CMU basketball teams visit Appleton Elementary
The students at Appleton Elementary received a warm welcome at their Back to School assembly.
On August 13, the Colorado Mesa University men’s and women’s basketball teams joined some of the youngest members of the Grand Junction community to celebrate the start of a new school year.
“I think it’s great anytime that our teams are able to do things in the community,” said CMU Women’s Head Basketball Coach Taylor Wagner. “Our girls really enjoy it.”
This is the second year in a row that student-athletes have visited the Bookworms. Last year it was the football team. Colorado Mesa University Head Football Coach Tremaine Jackson, quarterback Aaron Howard and running back Isaac Maestas spoke to students about loving each other, practicing respect for other people and giving the effort necessary to follow their dreams.
This year, the basketball coaches shared a message about hard work and respect.
“You never know how you’re going to reach a kid and when you’re going to reach a kid,” said CMU Men’s Head Basketball Coach Mike DeGeorge. “So even if there was one kid who learns to give a little more effort or just be a little more enthusiastic about school or falls in love with the game, it’s all worth it.”
"Appleton students love to connect with CMU student-athletes and they look up to them. When a CMU Maverick says that our Appleton mantra of ‘Respect and Effort’ is important to team and individual success, it really resonates with our young Appleton Bookworms. I think the CMU athletes also gain a sense for how their words and actions influence young people and can use that influence to inspire others," said Appleton Elementary School Principal Corey Hafey.
Hafey said his students look forward to assemblies with CMU student-athletes and admire their success on the court and in the classroom.