May 16, 2014
Photo Gallery
DAVIS, Calif. - It was easy to spot junior forward Justin Dueck and redshirt freshman guard Darius Graham, members of UC Davis men's basketball, when the pair recently visited Freeman Elementary School in Woodland. Not only were they the tallest students on campus, both were surrounded by dozens of students from Fallon Byrd's 4th/5th grade classroom who sported mile-wide smiles throughout their assembly.
"One of my students told me about his desire to play professional basketball when he grew up ... it was a challenge to motivate him academically. When I attended UC Davis, I remember how great a resource the men's basketball program was to help motivate students academically and athletically. Some of my friends called on the team for additional help [for their students], I wanted to motivate students at my school as well," said Byrd.
One of three schools various Aggies visited in recent weeks, Dueck and Graham highlighted the importance of reading, and how time invested helps develop one's imagination and critical thinking skills.
"I enjoy speaking to elementary-age students, it's fun having kids measure themselves against my stomach. I like to talk to everyone about what's important ... it is not the sport, necessarily, but what you learn about yourself throughout the process, and competition," Dueck explained.
"A student even told me that I was as tall as Michael Jordan, I love learning how students that age make a connection through sports."
Shortly after the former read to Mrs. Byrd's combo class, the latter conducted an impromptu basketball skills clinic with the help of some 10-11-year-old volunteers.
Before leaving Freeman Elementary, the two players met with Byrd's students in small groups to sign autographs and answer any question thrown their way.
"It was fun to watch the players and student interact throughout entire assembly," said Mark Darnall, UC Davis men's basketball's director of operations.
"One of the students in Mrs. Byrd's class read over 1.2 million words this year; the two players and I were blown away when she shared her list of books read this year with the classroom."
"A student sparked the whole idea, I am thrilled with the way everything turned out," added Byrd. "The players helped my students understand how important it is to work hard, even when unforeseen roadblocks appear."
Gretchen Higgins Elementary School, located in Dixon, was the site of another Aggie appearance when Corey Hawkins stopped by to speak with a bevy of students as part of the school's jog-a-thon fundraiser.
"It was a lot of fun meeting everyone, although I was not expecting to run as much as I did that early," Hawkins said. "I love talking to kids and listening to how they view life because they rarely worry about anything at that age."
Hawkins shared his experience as a UC Davis student-athlete, encouraged Gretchen Higgins' student body to work hard in the classroom, find extra-curricular activities that are fun and meaningful to maintain a healthy balance.
"[Gretchen Higgins] has been focusing on what it takes to go to college, having Corey out there with our kids was such an inspiration. After reading about the team and players all year, it was great to put a name to a face for our kids to see that all of their hard work in school can pay off, just like it has for Corey," said Tracy Linyard, Gretchen Higgins' principal.
Before joining the students in their run around the playground, Hawkins organized a pickup game with some of the school's most energetic student-athletes.
"The students were engaged and excited, I tried to make my presentation as fun and interactive as possible," added Hawkins.
Said Brett Peterson, a physical education teacher at Gretchen Higgins following the event, "Corey was awesome with all the kids. He brought a positive attitude and was a huge advocate of the importance of both academics and physical fitness in school."
Senior guard Tyler Les, junior guard Avery Johnson and freshman forward Georgi Funtarov also took a break from midterm preparation to visit Francis Harper Junior High School. Located in Davis, the trio visited an eighth grade AVID class to share their experiences as a Division I student-athlete.
"It was such a great opportunity for the students to work with UC Davis men's basketball. Everyone was very excited, and although they were intimidated by the players height, they had good questions for the team. The players gave perfect answers that address how AVID eighth graders can better prepare for college by using their time management, study skills, and positive work ethic," explained Janaye Pierce, Harper's AVID 8 instructor.
Advancement Via Individual Determination, more commonly referred to as AVID, is a college readiness program that is designed to increase school-wide learning and performance in elementary, junior high and high school levels.
Over 700,000 students from across the country, including those at Harper Junior High, actively participate in this research-based curriculum.
Due to AVID's unique culture, Les, Johnson and Funtarov spent a majority of their time sharing the respective transitions from high school to college, unexpected challenges faced during their first year at UC Davis, strategies and techniques used to help handle their increased classroom workload, newfound level of freedom and independence.
A member of Ocean View High School's AVID program himself when he was a high school student, Johnson was excited to share his wisdom with others.
"One of the players, Avery Johnson, even mentioned how AVID had been a program that helped him be more prepared for college through the time management and study skills his teachers taught him in high school. He noted that the students will be better off for college by being in this course," said Pierce
"I remember being like the students [at Harper] and not really understanding the process, or what it really takes to prepare yourself for college," Johnson said. "It's a good feeling knowing that I am helping out a younger generation, especially since other people helped me at that age."
If the students only remembered one thing Johnson said throughout his presentation, he hoped that everyone would realize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to attending college.
"Don't let other people influence your decisions," explained the junior guard. "Not everyone takes the same route. Some students attend a junior college, a different four-year university, compete at a Division II school or Division I campus first before finding their perfect fit. If you are interested in academics and athletics at the highest level, chase your dream."
Afterward, the three Aggies, with the help of numerous AVID students, headed outside to take part in various basketball-related demonstrations, games and activities.
"It was fun to go back and connect with student at that grade level," added Funtarov. "Even though eighth graders are very independent, I enjoyed talking with them and answering all of their questions. They were very friendly, outgoing, and were curious to learn as much as possible about life at college."
