Wofford's Ayers delivers inspiring message to youth

December 13, 2011

Wofford College football coach Mike Ayers gave a rousing speech to kick off the fifth year of Coaches 4 Character programs, Monday night at the TD Convention Center. 

While Ayers, who has led the Terrier program for 24 years, which includes advancement to the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoffs in four of the last five years and several Southern Conference titles, gave the children and adults in attendance the story of his life and the importance of perseverance. There were at least two on board with the message. 

Holley Roper, an eighth grader at Riverside Middle School and Blake Stevenson, a seventh grader at the same school were announced winners of The Greenville News Coaches 4 Character Award. 

The students, who won the award due to their high character, are also outstanding students. They found out they were the recipients of the award in an interesting way. 

"They made the announcement over the loudspeaker during the afternoon announcements," said Stevenson. "I thought I heard it wrong." 

Roper's favorite subjects are math and drama. A competitive varsity cheerleader at J.L. Mann Academy, she hopes to become fourth generation Clemson graduate where she plans to study sports physical therapy. 

"I would like to be a doctor," said Roper. 

​Roper attempts to live by her personal slogan "Remember, there is always a little girl in the stands who wants to be just like you. Don't let her down,"

Stevenson, who has maintained an "A" average since the first grade, has dreams of attending Harvard School of Business. 

The Riverside Middle School students fit in well with Ayers message of not only believing in yourself, but doggedly working to achieve whatever goals are set. 

Ayers spoke of making bad choices early in his life before turning it around.

"I am telling you all right now if I can do it, you can do it," said Ayers. "It is about you and how hard are you willing to work. How long can you keep your hands on the shovel and keep digging in life."

By; Willie T. Smith III - Greenville News