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NMSU football gives back to community

One major part of head football coach DeWayne Walker's philosophy for the New Mexico State University football program is the commitment to supporting the community that supports them.

"Community service is a big initiative of ours," Walker said. "We are committed to supporting the community as they have supported us. Our student-athletes learn a great deal about themselves and others when they are out participating in community events. Our student-athletes have a fantastic attitude about going out in the community. They always come back with interesting stories of their experiences being out and about in Las Cruces."

Since January the Aggies football team has given over 500 hours of time and service to local elementary schools. The Aggies have visited two elementary schools in particular; Sonoma Elementary and Alameda Elementary, as the student-athletes spent time with kids in music class, at recess, teaching self-defense, reading and acting out stories.

"We are really happy to have the Aggies at our after school program," Mary Meier, Alameda Elementary counselor said. "It seems like a win-win situation. The kids love having the players here.  They truly look at them as stars. The players seem to enjoy hanging out with the kids as well. There are so few positive role models for our kids, and these players have come into their lives at just the right time.  It is an honor to have these men at our school."

"I really enjoy going out and working with the kids over at the elementary schools," offensive lineman Patrick Blount said. "I wish that I had a football player or student-athlete come to my school when I was that age. I think the kids look up to us and see that if they work hard they could also achieve their goals. Whether it be playing football in college or anything they want to do. It's a great opportunity."

The Aggies football team has given back over 800 hours of time and service since August 2008. The New Mexico State University Athletics Department requires each student-athlete to provide 15 hours of community service each academic year. So far this year, the student-athlete body has tallied over 3,900 hours of community service.

"It amazing working with the kids," running back Marquell Colston said. "The kids just brighten your day. I love going to the schools and interacting with them. They look up to us and we need to be there for them. I think it makes their day when we come and hang out with them. Making their day, makes my day."