CHARACTER • LEADERSHIP • COMMUNITY • TEAMWORK • COMPASSION • INTEGRITY • EXCELLENCE
SUMMER 2013 VOLUME 4 NO.4
John Carney Award The Six Finalists
MONICA ROBINSON, FALLBROOK
KYLE MUMMAU, LA COSTA CANYON
SIERRA KINDIG, DEL NORTE
ANDREW MANEVAL, TORREY PINES
KENDRICK AZUBUiKE, ARMY NAVY ACADEMY
KYLE PATER, MT. CARMEL
INSIDE:
• Donnie Dee’s The Heart of a Champion • Ask the Jock Doc
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SPOTLIGHT SPORTS SUMMER 2013 VOL.4 NO.4
Special Year-End Edition
7 The Heart of a Champion: Playing Time by Donnie Dee
John Carney Award Finalists 8 Monica Robinson, Fallbrook 10 Kyle Mummau, La Costa Canyon 14 Kendrick Azubuike, Army Navy Academy 16 Sierra Kindig, Del Norte 18 Andrew Maneval, Torrey Pines 20 Kyle Pater, Mt. Carmel All Athetes Features Written by Brad Hollingsworth
Departments 13 Ask the Jock Doc : From the experts at the UC San Diego Health System - Sports Medicine
SPOTLIGHT SPORTS
TOP RIGHT: Two-time Pro Bowl and three-time All-Pro kicker John Carney had an NFL career that spanned 23 seasons. He is the fourth alltime career scorer in NFL history with 2062 points. A graduate of Notre Dame, Carney’s career was spent most notably with the San Diego Chargers and the New Orleans Saints, where in 2009 he earned a Super Bowl ring as a member of the Saints coaching staff. He is the third oldest player to ever play in the NFL and one of three players whose career spanned four decades. Today, Carney runs the Carney Training Facility in Carlsbad, Calif. where he brings his reputation as being physically fit and conditioned to coach elite kickers and punters from around the country.
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>> FEATURE
Leadership Character Integrity Excellence Teamwork Compassion Community Letter from the Publisher/Founder
Another fantastic high school sports season has come to a close, capped off with an array of outstanding team and individual performances. We celebrate the personal achievements of these student athletes as so many have worked long hours honing their craft and will continue to play their sport in colleges across the country. Many of you are like me, eager and curious to know who went where and if it was a full ride scholarship. I founded this magazine in 2008 on the premise that the value of participating in high school sports goes well beyond simply getting to the next level. That playing a high school sport is also about generating a lifetime of memories and friendships, and learning valuable life lessons of teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship, and work ethic. These are the attributes that help transform teenagers into adults and put them on a path to success. This is why I am honored and thrilled to have Spotlight Sports Magazine present the first annual Spotlight Sports - John Carney Award. We have teamed with former San Diego Charger and Pro Bowl kicker John Carney; a figure in the community who we felt most appropriately represents the pillars of this award.
This prestigious award honors those special student athletes who go above and beyond in demonstrating outstanding leadership, character, achievement in the classroom, in the community, and as a teammate. They embody that special characteristic that endears them to their peers, teachers, and coaches. To find these exceptional students, we contacted every high school within the area we serve. Each school had an opportunity to nominate one student athlete that best exemplified the award’s stringent criteria. From this, the six finalists were selected.
The final winner(s) will be announced at a press conference subsequent to the publishing of this magazine, so I urge you to check our website or Facebook page for the results which can be found at www.spotlightsportsmag.com or www.facebook.com/spotlightsports. We are convinced that you will enjoy reading about these great kids in what we hope becomes an annual event associated with our year-end issue. Enjoy the summer and hope to see you again in the fall.
James Schwab Founder/Publisher
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SUMMER 2013
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>> FEATURE The Heart of a Champion
Playing Time! The Law of Faithfulness By Donnie Dee
An athlete’s playing time is not for the athlete to decide, that is a coach’s responsibility as he attempts to put the team in a position to win. How much playing time one receives is an issue for many young athletes today. I have met several players who have complained of their coaches playing favorites, when in reality they are just frustrated about their playing time. I’ve learned that every coach wants to win, and he or she is going to play the athletes that are going to help them get a win…period. As an athlete, you may think the coach plays favorites or simply doesn’t like you. However, I want to offer two principles that will increase your playing time: 1. Be the hardest worker at practice, and you will see more playing time. 2. Make plays in competition, and you will see more playing time. These principles reflect the “Law of Faithfulness,” and the Bible puts it this way
in Luke 16:10: “if you are faithful in the little things you will be faithful with the large ones.” As an athlete, are you being faithful with the opportunities you are given? Playing time is the result of doing the little things well. Are you the hardest worker at practice? Somebody is…is it you? Be the hardest worker at practice, and you will see more playing time. I remember being in a coach’s office and on the wall was a team picture of at least ten teams he had coached in the past. I asked him to point out to me the hardest worker on each team. Without hesitation, he pointed to a player in each picture and added some insight about their impact on the team. Coaches are looking for the kid that is going to lead the team in their effort at practice. Is that going to be you? Make plays in competition, and you will see more playing time. How are you doing when you are allowed some playing time? That’s an opportunity! Whether it is one minute or ten minutes, you have to take advantage of that opportunity. Coaches give kids playing time who have an impact on the game. The next time you are sitting on the bench and are frustrated that you aren’t playing more, you can try to put yourself back in the game. I would not recommend that approach. Or you can focus on the little things, like working harder at practice and making plays during the game. The Law of Faithfulness will serve you well. May the Lord bless you!
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This past basketball season, Kobe Bryant was on the bench resting when he decidedly got up and put himself back in the game. ESPN reported that this is actually a common practice for basketball superstars like Kobe, M.J. and LeBron. Can you imagine trying that in a junior high or high school game? What an interesting exchange that would be between you and the coach if you just made the decision to go back into the game. That’s a conversation I would like to overhear!
Donnie Dee has been with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for 19 years and now serves as FCA’s Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at the Home Office in Kansas City, Mo. As a Kansas City native, Dee played football and basketball for Oak Park High School and was a four-year letterman in football at the University of Tulsa. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts and played in the NFL for two years. Today, Dee directs the daily ministry of FCA’s Home Office, which serves more than 400 local and regional offices that annually impact more than two million people across the country.
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SPOTLIGHT SPORTS
>> JOHN CARNEY AWARD FINALIST
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PHOTOS BY BILL REILLY PHOTOGRAPHY
Monica Robinson Fallbrook High School College: Notre Dame Major: Business/Marketing and minor in Spanish By Brad Hollingworth
court. It’s really nice to see the girls who have never picked up a racket in their life and then try out for the team. “By the end of the season, they are able to serve, have rallies and fun points. It’s reward to watch the younger girls improve. It gives me new insight to the game by teaching others, it helps me reinforce my own technique.” Robinson also used her talent of helping others off the tennis court as well. She and her mother have delivered presents to severely ill children and packed boxes for underprivileged families for Christmas. Robinson has also found the time to plant trees in her community, which has totaled nearly 100 so far, and even played the piano at retirement homes. “Now that I have graduated, I plan to devote more time to the community. I will always strive to be altruistic my entire life,” Robinson said. “My family has always taught me to leave the world a
little better.” The challenge for Robinson now is adapting her game to Division I level and being halfway across the country at Notre Dame. Despite the distance and radical change in weather, Robinson believes the spirit of the Fighting Irish will carry her through many tough times. “It will be such a fun adventure to experience a completely different part of the United States,” she said. “I want to broaden my horizons and meet new people with potentially different viewpoints. I am also excited to experience the four seasons, and, yes, that includes snow. Notre Dame stole my heart with its traditions and spirit on campus. While I was there, I was captivated by the energy and enthusiasm on campus. One wonders if they will be captivated by a girl dancing around on the tennis court in a banana costume.
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ENNIS PLAYER MONICA ROBINSON took her role as Fallbrook High School’s top banana to a whole new level. While sitting out a match with a wrist injury, Robinson decided to lighten the mood and donned a full body banana costume that relaxed her teammates and even made the opposing team break into laughter. “From that day forward, the banana outfit became a symbol of camaraderie,” Robinson remembered. “The tennis team ate so many bananas because it is a quick and easy source of energy and potassium. Therefore, the banana became a must in tennis.” Robinson’s light-hearted approach belies her talent. The senior is ranked third in the state in the 18s and No. 21 in the nation. Robinson, who was a CIF singles finalist the last two years, was first-team All-CIF and the Avocado West Player of the Year. With that resume, Robinson accepted a scholarship to play at Notre Dame, but she still had the desire to play high school tennis, while many other top tennis players decide to skip the fall sport to concentrate on their individual skills. “I decided to play because I felt it was a great way to represent my school,” Robinson said. “I also felt like it was my way of giving back to Fallbrook. It was a fun bonding with the girls and sharing those fun moments like decorating spirit shirts for game days and even the long bus rides to away matches.” Robinson didn’t just help with team spirit. She was instrumental in helping the younger players in the program with their games. Robinson believes she learned more than her teammates. “One of the best ways to master something is to teach it,” she said. “There is always something to learn on the tennis
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>> JOHN CARNEY AWARD FINALIST
Kyle Mummau La Costa Canyon High School College: Bryant University Major: Biology By Brad Hollingworth
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OR KYLE MUMMAU, the defense never rests whether he is on the athletic field, the classroom or in the community. The La Costa Canyon senior was a two-sport standout as a defensive back in football and a central defender in lacrosse, where a sharp mind and quick feet are a necessity, along with an unselfishness that is often rare in any teenager. “I enjoy playing defense because I like the challenge of playing a reactive position,” Mummau explained. “Offensive players have the luxury of knowing where they are going, while defensive players can only react to what they do. That is why quick reflexes and great footwork are so important to playing defense in both sports. “I also enjoy staying out of the limelight you get from scoring goals and touchdowns. I prefer the under-the-radar lifestyle that comes from playing defense.” While it is obvious that Mummau, who will play lacrosse for Bryant University in Rhode Island, while leaning toward majoring in biology, has the skills to excel in multiple sports, it is his leadership that grew the most this season for the Mavericks, which finished second in the Avocado West in football and second in the county in lacrosse. “It is always difficult to lead people that are the same age as you or older,” said Mummau, who is active in planning church retreats and helping out at local Pop Warner events. “I’ve always led by example, but this year I worked on being a more vocal leader as well. I find it isn’t hard to earn your peers’ trust if you respect and trust them back. The reward is knowing you played a part in bringing a group of guys together into a close-knit family and creating something bigger than the individual.” Such leadership skills were not lost on LCC football coach Sean Sovacool, who believed Mummau’s talents were on display on and off the field. “He works unbelievably hard, plays hurt and is always on time with the same genuine interest and effort,” Sovacool said. “He is not afraid to speak up, but does not talk too much. He has a terrific balance of character and charisma.” Those skills are absolutely necessary for Mummau who tutors grade-school students as part of the San Dieguito Unified School District Study Buddy program, as well as helping out at LCC’s oncampus tutoring program. “Well, with the younger kids, it’s always a struggle to get them to focus on doing their homework when all they want to do is play, but it is refreshing to see their enthusiasm towards life,” Mummau said. “When tutoring older kids, you are able to have a more in-depth conversation and bond a little more intellectually. Tutoring has definitely taught me patience. You have to be able to stay patient when someone has trouble understanding a concept, but seeing the look on their face when they put it all together is worth it.” PHOTO BY BILL REILLY PHOTOGRAPHY
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>> FEATURE I’m a soccer player and would like some advice about how to warm-up before my game or practice?
I play competitive tennis and have been feeling pain on the outside of my right knee. I’ve been told that it’s IT band syndrome. I run a lot for conditioning. What is ITB syndrome and how can I get rid of it?
JD: Iliotibial band syndrome (ITB syndrome) is common in tennis players, runners, and other athletes. The iliotibial band is a thick, fibrous band of connective tissue that runs all the way from the hip, down the outside of the leg, to the knee. Pain can happen anywhere along this pathway, but often occurs at the outside of the knee. Jeff Chen, MD, MHS, a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation at UCSD, says “Your knee pain is likely caused by excessive friction during repetitive bending. With each repetition the lower end of the ITB slides over the outside bone at the knee (lateral femoral epicondyle). This can lead to inflammation, thickening, and swelling. ITB pain may occur after running downhill, lengthening your running stride, or sitting for long periods with the knee in a flexed position.” Some risk factors include: ITB tightness, high mileage running, leg length discrepancy, and muscular weakness or imbalance (particularly hip abductor weakness at the buttock). To get better, you MUST temporarily modify your activities. Take a break from running, cycling or any activities that bring on the pain by requiring the knee to consistently flex and extend. Ice for 20-30 minutes every 4 hours for a few days and take anti-inflammatory medications as directed by a doctor. Targeted stretching and strengthening are an essential part of the treatment process. Self-myofascial release of the ITB performed BEFORE stretching can help relax overactive tissue and allow for more effective stretching. Lie on your side on a foam roll at the hip. Roll down the outside of the leg until you come to a spot where you feel pain/tension. Stay on that spot for 30-40 seconds to allow the ITB to release. An athletic trainer can show you how to stretch your ITB.
For example, to stretch the ITB on your right side, stand with your right leg crossed well behind your left leg, shift your right hip out to the side and reach overhead/ to the left with your right arm. Once you can perform an ITB stretch without pain, work on strengthening your gluteus medius (buttocks muscle) as well as core stabilization. “Once strengthening exercises can be done without pain, you can gradually return to running,” says Dr. Chen. “Begin each workout with a quarter mile warm-up and stretches. Start back with low mileage every other day, and increase mileage gradually over the next 4-6 weeks. If you have any pain, decrease the mileage or stop running for a few days until the pain has resolved. If you are running on a track, make sure that you reverse directions each workout. Cross-training with other activities such as swimming is ideal for healing.” For injuries that do not improve with other treatment, cortisone injections or surgical options may be considered by your doctor. Tennis players often have LCL sprains, patellofemoral syndrome, meniscal tears, muscle pain, and other injuries from high stress loads at the knee with quick lateral and cutting movements. If you’re not sure what’s going on with your knee, see a sports medicine specialist for further evaluation.
“Ask the Jock Doc” is brought to you by the sports medicine experts at UC San Diego Health System – Sports Medicine. Let us help you get back on track. Call 858.657.8200. For answers to your sports injury or performance questions email jockdoc@ spotlightsportsmag.com.
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JD:“Gone are the days when standing around in a circle and holding a stretch for 15-30 seconds (static stretching) is considered warm-up,” says Alan Shahtaji, DO, UC San Diego sports medicine specialist and a team physician for the US Soccer Federation. “What’s most important is to get your muscles warm and ready for the explosive activity that will be needed in the match. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this and your coach may have a routine for the team to follow.” This will likely include some cardiovascular warm-up (running around the field), dynamic stretching and drills, starting at half-speed and working up to full-speed. Even if you’re not starting the game, it’s important to do a similar warm-up on the sidelines prior to going into the match. Dr. Shahtaji recommends a warm-up and conditioning program from FIFA (Federation of International Football Associations) that can be found on the following website: http://f-marc. com/11plus/home/ Just as important is the post-match or post-practice cool down period. “With US Soccer” Dr. Shahtaji continues, “Our strength and conditioning coach has certain players sit in an ice bath for several minutes. This may not be possible, but applying an ice pack to sore or injured areas for 10-20 minutes is also helpful.” “The time to do static stretching is after you are done playing and before icing. Sometimes the whole team will do this together if it’s practical; it’s a nice way to wind down after the competition.” Stretch the muscles that you particularly use in soccer (calves, hamstrings, quads, buttocks) or muscles that you know are tight. An evaluation by an athletic trainer can help you assess personal deficits of flexibility and strength to design a personalized program.
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>> JOHN CARNEY AWARD FINALIST
Kendrick Azubuike Army Navy Academy College: UCLA Major: I want to be an ophthalmologist so I will study something in the science department. Most likely biology. By Brad Hollingworth
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SPOTLIGHT SPORTS
ENDRICK AZUBUIKE’S PATH TO UCLA took a detour to Carlsbad, and
it kept him on a straight and narrow road to success. The Army-Navy Academy will do that for a young man, and he’s grateful for strict discipline of the seaside boarding school. “For me, growing up in a harsh environment in Los Angeles, adjusting to the academy was very easy,” said Azubuike, who was a three-sport start for the Warriors. “It helped me mature faster than I would have, and it also got me out of a negative environment. I honestly don’t know where I would be if I was still in Los Angeles.” Now, Azubuike, who carries a 3.80 grade point average, is heading to Westwood with a resume that he probably couldn’t have achieved on the tough streets of Lawndale. The senior flourished in the classroom, as well as taking advantage of the many leadership opportunities that the academy has to offer. Azubuike’s leadership and citizenship honors are simply too numerous to mention. However, his role as ASB president and Band Company Commander stand out for Azubuike, who participated in football, basketball and track at Army-Navy. “As ASB president, I had the opportunity to connect with every single person at the academy,” he said. “Luckily, there are only 300 cadets but more would have been positive. I love helping others and seeing the various backgrounds that they come from. “As Band Company Commander, I am the man in charge. I would compare it to an older brother in a family of 35. I would be stern and gentle, but I can honestly say I influenced all of the boys in my company and help them become men. I play the euphonium (a combination of a trumpet and a tuba), and music has always been a gateway for me to release my emotions. It’s another one of my passions.” Basketball is where Azubuike left his mark, helping the Warriors to their first CIF-San Diego Section title since 1986. As the team’s sixth man, Azubuike used his leadership skills to inspire those around him, according to Coach Tom Tarrantino. With about six minutes remaining, Azubuike came off the bench to nail a 3-pointer, giving Army-Navy its first lead of the game en route to a 56-50 victory in the Division IV finals. Azubuike scored eight points and grabbed three key rebounds providing a spark for the title-starved Warriors. “As a team, we were very satisfied with our season,” Azubuike said. “We wanted a state title, but we are happy with CIF. We grew as a family. I can call each and every member of that team my brother and that’s a bond that we will share for life.” Azubuike shared his passion for basketball by leading his fellow cadets in a Special Olympics event. He believes that he learned a lot more from coaching the players than they learned from him. “My involvement with the Special Olympics has become somewhat of a passion for me,” Azubuike said. “I enjoy it so much. I love the look on another person’s face after helping them in some way.”
PHOTO BY KIMBERLY DEUTSCH - SNAPPS PHOTOGRAPHY
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>> JOHN CARNEY AWARD FINALIST
Sierra Kindig Del Norte High School College: Washington University in St. Louis Major: Molecular Biology By Brad Hollingsworth
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F THERE WAS EVER A BLACKOUT AT DEL NORTE HIGH SCHOOL, it could just use the energy of Sierra Kindig to light up every possible space on campus. Forget alternative sources of power; it would be a lot cheaper and more rewarding to plug in to Kindig’s accomplishments to fuel the student body. The senior, who compiled a 4.33 grade point average, has drained everything out of the high school experience, and she is anxious to tackle of the academic rigors of Washington University in St. Louis where Kindig will major in molecular biology with the hope of conducting genetic research at the medical school. Looking back at her athletic and academic career, Kindig believes grinding it out day after day is a reward in itself. “For me, it was never really about winning, but about filling my four years of high school up with as many valuable experiences as possible,” Kindig said. “I approach everything I do with passion and drive. Working hard, whether it’s for academics, cross country or extracurricular is just a part of my lifestyle.” Kindig was a valuable member of the Nighthawks’ cross country team, earning all-league honors twice and being named All-CIF as a sophomore. She earned the team’s academic award for three years and was a UT All-Academic team member the last two years. In addition, Kindig swam for Del Norte for two years and even picked
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up Tae Kwon Do in her spare time. “Cross country has been such a big part of the person I’ve become,” Kindig said. “It’s taught me how to push myself to my absolute physical limits, and it’s taught me that there’s nothing quite like the feeling of success when you know you’ve left it all on the course. “My brother has actually done Tae Kwon Do for ten years, and I’ve always admired how talented he is. A part of me has always regretted not starting it with him all those years ago. Then I realized it’s so much better to go for something than it is to live with regret.” Kindig was also running around the campus, as well. From competing as part of Academic League team to writing for the school paper to tutoring fellow students in writing, she contributed to just about every group on campus, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. “Over the years, I’ve discovered that the high-intensity atmosphere of AL (Academic League) can be very rewarding when I’m working with my team - a great group of kids who I really care about,” Kindig said. “Working as a tutor is extremely rewarding. People have a lot of brilliant ideas that go unexpressed, simply because there’s no easy path from our brains to our pencils. When I tutor in writing, I try to help kids find that path and bridge that disconnect.” Since she was 13, Kindig has always felt connected to the San Diego Zoo. Starting off as a volunteer with the Zoo Corps program, she progressed to a teacher a mentor for younger corps members. Also, Kindig was an intern with the zoo, Safari and the Institute for Conservation Research, which enabled her to participate in projects and labs that she wrote about on the online blog on the San Diego Zoo website. “My experience at the zoo was an incredible experience,” Kindig explained. “Professionalism, leadership and confidence are some of the invaluable assets I’ve gained throughout my work there. I couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible experiences I’ve had.”
PHOTOS BY DEB HELLMAN
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>> JOHN CARNEY AWARD FINALIST
Andrew Maneval Torrey Pines High School College: University of Chicago Major: Biology and Economics By Brad Hollingsworth
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EADERSHIP FITS ANDREW MANEVAL LIKE A WELLTAILORED SUIT, and he doesn’t mind extending a firm
handshake to others to make them better athletes. The Torrey Pines senior, who starred in both football and track, believes guiding teammates is just natural for him. “I like to be a leader because I like to have a say in whatever my team or class is doing,” Maneval said. “I feel good when a project goes successfully or when our team wins a game. I like to have people looking up to me and respecting the decisions I make as a leader. “For me, making friends is more important than the outcome of whatever I do. However, I’m also a very competitive person that I hate to lose. In an ideal world, I would like to be able to make lifelong friends and succeed at what I choose to do.” Such a game plan came easy to Maneval, even when he was a freshman for the Falcons. Always the first at practice, start drills or lead in conditioning, Maneval had the ability to incorporate everyone into what he was doing, whether on the football field or track. “When I help coach a younger athlete on his technique, it is really rewarding to see them succeed as a result of my help,” Maneval said. “I can then say to myself that I helped them achieve his goals. I think of leadership as a fun thing, instead of a job.” Maneval’s job on the football field earned him a trip to the University of Chicago, where he plans to major in biology and economics. The pressure of college and athletics and a top-flight academic load doesn’t seem to faze Maneval, who had a 4.10 grade point average at Torrey Pines. “I feel that both academics and athletics have equal pressure, but I don’t try to worry about either.” he said. “I know that through hard work, anything is possible.” It would surprise no one that Maneval will carry his leadership skills to the Windy City. While at Torrey, Maneval was the first one coaches point to when a transfer student wanted to get acclimated. During track season, Maneval just wandered toward the freshmen and began to mentor them without prompting, leading to a family atmosphere for the Falcons. So where did Maneval get these skills? No, he didn’t attend a Tony Robbins seminar or read some how-to book. Instead, he just looked around his community and own house to find the necessary inspiration. “The great people that lead my church and my parents have set the perfect examples for any kid to grow up with,” Maneval said. “Without all the people that have helped me along the way, none of what I have accomplished would have happened.” And dozens of Torrey Pines athletes would be worse off if they hadn’t encountered Maneval. PHOTO BY DEB HELLMAN
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>> JOHN CARNEY AWARD FINALIST
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Kyle Pater Mt Carmel High School College: Air Force Academy Major: Aerospace Engineering By Brad Hollingsworth
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come as a surprise that he is taking his talents to the Air Force Academy. The Mt. Carmel senior dominated the county in the pole vault, earning the top mark in the state with a vault of 16-9. Then, with all the pressure of the CIF- San Diego Section finals, Pater knew what to do to earn first place, clearing 16-4 over a very competitive field. The change for Pater had to do with a more serious training regimen and using a heavier pole to give him more spring toward the bar. Such subtle changes seemingly made all the difference for Pater, earning him an appointment to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. With his athletic ability and 3.83 grade point average, Pater seems like a perfect fit for the Falcons. Pater may be more impressive away from the pole vault pit. At Mt. Carmel, Pater is actively involved in the school’s Friendship Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization. However, a community service project Pater participated in as a sophomore has had a lasting effect on him. “I made art boxes for children that were going through chemotherapy,” Pater said. “I heard about a new organization through my church about a girl whose friend died at an early age of cancer. Her friend loved art, so in honor of her I decided to make these boxes.” It wasn’t as easy at Pater originally thought. All of the supplies had to be sealed or unopened because of the patient’s weak immune systems. That turned out to be a minor hurdle as Pater received tremendous support from his community. “I started going around my neighborhood collecting art supplies so I could make a box and send it to Children’s Hospital,” Pater said. “Right away, people were willing to help and I got supplies from nearly everyone. I ended up making around 30 boxes to give out.” Besides the surprising help from his neighbors, the project helped Pater reflect on his own family’s fortune. “This project was so important to me because I was so thankful to be healthy and have my family be healthy,” Pater said. “I wanted to make sure I could give back to those who weren’t as fortunate.” Sounds like someone who will fly high at the Air Force Academy.
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YLE PATER KNOWS HOW TO FLY, so it doesn’t
PHOTO COURTESY OF KYLE PATER
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