Husker Athletes Speak to Kooser Elementary Students

By: Cassie Anderson - Email

Updated: Tue 5:39 AM, Feb 26, 2013

"I just want to encourage them and let them know their dreams can come true." -- Imani Cross, Nebraska Football player

Whether they walk a golf course, run a football field or just plain run, Husker athletes share a common goal. Inspire kids to stay in school.

"Let them know that school is cool. Let then know that listening to your teachers and following directions is very important and it's a gateway to success. That's how I was able to join UNL and be a part of the football team," Nebraska Football player Imani Cross said.

Running back Imani Cross, track athlete London Hawk and golfer Nathan Wong spoke to the fifth grade class at Kooser elementary about the importance of education. They each made their own impact.

"My favorite person was probably Imani Cross because I really like football and I want to be a quarterback when I grow up," Kooser Student Jacob Vanderford said.

"I really liked London. I think he was really exciting and he really got the message out by being energetic and I'm kind of crazy myself," Kooser Student Kylie Johnson said.

Not only did students listen to the athletes, they got a rare chance to ask the local celebrities questions. They learned how the Huskers got started in their sport and what it takes to play that sport at the college level. Number one rule is to keep your grades up. The students picked up that message quickly.

"I thought it was really neat because I love sports myself. I plan on running track when I get older. I thought they did a really good job at saying it's not all sports, just to keep your grades high or you will not be able to play," Johnson said.

"They were trying to say that school is important in life and that you need to go to school to do sports and music and broadcasting and anything that you want to do," Vanderford said.

The students returned their own impact back to the players.

"You can just see that they're all dreaming. They all want to be in college one day and have fun. I just want to encourage them and let them know their dreams can come true, but there are certain ways at doing that and school is number one for sure," Cross said.

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