Feb. 23, 2009
Georgia Tech football players Kyle Jackson, Roddy Jones and Jason Peters took time out of their busy schedules and battled cold temperatures last Saturday to assist efforts at the Heat Track Club Fun Run.
The event was held at Kell High School in Marietta. Jackson, Jones and Peters worked closely with kids ranging in age from 6 to 18. The mission of this club is “to motivate the athlete to aspire to achieve leadership, discipline, and integrity through the sports of track & field and cross-country”.
The Yellow Jackets were asked to attend to serve as role models for the young athletes and to discuss the values of hard work and discipline. The players shook hands, signed autographs, took photos and answered questions from the kids and the parents. Each player also addressed the crowd.
Peters discussed the importance of physical fitness throughout your life. Jackson talked about the importance of an overall healthy lifestyle. Jones reminded everyone that in order to be a successful collegiate athlete, you can’t neglect the importance of your academic career. All three Tech players did a great job emphasizing that success in sport comes from discipline in all areas of your life — that you can’t just be a good athlete.
Parents were clearly pleased that their sons and daughters heard such a powerful (and honest) message from these young men. They were great representatives of Georgia Tech athletics.
