Aug. 8, 2008
SAN DIEGO - SDSU Football at Boys & Girls Club Photo Gallery | SDSU Football at Boys & Girls Club Video Package
The San Diego State offensive line recently took a trip to the Linda Vista Teen Center, which is part of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater San Diego, to spend an afternoon with local youth. During their time at the center, the Aztecs interacted with those at the club by participating in a variety of activities. The Aztecs enjoyed a day of playing catch, pool and basketball, while being challenged to a game of dodge ball. They were also invited to record music in the center's recording studio and were later treated to a dance performance by a group of children.
"I had a good time with the kids," senior Mike Schmidt said. "I grew up in the Boys & Girls club here in San Diego; you go a long way from being here. Just being out here showing the kids there is a positive path that comes through life I think is good for both sides."
At the end of the day, the Aztecs handed out T-shirts, hats and stickers and signed autographs for all in attendance. In addition, offensive line coach Jonathan Himebauch presented a check from a group of local San Diego coaches to Davery Jones, site supervisor of the Teen Center.
"We have a group in San Diego County called the Big Skill Football Coaches consisting of youth, high school, junior college and college coaches," Himebauch said. "We had a $275 donation put together for the teen center that they can use, and we thought it would be a great way to give back. We thought it would be a great cause and we're excited that they'll be able to use it."
"It just shows that San Diego State is committed to the community and doing good things in the community," Jones said. "I am sure the athletes had a lot of other things they could have been doing, but they took their time to come out and give our kids an experience. I think it's really important that the college continues to do these types of activities because the kids really look forward to it."