Thompson urges students to stay sharp

September 18, 2012

Georgetown men's basketball coach Johns Thompson III believes every one is being scouted.

"You never know who is watching you. You never know who is making decisions about you when you don't even know decisions are being made," Thompson told students attending the Coaches 4 Character program Monday night at Redemption World Outreach Center. 

Thompson shared that point while recalling how he was hired for his first coaching job, by his former coach at Priinceton, Peter Carril, who observed Thompson's consistent worth ethic while he was a player. 

Through that example, Thompson encourages students to stay on top of their game. 

"Always do what you are supposed to do, the way you are supposed to do it," he said. 

Thompson is the 21st speaker Coaches 4 Character has attracted to Greenville. He said he was moved by the program's mission of inspiring and recognizing Upstate youth. 

"Forget whatever I ramble about, these kids should be each other's motivation," Thompson said before taking the stage. "You don't need Coach Thompson. Through this program, they can look at each other, and bringing the group together, hopefully, someone is touched in some way, shape, or form." 

Thompson said he was impressed by the two recipients of The Greenville News Character Award, Eastside High School students Wesley Johnson and Karlisha Stokes. 

Johnson has volunteered to assist unpriveledged children at local organizations and even on a mission trip to Honduras. Stokes has logged more than 800 hours of service hours at youth centers, hospitals, and a center for abused women, all while holding a part-time job, 

Johnson said the award further affirmed his charitable spirit. 

"It means a lot," Johnson said, "I wasn't expecting all of this. It's a big surprise and a great honor."

Stokes shared Thompson's point on the importance of doing what is right, even when you think no one is watching. 

"I do things for other people not to expect anything back, but because it is the right thing to do," she said. "When you see someone that needs help, you let your shoulder be a shoulder for them to lean on. I hope others can see that someone cares, someone who may not have a role model, older sister, or mother figure." 

By: Mandrallius Robinson -- Greenville Online