Football Players Serve as Role Models to Cromwell Students

Ten members of the Wesleyan University football squad visited the Woodside Intermediate School in Cromwell, Conn., Oct. 1 to join in some of the activities enjoyed by the students in grades 3-5.

Arrangements for the visit, which is one of four the Cardinals will make during the season, began during the summer through a connection between Wesleyan assistant coach Jeff McDonald and Woodside principal Bo Ryan, a former quarterback at Western Connecticut State University.  Plans formalized after McDonald spoke with the Wesleyan team captains and each Friday before Wesleyan’s home games, a contingent of players will travel to the school at midday to recreate with the students and serve as role models.

The student-athlete attendees included Bobby Rosenthal ’10,  Ryan Coffey ’11, Tim Morley ’11, Nick Seara ’11, Shea Dwyer ’10, Steve Hauser ’11, Prince Emenalo ’13, Kyle Weiss ’12, Joe Giaimo ’11 and Ernest Wingate ’14.

The squad members visited several classes but spent most of their time around the area of physical education.

“It was great to have football players from Wesleyan visiting us today,” says Bo Ryan.  “We look forward to having them come back on Oct. 22 during the recess and lunch hours.  All of the players are exceptional students and great role models for our kids.”