April 22, 2004

WACO, Texas - Baylor football team members Trent Shelton, Maurice Linguist, Nick Fellows and Nick Pace visited Marlin Elementary School Wednesday to speak to 125 fifth graders about the importance of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test.

The fifth graders will be taking the TAKS test, which measures the students' understanding of math, reading and science, next week and must be passed in order for students to move on to sixth grade.

Fifth-grade teacher Sarah Meckel invited the athletes to explain to the children their personal stories about taking difficult tests and scoring well.

"These kids need to understand that math and reading are extremely important," Meckel said. "They need to do well in each subject in order to make it to the next grade and succeed in life."

The athletes took turns explaining to the children about the importance of keeping up with homework and making good grades.

"I'll be honest with you," Linguist told the children. "If you don't do your homework and make good grades, then you don't pass and you don't play."

"You don't want to be in the same grade next year while all of your friends are in the sixth grade," Fellows added. "So, you need to do well on this test."

"Your school work and grades need to come first," Pace said. "We put that first, and that is why we are called student-athletes."

After answering questions, the student-athletes signed several posters to be displayed around the school to remind the students about what the Baylor football players told them.

Before leaving, the athletes wished the students good luck on the TAKS test.

"Just study hard and listen to your teachers and you'll do a great job," Shelton said."