IN ONE EXTRAORDINARY DAY, SOCAL COYOTES IMPACT TWO COMMUNITIES

(PALM SPRINGS) – In one extraordinary day, the SoCal Coyotes non-profit leadership organization impacted hundreds of youth from Palm Springs to Rancho Mirage, incorporating life lessons of perseverance, passion, and integrity into their award-winning Above the Line™ series.

Led by SVP Ron DiGrandi, the five-time champion Coyotes began at the crack of dawn with the International Walk to School Day at Cielo Vista Charter School, where players, coaches and staff walked with students from Demuth Park in Palm Springs to the school.

Moments later – to an outdoor assembly packed with students – the Coyotes administered their ‘Above the Line’ tenets – skillful, intentional, on-purpose and driven, while ruthlessly avoiding blaming, complaining and excuses.

The Coyotes then went straight to Rancho Mirage High School, where they led an impressive 90-minute ‘Above the Line’ during the school’s College & Career Day to a packed auditorium. It was the team’s first visit to the school – and the Coyotes made a lasting impression.

“Big impact on our students,” said school counselor Sue Campbell.

It was the Coyotes third year participating in International Walk to School Day, which is a global event that involves communities from more than 40 countries walking and biking to school on the same day. It began in 1997 as a one-day event.

Over time, this event has become part of a movement for year-round safe routes to school and a celebration – with record breaking participation – each October. Thousands of schools across America – from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico – participate every October.

Wide receiver Dillon Smith, cornerback Brandon Cole, offensive tackle Rapheal Smiley, captain and quarterback Ridge Turner, and captain and all-time sack leader Jake Sheffield participated throughout the day’s events.

Coyotes Athletic Director Robert L. Cummings motivated students to ‘pay attention, listen, and focus’ when conquering life’s biggest challenges. Head coach and non-profit founder J David Miller shared how drive, desire and discipline will result in a life of passion, and purpose.

Quality Control Coach Scott Alvarez and VP Broadcast Ministries Conrad Negron supported the event with photographs, interviews and social media content, which can be seen across all platforms of Coyotes media.

THE COYOTES PLAY THIS SUNDAY, October 14, against the California Sharks on their home field at Shadow Hills Stadium.

CONVEYOR BELT OF CHARACTER – The five-time champion SoCal Coyotes non-profit sports leadership organization is a conveyor belt of character, competence, and connection, delivering life-changing leadership skills to more than 30,000 Coachella Valley youth each year through their ‘Above the Line’ programs, camps, clinics and expos.

FAITH, FAMILY, FOOTBALL is the real mission of the Coyotes – and not surprisingly, something that dates back to the great Vince Lombardi in 1959. More than game tape. More than a weight room. More than a 40 time. The Coyote mission reaches far beyond the actual gridiron, deep into the development of young athletes as fathers, husbands, and men.

For more information, email [email protected].