ROCKINGHAM – Even though the high school football offseason is in full swing, that isn’t stopping Richmond Senior High School’s coaches and players from working hard. Even if it’s off the field.
L.J. Bell Elementary School has a “club day” once a month, and earlier last month before holiday break, Raiders head coach Bryan Till and several players joined the elementary students for a day of advice, instruction and play.
Till joined students and faculty with the NFL Play60 and Sports clubs to speak about something more than just having fun and staying active. His message was to encourage students, beginning at an early age, to work hard on being successful in everything that they do.
“It is extremely important for our guys to not only talk about being positive role models and give back to the community, but also to do it,” Till commented about visiting the elementary school. “I am very proud of our young men and how they are glad to positively represent our community.”
Offensive linemen Jake Ransom (junior) and Chase Coulthard (senior), along with junior wide receiver Bobby Terry and senior running back Dante Miller, all of whom are former L.J. Bell students, spoke to the crowd of elementary students on the importance of success.
“I was once in their place,” Ransom said of being born and raised in Richmond County. “I can remember being a little kid and looking up to the high school athletes. It’s just an honor to be able to become a role model.
“I enjoyed talking to the students and show them some of the things we do in the (Raiders’) program,” Ransom added.
The NFL Play60 program is a national initiative to get youngsters active for 60 minutes a day. L.J. Bell’s chapter, which is led by Angela Lampley (fifth grade teacher), Jeff Ingram (physical education teacher) and Beth Summerlin (fourth grade teacher), puts this plan into action by playing flag football during its monthly get-togethers.
The Sports Club, headed by Michelle Davis (fifth grade teacher) and Heather Parsons (guidance counselor), focuses on exposing students to a variety of sports. Together, the two clubs felt it was appropriate to host Till and his players.
“Our students learned that success starts in the classroom,” Lampley, said. “Some offensive line and running back drills were even demonstrated (by the Raiders players).
“Our students absolutely loved it,” Lampley added.
Till noted that the Raider football program actively serves the community, and has made specific visits to several elementary and middle schools across the county.
