the Bruins announced that they had brought three footballs to give a way to winners of the field goal contest. At the end of the day, six students had successfully kicked a field goal, so the Bruins held an impromptu trivia contest to award the prizes.
Peter Straus, Executive Director of the Team Prime Time program, was very pleased with the UCLA visit, "From the moment they arrived, it was obvious that they genuinely cared about the kids. I was very impressed with their ability to speak and interact with the kids in a way that made each student feel special."