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ELON, N.C. – On Saturday, May 11, 15 middle-school children spent a full day with six Elon football players learning what life is like as a football student-athlete. The kids from Turrentine and Hawfields Middle Schools found out what Blake Thompson, Akeem Langham, David Williams, Clay Johnson, Tony Thompson and Mike Quinn experience on a daily basis while in season. The eight-hour day simulated what a typical day of school and athletics is like, including weights, classes, film and practice.
 
The morning began with a plyometric weight session on the turf outside the weight room and was followed by a speed session. After that, everyone hit the classroom for seminars on nutrition and academics before getting an entire tour of Alumni Field House.
 
All participants then went through a leadership seminar with two of Elon’s leadership fellows – Laura Orr and Kate Sims. Next was an offensive and defensive film session with assistant football coach Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay leading the defensive session, while Quinn led the way with notes on the offensive side of the ball.
 
The day wrapped up with a practice session outside to give the participants one-on-one instruction and get the feel of a collegiate football practice.
 
B. Thompson, a senior defensive back, said the main goal and purpose was to give the participants insight on what it’s like to be a student first and an athlete second.
 
“I hope we influenced them to take a step back and to realize that becoming a student-athlete is not just about the game,” explained B. Thompson. “There’s so much more that goes in to it. There are a lot of factors to make you successful.
 
“The other reason we came up with this was to mold young men and give them a boost to know this is possible and attainable. I hope it’s something that continues for years like Phoenix Field Day. I also would love some of the other sports to start programs like this.”