Each Thursday at 11 a.m. 20 Anderson University football players and staff file into a classroom for lessons. Only this isn’t a college course or a football film session, it’s a sixth-grade class at Anderson Intermediate School, ready to learn life skills and character-building from the Ravens.
Through the T1L1 (Teach One to Lead One) program, AU football was paired with the local elementary school to serve as mentors. Each week focuses on a different character trait such as humility, respect, and self-control. Through videos, games, and small groups, AU players split into groups of five or six and work with three different classrooms.
“It’s interesting the overlap between what we’re trying to teach the young kids and what we’re trying to instill in our players as a part of our football program,” said Jonathan Coddington, head coach of AU football. “It’s the same type of things, but to watch these players serve as mentors for the young kids is one of the coolest things for me to watch.”
Players meet with the same student group each week, allowing relationships to form over time. Junior wide receiver, Adam Dunson, is a member of the 20-player group and sees a bit of himself in the kids he mentors today.
“There’s a kid who looks like me and he reminds me of myself,” said Dunson. “I love connecting with him and I know the kids look up to us so it means a lot to be a positive influence for them.”
The mentorship is part of Coddington’s mission to build a program that flourishes on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. Called “The Raven Way,” Coddington’s goal is a multi-pronged approach to doing things the right way and building a program that all university stakeholders can be proud of.
“[The mentorship program] is an added benefit to being a part of the football program,” said Dunson. “It’s so important for kids to start early on these skills. But for the 20 guys who are mentors, it has also helped us become better leaders.”
After a semester of AU football players traveling to meet Anderson Intermediate students in their classrooms, the script will be flipped Nov. 16 when the students come to AU’s final home game against Manchester.
“One of the best ways to learn something is to teach it,” said Coddington. “Our guys have been great mentors to the kids, but I also see these skills taking root in them.
This article appeared as a blog on the Anderson University website.