University Southern California Trojans
For One Day, We All Run LA
February 09, 2016 | Trojan Outreach
“Work together, peace I said!” chanted the Wise Owls from the 186th Street Elementary School.
That’s exactly what the Trojans and Bruins did when they set aside their rivalry to team up for a schoolyard full of overjoyed children on Super Bowl Spirit Day.
USC and UCLA football players visited the Gardena school on Friday for the 11th annual Super Bowl Spirit Day in which students celebrated by sporting their favorite teams’ jerseys and partaking in the afterschool festivities.
Marcia Sidney-Reed, Principal of the 186th Street School, emphasized the importance of this event as a way to show the children that school plays a vital role in achieving your dreams, whatever they may be.
“The students are so excited to see the student athletes. It lets them know that dreams do come true,” Sidney-Reed said. “The athletes are speaking the same language our teachers are speaking; we want them to stay in school, listen to their teachers and do their homework. We’re able to show them the student athletes who had to study hard to get to where they are today, so our children can then see that they can do this as well.”
Principal Sidney-Reed kicked off the event by welcoming the football players, laughingly suggesting that the Wise Owls garner good luck as past players who visited went on to play professionally.
The eager children greeted the athletes with their school song and made sure to show their guests the six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.
When the Trojans and Bruins had the microphone, they playfully kept the rivalry alive by introducing themselves and calling to see which team would incite the loudest cheers. In the spirit of our one-day truce, we’ll call it a draw.
The teams wrapped up their speeches with an academic huddle, calling “Excellence!” on three and proceeded to meet with children, teachers and parents. Players spent the remainder of the event posing for pictures, signing autographs and putting their dance skills to the test.
“It's a great opportunity for them just to interact and have fun with the guys and it looks like the guys are having just as much fun as the children are!” Sidney-Reed said.
Joining forces for one day was well worth it to see the joy and smiles on all the children’s faces, while giving back to the Los Angeles community that unites us all.
“Thank you! The kids love you and will remember you for a lifetime,” Sidney-Reed concluded.
That Friday, the Wise Owls walked away with more than posters, autographs and photos; they left with the affirmation that they too can achieve their dreams.
USC Players in attendance: Jalen Greene - RS Freshman WR-QB, John Plattenburg - Sophomore S, Jackson Boyer - RS Sophomore WR, Kevin Carrasco - RS Sophomore CB, Roy Hemsley - Freshman OT, Olajuwon Tucker - Sophomore ILB
UCLA Players in attendance: Jaleel Wadood - Sophomore DB, Randall Goforth - RS Junior DB, John Lopez - RS Sophomore OL, Cameron Judge - Junior LB, Deon Hollins - Junior LB, Nate Starks - Sophomore RB, Will Lockett - Freshman DB, Ainuu Taua - RS Freshman DL, Alex Rassool - RS Freshman DL, Jayon Brown - Junior LB
