Victory with Dignity

Student athletes in the Muskingum Valley League listened to a local success story this afternoon.

Today was the "Victory with Dignity" athlete leadership summit at the barracks in Duncan Falls. Students athletes were selected by their schools’ athletic directors to take part in presentations and activities related to teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership. Keynote speaker Aaron Bates says hes accomplished a lot since his high school days in New Concord.

"I played sports at John Glenn High School, graduated from there. Went to Michigan State and was a punter there for four years, played football, and then I went back and was a strength coach there for two years and now I’m working as the assistant principal athletic director at Fairfield Christian Academy in Lancaster."

Bates says he was pleased to attend the summit this afternoon because he remembers being in their shoes.

"Well, just like when I was in high school, you know, I really looked up to those kids that came before me and were around from this area that went on to play college sports and went on to do good things. So, I think it’s just nice for them to be able to see somebody that’s come from the same background as they have and has had some success and has gone on to do some cool things."

the summit was sponsored by Zane State College Sport and Fitness Management Club, The Barracks, Peak Performance Solutions, Rent-A-Center, Buffalo Wild Wings and Gatorade.