Polk State Basketball Players Tell Third-Graders to Work, Study Hard

Polk State College men’s basketball players recently shared an important message with third-graders at Jewett School of the Arts: Hard work is the only way to succeed.

Polk State is the defending Suncoast Conference champion and players are busy practicing for the 2011-2012 season, with their first home game scheduled for Nov. 9 against Palm Beach State College.

Despite their demanding practice and class schedules, players on Friday made time to visit with the Jewett third-graders as part of a weekly Real World Connections program at the school. Representing the Polk State Eagles were DJ Akins, Danny Alston, Zuberi Floyd, Jamaal James and Deon Murvin.

The third-graders had recently read a book titled, “Allie’s Basketball Dream,” by Barbara Barber, in which a young girl aspires to be a professional basketball player. 

Playing off the premise of the book, the Polk State players talked about their own basketball dreams – and all the hard work they put into making those dreams come true. 

 “To be a member of the basketball team, you have to study and keep your GPA up,” said men’s head basketball coach Matt Furjanic. “I think the little kids were impressed to see that these big kids get homework and they go to class and they have teachers.” 

Third-grade teacher Regina Walden said the students were initially mesmerized by the players’ height – most are well over 6 feet – but they soon grasped the deeper message behind the visit.  

“The kids asked the Polk State players what their typical day is like. They were impressed that it includes two to three hours a day of studying and reading,” she said.  

The Polk State players also shared a bit of reality with the kids. Sure, it would be great to be a famous, rich professional athlete, but that may not pan out for everyone who wants it. Students need to make good grades and go to college so they can pursue other dreams, too. 

“A lot of kids want to be famous and for everyone to know their names,” Walden said. “But they got the message we wanted them to get, that nothing is easy and you have to work hard. Education is so important if you’re going to get to the next level.” 

Murvin, 19, recalled growing up in Winter Haven and attending Bartow High School. Even though he was always most excited about sports, his parents would constantly encourage him to study and get good grades. That inspired him to focus more on academics, and now he is considering a career in nursing or physical therapy. 

He was glad to have the opportunity to talk with the Jewett students and share a bit of his experience with them. 

“We wanted to tell the kids how important it is to stay in school and that not everything is just about basketball,” said Murvin. 

“It was a chance to do something for our community, not just play basketball but help the people here as well.” 

The importance of community service is something that is emphasized in all of Polk State’s athletic programs, said Athletics Director Bing Tyus. 

“We’re not just here as athletes but as representatives of our families, the College and our communities. It’s important for our players to give back,” he said.  

In reaching out to the community, Tyus said, the players reap plenty of benefit as well. 

“They grow and it’s a rewarding experience.”