Nov. 1, 2004

WACO, Texas - Baylor football team members, Ryan Jeffrey, Bryan Bays, and Jake Reichenstein visited North Waco Elementary Monday. The players spoke to Laura Speegle's fourth grade class.

The players were assigned to a group of students and worked on a worksheet provided by Mrs. Speegle. The athletes explained to the students what a day in the life of a Baylor football player is like.

"In college we have to study hard and be safe so we don't get hurt and can play football," Reichenstein said.

Mrs. Speegle consistently speaks about being safe, respectful, and responsible. The athletes spoke to the class about how they practice being safe.

Bays told the class, "To be safe, you must take care of your body. Don't put alcohol, drugs and tobacco in your body."

Ryan Jeffrey explained how important it is to be respectful.

"We have to be respectful to coaches just like you have to be respectful to your teachers."

In science the students are learning to ask questions with measurable answers. To practice, they measured Bays, Jeffrey, and Reichenstein's arms, heads and height. They figured out that it would take one-and-a half fourth graders to equal one Baylor football player.

As they were about to leave, the student-athletes signed autographs and handed out footballs to the gold-star students. The students shook hands with the athletes and cheered for them as they left.

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