Upstate Men's Basketball Participates in Red Ribbon Week
11/2/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Spartanburg, S.C. – The USC Upstate men's basketball team recently participated in Red Ribbon Week as several members traveled to Chesnee to talk with students at Rainbow Lake Middle School.
Along with assistant coach Joshua Chavis, men's basketball student-athletes Malik Moore, Yeskin Walker-Williams, Ramel Thompkins, Isaiah Anderson and Deion Holmes spoke to the entire student body about the importance of saying no to drugs as well as discussing how it can negatively affect your health and opportunities in the workforce, sports and other future endeavors.
Each player spoke on why it was important to stay drug and alcohol free, and the importance of academics and staying focused in the classroom. All five individuals said they really enjoyed speaking to the kids and felt like their words made a difference and were seen as positive role models. Five students from Rainbow Lake were then selected to play a quick 5-on-5 scrimmage against the men's basketball student-athletes.
The student-athletes put on a show with several high-flying dunks while the middle school students also scored and got their fellow classmates into the game. Following the scrimmage, the student-athletes took pictures and signed autographs for the students as well as some teachers and administration.
One teacher at Rainbow Lake said that the student-athletes really made a lot of students' day and hope to attend some games this season. The teacher also hopes that the student-athletes come back to the school as well.
The Red Ribbon Campaign is an alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign observed annually during the month of October throughout the United States.
Follow Upstate men's basketball on Facebook (UpstateAthletics), Twitter (@UpstateMB), Instagram (@upstatespartans), YouTube (USCUpstateAthletics) and text/e-mail alerts (www.upstatespartans.com/list-signup).
