Slam Dunk: Coyotes Host James Middle School Year-End Blast

(CATHEDRAL CITY) — Dunk tank. Coyotes. Need we say more?

Those buzz words sent 1,500 kids at James Workman Middle School into a frenzy this week — when they learned that their ‘adopted’ SoCal Coyotes would be hosting the school’s year-end picnic and game day on Monday, June 9, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

“Bring it,” grinned star free safety Shaine Boyle, an Arizona Cardinals camp prospect, when he learned he and his teammates were targets for Monday’s splashdown.

In addition to sprinklers, water slides, water games, kickball, photo booth and other contests, the main event will be — yep — an array of Coyotes sitting helpless in a dunk tank, their fate resting on the arms of 11, 12 and 13-year old students.

“We are excited for our end-of-the-year BBQ for all our Bighorns that have worked hard all year,” said Omar Tinoco,assistant principal.

“Coyotes will try to stay afloat in our dunk tank, the PE department will roll out its jumbo-size slide, and SONIC will drop off food for all to enjoy! We are all looking forward to it!”

Players from the SoCal Coyotes non-profit sports leadership organization are frequent speakers, and guest intramural football coaches, at James Workman Middle School.

The Bighorns were winners of the ‘What is Your Legacy?’ annual Palm Springs Unified School District spring track meet (see photo), hosted by the Coyotes non-profit sports leadership organization, and underwritten byChevrolet Cadillac of La Quinta.

The Bighorn Track Team proudly sported the SoCal Coyotes ‘Defend the Shield’ logo on their uniforms.

Monday, Coyote players — especially their defense — will be the hunted, not the hunters.

“I love seeing children laugh and smile,” said Boyle, who owns Coyote records for interceptions (11) and defensive touchdowns (10). “If these kids think they can dunk me, they better spend their weekend warming up their arms.”

For more information, email [email protected], or call 760.250.2514.

— GM Sam Maggio