The new football coaching staff at Arsenal Technical High School has taken the idea of exposing student athletes to life-changing opportunities to a new level. This spring and summer, the football players at Tech have visited more than 20 colleges from Arkansas Pine Bluff to Ohio State University.
The coaches have facilitated several fundraisers to help pay for all of these trips. Last week Arsenal Tech senior quarterback and captain Robert Evans got a surprise package from the coaching staff. They wanted to reward him for his leadership, attitude and overall work ethic through the off-season.
Jane Quilholt, a teacher at Arsenal Technical, and her husband sponsored a full expense trip for Robert to attend the three-day Peyton Manning Passing Academy in Louisiana.
I spoke to Evans recently about his experience at the Peyton Manning Academy.
Coach E: Have you ever traveled on a plane by yourself?
Robert Evans: I’ve never traveled on a plane, let alone by myself. It was truly a great experience. It made me think what it would be like to go off to college.
What made traveling alone memorable?
I felt like this helped with self-discipline – I had never been away by myself and this experience showed me that I will be fine when I go to college. It also helped me become an independent young man, no parents or coaches to be there every step, and I didn’t know anyone so this helped with networking as well. I met great NFL and college players and got a chance to play football with them. Wow! Not bad for a kid from Naptown.
Why do you feel it was important for you to attend the Peyton Manning camp?
I believe that this camp would be great for any quarterback wanting to succeed at the next level. I feel this way simply because Peyton is one of the best, if not the best, at what he does, so for him to want to pass down his knowledge of the game is something I would want to take advantage of. On top of it all, Peyton surrounds you with some of the best college and former pro athletes that have been where I am, or trying to go.
What do you have to say about the 2011 Tech Titan team?
We have grown as a team even though things have been a bit rough as far as not being able to practice at our own school (due to construction) and things of that nature. With the loss of a few key seniors, some of us have big shoes to fill; but with the way it’s looking and the way we have been working, that isn’t going to be a problem at all. Overall I would say we are looking at a very successful season.
