MOBILE, Ala. ? On Monday, University of South Alabama women’s basketball players Christian Shelter, Susan Griffioen, Lauren Walker and Ra’Shawna Sippio, as well as head coach Rick Pietri and other Lady Jaguar staff members visited Alba Middle School as part of its annual “Talking Jags” program.
The “Talking Jags” program gives team members throughout the fall a chance to speak to local area schools about a variety of topics, including respect to parents and teachers, good study and eating habits, sportsmanship and saying no to drugs. The Lady Jags also give the students a glimpse into a day in the life of a Division I collegiate basketball player at South Alabama.
“The Talking Jags program is something that we have done now since the 2001-02 season,” Pietri said. “It gives our players the opportunity to serve outwardly as role models for elementary and middle school kids in the area and give back to the community. Our players look forward to and enjoy communicating with young people about the importance of making good choices and how making those good choices can put people in a very positive situation."
Along with Alba, South Alabama is scheduled to speak at Government Street Baptist School, Mobile Christian, Semmes Elementary, Guillard Elementary, Saint Vincent De Paul Catholic and Eichold-Mertz Elementary this fall.
South Alabama is currently preparing for the upcoming 2008-09 season, which is slated to get underway on Sunday, Nov. 9 when the Lady Jags host West Florida in an exhibition contest at the Mitchell Center at 4:05 p.m. South Alabama will begin the regular season five days later when it takes on Nicholls State (Nov. 14) at 5 p.m.
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
“Talking Jags” Fall Schedule
October 20, 2008 ? Alba Middle School
October 22, 2008 ? Government Street Baptist
October 27, 2008 ? Mobile Christian
October 28, 2008 ? Semmes Elementary
October 29, 2008 ? Guillard Elementary
October 30, 2008 ? Saint Vincent De Paul Catholic
October 31, 2008 ? Eichold-Mertz Elementary
-- USA --
