L.D. Bell football players make an impact in younger students’ lives

The Hurst L.D. Bell football program made an impact this school year, and not just on the field.

As a team, players logged more than 400 hours volunteering at the Bell feeder elementary schools, working field trips, mentoring, reading to classes and greeting students in the morning before school.

“Our offseason theme this year was ‘Make an Impact,’ head coach Mike Glaze said. “Make an impact on yourself both physically and mentally so that you can make an impact on our team, make an impact on your GPA, make an impact on our school and in our community.”

Earlier in the year, Glaze sent an email to all the Bell feeder elementary schools and junior highs, asking if there were any activities his players could get involved in on their campuses. He offered several suggestions. Then, officials at two elementary schools, Shady Oaks and Harrison Lane, responded and said they liked the idea and helped get things started.

“It is a win-win situation for both groups,” Glaze said. “Our athletes gain an understanding of the influence and impact they can make, and they get to feel good about themselves for doing something good for someone else.”

The program was also popular with the players, who volunteered and received no academic credit for their work.

“It feels good to help someone choose the right path in life,” Zven Alcorta said.

“I enjoyed seeing all the kids smile and get extremely excited once we walked through the doors,” Grant Anderson said. “It just made me realize how big an impact we have on the kids and their future.”

Damian Hunt said the experience was unforgettable as it made them realize the impact they can have as athletes.

“It was a very eye-opening experience in the fact that the children look at you as if you are a celebrity and trust you about personal stuff as if you are family,” he said.

“I loved having an opportunity to make an impact on my mentee’s life and be a positive influence for him to look up to,” Austin Brougham said.

“Seeing the kids’ eyes light up when we walked into the room was amazing. It makes you realize how big of an impact you can make on someone’s life if you just take the time to be there,” Mitchell Meaders said.

Glaze said players were clamoring for the chance to volunteer, something he said makes him very proud.

“Every time we had an opportunity to be involved at one of our feeder schools our kids signed up and tried to ‘Make an Impact,’” he said.

This story was originally published June 9, 2017 at 12:46 PM with the headline "L.D. Bell football players make an impact in younger students’ lives."