Swinney tells crowd his story offers hope

December 18, 2009

Zykiesis Cannon said meeting Clemson coach Dabo Swinney and hearing his message at Thursday night's Coaches 4 Character gathering was a thrill. 

Swinney drew from personal experience in challenging Cannon, a student at Berea Middle School, and several hundred other young people at Carolina First Center in Greenville to reach for the stars. 

Other than a few who fidgeted, Swinney held the majority in the audience rapt as he smoke in detail of growing up in a dysfunctional household, of attending the University of Alabama "on a hope and a dream: and of eventually becoming head coach at Clemson University. 

"I'm here to encourage you, I want to give you some hope," he said. "I want to give you some confidence." 

Cannon was honored for his service to the school, church, and community. The award is sponsored by the Potential Youth Foundation and Sid Wilson Foundation. 

A member of Berea Middle basketball team for two seasons he played on the Berea High "C" team this year and ran with the Greenville Jets Track Club. He participated in recreation league football beginning at 5, and he has attended the Clemson football camp for two years.

Son of Zaneta Robinson, Cannon attends Bruton Temple Baptist Church, where he helped organize the summer program and Vacation Bible School. 

Swinney presented the award to Cannon and encouraged him to focus on academics. 

"It was real good," Cannon said of Swinney's speech. "I really liked the part about having good friends and trying to get an education."

By: Ed McGranahan -- Greenville News