March 8, 2005
WACO, Texas - Members of the Baylor Yell Leaders and baseball team attended the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, or TAKS, Pep Rally at Doris Miller Elementary Monday. The school held a pep rally to encourage their third through fifth grade students to do well on the TAKS test conducted this week.
Erin Richardson, Stephanie Opusunju, Lauren Steger, Randi Martin, Rachael Whittle, Lauren Moore, Andrea Curran and Rebecca Weber represented the co-ed and all-girl squads. Junior baseball players Seth Fortenberry, Ryan LaMotta and Jason Thompson also attended the pep rally.
Yell leaders made up cheers to go along with the theme of the week, which was `Stomp the TAKS.' The girls led the students in cheers and chose a student from each grade to hold up signs and pom-poms.
The baseball players gave the students a pep talk to conclude the event.
LaMotta advised the kids that no matter what you are trying to achieve, attitude is most important.
"Accomplishing your goals is all about believing you can do it," he said.
Fortenberry and Thompson reminded the kids of the importance of getting a lot of sleep the night before and eating a good breakfast the day of the test. They also explained that they had to take the TAKS test when they were in school.
The athletes spoke about staying focused in everything they do, whether it is school or sports.
"Keep your minds focused, be confident, and you'll do great," Thompson said.
The school visit is just one example of how Baylor athletes and spirit squads are involved in the Waco community. For more information please contact Baylor Athletic Marketing at 254-710-3073 or log on to Baylor's official athletic website: www.baylorbears.com.
