OBEDIENCE UNLOCKS YOUR FUTURE: COYOTES ENCOURAGE 1,300 DESERT RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOLERS

(INDIO) – Obedience and respect for authority is a pathway to blessings – and a critical key that unlocks your future.

That was an overriding theme when a record-number 1,300 students at Desert Ridge Academy this week passed the SoCal Coyotes curriculum from the team’s “Lessons in Leadership,” which the non-profit sports leadership organization delivered across three one-hour sessions to packed assembly rooms.

The message from Coyotes coaches, players and their powerful audio/video presentations struck the same chord: Obedience – to parents, teachers, coaches, respect for authority – puts you on a fast track to achievement, and segues into  a fulfilled life of leadership, in your career, your home, your community.

DRA educators felt immediate impact from the Coyote program. “We’ve had great response to the messages, videos and stories,” said Craig Christensen, dean of students. Added teacher Kristen Wood, “We are blessed to have this community connection for our youth. Such an inspirational, and powerful, program. Makes my heart smile.”

Players who shared gripping personal stories of faith, hope and redemption included linebacker Cody Carhart, defensive back John Paiz and Cedric Cox, former Coyote Player of the Year.

“We dare you to start by making your bed the second your feet hit the floor in the morning,” the Coyotes challenged.  “Prove to yourself you can do something uncomfortable, that you can take direction – from yourself. The first person you must learn to lead is you. Go from there. Start with the smallest victory – make your own bed. Then build. Watch what happens.”

A whopping 650 students scored 175 or higher on the 50-question Coyote Leadership Quiz, which earned their families season tickets to all Coyote games in 2016.

The Coyote Curriculum covers these topics  –

-How Do I Get There from Here?

-Readers are Leaders

-Begin with the End in Mind

-Make Your Next Move Your Best Move

-Feed Your Ego, or Feed Your Family

-Show Me Your Friends, And I’ll Show You Your Future

“It was Martin Luther King Jr. who taught us that we sometimes can’t see the whole staircase,” encouraged Hall of Fame head coach J David Miller, “but regardless of where you are, you must keep reaching for that next step.”

THE FOUR-TIME CHAMPION COYOTES OPEN AT HOME this Saturday against the Los Angeles Spartans, at Shadow Hills Stadium at 3 p.m. Thanks to the gratitude of Coyote corporate partner General Air Conditioning & Plumbing, admission is free – instead, all donations from fans will benefit stricken Indio firefighter Sara Thomas, who is battling cancer. Join Indio firefighters and first-responders at the game to ‘Fill the Boot’ in support of Sara.

THE SOCAL COYOTES are a national, faith, family and football organization dedicated to restoring hope in personal lives, families and communities. With priority on faith, fatherhood and family values, the Coyotes have been recognized for “Building Champions by Building Men.”

Visit www.thesocalcoyotes.com, and learn why the Coyotes were named ‘America’s #1 Developmental Football Program’ by The Football Educator, operated by former Denver Broncos GM and two-time Super Bowl winner Ted Sundquist, by clicking on ‘What We Do.’

ON THE FIELD, 70 PLAYERS EACH YEAR earn the distinction of ‘Defending the Shield’ in the uniform of the SoCal Coyotes. Many will earn a shot with NFL, CFL or AFL opportunities, or graduate into business careers. Off the field, more than 30,000 Coachella Valley youth annually participate in Coyote Leadership Training and receive published Coyote Leadership Curriculum.

THE SOCAL COYOTES affect every community they touch. Coyote programs reach thousands of youth through coordinated efforts with numerous local charitable and civic organizations, including Boys & Girls Clubs, the YMCA, the Desert Strength Academy, the Boys & Girl Scouts of America, and Rotary International.

–Ron DiGrandi, SVP Business Development ([email protected])