LORETTO, Pa. – Members of the Saint Francis University men's basketball team spoke to seventh and eighth grade students at Altoona Junior High School as part of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Stay In To Win Program on Tuesday.
 
"Our guys got the opportunity to share their stories and how they have been impacted by the five keys as they worked to become a Division I student-athlete," said Red Flash men's basketball head coach Rob Krimmel. "I am grateful for the partnership with the Altoona Junior High School and the support that we have received to help share this powerful message." 
 
College coaches and their players join together with middle school and high school teachers and administrators to motivate and encourage students, particularly those at risk of dropping out, to stay in school to graduation. By delivering the message that success in education is fundamental to success in life, students will be enlightened as to the impact of decisions they make in school.
 
"I am very passionate about the message that is contained in The Stay in to Win Program, said Krimmel. "Al Foderaro has put together a great format that connects the keys to the basketball court, the classroom, and life. Aside from stressing the importance of staying in school and working hard on in the classroom, the message also helps young people learn how to make good decisions and surround themselves with good people as they journey through junior high and high school." 

Coaches and their players play key roles in outreach to students as they communicate the value of effective decision-making skills and the impact that academic, career, and personal decisions made now will have on their futures. Coaches and their players will also serve as catalysts, encouraging students to develop Success Teams to help them overcome obstacles and Success Plans to guide them as they make the educational and career decisions that will direct their lives.