Football Team Meets Their Community Mentors at Coaches Breakfast
By Amy Bearden
Mineral Wells Area News
It was an extra special “Coaches Breakfast” this morning at Palo Pinto General Hospital as athletic boosters, parents and community leaders stepped up to begin a new program that Coach Worrell hopes will bring a lasting impact on his players.
Along with continuing the weekly breakfast tradition that began in the 1980’s, Worrell had hoped a “Mentorship” program like he’s seen in other communities get started as well.
This morning in Mineral Wells, some 30+ people who had signed up to become a “Mentor” for each and every kid on the team were introduced to the player they would be fostering for the season.
“It’s just something I’ve seen be very successful. I’ve seen it work in other places, and it actually works very well,” said Worrell who will look for his second win as the Ram’s Head Coach as they take on Western Hills tonight.
“It’s just really special when these kids make these connections in the community,” Worrell said.
The goal of the program is to make each and everyone feel special, and feel loved on, according to Worrell.
The players filled out a form to help the mentors get to know a little more about the kid they were assigned. They were asked about their favorite foods, sports drinks & restaurants, just to name a few.
Mentors are encouraged to check in with their players a few times a week, maybe share some encouraging words, or hang around after the game to support them.
Stepping up to the plate were business leaders, city officials, parents, and long time athletic booster club members.
Police Chief Tim Denison, a former Ram footballer himself, didn’t waste any time raising his hand to step up. City Finance Director Jason Breisch also volunteered, along with Clear Fork Bank President Clynt Myrick, both 1990’s standout Ram athletes themselves. Don Crawford, long time community business member as well as a huge Ram Athletic Booster, signed up to mentor three players.
“Some of these relationships will last a life time,” said Coach Worrell, mentioning that he knew of a kid in a previous town whose mentor was actually in his wedding.
From this mornings interactions, it looks like the new mentorship program is off to a good start.
Injury Update
Also at breakfast, Coach Worrell gave an injury update on his team. Cainan Daniel is out with a broken leg but Preztynn Harris is expected to play tonight.
Rams will host Western Hills at 7:30pm. It is First Responder Night and please don’t forget the new “clear bag” policy at Ram Stadium.
