Nov. 12, 2009
DAVIS, Calif. - A contingent of UC Davis student-athletes and members of the athletics marketing and promotions staff paid a visit to Pioneer Elementary School on Tuesday morning as part of the department's UC Davis Athletics "Ag-Ademics" program. The community outreach effort will continue throughout the school year and reach other elementary schools within the Davis Joint Unified School District.
The program allows the Aggie student-athletes to serve as role models in the community, particularly to the local children. Members of various UC Davis athletics teams provide brief discussions of various topics relevant to kids of that age. Nellie Aube, the assistant promotions director for the athletics department who launched the Ag-Ademics program this year, meets with each school's principal prior to the assembly to hone the various messages more specifically.
Third-year student Natalie Katz served as an emcee for the Pioneer Elementary assembly. Soccer player Jason Santos spoke about academics and working toward college, rower Autumn Huey discussed diet and staying healthy, lacrosse player Gina Hoffmire stressed the importance of reading, cross country runner Drew Petersen talked about respect and caring of others, then basketball player Paige Mintun announced many of the upcoming athletics events on the calendar.
"I grew up in Davis, and I remember the UC Davis football players coming to my elementary school," said Aube. "The impact it leaves on kids is huge. We hope they will grow up to become Aggie fans or UC Davis students, or become student-athletes. And it's a good experience for our student-athletes."
"Kids looks up to athletes," she added. "To hear them talking about staying healthy, listening to teachers, staying away from drugs - hearing those messages from someone who is `cool' in their eyes has a huge impact on them in the long run."
The Pioneer students also learned a few of the classic Aggie Pack cheers and collected autographs from the UC Davis student-athletes. The school mascot, Gunrock, also was on hand to take part in the activities. As a bonus, the Aggie athletes even took part in games during physical education and the morning recess.
According to Aube, there are more assemblies scheduled at North Davis, Korematsu and Patwin elementary schools during the spring quarter. Her hopes are to reach out to Woodland, Dixon, West Sacramento and Dixon as well.
UC Davis athletics has a history of visiting the DJUSD schools. The football team has held a Friday reading program for decades. Former track and field All-American and NCAA Woman of the Year winner Jamila Demby extended that outreach effort to include student-athletes from other teams. More recently, the Aggie women's volleyball coaches and players paid a visit to North Davis Elementary, providing life-skills lessons and offering an exhibition of their sport.
For more information on the Ag-Ademics program, or to arrange for an assembly at your elementary school, contact Aube at (530) 752-8962.
