April 27, 2005

WACO, Texas - Baylor basketball player Tim Bush, student manager John Onwuchekwa, and Coordinator of Basketball Operations Paul Mills attended Axtell Longhorn Elementary Friday. They visited with children in a special behavioral skills program located in the school as part of the Rio Brazos Co-op. The students range in age from kindergarten to fifth grade, and are from many parts of Central Texas, including China Spring, West, Elm Mott and Bruceville-Eddy.

Coach Mills began by introducing Bush and Onwuchekwa, and asked each child their name. He spoke on the importance of teamwork and related both to basketball and to everyday life.

"We are all on a team. Everyone is on a team right now. We rely on people. Your family is a team and everyone does their part to help. On the basketball team, Tim Bush must dribble the ball up the floor before others can be there to help him," Mills said.

Mills asked each student what was something important about being on a team. He said when you have a good attitude, you get along well with each other and the team does well.

"John Onwuchekwa has a great attitude and is always willing to help someone. But the most important thing is saying thank you. If you say thank you, people will be more willing to help you again, and do even more," Mills said.

Mills challenged the kids to tell someone thank you before the end of the day, whether it was their mom or dad, their grandparent, or their teacher. The kids were able to ask questions about Baylor and basketball, and each child shared something they were interested in.

The children made autographs books for the players to sign, and each child received a poster as well. Onwuchekwa had fun with the kids by doing push-ups on the floor and flexing his muscles. Both he and Bush also enjoyed allowing the kids to stand next to them and compare heights.

This school visit is just one example of how Baylor student-athletes and coaches are involved in many Waco community relations programs. For more information, please call Baylor Athletic Marketing at 710-3073.