Sept. 22, 2004

WACO, Texas - Ryan Jeffrey, Phil Tran, Brian Bays, Jake Reichenstein, and William Blaylock of the Baylor football team visited Rappaport Academy Monday. The players spoke to Jennifer Whitlark's fourth grade class.

The players stressed the importance of setting goals and working hard in school. They spoke about their majors to the children and focusing on schoolwork outside of class.

Tran, a sophomore from Houston, said, "Your schoolwork should be your first priority. If you study hard, your work will pay off."

Reichenstein, a freshman from Waco, added, "If you don't perform well in the classroom, you will not be able to perform on the field."

After answering questions from the children, the athletes signed autographs and played football with the children during recess.

"These kids really need male role models to show them what is right and wrong," Whitlark said. "We really appreciate the players coming out to visit."

For more information about community visits, please call Liesl Rodenhaver at 710-3073.