One of the most important things an athlete can do, besides playing well, is giving back to the community.
Last week, three members of the Varsity Hockey team did just that, taking an afternoon to speak to Liz Hague’s third-grade class at Oxford Elementary School.
Seniors Ben McLoskey, Elliot Wicker and Matt Zaun spoke to the third graders about the importance of setting goals, not only in sports, but in life as well.
McLoskey, Wicker and Zaun told the children that in order to accomplish the big goal that one sets in life, one has to set little goals.
‘Little goals add up,? said Wicker.
They told the children about the goals that they wanted to set for the season. McLoskey stated that one of the firsts goals they wanted to achieve was to finish first in the league. ‘In order to do that, we had to set little individual goals as players for each game,? he said. ‘All the little goals that each person makes to achieve common the goal.?
They also talked to the children about the importance of being disciplined in and out of school. They each reiterated the fact that in school comes first, even when you play sports.
Matt Zaun told them to keep their grades up because they are important when trying to get into college. He also told them that setting goals is big during high school. ‘Goals are a big thing’when you don’t have a handle on them, you get behind,? he said.
Oxford Hockey Head Coach Dave Hague commented on the importance of his players speaking. ‘I think it’s a great experience for everyone involved!? he said. ‘As’a Varsity sport, it’s important to be involved within your community and this is’just one of many ways our program can’do just that. As the high school level continues to grow and’nears the top level of hockey for high school aged’players, we’try and prepare our players for the next level in both hockey and in life.’Events like’these will only help them mature, while creating an experience they’ll remember for a long time.?
After speaking with the children, McLoskey, Wicker and Zaun went around the room and signed autographs for the children, talking with them and answering questions. They even handed out tickets to the Feb 28 home game against Linden.
It was then Mrs. Hague put the players to work, asking them to help the children come up with similes that worked with some of the objects in the room. After numerous trips around the room, the children shared what they wrote, coming up with such similes as ‘the shirt is as blue as the sky? and ‘that wall is as hard as a rock.?
Overall the third graders and players enjoyed the experience. McLoskey said that ‘the kids really enjoyed and received it well.?
‘They really picked up on the small goals,? added Zaun.
‘Hopefully,? said Wicker, ‘we will inspire them to set goals.?