ATLANTA- Rain or shine, the Georgia State University Track and Field team answers the call to serve.  As a part of the After-School All-Stars Atlanta program, members of the track and field and cross country teams were scheduled to host sports clinics for area youth at the track at Cheyney High School.  However, heavy afternoon downpours soaked the track and forced the camp to move the clinic inside to Parks Middle School.  This minor adjustment didn't hamper the day, according to men's cross country head coach, John Rowland.  “The weather didn't allow us to be outside, but a good time was had by all.” 

Several athletes, including Nelson Walker, Jacob English, Ashantia Harris, Sheriee Willis, Kendra Davis, Stephanie Poore, and Matt Miro came out to teach the children track and field drills, facilitate jump exercises, starts and hurdles, as well as relay drills, which seemed to be a favorite among the children, according to women's cross country head coach, Jessica Raby. 

The clinic was one of six that Georgia State Athletics is participating in throughout the summer.  Different teams will host skills clinics based on their specialized sport in an effort to help After-School All-stars Atlanta summer camps fulfill its mission of providing “opportunities for inner-city youth to participate in sports, educational, cultural, and community enrichment programs; to build confidence and self-esteem; to encourage youth to say “no” to gangs, drugs, and violence, and “yes” to hope, learning, and life.”

Bringing collegiate teams in allows the youth to enhance their sports skills as well as see positive influences in their communities.  Raby noticed the impact that the athletes had on the kids and their reach beyond the sport, becoming more than just athletes and growing into mentors and role models.