Stags Stand Strong for Mountain View Elementary School students
CLAREMONT, Calif. – Tight end Patrick Dixon (CMC '17) and offensive lineman Austin Crist (CMC '16) started playing sports at a young age and their playing careers have continued throughout college, as members of the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps football team. Not all children however are exposed to organized sports and its benefits growing up, as is the case for many of the boys in the Stand Strong after school program at Mountain View Elementary School.
"This was an amazing experience for me. I have always loved coaching and working with kids," Dixon said. "When I was a kid I was always on a sports team, and I'm just glad that I could introduce some of these kids to team sports."
Dixon, Crist, wideout Tyler Stanek (CMC '16) and offensive lineman Garrett Myers (CMC '18) were the leaders of a group of about 10-12 members of the Stag football team that volunteered at Mountain View on Mondays during the spring from 3-4 p.m. The Stags coached the students in different sports and games such as football, basketball, soccer and capture the flag. While sports and physical activity remained the focal point of the program, the Stags were also able to mentor the students on a deeper level.
"Other than coaching and teaching, there were numerous times throughout the experience where I (and other players) were able to connect to the students individually and talk with them about problems they may have been having and be a big brother to them when they were struggling with something," Crist said. "We really tried to emphasize teamwork, sportsmanship, honesty and being a good student in the classroom."
The Stags were approached about the idea of volunteering at Mountain View by Steve Graves, head athletic trainer for CMS. Mountain View had lost funding for a P.E. teacher for the younger grades so Graves helped the Stags organize the program to provide the students with athletic opportunities.
"The impact that this has had on the children of Mountain View is amazing. My kids are around the college kids all the time so I have gotten used to the relationships that are formed," Graves said. "But to see it with children who have not had that exposure before and to see the smiles on their faces, and their parents' faces when they are picked up is fantastic. The guys from the team gave their own time to do this, and that is truly special."
The Athena softball team did a similar program on Mondays this spring twice per month with Mountain View Elementary School girls.
Stand Strong is still in its infancy as a program, but the benefits to the students have been noticeable according to Crist and Dixon, with a boost in attendance on Mondays and an increase in their excitement with physical activity as evidence. Crist has also seen an increase in the older students patience, supportive nature and mentoring ability with the younger, second and third graders.
"It was a noticeable transition throughout the entire experience that I was really proud to see first-hand," Crist said."
The Stags hope to keep the program next year and get more CMS teams involved on a consistent basis.
By Chris Watts
Director of Athletics Communication
Claremont McKenna College
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